As a deck owner, the last thing you want to have to deal with is water damage. Water can cause wood to rot, mold to grow, and your entire deck structure to grow weak and brittle, eventually becoming dangerous and possibly falling apart completely. That means it’s in your best interests to regularly re-seal your deck. But how do you know it’s the right time? Re-seal too early and you’re just wasting time and money. Re-seal too late and your deck might sustain some serious damage before you do.

Here are a few of the signs that it’s time to get it re-sealed.

Color Fading

This is arguably the most obvious sign that your deck needs to be re-sealed, especially here in California. Whether you have a wooden or composite deck at your home or a commercial deck build from pro-grade materials, the color will eventually start to fade over time. It should come as no surprise that the sun is not your deck’s friend, and the UV radiation and other harsh light exposure can dry out materials and cause color to become bleached, causing it to fade. When you notice that your deck’s color has seriously faded from what it once was, it’s probably time to re-seal it and bring some of that color back.

Paint Flaking

If your deck surface is painted, the paint starting to flake off is a sure sign that the seal has faded away and need to be replaced. Once the protective seal has worn away, the sun tends to destroy paint fairly quickly, particularly thin coats. If you notice that the paint is starting to wear away or the natural color of your deck’s material is starting to show through underneath, now’s a good time to give our Los Angeles deck waterproofing team a call and schedule a re-sealing service.

Cracking & Splintering

The color may still seem vibrant and your paint may still seem to be in great shape, but neither of those things stand a chance of protecting your deck if the surface has cracked. Cracks allow moisture to seep down into the interior of your deck and start impacting it from the inside, speeding up the damage process and possibly causing your deck to experience a major problem sooner. If you notice cracking and splintering in your deck’s surface, it’s important to have it inspected as soon as possible to see if it’s sustained any serious damage and then have it re-sealed if you’re still in good condition.

Ponding/Standing Water

Have you noticed a particular spot on your deck water where water seems to pool up and create puddles each and every day? This tendency is known as “ponding” and is indicative of low-points in your deck’s surface. It’s also usually indicative of a point where the seal on your deck’s surface has likely been compromised or worn down from constant water exposure. These areas tend to wear out the fastest and become some of the largest sources of damage for your deck, so it’s in your best interests to get them fixed quickly. If you notice ponding on your deck, call a professional and have them resolve the problem for you and then provide you with a high-quality sealing service to reinforce the area and avoid the damage for good.

Do you need your deck surface re-sealed? Trust the professionals from Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing! Call us at (888) 508-2966 to request a quote today!

Deck owners face a number of environmental threats, such as long hours of sunlight exposure, harsh rains, high winds, wear and tear from repeated use, and much more. However, many people forget about the ever-present threat of mold and mildew. These fungus organisms tend to form in places that are dark and constantly damp: conditions which are frequently found in the structure of your deck. On this blog, we’ll explore why mold and mildew can be so damaging and what you can do to prevent them from harming your deck.

The Effects of Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew in your deck should be treated with the same level of seriousness and urgency that you would show when you find these fungi in your own home: they can have the same damaging effects. For starters, both of these organisms require organic material to act as a food source in order to take root and spread, which includes wood. This makes mold and mildew extremely difficult to remove once it has taken root and also means it’s a contributor to wood rot, an issue which could result in your deck structure weakening significantly.

Mold and mildew both have other effects as well. For starts, they have a distinct, musty smell that’s difficult to mask or get rid of without getting rid of the substances completely. Likewise, while most of these fungi are harmless, black mold is toxic, and too much exposure could lead to serious health problems. You definitely wouldn’t want that around your home, family, children, patrons, or anyone who comes in contact with your deck.

Defending Against Mold & Mildew

So what can you do to get rid of these problems or prevent them from forming in the first place? Prevention is the most effective way of getting rid of mold, so the best thing you can do is thoroughly waterproof your deck . Sealing your deck and protecting it from water intrusion means you’ll deny mold spores one of the key components they need to take root and thrive: a water source. Thus, your deck will stay protected.

The next most important thing you should do is carefully inspect your deck for any cracks or areas where water may be able to penetrate down into your deck structure. Even a small crack can be enough for water to intrude and start causing mold to grow, so you should speak with a Los Angeles deck waterproofing and construction expert to inquire about resurfacing your deck and getting rid of a mold problem that may have emerged.

