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The California Decking journal

Better informed.
Better protected.

Practical advice on leaks, repairs and caring for the places you live. For Southern California homeowners and property managers.

Raised concrete walls and landscaped planters beside an apartment building

Featured article

Below-grade waterproofing

Below-grade waterproofing before backfill

Before a waterproofed wall is buried, confirm the membrane details, drainage route, protection and handoff record while the work is still visible.

From repairs to maintenance

Questions worth asking

Understand the condition. Plan the next step.

Apartment building with exterior glass balconies

Repair scope & change orders

Waterproofing change orders: review the evidence first

Updated October 26, 2026

When demolition exposes hidden damage, use photographs, quantities and a written scope to understand the added work before approving it.

Raised concrete planters filled with greenery beside an apartment building

Planter repair planning

Before the soil goes back into a repaired planter

Updated October 21, 2026

A practical handoff checklist for owners and HOAs: record concealed work, confirm drainage and protection, and coordinate landscaping before a repaired planter is refilled.

Tiled outdoor terrace with seating and a potted plant

Under-tile waterproofing

Leaking tile balcony: will regrouting solve the problem?

Updated October 18, 2026

Before paying for new grout or sealer, understand what the repair can reach, what stays hidden and which questions belong in a balcony waterproofing proposal.

Balcony repair work before the completed waterproofing finish

Flashing, door thresholds & repair planning

Replacing a balcony sliding door? Plan the waterproofing first

Updated October 5, 2026

A new sliding door meets an existing waterproof deck at a critical connection. Plan the flashing, finished height and trade responsibilities before either crew closes up the work.

Completed California Decking walkway and staircase waterproofing project

Walkway repairs & occupied-property planning

Can residents still get home during walkway waterproofing?

Updated September 28, 2026

A shared walkway is also someone’s route home. Plan resident access, temporary closures, curing time and reopening before waterproofing begins.

Apartment building with exterior glass balconies

SB 326 & SB 721 repairs

What happens after a balcony fails an inspection?

A step-by-step look at report review, field verification, repair pricing, concealed conditions and planning corrective work.

Balcony repair work before the completed waterproofing finish

Balcony waterproofing

Why deck coatings bubble, crack or separate

Common reasons a deck surface fails—and why the visible symptom should be evaluated before a repair system is selected.

Completed balcony waterproofing with a finished walking surface

Maintenance planning

Recoat or replace an aging waterproof deck?

How adhesion, substrate condition, leaks, drainage and detail failures affect the choice between maintenance and replacement.

Materials, planning & care

Make your next project a better one

Tiled outdoor terrace with seating and a potted plant

Materials & finishes

Choosing deck materials

Compare the surface you want with the structure and waterproofing your deck actually needs before choosing materials or colors.

Apartment building with exterior glass balconies

Understanding inspection reports

Deck inspections & sampling

Know what was inspected, what remains concealed and which professional is responsible before using a deck inspection report to plan repairs.

Balcony repair work before the completed waterproofing finish

Leak investigation

Sheet metal & flashing

Understand the difference between a metal roof coating and the flashing details that connect a waterproof deck to walls, doors and edges.

Tiled outdoor terrace with seating and a potted plant

Concealed waterproofing

Planter waterproofing & care

Protect the structure around a built-in planter while keeping its soil, irrigation and drainage needs properly coordinated.

Pool and outdoor living area in San Clemente

Project planning

Planning a hot tub on a deck

Confirm structural support, access and waterproofing details before purchasing or placing a spa on an elevated deck.

Pool and outdoor living area in San Clemente

Pool deck improvements & care

Compare repair options and finish choices while planning a comfortable pool surround with clear access and realistic maintenance needs.

Pool and outdoor living area in San Clemente

Design & project planning

Planning deck & outdoor improvements

Put repairs, layout, budget and waterproofing in the right order before adding finishes, shade, furniture or planting.

Tiled outdoor terrace with seating and a potted plant

Existing system care

Existing Desert Crete & Desert Flex decks

Identify the original system and its condition before planning maintenance, restoration or replacement of an older deck.

Practical property guidance

Waterproofing guidance based on real property questions

Explore answers about repairs, maintenance, materials and project planning for Southern California homes, HOAs and commercial properties.

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