LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
From a storage standpoint, there are endless possibilities for
making the most of the area beneath a deck no matter the
size of the area. Following are just a few of the ways that my
clients use the bonus storage space that I’ve integrated into
their decks using the Trex RainEscape system:
• Storing seasonal items such as pool equipment, patio
furniture, cushions, hammocks, camping essentials and
yard games
• Tucking away outdoor toys like bicycles, scooters, water
tables and yard games
• Sheltering grills and smokers from moisture and corrosion
• Housing (and hiding) lawnmowers, garden tools and
hoses, along with leftover seed and fertilizer
• Keeping sports equipment handy, protected and ready
for action
• Parking and protecting a boat, snowmobile or ATV from
the outdoor elements
• As a workshop for crafting and DIY projects
• As a playhouse for the kids (my favourite!)
PROLONG THE LIFE OF STUDWORK
The U.K. receives more than its fair share of precipitation,
and these wet, rainy days can wreak havoc on the
substructure of a deck. Easily one of timber’s worst enemies,
moisture contributes to mould growth and can accelerate
structural deterioration. When joists and beams are
exposed, water seeps into screw holes and sits on the wood
causing it to rot and the screws to rust. Additionally, the
natural expansion and contraction of wood due to seasonal
freezing and thawing can cause beams to split and weaken
over time, posing serious safety concerns.
This is especially important if a homeowner is investing
in premium, composite decking, such as Trex, which is
engineered and warrantied to last for several decades. It’s
only logical that a customer will expect the substructure
to last just as long. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case
when working with timber. In fact, a recent survey of builders
revealed that nearly all timber substructures show signs of
splitting, rotting or decaying after just eight years.
If a complete drainage system is not viable for a deck project,
it is still important to protect the studwork from moisture
penetration that can lead to rot and deterioration over time.
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