Water Proofing the Exterior of Your Home or Office

The Shortcomings of Water Seal Products

Water seal products are designed to create a protective barrier on various surfaces, such as decks and railings, preventing water from penetrating and causing damage. While these products are widely used and can be effective initially (as little as two days), their longevity often falls short of expectations. In many cases, they may last only one year, if you’re lucky, and sometimes not even a full season.

1. Environmental Factors
   One of the primary reasons water seal products fail to last is the harshness of the elements. Rain, snow, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations can take a toll on these coatings, causing them to break down.
2. Wear and Tear
   High-traffic areas, like decks and railings, are subjected to constant use, leading to wear and tear on the water seal.
3. Low-Quality Products
   Not all water seal products are created equal. Some lower-quality options may promise a lower price but fail to offer the durability needed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
4. Lack of Will Power
   It seems that if one misses applying water seal for just one season the deck or banister ages 10 years.

Enhancing Water-Proofing for Your Exterior

While traditional water seal products have their limitations, there are alternative solutions to better protect your home or office.

1. Rededication
   Devote your entire life to applying the most expensive water seal you can find.
2. Explore Alternative Product Solutions
   Instead of relying solely on traditional water seal products, explore modern waterproofing technologies, such as liquid-applied membranes or elastomeric coatings. These innovative solutions provide superior protection and flexibility against harsh elements.
3. Replace Your Deck and Railings
   Recycled materials made to look like wood are many times more expensive but if you can afford it, you won’t have to worry for years (I am going on 12 years)

Exceptional Measures

The ongoing battle against rain and snow necessitates exceptional measures to protect our homes and offices from water and snow damage. While traditional water seal products have profound limitations, we can enhance the effectiveness of water-proofing by exploring innovative solutions. If you need help in the trenches to battle deck-destroying rainwater, please consult your LACOSTA manager for an exceptional measure.