Water intrusion is a serious threat to the structural integrity of commercial buildings, remaining where it penetrated the surface and causing decay slowly and inevitably. When it comes to exterior decks, a commercial deck waterproofing system should be installed for water protection and as part of an intensive waterproofing membrane designed for the facility.
To protect exterior decks from damages, below are some ways that property managers implement their commercial deck waterproofing system:
1. Waterproof the deck foundations during construction.
The commercial deck waterproofing system properly installed in the early stages of construction guarantees that any water present during building had no way of seeping through the freshly-constructed deck structure. Deck foundations should also be waterproofed at this initial stage.
2. Choose the most appropriate commercial deck waterproofing product.
The commercial deck waterproofing product must accurately address specific facility requirements. There are waterproofing coatings for above or below-grade decks, and specific products for concrete, steel, wood or other types of surface. The choice of coatings should rely on the need to provide waterproofing protection; withstand heavy, frequent, and high-volume loads; and provide business-enhancing aesthetics at the same time.
3. Clean the deck prior to commercial deck waterproofing system installation.
The deck should be cleaned up to remove accumulated dirt and debris on the surface, before the waterproofing system is applied. Pressure washing or a hose down ensures that tightly-lodged particles are also removed. Surface-appropriate cleaning solutions should be used on the deck, followed by a thorough rinse down.