How to Waterproof an Existing Wood Deck
Many homeowners have an upper level deck with an area below they would like to transform into an usable space, but the problem being that water drips through from the deck above. So what is the simplest way to make the underside of the deck waterproof ?
A quick internet search will reveal many under deck ceiling systems which by and large work by installing some method of ceiling or channeling system underneath the deck , which then drains all water away to one of the sides. Generally these systems are installed by certified installers so are not as a rule a do-it-yourself alternative, and the cost is in many cases comparatively high. On the other hand one of the advantages of many of these systems is that at the same time it will construct an attractive lining underneath your deck.
But if you are looking for a DIY option to waterproof a deck, that is both quick to install and relatively economical , then possibly the best option is to install interlocking deck tiles on your deck in combination with a waterproof membrane underneath . The way in which this works is as follows.
Firstly you need to purchase a continuous sheet of EPDM which is typically used as a pond liner or as a membrane on rooftops and will provide a durable , long-lasting waterproof membrane. EPDM can be purchased in widths up to about 50' so you can lay down a continuous sheet with no joins over most decks. At the wall side , you will need to ensure that water cannot seep down the side of the wall into the space you want to make dry below. The best way of achieving this is to run the EPDM sheet a short distance up the side of the wall as flashing and to use an bonding agent expressly made for use with EPDM to provide a good seal between the wall and the EPDM sheet.
After you have laid the sheet over the entire area , then you simply lay down modular interlocking deck tiles over the sheet . These tiles can be purchased in a number of different materials including not only different species of wood but also composite wood, slate, granite, sandstone and porcelain . So if for instance you decide you no longer want the regular maintenance required with a conventional wood deck, you can simply lay the stone or composite wood tiles directly over the top of your existing deck . And in many cases you can mix and match the tiles . So to illustrate you could have a composite wood deck with an infill panel of slate.
And the beauty of interlocking deck pavers is that they just snap together, automatically aligning themselves accurately and precisely , with constant gaps between the tiles. So even if you don't have any specific handyman expertise, laying these deck tiles is practically foolproof.
For the perimeter of your deck you can normally purchase edging pieces or transition strips which provide a sloping transition to the deck level and ensure a neat professional finish.
There are however a few points that you need to take note of if you are aiming to waterproof your deck with this particular method. Firstly, since the deck tiles will raise the height of the present deck about1 1/2", you must ensure this will not interfere with any outward opening doors. The second consideration is that your deck should have a slight slope in the direction away from the wall, since any water must drain away from your walls.
But apart from these two points , you'll probably find that using interlocking deck tiles installed over an EPDM membrane is one of the quickest, easiest and most economical strategies of creating a dry area underneath your upper level deck.
A quick internet search will reveal many under deck ceiling systems which by and large work by installing some method of ceiling or channeling system underneath the deck , which then drains all water away to one of the sides. Generally these systems are installed by certified installers so are not as a rule a do-it-yourself alternative, and the cost is in many cases comparatively high. On the other hand one of the advantages of many of these systems is that at the same time it will construct an attractive lining underneath your deck.
But if you are looking for a DIY option to waterproof a deck, that is both quick to install and relatively economical , then possibly the best option is to install interlocking deck tiles on your deck in combination with a waterproof membrane underneath . The way in which this works is as follows.
Firstly you need to purchase a continuous sheet of EPDM which is typically used as a pond liner or as a membrane on rooftops and will provide a durable , long-lasting waterproof membrane. EPDM can be purchased in widths up to about 50' so you can lay down a continuous sheet with no joins over most decks. At the wall side , you will need to ensure that water cannot seep down the side of the wall into the space you want to make dry below. The best way of achieving this is to run the EPDM sheet a short distance up the side of the wall as flashing and to use an bonding agent expressly made for use with EPDM to provide a good seal between the wall and the EPDM sheet.
After you have laid the sheet over the entire area , then you simply lay down modular interlocking deck tiles over the sheet . These tiles can be purchased in a number of different materials including not only different species of wood but also composite wood, slate, granite, sandstone and porcelain . So if for instance you decide you no longer want the regular maintenance required with a conventional wood deck, you can simply lay the stone or composite wood tiles directly over the top of your existing deck . And in many cases you can mix and match the tiles . So to illustrate you could have a composite wood deck with an infill panel of slate.
And the beauty of interlocking deck pavers is that they just snap together, automatically aligning themselves accurately and precisely , with constant gaps between the tiles. So even if you don't have any specific handyman expertise, laying these deck tiles is practically foolproof.
For the perimeter of your deck you can normally purchase edging pieces or transition strips which provide a sloping transition to the deck level and ensure a neat professional finish.
There are however a few points that you need to take note of if you are aiming to waterproof your deck with this particular method. Firstly, since the deck tiles will raise the height of the present deck about1 1/2", you must ensure this will not interfere with any outward opening doors. The second consideration is that your deck should have a slight slope in the direction away from the wall, since any water must drain away from your walls.
But apart from these two points , you'll probably find that using interlocking deck tiles installed over an EPDM membrane is one of the quickest, easiest and most economical strategies of creating a dry area underneath your upper level deck.