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!

If you ask someone from outside of Southern California what life is like here in the Los Angeles area, they’ll probably give you a pretty stereotypical answer: the weather is always nice, everyone lives next to a movie star, and there’s a swimming pool in every backyard. While none of these are true, two of them are actually fairly common, including the one about swimming pools. You’ll find pools in all shapes and sizes all over the Los Angeles area, and they all have just one thing in common: they have a deck that surrounds them.

The deck around your pool is actually one of the largest contributing factors to the dangers that pools present. Your homeowner’s insurance company will likely beat you over the head with warnings about drowning accidents, but the deck around your pool is likely the single biggest contributor to these accidents. This is because when your pool deck gets wet, it gets slippery, and when it gets slippery, the odds of you slipping, falling, becoming injured, and then falling into the water increase dramatically.

Believe it or not, something you have to do periodically can actually help combat this from becoming an issue, however. By waterproofing your pool deck properly, you can reduce the chances of someone slipping and getting hurt on the deck of your pool.

When you waterproof your deck, you will have the option to also include a slip or skid-resistant material to the sealant mix. Generally, these materials are very finely-ground polymers which have the consistency of fine sand, which when added to your sealant, creates a textured surface. This surface will last as long as the waterproofing seal over your deck, and provide you with a texture that is much easier to grip, whether on shoes or bare feet. This method is generally the longest-lasting option.

However, if you have recently sealed your deck but now want to add the slip-resistance of one of these materials, you have another option as well. Your water proofer can also add another thin layer of sealant to your deck and then coat it with a fresh layer of the polymer material. This will provide you with similar grip and slip resistance while preventing you from having to completely re-seal your deck. Some contractors actually combine both of these methods for maximum grip retention.

If you have a pool in your backyard, you need to make sure your deck is appropriately waterproofed. Call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing today at (888) 508-2966 to request an estimate and find out what kind of non-skid material treatments we can add to your sealing today!

While a waterproofed deck is nice to have, a tile deck is aesthetically pleasing and can add to the value of your home. However, many homeowners also mistakenly decide to simply tile over their existing waterproof deck. If you’re considering this: do not go through with it. We have seen many decks sustain serious damage because of this arrangement. Allow us to explain why.

Do tiles improve boost waterproof qualities? In short, the answer is no. However, many homeowners believe the opposite. It would seem that putting a waterproof surface over a waterproof surface would mean it’s extra secure, right? Not exactly. Most decks were never designed for tile surfaces. The elevations at the doors and edges are set at very specific heights to encourage water to flow away from potential leak areas. Tiling over a deck, especially a DIY job, often ruins these heights and guarantees that water will seep into high-leak areas, such as where your deck meets your walls and door. In some cases, tiling over a deck can even bring the height of the deck above the door, which encourages water to flood into it.

In addition, tiling also tremendously increases the weight of a deck, and most decks were not designed to handle this weight. When a heavy deck gets wet, it adds even more weight on top of that. A deck that’s too heavy is at risk of structural damage or even collapsing if you’re not too careful.

Finally, most tile laying jobs don’t account for the required slope you need to move water away from important areas. Standards dictate that a deck have a slope of ¼” per foot in order to help gravity move water properly.

Material Expansion

When you place tiles over a waterproofed deck, you are essentially dealing with two different surface materials that expand at different rates. Stone tiles expand very little in warm weather, whereas wood, metal, and mortar all expand at a different rate. This means you need to have expansion joints in your deck to make sure the materials won’t crack or splinter during hot or cold weather. Placing tiles over a waterproofed deck means any expansion joints currently installed will be rendered useless. This places your deck at risk for an imminent failure.

If you would like to surface your deck with tiles, it’s important that you allow a seasoned contractor to do the job right and then allow it to be sealed by a Los Angeles deck waterproofing company. Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing has provided exceptional service and quality workmanship to home and business owners for more than 30 years. Each of our friendly and knowledgeable technicians uses the highest-quality parts and materials to create a durable, trustworthy seal over your deck to help it last for years against the elements. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured and all our services are backed up by warranties and own guarantee to give you the peace of mind of knowing your job will be done properly or we’ll make sure it’s fixed to your satisfaction.

Get a free quote for waterproofing your deck today! Call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing at (888) 508-2966 .

From January to February of this year alone, Los Angeles has gotten more than 12 inches of rainfall. This isn’t too unusual. Deserts are mostly dry, but when it rains, it pours. Los Angeles infrastructure is often unprepared for this sort of liquid onslaught, which is why storms can cause such a significant amount of property damage. Here are a few reasons you should consider waterproofing your deck as soon as you can.

Leaks to Living Areas

If your deck is just above a living area, such as a kitchen or living room, any water that leaks through the deck will seep through the insulation and begin pooling in your ceiling, creating large circles of brown stain. Eventually, that leak will penetrate the ceiling and start falling on you, your furniture, and into your food.

Water in the Ceiling Causes Issues

Apart from creating problems in your deck, if the water manages to get into your ceiling, it could rot the wood or cause the ceiling plaster to bubble and expand. It will also damage the paint and plaster on nearby walls. Not only does this look terrible, but it will decrease the value of your home if you don’t get it repaired. Additionally, water in the ceiling and walls can cause mold and mildew growth. This fungus can also penetrate other areas of the home through the HVAC system and the vents, where it can spread to carpets, furniture, and clothing. People with allergies are more sensitive to mold than others, but if your home develops toxic black mold ( Stachybotrys chartarum ), it could be more problematic.

Ponding

If you don’t waterproof your deck, it could lead to ponding, or the collection of pools of water on your deck. These structures aren’t meant to hold water, and standing water can saturate the wood beneath. Even with a waterproofing membrane, standing water can eventually erode through the substance. Installing a drain in your deck can help remove this problem after every rain.

Cracks

Cracks in your deck can cause water to penetrate deep into the wood, potentially causing warps, rot, or mold growth. Warped wood can also cause tripping hazards if the level quality of the deck begins to be altered by uneven boards. Cracks can also become larger over time as the wood continues to warp with every rain. Part of waterproofing your deck is ensuring all cracks are sealed.

Even in Los Angeles, waterproofing is essential. The desert isn’t completely bare of moisture, so even morning dew can cause problems. Before your deck is affected by more rainy weather, contact our Los Angeles waterproofing services team . We have been serving the L.A. and Orange County area for more than 3 decades. Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact us at (888) 508-2966 or fill out our online form to get your free estimate today.