Licensed, bonded & insured · CSLB #993188 Serving Los Angeles & Orange County

Exterior pedestrian surfaces

Walkway & Stair Waterproofing in Los Angeles & Orange County

Waterproofing, magnesite repair and slip-resistant finishes for high-traffic exterior walkways, stairs and landings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

Request a free estimate Call (800) 482-6334

Experienced waterproofing since 1985

Exterior walkway, stair & landing repairs

Cracked landings, worn stair coatings, loose edges and leaking exterior corridors need a repair plan that addresses both the walking surface and the supporting construction. We evaluate drainage, stair nosings, wall transitions and existing coatings before specifying walkway waterproofing or stair resurfacing.

For apartments and HOA communities, we coordinate the repair sequence with resident access and temporary closures. We handle the complete repair: removal of failed coatings, replacement of damaged plywood, framing repairs, flashing replacement and installation of the new waterproofing system with a slip-resistant finish. Concealed damage uncovered during removal is documented, and any additional work is agreed with you before proceeding. Existing magnesite requires its own repair or removal assessment; see our dedicated magnesite service for those details.

Explore dedicated magnesite and stair repair

Light beige coated exterior walkway with gray railings and blue door awnings — Exterior access walkway

Gray finished apartment walkways surrounding a planted courtyard — Walkways around a shared courtyard

AI-retouched project photos · Tap to enlarge

Walkways & exterior corridors

A shared walkway needs a sound walking surface, a clear drainage path and continuous waterproofing at walls, doorways and railing posts. We review worn coatings, cracks, low spots and the condition of the plywood or concrete below. We replace damaged plywood, repair deteriorated framing and renew failed deck-to-wall or edge flashing as needed within the agreed scope, then install the waterproofing and finish for daily foot traffic. Work is phased around resident access and required curing time.

Staircases & stair treads

Stairs need close attention at tread edges, nosings, risers and the connections between steps and landings. Crumbling edges, loose material or movement must be evaluated before a new coating is applied. We repair damaged wood framing and plywood, address flashing and railing penetrations within the agreed scope, and install compatible waterproofing with a slip-resistant finish. A coating alone cannot correct a damaged stair assembly.

Landings & doorway transitions

Landings connect stairs, corridors and entrances, making drainage and threshold details especially important. We review water collecting near doors, wall flashing, drains or scuppers, and the joints where adjoining surfaces meet. We can replace damaged landing plywood, repair the framing and replace failed flashing so the new waterproofing connects to the surrounding details. Door clearances and existing elevations help determine the practical scope, while temporary closures are coordinated with the owner or property manager.

Completed CIM 1000 waterproofing on a CDAW walkway and staircase project

From our project portfolio

CIM 1000 waterproofing across walkways and stairs

Our documented walkway and staircase project began with a newly installed wood substrate. CIM 1000 waterproofing continued across the walkway, landing, stair treads, risers and adjoining transitions. See the prepared substrate alongside the completed surface.

See before and after

How the work is approached

A complete scope—not just a surface coating

Removal, plywood & framing repairs

Remove failed material within the agreed scope, inspect the exposed assembly, replace damaged plywood and repair deteriorated framing before rebuilding the walking surface.

Flashing & complete waterproofing

Replace failed flashing within the agreed scope, address wall junctions, edges and drainage details, then install the compatible waterproofing system and finish.

Access-conscious scheduling

Plan work in practical phases for occupied properties, with closures and cure times communicated before work begins.

Specified for the existing assembly

Waterproofing systems we install

We do not force one product onto every deck. The appropriate system depends on the substrate, existing assembly, exposure, expected traffic and project requirements.

01 · Life Specialty Coatings

AL-Flex & MC Systems

AL-Flex for compatible plywood assemblies and MC for compatible concrete surfaces. Existing walkways, stairs and landings are evaluated before the system and repair scope are selected.

02 · Tremco

Vulkem Pedestrian Systems

Liquid-applied pedestrian traffic coatings considered for compatible, properly prepared exterior access areas where waterproofing and daily foot traffic must work together.

03 · Westcoat

ALX & MACoat Systems

Walking-deck systems selected according to the substrate, repair scope, exposure and required finish texture for walkways, stairs and landings.

04 · Multicoat

Multi-Deck Systems

Above-grade waterproofing options for compatible wood and concrete pedestrian surfaces, selected according to site conditions and access requirements.

05 · CIM Industries

CIM 1000

Liquid-applied urethane waterproofing used on our featured walkway and staircase project. Substrate preparation, transition details and any aggregate or wearing finish follow the specified CIM assembly.

Final product selection and specifications are confirmed after the property and existing deck assembly are evaluated.

Common applications

Projects we can evaluate

The final recommendation depends on site conditions, access, the existing assembly and what is uncovered during approved preparation or demolition.

Apartment walkways
HOA common-area walkways
Exterior stairs
Landings and corridors
Magnesite surfaces
Commercial pedestrian areas

Questions customers ask before starting

Walkway & Stair Waterproofing FAQs

These answers explain the decisions that usually affect scope, scheduling and system selection. The final recommendation is based on the conditions at your property.

Ask about your project

Do you also repair damaged plywood, framing and flashing?

Yes. We handle damaged plywood replacement, wood framing repairs and flashing replacement as part of the agreed walkway, stair or landing repair scope. Once failed materials are removed, we document concealed damage and confirm any additional work before proceeding with the new waterproofing system.

Can an existing magnesite walkway or stair be repaired?

Sometimes. The decision depends on the material's bond, cracking, moisture exposure and the condition of the substrate below it. Sound localized areas may support a focused repair, while widespread hollow, loose or leaking surfaces can require broader removal and preparation.

Can an occupied apartment or HOA property remain accessible during the work?

Many projects can be divided into controlled phases, but affected walkways, landings or stairs still need temporary closures during preparation, installation and curing. We plan the sequence around practical resident and emergency-access requirements before work begins.

How is slip resistance addressed on exterior stairs and walkways?

The finish texture is matched to the compatible waterproofing system and intended pedestrian use. Drainage, cleaning and wear also affect surface safety, so the complete area is evaluated rather than relying on texture alone.

How long will an area need to stay closed?

Closure time varies by system, repair depth, weather and site conditions. The proposal and work schedule should identify the expected sequence and cure periods for each phase instead of promising one universal reopening time.

Start with a site evaluation

Request a walkway or stair waterproofing evaluation.

Request an estimate (800) 482-6334