How to Inspect Teak Deck Caulking & Seams

Teak deck caulking and seam condition is a critical indicator of a boat deck’s quality. Inspecting the caulking and seams can determine the overall deck condition, teak deck thickness, and remaining life of the deck.


MISSING OR DETACHED CAULKING



On a dry deck, examine the seams between the planks to look for missing or detached caulking. If no caulk seam failures are visible, wet the boat deck. As the deck dries, look for areas along the edges of the caulk seams that stay wet longer than the surrounding teak. This is where caulk failures may exist.


Detached Caulking – Allows Water Penetration

VARYING SEAM WIDTH


For quality teak decking caulking, the width of caulk seams will not vary along the length of the seam. If the seam widths vary, the deck was either poorly laid, or the seams have been re-cut and re-seamed. A boat deck in this condition may be in the last third of its life.

CAULKING CONDITION

Cracked or hard caulk cannot flex as the teak expands and contracts. This may result in leaks. The only solution is to remove the old caulk and re-caulk the seams if there is enough seam depth available.


Cracked Caulk – Allows Water Penetration

TEAK CONDITION

Where caulking is visibly separated from the teak or missing, look at the edges of the teak where the caulking should be bonded. If the teak edges of the seams are very thin relative to the width of the seam, there is no longer enough bonding surface for new caulking to stay attached. 

If the teak surface is ridged, it will need to be sanded. It is possible the sanding will reduce the thickness so there may not be enough viable edging for re-caulking. 


Extreme Ridged Surface of a Teak Deck

DETERMINING TEAK THICKNESS

When inspecting teak thickness, be aware that it will not be the same everywhere. Typically, bows, sun decks, uncovered aft decks, and swim platforms wear faster due to more sun, sea, and human activity. 

HATCHES

The deck’s current thickness often can be determined by simply opening hatches and looking at the edges of the hatches and the deck surrounding the hatch.

MEASURE CAULK SEAM DEPTH

A slightly more invasive measuring procedure is to (1) slide the tip of a penknife or ice pick into a caulking seam until it bottoms out, (2) mark the deck surface with your thumbnail, and (3) withdraw the pen or pick to see the depth. 

RABBETED DECKS – CAUTION NEEDED TO MEASURE

In traditionally laid teak decks, one or both edges of the planks can be rabbeted. A rabbet is a notch, usually square, cut into the edge of a board. Rabbets create the space for the caulking while leaving the bottom of the plank full width to serve as a spacer for the caulk seam. 

When using the penknife or ice pick procedure to check the thickness of a traditionally laid teak deck, it is necessary to know where the edges of the two planks meet under the caulking – in the center or along one edge of the seam. This enables proper placement of the blade or a pick to reach the bottom of the deck, between the planks.

If there is sufficient teak thickness in a rabbeted deck, the existing caulk seams can be cut deeper to create the proper bonding surfaces and then be re-caulked, thereby saving the deck for several more years. Sometimes, the downside is that the process of cutting the seams deeper is not as accurate as of the original machining of the wood. As a result, once caulked and sanded, the seams will vary slightly in width and not be as crisp as the original ones.


Source: “Proper Seam Composition” by Teakdecking Systems (Rabbeted Deck on left)

Read more…Teakdecking Systems 16-pp Guide on How to Properly Caulk Seams


COST OF RESEAMING VS. NEW TEAK DECK

The cost to reseam a teak deck is lower than buying a new teak deck. Often, it is one-third to one-half the cost of a new teak deck.

BEST TIPS FOR EXTENDING DECK’S LIFE

Hopefully, the inspection of teak deck caulking will reveal little more than the need for some love and attention. To extend the deck’s life and push off the eventual replacement as long as possible, it is imperative to keep the deck fully sealed from water intrusion. Trapped water under the deck planks can cause deck delamination from beneath. It can also leak into the structural sub-deck (and possibly interior) through hardware fastener holes. For these reasons, it is important to replace any missing bungs and reseal any caulk seams with damage. If the deck cannot be properly sealed after these steps, a deck replacement is necessary.

A careful survey of a teak decking (and caulk and seams) by an expert can provide the best information about teak decking condition. This can help to determine if a deck should be repaired or replaced.

Want to know how to recaulk seams? Read this article: How to Recaulk Seams

Additional Questions?

Call 941- 756 0600

Email customerservice@teakdecking.com


ALL PRODUCTS

By Anella Alcott April 11, 2025
If you're planning to get a new deck on your boat, and you've chosen teak, a composite deck, or a cork alternative, this guide will walk you through the full process, from digitization and manufacturing to final installation so you’ll know exactly what to expect from start to finish. TEAK DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitially templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digititally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digital templating team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing TDS panels are manufactured in our factory utilizing jigs that are adjusted to conform to the vessel’s shape. Teak planks of the required thickness and width are carefully hand inspected, scrutinizing each plank for grain orientation, mineral deposits, or imperfections such as a small knot. The planks are placed into the jig in such a way that the finished deck will have a uniform butt joint pattern. Creating a Watertight Barrier A phenolic or fiberglass backing is securely vacuum bonded to the teak, using our own epoxies that guarantee durability, flexibility, strength and reliability. The exceptional bonding strength, ensures your deck stands the test of time. After the epoxy cures, the newly formed panels are removed from the jig, and the seams between the planks undergo routing, cleaning, and caulking. Margin Trim Once the caulking is cured, the final step involves laying out the teak deck and laying all the margin trim. Upon completion, the finished deck undergoes a thorough quality inspection, ensuring it aligns precisely with the template. Transport & Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. Caulking & Sanding Once the deck has been bonded to the vessel, it is time to caulk using our own proprietary, UV, and chemical-resistant caulking TDS SIS-440. After curing, the deck is then ready to be sanded. The entire deck is sanded with 36 grit to remove excess caulking, followed by 60 and 80 grit to enhance the look of the deck. COMPOSITE DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitially templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digititally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digital templating team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing Every composite decking panel is custom made to perfectly fit the areas to be covered. The panels are delivered with completed seam pattern, sanded and ready to be glued down on most structural surfaces. In the case of SeaSole, the deck is installed using the “peel and stick system”. We use a combination of our TDS bedding and bonding adhesive, along with TDS two-part, flexible epoxy fitting glue, to secure the panels in place. The caulking in the seams is our TDS proprietary patented filler, an enduringly elastic, solid rubber polyurethane joint sealant. Our team will first carry out an inspection of the boat to identify the best application method for each area. Quality Control Once the caulking is cured, the final step involves laying out the composite deck and building all the margin trim. Upon completion, the finished deck undergoes a thorough quality inspection, ensuring it aligns precisely with the original template. Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. C ORK DECKS Digital Templating The first stage involves one of our technicians digitially templating the area using the latest in precise measuring technology. Our team digititally templates vessels all around the world. Engineering Our experienced designers are masters of creating beautiful and technically precise decks using CAD construction program, importing data provided by our digitizing team. Our designers’ exceptional ability to create visual symmetry ensures impeccable finishes and beautiful aesthetic decks. Manufacturing Every cork decking panel is custom made to perfectly fit the areas to be covered. The panels are delivered with completed seam pattern, and ready to be glued down on most structural surfaces. Our team will first carry out an inspection of the boat to identify the best application method for each area. Creating a Watertight Barrier After the adhesive cures, the seams between the planks undergo routing, cleaning, and caulking. Installation The finished deck panels are placed in custom-made crates and then shipped and installed worldwide. Prior to the arrival of the new deck, the old deck is removed. Our installers inspect for any issues such as water intrusion, delamination, or corrosion on the vessel’s surface. If such issues are found, the areas are repaired before the new deck is installed. We use a combination of our TDS bedding and bonding adhesive, along with TDS two-part, flexible epoxy fitting glue, to secure the panels in place.
March 28, 2025
Everything you need to know about cork decks As the industry and yacht owners move towards sustainable decking options, we have recently begun working with cork. This decision has been driven by the increasing demand from environmentally conscious customers . As more people prioritize eco-friendly choices in their purchases, cork has emerged as an ideal decking material. Known for its sustainability and numerous environmental benefits, cork offers unique characteristics that not only provide practical advantages but also contribute to a reduced environmental footprint . This makes cork a compelling choice for those looking to make greener decisions. TDS is a distributor for Navicork by Amorim , the world leader in the cork industry , which is leading the marine revolution with cork decks that champion sustainability. With more than 150 years of history, Amorim has made an unparalleled investment in research, innovation, and design, developing a portfolio of products and solutions that set the standard for environmentally responsible decking . Why is cork so environmentally friendly? UNESCO recognizes cork oak forests as one of the 36 most crucial ecosystems globally, highlighting their environmental significance. Cork is one of the most sustainable resources in the world and remains the only truly carbon-negative product on the market. Eco-Friendly & Carbon-Negative One tonne of cork absorbs about two tonnes of CO₂ while producing only 1.6 tonnes during processing. Harvesting cork does not require felling the tree , allowing forests to continue absorbing carbon dioxide. The bark regenerates , ensuring a sustainable and renewable material for generations to come. Lightweight and Durable Cork is significantly lighter than traditional decking materials, 2 to 5 times lighter than teak, reducing overall vessel weight and fuel efficiency. It is highly resistant to wear and tear , making it suitable for high-traffic marine applications. Superior Thermal and Acoustic Insulation Low thermal conductivity (0.065 W/mºK) minimizes condensation, reduces energy loss and keeps decks cool underfoot. The closed-cell structure of cork dampens structural noise , reducing onboard sound levels and acoustic performance. Comfort & Safety Cork’s soft, velvety texture provides superior underfoot comfort , reducing fatigue during long periods on deck. Its natural non-slip properties enhance safety, making it an excellent choice for marine environments. It’s splinter-free and reduces impact injuries compared to traditional hardwood decks. Design Flexibility & Aesthetic Appeal Available in various textures, colors, and patterns, cork decking can be customized to match the design vision of any vessel. Offers a unique aesthetic while still delivering the premium look and feel desired. For more information check our cork decking section
March 11, 2025
What to expect from TDS when you order a deck Once you have decided to order your new deck from us, we have a process in place to ensure that the whole manufacturing and installation goes as smoothly as possible. With a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, we have put together some guidelines outlining the most important key steps from the moment that you commit to a new deck from us. 1. Customer Inquiry, Quotation Process and Formal Quote When we are first contacted by a customer, we ask that they send us photos and a layout of the boat via our contact page on our website so that we can understand their specific requirements. Our team then conducts its own research by reviewing the layout and photos provided, as well as gathering information about your boat. Based on this information, we develop a budgetary quote, and if the customer is satisfied with it, we provide a formal quote. The formal quote outlines all the essential details, including design specifications, materials, price and timelines. It is crucial that you read through this document carefully. Taking the time to review it not only helps you understand what to expect but also gives you an opportunity to ask questions or clarify any uncertainties before signing. Once the quote is acceepted, we issue a pro forma invoice for the templating/digitizing, after which we will organize a date to digitize the deck. Once we have the digital file, our sales and project management teams meet to review both the quote and the digitized layout to ensure that the quoted square footage is accurate. Should there be any discrepancies, we adjust the quote accordingly and will call you to explain the changes. 2. Securing Your Order with a Deposit After both parties agree on the final numbers, we send an order confirmation for your signature and will then send an invoice for 50% of the materials cost and the cost of digitization so that we can begin building the deck. Once the funds are received, we start production, later invoicing for the remaining 50%. Travel costs associated with the digitization are invoiced separately after the activity has concluded. 3. Project Management and Timeline Confirmation We will assigns a dedicated Project Manager to your deck, and they will be your primary point of contact throughout the entire process. Your Project Manager is responsible for confirming the production and installation timeline and ensuring that every phase of the project is scheduled appropriately. They will communicate any updates, answer your questions, and address any concerns that may arise during production. 4. Final Payment and Scheduling Shipment Before the deck is shipped and installed, we require that the full remaining balance is settled and we can then schedule shipment and installation without any delays. 5. Installation You will have received an estimated quote for installation. Once the deck is installed we ask the captain or project manager to walk the deck with our team and get a sign off and release for the deck and then we invoice them for the final amount along with any associated travel, travel time, accommodation and subsistence. We will invoice you the final amount once the installation has been done.
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