When spring arrives, it is a welcome time to begin preparing all your outdoor activities and plans for the warmer weather. One important thing that comes with the spring is ensuring your decks and flat roof spaces are water and weather-proof. Water-proofing your deck and flat roof spaces is essential to longevity and maintenance.
You may be wondering what is the best waterproofing method for your particular deck; including pros and cons as well as overall cost. Well look no further, let us help you understand everything you need to know about deck and patio waterproofing!
There are several systems currently available on the market:
1) Waterproofing Membrane- Alone or with Tile OverlayA simple and popular product which is rated both roofing and decking is offered by Duradek, Tufdeck or other manufacturers. This is a vinyl membrane system that waterproofs the desired area and ensures your deck or flat roof is safe to be used as a deck surface and protects your home or building.
Pros:
- Maintenance free, long lifetime thanks to advanced UV light inhibitors
- Easy cleaning; the membrane does not create any gaps or spaces for dirt or water
- Cost effective; a benefit of this system is cheaper than many others on the market
Cons:
- Vinyl membrane look may not appeal to everyone
Duradek also offers this membrane system as an underlay to ceramic tiles or patio tiles; as some want to have a tile design on their patio or roof-top deck. The process is quite similar to a deck with just the membrane, and provides many of the same benefits, such as complete water-proofing and easy maintenance. This style also allows for the benefits of the membrane-only method, while having the additional style of a tile design.
2) Floating Deck System- plazadek or roofing membrane
The Plazadek system offered by Duradek is a floating deck system that ensures waterproofing and durability for high-traffic areas. The membrane applied under the floating tile is thicker than a traditional waterproofing membrane and is therefore capable of supporting heavy foot-traffic and other use.
Another option is using a material such as PVC, PTO, EPDM or Bitumen. PVC has a very long lifespan, while PTO and Bitumen are more cost-effective. These materials are all other waterproofing choices possible for the underlay of your deck. The tiles or deck boards placed on top are completely your choice in terms of design!
Pros:
- This system offers the look of patio stones, tiles or deck boards with many different style options
- Incredibly durable and will last for a long time
Cons:
- Maintenance and cleaning; dirt and debris can get in between the membrane and the deck tiles
- Regular inspection of drainage system as it can get clogged
3) Aluminium Decking SystemAluminium deck systems are different from membrane-based systems in that they rely on water-proof aluminium sheets that lock together to create the deck surface. Some of these systems (such as the one from Craftbilt) also offer a drainage system under each sheet for further protection if any water were to get through.
Pros:
- Maintenance free after installation
- Very durable with excellent longevity
Cons:
- More expensive than other systems listed
4) Water Catching System (under a deck)
There are many under-deck drainage systems on the market that offer the benefits of water-proofing without the vinyl deck or membrane. These drainage systems catch the water and debris that come through between the deck boards and carry it away via troughs installed at the ends and ensure any wood supports remain dry and in good condition. Some examples are TREX RainEscape.
Pros:
- Look and feel of a traditional deck with roof-like water drainage
Cons:
- Can be expensive depending on the size and age of deck/roof
- May require to be covered from underneath if it is for example on a deck above basement walkout
As the weather warms up, not everyone considers maintenance needed and upkeep. Speak to one of our professional’s today and let us make sure your decks last you years to come!