Choosing a deck coating? Ask these 10 questions!

By Pli-Dek. 

Waterproofing a deck is key to longevity, make sure your customers are choosing the right residential coating product by having them ask these questions. 

There are many different options available when it comes to waterproof deck coatings, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. You likely haven't thought about your deck coating needs, but making the right product choice for a deck or walkway can extend the lifespan of the structure, save money in the long run and make the home more aesthetically pleasing. So, here are 10 questions the experts at Pli-Dek suggest you ask to figure out what the best product is for your unique project!  

1 - Will the deck get a lot of rain? 

Protection against the elements is a key function of most deck coatings, so all coating products work to repel water. But if the deck is especially exposed, or the climate in the area is particularly wet, you’ll want to pay special attention to how the coating you’re considering handles rain. The last thing you want is to have water leaks that impact the structure of the house, which can lead to costly repairs. 

2 - Will the deck get a lot of sun? 

You’ll want to make sure you choose a product that protects against UV rays and fading. Some products also contain slightly reflective material that keeps the deck cooler on a warm day. 

3 - How much use does the deck get? 

Casual, seasonal use may not require a heavy-duty deck coating. But if the homeowner entertains a lot, has children who will be playing and perhaps riding bikes on the deck surface or may see more traffic than typical, you’ll want to look at a coating product designed for high-traffic applications. 

4 - How long does it need protection? 

Most people will automatically say, “As long as possible!” While lifetime warranties may be available (and more costly!) with some products, these often don’t transfer if the owner sells the home, makes changes to the deck or there were errors in the construction process. A good rule of thumb is to look for a coating product that has a 10-year warranty that defines the care procedure to ensure that you get reasonable protection at a reasonable cost. 

5 - Is the deck likely to get slick? 

If the area gets a lot of rain or the deck gets slippery when wet, you might consider a protective coating that includes an aggregate to make a non-skid surface. This is particularly useful around pools and hot tubs to prevent slips and falls. 

Non-skid surfaces can also help the elderly or very young to better manage their footing and can provide more traction for those with disabilities or others who are less steady on their feet. 

6 - Will people walk barefoot on the deck? 

It may not be important for people to be able to walk on the deck sans footwear, but if it is the plan to be moving around barefoot — or there are kids who will be walking around without shoes — look for a coating that will create an extremely smooth surface without splinters. Lath-based systems, for example, use a top coating over a metal lath layer that makes for a smooth and extremely walkable surface without the risk of splinters or gouges in the wood. 

7 - Will the coating help keep the home safe? 

Look for a coating product that helps suppress fire. Some coating systems are available with a 1-hour fire rating — meaning that the deck will be able to slow down a fire that threatens your home. 

8 - Are there railings or other woodwork that needs protection? 

While people won’t be walking on your railings, you may want them to mesh with the look of the deck. And they definitely need to have some protection from the weather. 

One of the biggest potential problems with protecting deck railings is that the gap where they connect with the deck can allow leaks if not correctly sealed. A lath-based system is one good solution because it can incorporate a good seal from the deck surface to railings and other woodwork. 

9 - What do you want the deck to look like? 

Most coating products allow you to tint them in various shades of tan, brown or gray. The intensity of the color depends a great deal on how the selected product works — some penetrate the wood and some sit on top of the wood, like a coat of paint would. Most modern coatings are a combination of polymer resins and are easy to tint, even if a less natural color is wanted. Some products even allow you to just mix latex paint with the coating product to produce the ideal shade. 

The coatings that are made from a proprietary polymer resin or combination of resins may be especially difficult to remove or cover with another coat. Remember that you won’t be able to easily switch the color or change the look of your deck if you don’t like it in a few months, so choose the color wisely. 

10 - How much is budgeted for this?  

The truth is that a long-lasting, protective, attractive deck coating is not going to come cheap. But it will also protect the area and keep the deck in good condition for many years, and it will not need to be re-applied for many years, depending on the warranty. Calculate the per-year cost by dividing the price of the product by the number of years on the warranty for each product to get a more accurate picture of cost. Don’t forget that being easy to apply and providing features like a non-slip texture are worth a higher price, as well. 

Original article source: Pli-Dek