Property owners and managers have a lot of options with regard to deck and balcony waterproofing, so it may be hard to know the best product. The good thing is that several manufacturers have created code-compliant waterproofing systems for plywood subfloors and concrete deck surfaces — all of which can offer impressive waterproofing performance if they’re installed properly.

Types of Decks That Require Waterproofing

If the deck has wood frame members that are exposed to moisture, they will start to rot. Structural engineers have designed three main types that need to have a waterproof surface. The types of decks that require waterproofing include the following:

• Cantilever Walkways — These types of walkways are suspending with no post supporting. They depend on cantilever force of the wood, which extends three times the width of the walkway into the building. If the structural framing is damaged, the unit will have to be replaced so the damaged floor framing system can be replaced.
• Roof Top Decks — These decks will have a living space below them. So when they leak, water will enter the ceiling of the unit located underneath. They can be repaired fairly easily, but it can get expensive because their surfaces can be anywhere from 300 to 600 square feet (with some being over 1,000 square feet).
• Balconies — These decks can be cantilevered or supported by traditional framing methods, and they can be easy to fix.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about whether your deck or balcony needs to be waterproofed, because he or she will be able to give you advice on the best solution.

Best Practices for Deck and Balcony Waterproofing

For waterproofing decks and balconies, it’s important to have a stiff subfloor because any flexing and plywood joints will cut the life of the waterproofing system by at least half. In fact, most visible cracks are caused by the subfloor flexing. The constant “micromovement” caused by foot traffic can also put stress on the joints, which will eventually break the waterproofing membrane. The best way to make the floor stiffer is to remove the existing subfloor and replace it with thicker plywood.

You should install new flashing if you need to repair your balcony or deck, because it’s the only way to guarantee proper waterproofing. Balconies must also have new scuppers that are appropriately sized for the volume of water dropping onto the surface. The deck should have at least a 2% slope for more direct water runoff toward the drains and scuppers. Otherwise, water will puddle and pond along the lowest points (which will eventually cause blistering).

The Advantages of Fiber Coat as a Deck Waterproofing System

Fiberglass coating is commonly used on tanks that store kerosene, gasoline, or other petroleum-based products. But there are a number of advantages to using it as a deck waterproofing system. Some of them include the following:

• Corrosion Resistance — Fiberglass coating is resistant to corrosion, because it’s the only effective material that can withstand the chemicals associated with service environments. It’s lightweight, and it has a low pressure-to-strength ratio.
• Strength — If you’re using a great deal of heavy machinery, fiberglass coating is a great option. It’s just as strong as steel but without the extra weight. The fibers carry the load, while the resin distributes the entire weight. So, it will maintain its strength over the long term.
• Affordability — From a manufacturing perspective, fiberglass coating is more affordable than many other deck waterproofing products. It’s a cost-effective solution for almost any type of application.
• Flexibility — The stiffness of other waterproofing materials will often create confusion with regard to toughness and strength, but fiberglass coating can be flexible (all while maintaining its strength). It can also resist elongation when it has to carry a heavy load.
• Durability — Fiberglass coating is stronger, lighter, and doesn’t require as much maintenance. It’s also more resistant to corrosion than most other metals. It has the advantage of being non-conductive while also being resistant to rust. It will even have better thermal performance. All of these factors allow this material to last longer than aluminum or steel.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for balcony or deck waterproofing in Los Angeles, be sure to get in touch with the Fiber Coat Deck Company. You want to make sure these surfaces can withstand the elements, and we have a team of experienced professionals who would be more than happy to speak with you about your specific needs!