Why You Should Waterproof Your Deck in L.A.

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.