Many homes, businesses, and properties in Los Angeles have decks that see a lot of foot traffic but do not get a lot of attention. It is not that most people do not care about the conditions of their decks – many people would claim that a good deck can bring the entire house together. Instead, most people are just not aware of what can be done to improve, repair, and care for a deck.

Our Los Angeles deck waterproofing specialists at Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing are truly passionate about making decks and stairs look their best, no matter the weather or wear. We have compiled a useful frequently asked questions section below to hopefully address your most pressing concerns about deck waterproofing, sealing, and staining. Be sure to give it a brief review, or feel free to contact us directly to learn about our services, which are available during the workweek, afterhours, and even on the weekends.

Deck Waterproofing & Sealing FAQ

1. How often should I service or repair my deck?
   You can expect a great weatherproofing job to last at least two years under normal conditions. If there is plenty of shade throughout the day on the deck and you don’t get much rain – in Los Angeles, rain is pretty scarce – it could last up to five years. On the opposite end, heavily trafficked decks in direct sunlight may need waterproofing once a year.
2. Should I waterproof a brand new deck?
   Possibly. Some new woods need a couple months after installation before they are ready for waterproofing, due to the material’s pores, climate conditions, and other factors. Others may need immediate sealing to stop normal wear and tear from turning into noticeable dents and dings. Contact a professional waterproofing specialist, tell them what sort of wood you have in your new deck, and they can get you a proper treatment schedule.
3. Should I use a darker stain or finish?
   Only use dark stains if you are confident a dark, forest-y look will be right for your deck. Once you stain, seal, or finish wood darkly, it can be difficult to go back to lighter or transparent stains in the future. After all, you are staining it.
4. My railings don’t seem to need to be refinished – why is that?
   Sunlight beats down on the horizontal surfaces of decks, where heat can build up and get trapped. The same can be said for harsh weather elements, like rain or ice on cold mornings. Vertical railings don’t take the brunt of the elements and therefore generally look better and last longer than the decks they accompany.
5. Does occasionally rinsing down my deck actually help?
   Absolutely, especially for wooden decks with cracks between the planks. A quick wash down once a week or so can push away bits of dirt, dust, and whatever else is out there before it accumulates into a problem. If your deck has been recently stained, sealed, or weatherproofed, ask a specialist how soon you can wash it down again.

If you are looking to complete some big projects around your home or property, make certain you do not overlook the decks and stairs. Literally right under their feet, most people forget that these areas can be improved or may be in need of repair.

Waterproofing your deck or stairs is one of the top ways to complete enhancements without getting caught up in a massive and frustrating construction job. But if you are like most homeowners and property managers, you probably don’t know the benefits of waterproofing, and, thus, have not given it consideration. Take a look at this rundown of the advantages that should put the importance of waterproofing into perspective.

The four main benefits of waterproofing your deck or stairs are:

1. Safety: Preexisting materials used for many decks and staircases can crack and split as time goes on and water pours over it. A lifted portion of wood can be a trip hazard, and uncoated stairs are generally more skid-prone when people hurry down them. Waterproofing provides a simple way to reduce hazards and accidents around your property. If you are renting out your property, such as in an apartment complex, this is a crucial step in helping reduce liability for any slip and fall accidents that may occur on your land.
2. Style: The beautiful look of your property must extend beyond railings, window frames, door art, etc. The appearance of the ground is just as important. When you choose to waterproof your deck or stairs, you can select from a collection of colors to blend with and enhance the beauty of your property.
3. Protection: This benefit is essentially right in the name. Waterproofing your decks and stairs protects them from environmental damage that chips away and deteriorates uncoated surfaces. By protecting the walkways on your property, you can also keep the value of your property from dropping.
4. Price: Speaking of value, waterproofing your deck or stairs is all about saving money in the long run. If floors and steps get damaged, you will need to replace them sooner than later, both for safety concerns and to maintain the overall value of your property. But if you waterproof them now before damage occurs, you will not have to worry about maintaining them year after year, putting dollar after dollar into your decks and stairs.

If you would like more information about the many benefits of waterproofing your deck and stairs, you can contact Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing. Our specialists in Los Angeles can answer all of your questions, drawing upon our 30+ years of industry experience. You can also get a free estimate for any projects you are thinking of completing.