When building a deck or balcony as a way to add value to a home or business, be sure you understand the best available options and pay close attention to the details to avoid waterproofing potential failures.

Waterproofing Best Practices

When building or adding an elevated area to your building, there are many decisions to make. Therefore, consider these common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow to prolong the life of your waterproofing system!

Flashing

Be sure your flashing adheres to certain specifications. Flashing needs to be 4” x 6” at all wall-to-deck junctions, have a 2” x 4” drip edge on all outside edges and flashing needs to overlap 4”- 6”. Flashing is very important to keeping water out of surrounding walls and the substrate.

Deck Rail Placement

All decks must have railings for obvious safety reasons; however, if installed incorrectly, these necessary pieces can pose a significant risk for water intrusion. Therefore, place rail plates on top of the full waterproofing assembly, always avoid penetrating the deck by nailing or screwing the railing into the top, and follow best practices by installing face mount railings.

Drains

Roof drains and deck drains perform differently. If you are installing a deck waterproofing system, be sure deck drains are being specified and used. Use scuppers in parapet walls if proper sloping allows the water to drain at the wall.

Parapet Walls

If the balcony deck has parapet walls, you will need to utilize crickets to ensure proper drainage. You can do this in the substrate or use a sloping compound. When installing crickets with a sloping compound, ensure you allow for proper screed elevations.

Thresholds

Interior elevations should always be higher than exterior elevations. We highly recommend using backup membranes for extra protection. Make sure you install the flashing correctly, position proper hem flashing under the door, and maintain a minimum elevation of ¾” above the deck.

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