Waterproof Your Deck | |
To preserve the natural beauty of your deck, use a waterproofing sealer once a year. Here's advice from John Cameron, consumer affairs manager for Ace Hardware Corp: "Wood swells when moisture penetrates it. Then as it dries, the wood fibers dry and shrink, causing checking and cracking damage to the deck." Be sure the surface to be sealed is clean, dry, and porous. New woods may contain mill glaze or sap, tannic acids or other natural residues that inhibit penetration. "If the waterproofing sealer cannot penetrate the wood, it will not dry properly and can remain tacky," Cameron said. "Also make sure the deck is completely dry. Don't apply a sealer if it rained a lot the day before. Wait a few days." Dirt, mildew, algae, and other deposits also should be removed by thoroughly washing the wood. To give wood a porosity, test splash a small amount of water on the area to be sealed. If the water is absorbed and a darkening occurs, the wood is porous enough for successful waterproofing. Use a water-based waterproofer that provides easy cleanup and is safer to use than solvent-based sealers containing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose one that contains a UV protector that helps protect against damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Ace's own Seal Tech (TM) goes on milky, making it easy to see where it's been applied, and dries clear. While wet, it can be cleaned up with warm, soapy water. Apply waterproofing sealer in proper conditions. Wait for a dry day when rain is not predicted within 48 hours of the application. And make sure the surface is not hot to the touch. "When the surface is too hot, the sealer will not cover or protect the deck properly because it dries too quickly," said Cameron. "And with the wood surface being even warmer than the air temperature, it's best not to apply waterproofing sealer in direct sunlight." When applying the sealer -- whether it's with a brush, roller, pad or low pressure (garden) sprayer -- be sure the application results in a thin, even coating. Do not let the waterproofing sealer puddle, as this may result in a sticky surface that needs to be removed. "In most instances, one thin coat is sufficient and a second application is not recommended," Cameron said. If the first application has sealed the surface satisfactorily, your job is done." Written by the Editors at HouseNet. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |