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Stone pavers, stamped concrete, fieldstones and even brick, but nothing seems more American than a great deck to fire up the grill and enjoy your backyard. According to NADRA, more than 2.5 million new or replacement decks are constructed every year. Composite decking materials and more sophisticated treated lumber decking enable a deck to last longer than ever before. Unfortunately, there is one simple and easy method to make your deck last even longer. It’s hidden under that beautiful deck surface – waterproofing protection for the deck structural support system and posts.

Most deck support systems are manufactured with treated lumber. Over time, the constant exposure to rain, snow and moisture will eventually leave the wood susceptible to rot and decay. One way to extend the life of these critical elements is by installing a self-adhering waterproofing membrane at these critical points:

The ledger board, which is mounted to the building structure, carries a lot of the deck load and is area that can benefit from additional waterproofing. By installing a flashing membrane over the ledger board, it will prevent water, debris and moisture from accumulating behind this hard-to-reach area.

ACQ-treated lumber can potentially cause metal components to corrode. By installing a flashing membrane, it provides a protective barrier between the wood, metal joist hangers, and the support beam brackets.

The top of horizontal joists is especially prone to water damage from ponding water. Installing a waterproofing membrane across these top surfaces will create a permanent moisture barrier. The second problem area with joist tops is the fasteners used to support the deck top are nailed or screwed into the joist creating a direct line into the joist for water to penetrate.

When posts are buried in the ground, there is a lot of moisture in the soil which causes fungal growth that can attack and weaken these critical components. Using a waterproofing membrane just below the surface eliminates the concerns of structurally damaged posts. Most waterproofing membranes can also be used on post bottoms when they are set on a concrete pad or attached to a metal bracket.

There are a variety of waterproofing products on the market today. To ensure the best protection available, make sure the membranes offer these attributes:

MFM Building Products manufactures DeckWrap PowerBond, a 25-mil self-adhering and self-sealing membrane specially designed for use with decking and posts. The product can be used with treated, untreated and synthetic wood types. To learn more about DeckWrap PowerBond or to request a FREE sample, please visit www.mfmbp.com/deckwrap or call MFM Customer Service at 800-882-7663.

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