In the Pacific Northwest, rain is the greatest threat to a deck, and it is also the main reason homeowners assume a deck coating has to wait for summer. According to NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for Vancouver Pearson Field, Vancouver averages about 37.5 inches of rain a year, and November through January bring roughly 45 percent of it.
We install deck coatings throughout the year. This guide explains how an installation is protected in the rain, how we work around summer heat, and when cold weather pauses a project.
Why Rain Matters During Installation
A waterproof deck system is only waterproof once it is complete and cured. During installation, two conditions matter most:
- The plywood must be dry. Westcoat specifies that the system is not applied to wet plywood. Dry plywood is typically defined as a moisture reading below 10 percent.
- New material must be protected. Westcoat notes that rain will wash away uncured acrylic products, and its guidelines call for covering the deck to protect a new application when weather threatens.
How We Install in the Rain
When rain is in the forecast, we tent the deck with tarps. The tent covers the work area so the substrate stays dry and each coat can be applied and allowed to dry under cover. Covered porches and balconies with a roof overhead are tented along their open sides to keep wind-driven rain off the surface.
Before each stage, we confirm that the surface is dry and ready. This approach allows installation to continue through the wet months rather than waiting for a dry stretch.
How We Work Around Summer Heat
Heat affects how the materials handle and dry. In summer heat, we schedule installation for the cooler early morning or evening hours, keeping application within the manufacturer’s temperature range. Westcoat also offers additives that extend working time in hot weather, which can be used when conditions call for them.
When Cold Weather Pauses Work
Work pauses only when temperatures fall below the manufacturer’s minimum. Westcoat specifies a minimum application temperature for the ALX Pro system, so on colder days we schedule around the weather and resume once conditions are back within the manufacturer’s range.
Planning a Deck Project in a Wet Climate
Because installation continues through the rainy season, the right time to address a failing deck is when the problem is found. Leaks and soft spots do not improve with time, and winter rain tends to accelerate the damage. If a deck needs structural repairs, those are completed first, and the coating system follows.
If you are seeing leaks, soft spots or peeling coatings, our guide to the signs of a failing deck explains what each one usually means.
Care in a Wet Climate
Once the system is installed, keeping it in good condition is straightforward:
- Sweep the deck and rinse it with water to remove dirt and debris.
- Keep drains, edges and corners clear of leaves and needles so water can drain.
- For grease or heavier dirt, use a degreaser diluted 20:1 with water and a soft-bristle brush, then rinse well.
- Have the system inspected for wear every 2 to 4 years, and resealed every 3 to 5 years, depending on foot traffic and UV exposure, as Westcoat recommends.
Warranty Coverage
360 Surfaces is a Westcoat Qualified Contractor Applicator (QCA). Our ALX Pro installations are eligible for up to a 20-year Westcoat manufacturer warranty, depending on the system and the surface it is installed over, and every project includes our 5-year workmanship warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install a deck coating in the rain?
Yes. In rain, we tent the deck with tarps so the work area stays covered and installation can continue. Westcoat's own guidelines call for covering the deck to protect a new application when weather threatens.
What happens when it is very hot?
In summer heat, we schedule installation for the cooler early morning or evening hours.
Is there any weather that pauses a deck coating installation?
Work pauses only when temperatures fall below the manufacturer’s minimum. When that happens, we resume once conditions are back within Westcoat’s specified range.
How should I care for a coated deck in a wet climate?
Sweep and rinse the deck regularly, keep drains and edges clear of leaves and debris, and follow Westcoat's recommendation to inspect the system every 2 to 4 years and reseal it every 3 to 5 years, depending on foot traffic and UV exposure.
Request a Deck Coating Estimate in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
360 Surfaces installs Westcoat ALX Pro deck coatings and railing across Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground and the greater Portland metro. Call or text (360) 685-7222, email info@360surfaces.com, or request an estimate. To see the system, the warranty details and recent projects, visit our deck coating page.