Here’s How to Waterproof Wood and Become a Backyard Hero

Waterproofing wood or masonry such as decks and patios protects your outdoor spaces from damage and extends their lifespan. After all, relaxing on a beautiful backyard deck or patio is a homeowner’s dream come true – so don’t let rain and wet weather ruin the fun. Your outdoor wood and masonry should be protected from the weather, and a little bit of time spent waterproofing can make a big difference.

If you want to look forward to that perfect weather for outdoor fun, like grilling, family time, or just relaxing, then you shouldn’t worry when less-than-perfect weather rains down (literally). Rain, hail, wind, ice, and strong UV rays of the hottest sunshine can all do a number on elements like wood decks, fences, and even outdoor masonry. But you can help them stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at them.

Waterproofers do more than just keep water out – they also create a reinforced barrier that can help preserve the longevity of your outdoor structures. With a little care and attention, you can apply the right waterproofing to preserve your outdoor spaces so they’ll provide plenty of easy times for rest and relaxation.

You can test to see if your deck or other wooden structures outside are waterproofed already, with a quick "drip test." Simply drip a few drops of plain water onto the surface, and see if the water beads, or if it flattens and is absorbed. A quick beading up tells you if the wood is protected already. But if it flattens out, you need to think about adding some protection. Here are some types of wood waterproofers:

• Wood sealers: A good sealer or sealant will help to create a strong barrier to keep out liquids and to protect against UV damage from harsh sunlight. It’s best applied to clean surfaces (you may need to first powerwash any grime) and can be applied with tools like simple paint brushes. Make sure you have a 48-hour window of dry weather in the forecast to allow wood sealer to dry and cure properly.
• Oils: Oils designed for outdoor wood like decks can penetrate deep into the fibers of the wood and provide a beautiful color, but they do require reapplication every few years. Signs you’re due for a reapplication include graying of wood, fading, and the appearance of cracks, or even the growth of algae or moss on wood. And not just any oil will do – specialty wood oil is designed for exterior wood applications like fences or decks, and should be applied per the manufacturer’s instructions to clean, sanded materials. And you should check the forecast for dry weather that’s not too hot and not too cold for the best results.
• Clear waterproofer: A clear waterproofer adds protection without changing the look or color of the wood underneath. You can even find clear "stains" – ones that won’t actually darken or lighten the wood you’ve fallen in love with already. But they will add a layer of protection.
• Tinted waterproofer: If you’re after a bit of a change, you could use a tinted waterproofer, or colored stain, on your outdoor wood deck or fence. Try it out on a scrap piece of wood before making a big commitment, or talk to the McCoy’s experts about how light or dark you want to go, and learn what they’d recommend.

You can also waterproof masonry, like brick walls or exterior walls of your home, or even a brick patio or driveways. Waterproofing masonry helps to keep structures from absorbing moisture that could lead to shifting or cracking as they expand or contract. Here are some ways to waterproof masonry:

• Clear: Masonry waterproofers that are clear can create a helpful barrier that repels water. However, it still allows water vapor to pass through structures as designed, but without harm. You can apply them to brick, concrete, stucco, or other masonry materials.
• Pigmented: With colored or pigmented masonry waterproofers, you can apply sealants that give you an added color shift to outdoor materials, taking that concrete from plain to something special.
• Film-forming: Unlike "penetrating sealers" that are designed to allow the materials’ color and texture to shine, film-forming waterproofers sit on top of masonry or concrete. But they also provide texture options, from matte to glossy, to allow you some nods to style and function. They can block moisture completely, instead of letting them breathe like other masonry waterproofers do, and film-forming sealers stand up to heavy traffic and damage from intense weather.

After you waterproof masonry, you can apply paint (if desired) on top of that surface, which means that you can also waterproof indoor walls, like in a basement, and cover up any treatments with a color that suits your style. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions to allow the waterproofing products to dry thoroughly before moving on to another step. 

Cleaning the surface thoroughly is a key step for proper waterproofing. With wood surfaces, you'll want to either put some muscle into scrubbing the surfaces clean (like with a stiff wire brush) or use a tool like a power washer to get every inch free of dirt, grime, or even algae that has started to damage the wood. You also want to repair splinters, cracks, or replace rotted wood if necessary.

For masonry, you’ll also want to start with a clean surface and to repair any cracks that may have formed. If you discover past water damage and suspect mildew or mold, make sure to spend the time and effort to have any issues remediated before you move forward to prevent new leaks or water damage.

Most waterproofing products require several days to dry and cure, so don’t plan a project without plenty of study of the upcoming weather forecast. If you have a big event coming up and want your outdoor spaces in perfect shape, plan plenty of wiggle room for your waterproofing project to get done in time.

We want your projects to look good for years to come - you don't want ALL that rain to go away. So, stop into your local McCoy’s and talk to our experts about the right way for you to protect that deck or patio today! Just don't forget to invite us over to that first barbeque!