I am looking for something that I can hang between the joists of my deck to divert the rain water away from the door below. Al
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first thought to mind, maybe a corragated fiberglass inside the joist bays with a pitch to drain and cover the bottom of the joists with lattice and trim work to conceal it?
I think that your idea is the best solution that will be a balance between looking good and being cost effective. I am sure it will work with in the cust. buget. Thanks Al
Your welcome, let us know how it works out
I'm searching for a solution as well and I may have found one that I want to throw out here for comment and advice. I have a two-level deck, 12'x16' each, and the lower level is about 15 ft off the ground, making the space under attractive for storage/tool shed/etc - provided that I address the rainwater issue. Right now, when it rains, the water flows through the top deck, down to lower deck, and then to the ground, making the all three levels pretty much off-limits.
I searched for commercial kits and installers and have been generally dismayed at the price. Not that they are all terribly expensive, but given the amount of attention my house requires, and consdiering the utility of a dry deck space, I can rate several other improvements (such as basement finishing) above the deck.
So I wandered around Home Depot for about an hour and formulated a rough plan. Several commercial kits I have seen fastened a V or U shaped channel between the joist, so using that as a guide, I first looked for a guide, or a rail, that can hold the channels. What I found was a plastic frame for lattice that often goes up on decks to hide the underside. I found it displayed with plastic lattice the HD sells. It's shaped like a block "U" about 1 1/8 inch high and about half inch wide. The "gap" is about a quarter inch, maybe less. It's made with plastic and has been treated to withstand sunlight. It comes in 8' length and cost about $3.25.
Secondly, I looked at corrugated PVC and PC (polycarbonate) panels by Suntuf Inc. These are generally used for roof materials on greenhouse and such. They come in 12' length and are 26" wide. For PVC it's about $13 each and for PC, about $23. PC panels have several advantages but not relevant for the uses I have intended. They seem fairly sturdy and flexible and come in various shades. I plan on using the clear one or at least the semi-transparent one so I can visually check debris buildup which I hear can be a serious problem on certain commercial kits.
As for install, I plan on fastening the frame to the joist, right up against the deck board in "C" and reverse "C" manner. Some silicone adhesive may aid in waterproofing but that's just to be cautious. Then I can cut the panel to size and slide it in. Since the "gap" in the frame is wider than the panel is thick, I'll need to figure out something here. I may just wedge something in there and screw up through the frame and the panel. Of course, I'll pitch it so the water will flow away from the house, and install a gutter system.
Alternatively, I install the frames in upside down "U" and screw directly to the deck board, and flush against the joist. And then install the panels, giving it a slight bend. But I think adding the correct amount of pitch with this may be more trouble than it's worth and my deck is almost perfectly level... The corrugated panels already has several "channels" built in so I'm not sure if I really need to bend it anyay. The multitude of channels may actually distribute the weight of water more evenly along the panel so it might actually be a bonus.
I figure I can do one 12'x16' deck for around $350 in materials, or less. There's some waste in my first method because the joists are of course 16" apart, and the gaps between are anywhere from 14" and15". Since the panel is 26" wide, if I cut it right down the middle, it's gonna be 13" and not quite wide enough... If the manufacturer can recommend a good adhesive then I may be able to salvage the waste, but if not, it just might be tough cookies.
Comments? Advice? This will be my next big (well, for me anyway, since I'm just a HO) project.
I want to do the same thing on a deck I am building, but I figured I would just go to a sheet metal place that will custom bend flashings and see how much it would cost to get it done. I figured on a slightly v shaped form with turned up edges to allow easy nailing to the side of the joists, or if it isn't to much extra a lip that can go over the top of the joist and provide weather protection as well. Don't know how much that would cost as I haven't gotten to that point with the house yet.
Robert
I did see some rolls of aluminum flashing at the roofing section that can be cut to length and bent. It was thin enough that if I just rolled a pizza cutter or something similar to "score" it, it could be bent easily by hand. Maybe put some foam boards under it for that little required "give" while scoring it and it may go easier. Might be worth looking into it... It would be much cheaper than the corrugated PVC.
Edited 3/26/2003 3:19:34 PM ET by Chae
Edited 3/26/2003 3:20:20 PM ET by Chae
Here's a little different approach, but it happens from the top. And if your deck is in good shape, it's probably not for you.
If you go to http://www.deckrite.com, you'll see an EPDM membrane colored and textured to use as a waterproof and barefoot friendly deck covering. However, the recommendation is that it goes down over 3/4" pressure treated CDX. And also, your deck joists would have to be pitched for drainage.
I don't know the name of the commercial flashing product you're looking for that hangs under a deck ... but I do recall pricing it one time a few years ago ... ouch! In that respect, it makes the Deckrite fix more attractive.
Formerly BEMW at The High Desert Group LLC
Edited 3/26/2003 4:48:26 PM ET by Bruce
In a situation that was similar to yours I once built a shed under the deck. Used galv corrugated metal which, in that application, could hardly be seen from anywhere. There was enough roof under the deck to hose down the metal roof if needed. It doesn't matter how fast you get there, it just matters that you go in the right direction.
Blue tarp hangs nicely. :)
Joe H
Dry Deck is one such product.
http://www.americandrydeck.com/
that looks like a good solution. Maybe a little more then the cust will want to spend though. Thanks