Waterproof -Vs- Coatings and cheap alternitives

We have over the years written numerous articles on coatings, cost and simple but common mistakes made. In just the last few weeks I have heard from countless contractors and builders that are so tired of the water damages on exterior surfaces that they just don't want to do them anymore. I can certainly understand the frustration from the many, many silly creations that we have torn up to use our true waterproof membranes over simple plywood. It drives me nuts to meet with a home owner and talk about how much money they have waisted and when they hear what the replacement is going to cost the fact that is is less than what they did originally I can see the skepticism in their eyes.

Lets go over this job, the finished work in shown above with the beautiful view of the Wasatch Mountains in the distance. What had been installed before was a few different attempts at waterproofing and here is your first tip.

1. If you want waterproof then make sure the product being used can back up it's claim to being waterproof.
   
   
   

I have learned that when a contractor is given the responsibility to come up with a waterproof surface they use their experience of past work. Then they add redundancy because that should add some insurance, if the first thing fails then the other might work? Nice try but rarely actually works that way. Here you can see what is several inches of different products stacked on each other. It all failed and was torn up once and for all get rid of the water leaking issues.

2. Do you know that most coating have an ongoing maintenance program that require you to re coat the surface every couple years. If you fail to do so what do you think happens when you have a failure?

So once it was torn off and thrown away then what? Back to basic construction, get down to plywood, ensure you have proper slope and glue the membrane right to the plywood. As you can see from this next picture that is what was done. Just like throwing your money in the garbage the old failed products were removed, as was the beautiful rail as well as a result of the wood getting damaged from water exposure.



I could only venture a guess as to what was spent on this rail and the failed materials that were tossed. I can with great confidence say the new deck cost significantly less money and will last for decades without any need for on going maintenance. If it gets dirty just wash it off, after all it is waterproof, not water resistant.







We are in the business of waterproofing horizontal outdoor surfaces, that is all we do. If you have concerns or are not sure of your options contact us.