Landscape and Urban Design Issue 45 2020 | Page 47

DECKING
Go Below: Utilizing Under-Deck
Areas
For years, homeowners – not to
mention architects, builders and
contractors – have neglected to take
advantage of under-deck spaces.
And, for those that have used the
space under a deck for storage, odds
are it hasn’t been pretty – especially
in light of our often wet and rainy
U.K. climate. I’ve certainly seen my
share of outdoor storage spaces
filled with deteriorating items
covered in mud, mould and mildew
due to being exposed to too much
moisture.
Still, creating useable space beneath
a deck is one of my favourite addons
to any garden project. The secret
to success and customer satisfaction
is adding a deck drainage system.
Using a network of troughs and
downspouts, these systems capture
and divert water away from a deck,
not only preserving the studwork
but also making the area under
the deck useable for storage or as
additional living area.
Trex RainEscape installed
Trex RainEscape with Soffit Lights
There are two main categories
of drainage systems available,
depending on whether they’re
installed above or below the
joists. For optimal protection
and aesthetics, I prefer an abovethe-joist
system, such as Trex®
RainEscape®. This system uses an
ultra-durable, rubberized membrane
that drapes down into each joist bay.
The membrane pieces are shaped so
that they can be stapled to the top
of the joists yet hang lower at one
end of the bay to facilitate drainage.
When the joists cantilever past a
bearer, separate pieces are installed
on each side and sloped to direct
water to a gutter on the inner face of
the beam.
Trex RainEscape funnels
are easy to install
The main advantage to this type
of system is that it protects the
entire substructure and the area
beneath the deck from water
damage and deterioration. Trex
RainEscape also includes a heavyduty
waterproof tape that protects
joists and bearers from moisture
penetration, helps to hold screws in
place longer and serves as a shield
between galvanized metal and
timber. Furthermore, the membrane
material – compared with metal,
vinyl or PVC – accommodates a
broader range of ceiling options for
homeowners seeking a finished look.
Among the biggest advantages
of Trex RainEscape is that it is
very easy and efficient to install –
whether during a new deck build
and when replacing existing deck
boards. Any contractor or DIYer can
do it. The entire system includes
just five SKUs – a 40cm and 30cm
drainage trough sheet, a downspout,
butyl waterproof caulk and butyl
waterproof tape. Additionally,
only three tools – scissors or a
utility knife, a staple gun hammer
and a caulk gun – are needed for
installation. Each trough is clearly
labeled with staple markers to
expedite the process, which takes no
more than a few hours to complete.
And, the system is backed by a
20-year warranty from Trex® – the
world’s #1 decking brand.
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