Foxcrete Blog Importance of Waterproofing your Pool Deck

Cracks cracks cracks.. There is two kinds of concrete, concrete that has cracked, and concrete that will crack.Let's talk about pool decks! They are notorious for cracks. But why?Inside your pool is not the only place that must not leak! A little preventive maintenance will go a long way in preserving the life of your pool deck. Upon having you pool deck installed, did the contractor install caulk in the joints?If you answered no, then you are at a serious risk of major cracking! If you already have cracks, do not fret, there is a solution. Before we move on to how to fix your cracks, let's discuss why they came about in the first place.Water Erosion. Yes, those small joints that were never sealed with caulk are slowly washing away and loosening the soil beneath your concrete. The water enters the joint, and has to go somewhere, unfortunately that somewhere is not up. The water beneath your slab settles and softens the soil giving way of the firm pact soil it was built on. Once your ground begins to settle under your pool deck, you will now have soft and hard spots in the ground. Thetensile strength of concrete is only about 10% of its compression strength therefore, it has a difficult time supportingitself with out a firm surface to lay on without producing small pressure cracks. Once you receive your pressure cracks, the water is not finished damaging your pool deck. In the cold winter months water will get in those cracks and freeze,expand, and contract resulting in a bigger crack. Which then is like a domino effect, more damage,water erosion, and potential low spots in your pool deck.Alright! Now that we understand why such cracks happen, lets discuss how to fix them and make your pool deck lookbetter then it ever has.Lets use an example: You have cracks, low spots, and your joints are not sealed with caulk. First Steps to restoring your investment.Grind out all the cracks and feel with epoxy to sand rejection.Level out any and all low spots with a cement based overlay.Once you have your cracks and low spots repaired, it is time to make a decision on what kind of look your Pool Deck will have. There is an unlimited amount of patterns, and colors to match any scenery around the pool.You can take on the look of slate, random stone, Ashler slate, tile, brick and even wood plank. Apply your overlay on your complete pool deckSeal with our decorative acrylic sealer( Not the cheap stuff from the Home Depot, Only available to Authorized installers)Caulk all joints and anywhere water could work its way under your deck.Wait 24 hours, then enjoy your beautiful new pool deck!If you pool deck is just fine and are looking for a new look, we can install the same overlay products to enhance the look and value of your home!We also have many different options for your home or business. Stamped concrete, overlay, concrete stain, and various epoxy flooring! Such products perfect for patios, sidewalks, interior living room, businesses, garages, etc We service all Pensacola, Daphne, Fairhope, Mobile, Loxley, Robertsdale, Foley, Gulf Shores, and Fort Morgan!Keep up to date for more info! Much more to come!On job updates via Twitterand VIdeo Blogs!Thank you,Blake Henning