Underdeck Waterproofing or on Top?

by Donna
(Vernon, BC)

We are planning on redoing our large deck. We have a room underneath our deck that has a dirt floor.

I would like the deck to have a solid floor on it so that the room underneath would not leak from the ceiling.

What is the best material to use for the deck then?

Our deck is approx. 800 sq. ft. your ideas on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

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Jan 31, 2011
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Many choices to waterproof a deck
by: Editor - Rich Bergman

There are a lot of options you have to choose from on how to waterproof a deck so that the under deck area is dry.

You can use deck surface solutions to that waterproof the top of your deck. These include vinyl membrane - very popular on the west coast already. Fiberglass, deck coatings like Ducan products, aluminum decking like Lockdry, Versadeck, AridDeck.

Or you can choose to use traditional deck surface and waterproof underdeck solutions. These include Underdeck, DrySnap, DryJoist, DekDrain and RainEscape. You can also create your own joist drain system by draping EPDM rubber over joists to create channels that catch the rain and direct it to the end of your deck where it is caught by a gutter and down spout.

I highly suggest you research each of these options to see if you like any of them. Then see if they are readily available in your area. Also consider what local builders prefer based on your climate. Vernon is a lot drier than the coast and you get some frigid days in the winter so there may be some local experience that plays into this decision.

But from among the solutions I mentioned you should easily find the right choice to waterproof you deck and get great use of a dry space underneath.

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