Finally, make sure your deck is properly sloped and that water flows in the direction you want it to. All decks should have some sort of a drainage system, so make sure no water can get stuck on your deck and accumulate into puddles (known as “ ponding ”), and be sure to get these spots repaired as soon as possible if you notice them.

Got a problem with your deck? Call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing at (888) 508-2966 to request an estimate for your repair, waterproofing, and sealing services.

Rooftop decks have exploded in popularity over the last several years, particularly in urban centers like Los Angeles. When land is at a premium, most property owners don’t have the space to build a deck that’s easily accessible on a lower level, but the roof often sits completely unoccupied. As a result, building owners construct beautiful decks that are not only enjoyable to be on, but provide sweeping views of the area around them.

While these decks might seem like a great idea, there are challenges to building and maintaining these decks that most owners aren’t fully aware of. Here are just a few of those challenges that need to be taken into consideration when maintaining, upgrading, or building a new commercial rooftop deck.

Deck Usage

What do you want to do with your deck? Is it going to serve as a private lounge where you entertain only your highest clientele guests or those of your choosing? Or are you planning on using it as an open-air, elevated nightclub complete with a pool, open-air bar, tables, furniture, and more? If your deck is going to see a lot of use, you’re going to want to build it from more durable, long-lasting materials. This invariably means higher costs and more maintenance, especially if your rooftop deck also has a pool, spa, or other water fixture. Don’t forget, any leaks in your rooftop deck are also leaks into your building, which could do serious damage to the floors below.

Deck Height

How high off the ground is your rooftop? One story? Two stories? Or are you at the top of a sixty-plus story high-rise in the middle of downtown? This is something you need to strongly consider because it’s going to have an impact on what it takes to both construct and maintain your deck. If you’re looking to build a commercial deck on top of a high-rise building, you’ll need to make sure you have room to operate a crane in the vicinity that can lift the materials you need up to the rooftop. Odds are the building elevator isn’t going to have enough space to haul 20-foot joists up several hundred feet, or enough power to support several thousand pounds of concrete. Keep this in mind if you wish to build a new deck or even upgrade an old one to be better suited to commercial purposes.

Deck Drainage

Drainage is an important question if you’re going to be converting a commercial flat roof into useable decks pace. Decks cannot be perfectly flat; they must have at least a little bit of slope to them in order to allow water to reach drains and avoid puddling up in different spots, causing leaks. Not only that, but to even get your building cleared by inspectors, you’ll have to have this slope built in. Keep this in mind: if your roof slope isn’t right at the outset of your deck construction project, it’s going to cost you a considerable amount of extra time and money to ensure the proper slope and drainage is installed.

Deck Weight

If you’re building your deck on your roof, are you positive your roof can handle the extra weight? Concrete is heavy. Water is heavy. Furniture, decorations, glass, and other materials are all heavy. All of this adds up in terms of weight, and puts a lot of strain on your building’s structure. You may be tempted to use a lighter-weight material if structural limits are an issue, but lighter weight materials may not be able to handle the usage loads you’re throwing at them.

Commercial rooftop decks can all benefit from a thorough, regular waterproof service that ensures your deck remains leak-free and durable in all types of weather. Call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing today at (888) 508-2966 to request a waterproofing service that’s tailored to your needs!

Your deck is an extension of your home and living space, and like your home, it requires regular cleaning and upkeep to remain safe and comfortable. Composite and natural wood decks may have different requirements, but there are some basics for all decks. Here are some do’s and don’ts of deck care to keep in mind.

Deck Do’s

• Do give your deck a thorough annual cleaning. Your deck needs annual exfoliation to allow protective sealers to seep deeper into the wood of your deck. Choose a dry, moderately warm day to apply a material-appropriate deck-cleaning solution with a sprayer or roller. This will kill mold and bacteria that can speed the decay of your deck. A scrub brush can help the cleaner get into hard to reach spots and crevices to ensure that your whole deck is cleaned.
• Do cover surrounding plants before cleaning your deck. Cleaners and other chemicals can be hard on plants, so it is important to loosely cover them with plastic sheeting or tarps to prevent them from being sprayed. Avoid covering them too tightly, which might restrict air movement.
• Do sand your deck before applying sealer. After washing your deck, allow 48 hours for it to fully dry. Your next step will be to lightly sand your deck to remove splinters or damage due to pressure washing. A power sander may be too harsh, but 80-grit sandpaper should be enough. After your deck has been sanded, apply a sealer to prevent the wood from cracking, cupping, or warping. Tinted sealers and stains can wear down over time with traffic, but clear sealant will last longer.
• Do clean your deck regularly. In addition to your annual cleaning, you should keep your deck swept free of puddled water, leaves, branches, dirt, and other debris. In snowy areas, a plastic shovel can remove snow without damaging your deck.
• Do watch for damage. If your deck becomes damaged, it can become a significant safety hazard and lead to further damage. Inspect your deck regularly for soft or splintered spots, loose nails, boards, or railings, and split or rotten planks. Promptly repair damaged areas when discovered.

