By Trex RainEscape, https://trexrainescape.com/
Maximizing usable space is always key for builders offering residential decks alongside carports, sheds, and garages. Homeowners crave additional space, and the solution lies right beneath that new elevated deck.
By implementing an effective under-deck drainage system, you can transform an underutilized area into a dry, functional extension of the homeowner’s outdoor space — from a bonus living or entertaining area to much-needed storage — without sacrificing any additional square footage. This translates to a valuable selling point for you and increased client satisfaction, resulting in a real win-win for your business.
The Pitfalls of Poor Drainage
No one wants to build a new elevated deck only to have the space underneath be a damp, unusable nightmare. Unfortunately, second-story decks with inadequate drainage allow rainwater and melting snow to drip through the decking gaps and collect in the area below, contributing to the following potential issues:
• Limited Functionality: Due to wet conditions, the space becomes unusable, forcing homeowners to find alternative storage solutions and limiting their ability to enjoy the full functionality of their deck areas.
• Moisture Damage: Wood substructures exposed to moisture are susceptible to rot and mold growth, which can shorten the lifespan of the deck and necessitate costly repairs.
• Foundation Issues: Poorly managed drainage allows water to pool around the home’s foundation, potentially leading to cracks, leaks, and other problems.
• Pests: Damp environments become havens for mosquitos, termites, and other unwanted pests, creating nuisances and even potential health issues.
However, by proactively addressing drainage during the deck-building process, you can avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a successful project outcome and solidifying your reputation as a builder who delivers exceptional results.
The Power of Over-Joist Drainage Systems
Under-deck drainage systems use channels and gutters to collect and divert water away from the deck’s underside, creating a dry, usable space below. There are two installation methods to consider: under-joist and over-joist systems. While under-joist systems offer an option for adding drainage to existing decks, they also allow water to run over the joists and trap moisture, contributing to rot. Here, we’re talking about your new builds. When installing a new elevated deck, an over-joist system like Trex RainEscape offers multiple advantages.
This system employs a network of lightweight, durable troughs that easily installs on top of the deck joists. The troughs act as channels, efficiently directing water to gutters at the deck perimeter and away from the home’s foundation. By creating a barrier above the joists, water never comes in contact with them, preventing moisture damage and extending the life of the entire deck structure.
Impressing Clients With Under-Deck Potential
By incorporating a drainage system, you can transform wasted space into a valuable selling point of your deck project. Unlock a world of possibilities for your clients and differentiate yourself by offering versatile under-deck ideas, like:
• Dry, Organized Storage: Highlight the ability to create a dedicated storage area, protecting lawn equipment, gardening tools, bicycles, and outdoor furniture from harsh weather. This frees up valuable garage space and eliminates cluttered yards.
• All-Weather Entertainment Haven: Emphasize creating a sheltered entertaining area perfect for year-round barbecues, an outdoor kitchen, or a bar area — all protected from the elements.
• Relaxation Station: Present the opportunity to create a tranquil oasis for homeowners, such as a sheltered hot tub space, a cozy breakfast nook, or an inviting firepit area.
• Poolside Oasis: This option caters to those with pools and delivers a resort-like feel in their backyard. It features a sheltered poolside area for loungers and a dedicated space for towels and pool accessories.
• Play Zone: Appeal to families with a dedicated area shielded from the sun and unexpected showers with a space for the children to play games and store toys.
• Functional Mudroom or Workshop: Point out the added utility of a designated mudroom, keeping shoes, outerwear, and sporting equipment neatly organized and readily accessible. Or, encourage handy homeowners to use the space as a well-ventilated workshop for DIY projects with open access to tools and materials.
Including under-deck drainage with your second-story deck can unlock substantial revenue beyond the drainage system itself by allowing you to offer additional features and customizations that enhance the overall value and functionality of the project. Depending on the level of under-deck customization desired, your project’s bottom line can see a significant boost. So, be sure to capitalize on those add-on opportunities.
Selling the Upgrade
Under-deck drainage systems can elevate your deck proposals and add significant value, but you still need to sell the upgrade to the homeowner. Here’s how to effectively present this valuable upgrade to your potential clients:
• Focus on increased functionality: Emphasize how an under-deck drainage system unlocks the potential of the under-deck space.
• Tout the possibilities: Present a variety of inspirational ideas for a dry under-deck space, like those listed above, focusing on the homeowner’s needs and preferences. Mention specific uses, like the potential for outdoor movie nights with a projector screen or a dedicated yoga studio for fitness enthusiasts, helping them see the potential and encouraging them to expand their deck project.
• Offer seamless enhancements: Suggest add-ons like a finished under-deck ceiling with concealed utilities for a ceiling fan, integrated lighting, flatscreen TV, or custom built-ins to maximize the space’s functionality. These upsells add functionality for your client while also increasing your project value.
• Promote long-term benefits: Explain how an over-the-joist drainage solution like Trex RainEscape prevents moisture damage to the joists, safeguarding the structural integrity of their deck, extending its lifespan, and reducing future maintenance costs.
With the benefits of under-deck drainage and its ability to convert neglected spaces into assets, builders can elevate their second-story deck proposals and double the functional outdoor space on their projects. By presenting the value proposition of an over-joist deck drainage solution, you’ll position yourself as a pro who prioritizes both deck longevity and maximizing space for your clients. And that’s something every homeowner will appreciate. GSCB
Trex RainEscape supplies under-deck drainage systems that create dry, usable space below an elevated deck. https://trexrainescape.com.
