Problem:

A homeowner in Commack reached out to us after their backyard deck began showing serious signs of failure. The tiles were cracking and lifting, water was getting trapped beneath the surface, and drainage issues were sending water back toward the house instead of away from it. The plywood subbase had absorbed moisture over time and the waterproofing layer below the tile had stopped doing its job.

On top of that, the gutter and downspout system connected to the deck area were no longer performing well. Water was spilling over the edges and contributing to the deck problems. The homeowner wanted the deck not only repaired but completely rebuilt in a way that would last.

Solution:

Our team started by removing everything that had failed: the tiles, the membrane, the thinset, and the old plywood substrate. Once the surface was stripped down, we inspected the metal support beams to determine whether new pressure treated plywood was needed before installing a solid cement board base.

After preparing the structure, we installed new cement boards across the entire deck. This created a stable foundation for the waterproofing system. We then applied a full layer of thinset and installed the Schluter Systems Ditra Uncoupling and Waterproofing membrane. This membrane is designed to prevent tile cracking, stop moisture intrusion, and allow the deck to move naturally during temperature changes without damaging the tile layer.

Once the membrane was set, we applied another layer of thinset and prepared the surface for large format tiles. The tiles were chosen and purchased by the homeowner, and we delivered them at cost. Each tile was installed with the proper slope so water would drain away from the facade instead of collecting near the home.

Our team also handled the removal and reinstallation of the existing steel railings, ensuring the finished deck looked clean and complete. While on site, our project manager evaluated the existing downspout release point and discussed long term solutions with the homeowner. This helped reduce the chance of future moisture issues around the deck.

Finally, we removed the old gutter and downspout and replaced them with a new system that the homeowner selected. A properly functioning gutter system is essential for protecting any deck and exterior wall, so this upgrade tied the project together and helped prevent future water damage.

The result was a fully rebuilt, waterproof deck designed to hold up through seasons of use and weather. The homeowner now has a safe, attractive outdoor space with corrected drainage and long term protection.