Deck Don’ts

• Don’t rely on a power-washer. While this can be an effective and quick way to clean our deck, it can also cause damage. If you do use a pressure washer, keep the stream moving whenever the trigger is moving. A garden hose with a hard stream setting should provide enough pressure to clean your deck without damaging it.
• Don’t use chlorine bleach on your deck. This can damage the cellular structure of your wooden deck and strip it of color. It also can harm the plants growing around your deck. Oxygen bleach is a safer alternative, but it still isn’t appropriate for redwood decks.
• Don’t use paint to seal your deck. New paint can look polished and clean, but it will distress very rapidly. If your deck was painted and you are looking to use a different sealant, you will need to sand off all the paint before you can refinish your deck. Synthetic sealants can prevent mold and mildew while protecting from sun damage and water damage.
• Don’t assume pressure-treated wood decks are maintenance-free decks. While pressure-treated wood can resist rot and insect damage, it still required sealant and cleaning. Be sure to use products intended for pressure-treated wood when protecting your deck from sun and water damage.
• Don’t use natural material rugs on your deck. It is important to prevent your deck furniture from scratching the surface of your deck, but natural fiber rugs such as jute and bamboo can absorb moisture and encourage mildew. Look for rugs made from recycled plastics for an eco- and deck-friendly solution.

Keep Your Deck In Shape with Los Angeles Deck Waterproofing Services – (888) 508-2966

With more than 30 years of experience, Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing can help you preserve the beauty and safety of your deck with a wide variety of waterproofing solutions. Let us help you refresh your deck, balcony, or outdoor stairs with our warrantied waterproofing services. Our Los Angeles deck waterproofing crews are available when you are, with weekend and after-hours scheduling available.

Request a quote today, and learn more about getting the most from your deck. Contact us by calling (888) 508-2966 .

Concrete is a popular material for constructing decks and patios. In addition to being low-cost and fairly easy to install, concrete is also extremely durable and can last for decades with little to no attention and heavy usage levels. It’s also inherently water-resistant and suffers very little damage from repeated exposure to rain, water drips, and more. Nonetheless, waterproofing your cement patio or deck will provide you with several benefits. Here are five of the most popular reasons to have your concrete deck waterproofed.

Strengthens Your Deck

While concrete is inherently strong and resistant to water, it will eventually wear down with repeated exposure to moisture. This is particularly true for concrete decks around pools and spas. Waterproofing your cement deck limits the ways water can intrude and cause damage from the inside of the structure.

Prevents Mold & Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew can grow on the internal structure of a deck or patio if it’s not waterproofed. These substances can lead to serious health consequences if the infestation gets out of hand. By waterproofing your deck, you can eliminate the conditions necessary for these harmful substances to grow.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Water causes more issues than just mold growth: it can also lead to structural weakening, large cracks, shifting, foundation slipping, and other issues that can lead to serious maintenance issues and high costs. Waterproofing your deck can greatly reduce the chances that these factors impact your deck.

Increases Property Value

Nobody wants to purchase a home with a deck or patio that’s in awful shape and need of major work. On the other hand, a well-kept structure that has been waterproofed to guard against potential issues is a huge benefit that can add significant value to your property, should you decide to sell it.

Beautifies Your Property

Concrete that has been waterproofed often looks far better than concrete that has been left to suffer out in the elements for many years. Unkempt concrete is often cracked, stained, and shows significant signs of neglect, which can be a real eyesore on your property. On the other hand, a well-kept, waterproof deck looks beautiful and can be one of the highlights of your home or other property.

Let the Los Angeles deck waterproofing experts from Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing help you get the most out of your cement deck or patio. Call us today at (888)-508-2966  to schedule a waterproofing service!

