If you have wood decking or wood balcony that’s in good shape, but the wood looks dull or weathered and is getting beat up by the elements, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to make it last longer. Luckily, there are waterproofing contractors and roof deck waterproofingexperts who can help restore your wood deck or wooden balcony to its former glory while also helping it to look newer and last longer. Here’s how they do it.
Shrink the gap between the railing and deck boards
If you have a gap between your railing and deck boards, give it time to fix itself before you call for repairs. If a small gap becomes too large or won’t close on its own, some wood deck repair Houston companies offer their services for free in these cases. Repair professionals will shave off a few boards from your deck to fill in those gaps, which might shrink down over time thanks to sunlight and moisture—and if they don’t, only then should you get involved.
Seal along the bottom edge of each deck board
Seal along all edges of deck boards to prevent water seepage. Use a waterproof sealant or clear deck paint in an aerosol can, found at any home improvement store. Apply two coats with a small roller for better coverage and let dry 24 hours between coats.
Apply an exterior wood preservative once a year
If you have a wooden deck or balcony, make sure to apply an exterior wood preservative once a year. This will help extend its life and make it easier to maintain—and add value to your home. It’s also a key for keeping it looking good, as well as preventing costly repairs down the road. To get yours up to snuff, contact waterproofing contractors to clean and waterproof your deck or balcony...
Buy high quality deck lumber
Buy high quality deck lumber
Don’t settle for cheap wood—it won’t last nearly as long. The initial cost may be a bit more expensive, but if you want to protect your investment, buy high quality lumber that has been treated with an oil sealant.
Consider cedar if you live in an area with lots of moisture
Cedar is one of best woods for adding durability to your deck or balcony because it’s naturally resistant to rot, insects and other weather issues. If you live in an area with lots of moisture (think coastal areas or close to a body of water), it’s definitely worth considering cedar as a waterproof material for your home addition.
Clean, seal, or stain your deck every year
Depending on how well you’ve taken care of your deck, if it has been damaged by a storm or made out of wood that can rot with moisture, and then you may need to clean and seal your deck every year. To make sure your deck is water resistant and will last longer, use a pressure washer to clean off any dirt or grime that’s accumulated on top of your deck. Then, waterproofing material is applied using rollers and brushes to ensure complete coverage.
Use ground covers on areas exposed to soil
Ground covers provide a more durable alternative to grass, and they make it easier to maintain your patio’s appearance by keeping weeds at bay. Plus, ground covers can look just as pretty as grass—you can opt for ground covers with flowers or choose varieties that spread slowly and won’t take over your space. Consider planting other flowering plants like petunias or pansies along your fence line to brighten up your space.
