Four essential steps to prevent deck decay

It's common knowledge among deck installers that water is the enemy of timber and the leading cause of deck deterioration. It can lead to mould, mildew, rot and premature deck failure

Leading composite decking manufacturer Trex® has worked with its UK and Ireland Market Manager, Lee Heitzman, to put together four tips to prevent moisture from undermining your next installation.

1. Survey the slope

To prevent moisture build-up, water must be able to drain away from the deck structure. Set the deck framing at a pitch of 1% to 2%, sloping away from the building. If you plan to install an under-deck drainage system, determine where the water will discharge.

Consider adding a French drain (an engineered trench), reservoir or another method of redirecting the water, or collect it for use in watering a garden or planting area.

2. Protect the substructure

The timber used in deck construction is pressure-treated to be water-resistant – not waterproof. To protect a deck’s structural elements from moisture and rot, it is critical to apply flashing tape, such as Trex® Protect, over all joists, blocking and other timber connections.

Designed specifically for decking applications and available in sizes for use on joists, bearers and rim boards, these self-adhesive butyl tapes also seal around deck fasteners. They help screws maintain a stronger hold by preventing moisture penetration and protecting against splitting caused by seasonal freezing and thawing.

3. Use low-maintenance decking

Timber decks can be beautiful, but any type of wood – whether pressure-treated timber, cedar or exotic hardwood – must be cleaned regularly and recoated every few years to maintain its appearance and prevent water damage. That’s why composite decking boards, which are highly resistant to moisture, continue to grow in popularity. They require minimal maintenance and can last for decades.

Trex®, the world’s leading composite decking brand, never requires sanding, sealing or staining, making it an excellent low-maintenance option.

4. Divert water with a deck drainage system

For more comprehensive protection of your deck substructure, consider installing a deck drainage system. Designed for use beneath elevated decks, these systems capture and divert water away from the structure. This not only protects the foundation from moisture penetration but also keeps the space beneath the deck dry and usable for storage or as an additional outdoor living area.

Offering maximum protection, the Trex® RainEscape® system installs above the joists to shield the entire substructure. It also enables homeowners to discreetly route gas and electrical lines beneath the drainage system and a soffit ceiling, providing power for lighting, appliances and other outdoor electrical features.

For more waterproofing tips, visit https://trexprotect.com/uk and https://uk.trex.com/products/rainescape.