Decks can be an extension of your living space, especially in sunny Southern California. A deck can serve as a gathering place for family and friends or place to relax, but that doesn’t mean that your deck shouldn’t be as stylish and well-designed as the rest of your home. Showcase your personal style and add interest to your deck with patterned designs.

Concrete decks can be painted, stained, or stamped with designs that can show off your creative side. Tinting agents can be used to color concrete surfaces to resemble stone, brick, marble, or other surfaces. If you are installing a new deck, consider pressing your concrete deck with a mold that can add an interesting or natural-looking surface. You can also inlay patterns, ceramic tile, or other small objects to draw attention to your home’s new addition. You can stain your deck with contrasting colors to create different areas or to direct attention to certain features of your yard. A well-planned deck can pull together the landscaping of your yard.

Wood decks can also be patterned. Paint colors and different shades of stain can be used to create patterns. The direction and shapes of boards can also be used to create geometric designs. Herringbone, chevron, basket weave, or diagonal patterns are popular designs for decks. If you are updating your deck or installing a new deck, you may want to explore your choices for a patterned deck. Paint or stain can be used to highlight the patterned inlay of your deck.

Patterns can be used to create visual interest, divide your deck into different spaces, such as a lounge or an activity area, or highlight features such as a pool, a planter, or a water feature. Decks can also be used to create illusions, such as making a small yard appear larger, or adding a natural element to a yard. Decks can also be used to replace lawns or water-intensive plantings to reduce your water usage. If you are looking for a unique way to upgrade your home, a patterned deck may be the solution.

Upgrade your home’s deck with our Los Angeles deck refinishing services . At Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing , we are backed by more than 30 years of experience creating and maintaining beautiful, long-lasting decks. We guarantee that all work performed by our fully licensed and certified contractors will meet your standards, and will last for many years to come. Our crews can even work after-hours and on weekends to ensure that we can meet your busy schedule.

Schedule a free, in-person estimate today! Contact our offices at (888) 508-2966 .

Protecting your deck from weathering and wear can help you protect your investment and can extend the life of your deck. Uncovered decks are particularly susceptible to weathering and will need to be treated more frequently than covered decks. High traffic areas will also wear more quickly, leaving you with an unevenly protected surface. When it comes time to refinish your deck, you will likely want to protect your deck with a long lasting solution. But is it better to paint or stain your deck? Learn more about your options for your deck’s protection.

Paint

Paint is a popular choice to protect your deck. It can offer more protection than stain and sealer, but it isn’t a good choice if you prefer a more natural look for your deck. Here are some pros and cons of painting your deck.

Pros:

• Paint comes in nearly any color you could desire. Paint is also solid, which means you can easily cover weathered wood.
• Paint can fill small gaps and cracks, and its thicker finish can help repair lightly damaged wood. There are even paints that are available for this very purpose.
• Paint can be easier to clean, depending on the color and finish of the paint. Good quality paint and proper application can create a lasting finish that allows dirt to wash off easily.
• Paint offers more protection for the wood of your deck. It can resist rot, mold, and sun damage.

Cons:

• Paint cannot easily be reversed. If you paint your deck, it can take an incredible amount of work to restore your deck to a state that can be stained.
• It can be difficult to find a color that is both complimentary to your home and looks good on a large, flat surface. Light colored paints can be easily stained with dirt, but dark colored paints can trap heat from the sun and be hot to walk on.
• Depending on the finish, paint can be slippery when wet. If your deck is uncovered, you may risk a slippery surface.
• Paint hides the natural grain of the wood, which can be a drawback if you have invested in a real wood deck.

Stain & Sealer

Stain and a quality sealer is another option to protect your deck. For real wood decks, this can be a popular choice because the natural grain of the wood remains visible. Find out more about the pros and cons of staining your deck.

Pros:

• Stain and sealer can showcase the natural beauty of your wood deck.
• Stain is less slippery than paint and protects the wood without laying on top to create a slick surface.
• Stain is easier to apply and can be more forgiving. If you are looking for a beginner-friendly way to protect your deck, stain can be a good option.
• Stain comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can find a tone that compliments your home’s exterior

Cons:

• Stain has a shorter lifetime than paint. The quality of stain and the number of coats applied can greatly impact how long the stain lasts.
• Stain is a thinner fluid, and won’t fill cracks or gaps the way paint will.
• Stain can provide a more natural finish, but this may be a negative trait if you are looking for a cleaner look.
• The color of the wood underneath the stain will affect the finished product, so you may have slight variations in your deck’s appearance.

