Weatherproofing: Preserving Your Investment

Looking on Google for a, deck contractor Springdale? Thinking about weatherproofing your deck can be a little costly but it's well worth the investment. A good deck sealant or coating can add up to 10 years to an untreated decks lifespan of 10-15 years. However, do remember that when left untreated discoloration and weakening of the woods structure occurs much faster. Properly weatherproofing wood decks will not only add longevity, but it can also add to their look.
Rain and direct sunlight can be very harmful to wood decks. Along with other things like snow, wind, and actual use of the deck. Weatherproofing can protect your deck from every single one of those issues and preserve its appearance a lot longer. There is more to deck building than construction, you will also need to maintain and upkeep your deck year-round.

What are My Options When Weatherproofing My Deck?
Ok, so you googled, deck contractor Springdale and think you found the right professional for the job. Now it's time to decide what material you will use to weatherproof your deck. For this there are three options coatings, vinyl membranes, or locking deck boards.

Coatings
Some examples of coating are liquid rubber polyurethane, stain, latex, and acrylic. Before applying remember to properly wash and prep your deck. Use chemicals to scrub deck clean, fill in any cracks, and finally rinse away chemical and debris. A smooth surface is necessary for a proper deck stain.

Coatings can be applied with brushes or rollers. They only require resealing once a year and that can vary depending on what they've had to endure within that year. A good deck sealant job can also be rather affordable and something you can do on your own.

Vinyl Membranes
Vinyl membranes are another way you can protect your deck. This material is basically a waterproof floor cover that goes over the entirety of your deck. Ships and boats use this exact technique on board to protect their floors structure from damage.
Membranes do however cost more than deck stain and require you place a plywood base before laying them out. They are available in a wide array of thickness and need a minimum 2% slope to work properly. Offered in multiple colors and easy to maintain.

Locking Deck Boards
This form of weatherproof your deck consists of aluminum planks when deck building. These planks lock together and guide water along the decks slope. Having an aluminum deck will also lengthen its lifespan a lot more. Available in wood grain or any regular color you can think of and very easy to maintain.

Something Else You May Want to Think About
Maybe you plan on using the space under your deck at some point for storage or extra living space. A good under deck system can help with weatherproofing. Panels are attached to your decks joists and catch any water that may escape threw the deck floor. This excess water is then transferred along said panels away from the deck. Under deck installation is typically fairly easy, capable of being added on to any deck even after construction. Serving as a great final added touch to your wonderful deck design.