FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Rhode Island 2016

The 2016 FHB House is energy-smart, connected, healthy, and durable. It’s small and sensible. Most of all, it’s a valuable model home, meant to educate designers and builders who aspire to create high-performance houses that are exceptional in their quality, comfort, and style.

Site-Built Deck Drainage System

EPDM membrane makes an easy-to-install, cost-effective drain system to create dry space beneath.

By Mike Guertin
diverter piece of EPDM directs water flowing out of the sheets laying across the joists into the gutter.

Derek and Nick fabricated a deck drainage system from a roll of 45-mil EPDM. We used a modified version of the system I wrote about in an FHB article a while back.

The FHB House has a walk-out basement under the deck. We poured a patio slab mirroring the deck above, so installing a deck drainage system is a simple upgrade that will pay dividends by keeping the patio dry.

Before the guys got to the installation, I made a pattern for cutting the EPDM sheets using a piece of plastic so that if there were any errors, they would be made on inexpensive plastic rather than the EPDM.epdm 6

 

 

 

epdm 5

 

And I installed a slopped gutter on the inside edge of the 12-in.-tall rim beam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

epdm 3

The guys used scissors to cut the slight arc along the house side of the EPDM sheet and scalloped edge along the rim-beam side. Then they snapped diverging lines on the tops of the sheets to mark the center of the deck joists for aligning when the sheets were splayed out over the joists.epdm 11

 

 

 

 

 

epdm 10

 

Before installing the main sheets of EPDM, they installed diverter pieces of EPDM on the face of the rim beam in each joist bay epdm 7using cap staples. The diverters ensure that heavy flows of water out of the drainage troughs between joists will be channeled into the gutter.epdm 9

 

 

 

 

 

The EPDM sheets were then placed and cap-stapled along the top of each joist.

 

 

 

 

epdm 12

The EPDM is cut wide enough so that it wraps up the house wall by at least 8 in. epdm 1epdm2In order for water to flow over the deck ledger, we ripped and fastened tapered pressure-treated wood strips.

Metal flashing was installed over the EPDM along the ledger to cover the view strip between the siding skirtboard and the decking. The metal also helps protect the EPDM along this vulnerable area.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Rhode Island 2016 Videos

Navigate the Build

  • Introduction
  • Foundation
  • Framing
  • Windows and Doors
  • Insulation
  • Roof
  • Siding and Trim
  • Mechanicals
  • Interior Finishes
  • Kitchen and Baths
  • Outdoor Spaces
  • Completed Home

Behind the Build

  • Kansas 2022
  • Wisconsin 2021
  • Nebraska 2021
  • Connecticut 2020
  • Kentucky 2019
  • California 2018
  • Vermont 2017
  • Rhode Island 2016
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email

View Comments

  1. aalden | Dec 15, 2016 02:16pm | #1

    One concern I've had about these systems is whether the bottoms of deck boards would stay too wet possibly resulting in premature rot and cupping. Some detritus will make its way between the boards and into the troughs where puddles may form. These puddles along with the air flow minimization resulting from the membrane installation below the deck boards would potentially create a very moist environment.
    I guess I'll find out as I've installed a similar system on two decks now. I did space the deck boards a bit wider in hopes of increasing air flow and preventing clogging.

  2. User avater
    mike_guertin | Dec 20, 2016 07:34am | #2

    reply to aalden:
    Your approach to similar systems is the same as mine - spacing boards by a full 1/4 in. to help airflow.

    On this deck we will use a composite decking with a long track record of problem-free performance. If I were using a wood decking susceptible to decay I probably wouldn't install an underdeck drainage system.

  3. wcroz24 | Apr 30, 2017 08:44pm | #3

    Do you recommend using an EPDM draining system under a hardwood like IPE? I'm concerned about moisture and rot.

    1. User avater
      mike_guertin | Mar 02, 2020 08:29pm | #5

      You can use any underdeck drainage system with Ipe. Just gap the boards properly and you'll be fine. I have a 25 year old ipe deck on my own house that's nearly touching the ground and the boards are fine. Other woods may not be as forgiving of moisture as Ipe though. Climate has a lot to do with it too. The drainage system will get most of the water away. The only remaining water will be what clings to the boards and membrane - kind of like the water left after a shower. If weather patterns in your area are like on the east coast where it rains one day and the next is windy and dry - then you'll be fine. But if you're along the gulf coast or Pacific Northwest then the dampness lingers for days and the rainwater won't dry as quickly. I can't say how wood would perform in those areas over a membrane.

  4. User avater
    Mrs. Brady | May 02, 2017 02:16pm | #4

    why are there rocks in the deck?

    1. User avater
      mike_guertin | Mar 02, 2020 08:30pm | #6

      There are stones under one portion of the deck. They are below the joists by a foot though the photos make them appear closer.

  5. tsepo | Aug 30, 2020 02:22pm | #7

    Hi Mike,

    Do you have any experience using hidden faster systems which require the screw to be driven at an an angle through the membrane? Any concerns about getting an adequate seal around the fasteners in this case, without the use of butyl tape?

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Rhode Island 2016

View All
  • Makeup Air for the Range Hood
  • Finishing the Basement
  • A Look at the Finished Home
  • Range Exhaust
View All

Fine Homebuilding House - Rhode Island 2016 Sponsors

  • AdvanTech Logo
  • American Standard Logo
  • AMVIC Logo
  • Boral_CulturedStone Logo
  • Boral_Flag Logo
  • Boral_TruExterior Logo
  • CertainTeed Logo
  • Coravent Logo
  • Dryerbox Logo
  • DXV Logo
  • Flir Logo
  • Gladiator Logo
  • MAXUSA Logo
  • ProtectoWrap Logo
  • Roxul Logo
  • Sikkens Logo
  • Weyerhaeuser Logo
  • Integrity Logo
  • SoftPlan Logo
  • Tamarack Logo
  • TiteBond Logo
  • TrusJoist Logo
  • Whirlpool Logo
  • Zehnder Logo
  • ZipSystem Logo
  • Feeney Logo

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Episode 1: Drywall Tools for the First Coat

Learn about mechanical and automatic tools such as the taper, the compound tube, and the banjo to make your drywall job better and easier.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Best Deck for a Steel Roof
  • Protect Board Ends to Prevent Rot
  • Podcast 549: Members-only Aftershow—Patios vs. Decks
  • Butt Joints in Decking

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast 549: Members-only Aftershow—Patios vs. Decks
  • Podcast 527: Sloping Decks, Brick-Filled Framing, and Skylights
  • Dial In Your Deck Details
  • Podcast 413: PRO TALK With Deck Builder Max Hegedus
View All

Decks

View All Decks Articles
  • Deck-Board Straightener
  • Sloping a Deck: Is This Necessary?
  • Smart Deck Spacers
  • 5 Steps for Flashing a Deck Ledger
View All Decks Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 316 - July
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in