Protect Your Deck with Waterproofing Specialists – (888) 508-2966

An unprotected deck can show wear and tear far more quickly, and the weathering your deck experiences may cause significant damage. Preserve your deck for years to come with our Los Angeles weatherproofing and resurfacing services . At Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing , we can help you protect the value of your home and increase the functionality of your deck. Our licensed and certified professionals can help you extend the life of your deck with high-quality and cost-effective options for your deck.

Contact our family-run business for a free estimate . Call (888) 508-2966 today!

Your deck is a valuable and enjoyable part of your property, but it’s also one of the parts of your property that’s most prone to damage when the weather turns sour and rain starts to fall. Water is not naturally a friend to most materials, so a waterproofing service from an experienced Los Angeles deck waterproofing expert can actually be a valuable investment in your home. There are several benefits to having this service done—let’s take a brief look at just a few of them.

Eliminate Moisture Problems

Remember how we said water is a mortal enemy to most deck materials? Even the toughest and most durable materials will degrade and wear out over time when exposed to moisture. Whether it’s oceanic fog and marine layer, morning dew, or even the occasional rain we do sometimes experience here in Los Angeles, water will eventually take its toll on your deck. By waterproofing your deck, you don’t have to worry about these water sources anymore for the foreseeable future, and you can live happily and comfortably with your deck for years.

Dry Rot is a Thing of the Past

Dry rot is another name for wood decay that’s caused by a species of fungus which digests the part of your wood which makes it strong and stiff. Wood that has suffered from dry rot not only looks old and unsightly, but has also been structurally compromised. Waterproofing can help keep dry rot out of your wood by preventing these fungi from penetrating into the deck. If you spot any wood that has a spongy-looking consistency, call us right away for a deck inspection!

Extend Your Service Life

Decks are an enjoyable part of a property, but they can be difficult to maintain and they cost a fortune to replace. You should re-seal your deck every three to five years, but you should be waterproofing it at least once per year to make sure it remains in peak condition. Keeping up with this maintenance helps prevent you from needing to fully replace your deck for at least several extra years, helping you save money and enjoy your deck for longer.

To find out more about the great waterproofing services we offer, call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing today at (888) 508-2966 and ask to receive a service quote!

As a homeowner, you’re probably well-aware of just how important it is that your property is water-tight in every necessary regard. Whether it’s your roof, your walls, the deck of your pool, or even your basement, water intrusion can lead to a lot of serious damage that can cost thousands to fix. However, did you know there’s an added value to a waterproofed property? It’s true, and it comes in your overall property value. A pool deck or outdoor staircase that has been appropriately waterproofed can actually increase the value of your home.

Make Your Home Look the Best

Any real-estate agent can tell you just how important it is that your home looks like it’s in great shape. The better it looks, the more reasonable your asking price will sound. Therefore, if a potential buyer comes to see your home and your yard looks unkempt, the roof looks old, and the area around your pool appears as though it has seen better days, odds are you’ll not only fetch a much lower bid, but you’ll probably reduce the number of bids you even see at all.

This is especially true with pool areas. When someone buys a house with a pool, they do so knowing that the pool in the backyard is going to be one of the highlights of the home: it’ll be what people want to see when they come over, where they host barbecues, and where they sit outside during the warm sunsets of summer. A pool that has been slammed with water damage and looks like it’s in no shape to host anything will likely scare off any buyers who are looking for a home that’s ready to go. And those who are willing to do the work are probably looking for a bargain.

The basement is also extremely important. While most homes in Southern California don’t have basements, houses in the hills tend to be built with their bottom floor into the hill itself, which could lead to potential water damage if the water is not directed away properly. Even a small crack could become a bigger problem overtime, so it’s important to do a thorough inspection every year (usually around the start of fall) to make sure any underground or in-ground areas are ready for any water they may see.

So if you’re looking into selling your home soon and you want to get top dollar for it, consider calling our Los Angeles deck waterproofing experts. Your buyers will love the great condition of the deck around your pool and you’ll be more likely to receive higher bids than a home with a shoddy, dull-looking pool area that’s in need of a face lift.

Call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing today at (888) 508-2966 to request an estimate or schedule your deck waterproofing service!