The first time I saw it on the shelves, I thought to myself, “waterproof decking tape? Is that a risky idea?” Yes, it’s extremely. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at how a simple deck can be waterproofed.
Decking tape comes in two varieties – the types you apply to the surface of the wood , and the ones that need to be fixed to the surface with an adhesive that is specially designed for. This type is more difficult and more expensive. To ease the work of the DIYer (me), there are two types of vinyl decking tapes available on the market today. The most popular varieties are the in-screw and traditional tape types.
Waterproof decking tape is, as the name suggests, a tape that can be used to waterproof your deck. The tape’s adhesive attaches water-resistant vinyl to decking surface, thus preventing moisture from entering. This is especially beneficial for decks made from plastic since normal plastic does not have the necessary properties to resist moisture. For decks made of wood, however, the tape will not be effective because the water resistance is not present.
Like all other kinds of tape waterproof decking tape needs to be carefully applied to both surfaces in order to ensure that it does its job. First, you need to put the tape on your deck. Then, you can attach the tape to the lumber. Before you cut the tape, ensure it is securely connected to the lumber and decking surface. To achieve this, you will need to apply pressure on both surfaces using your hands. If you do it correctly, you should not even be aware that the tape is there. It is not advisable to tear the tape if it is damaged.
Waterproof decking tape has an application procedure that should be applied with caution. The tape edges could be damaged due to the force of cutting it. Instead employ a knife or other instrument to cut the tape. You could also make use of the blade of a screwdriver, or an electric device to scrape off excess tape prior to cutting. You can be assured that the tape will not cause any damage to your decking surface if you are careful when handling it.
The process of applying this kind of tape is fairly simple. Simply soak the tape in water then rub it on the decking material. Do not under any circumstances rub the tape while it is damp. This could cause the tape’s moisture or water to become damaged.
After the tape has been applied to the decking material, you should leave it in place and let it dry. It is not recommended to pull the tape loose or remove excess tape from the surface with any tools. The tape is supposed to remain in place and it will stay there until you actually try to remove it. It is a good idea to employ a knife to get rid of any dirt or other debris that might have been generated during the application process.
Waterproof decking tape is found in a variety of hardware stores and is quite affordable. It is worth considering the cost of maintaining a waterproof decking surface, rather than replacing it each year due to cracks. By following these easy steps you can safeguard the integrity of your deck surface from damage caused by the elements.
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