Your outdoor deck or patio can be a great place to relax and entertain friends and family. Unfortunately, weather limits how often you can comfortably enjoy those spaces. If you’ve dreamed of having a protected outdoor living space that is functional during rainy weather and offers shade from the hot summer sun, an underdeck system may be the ideal solution.
By adding a custom-built underdecking system, the often unused area under a deck can be transformed into a covered patio, secure storage space, or fully enclosed year-round living area. The options are almost endless when it comes to finishing the space under a deck.
Benefits of Underdecking
Underdecking is a simple drainage system designed to keep water at bay. An underdeck system drains water away from the deck by using a network of trim, gutters, downspouts, and ceiling panels. This creates an area under the deck that stays dry and protected from the elements. Once the system is installed, utilities can be added for lighting, ceiling fans, televisions, and outdoor kitchens.
For homeowners with a second-story deck, adding an underdecking system offers several advantages worth considering:
1. Make an Existing Underdeck Patio More Enjoyable
You may already have an existing patio under your deck that you use but the experience may not be very pleasant. Exposed deck beams are prime locations for birds, squirrels, and insects. Rainwater often collects under decks making the area damp and moldy. An underdecking system creates a ceiling and drainage system that protect you and your family from both rain and pests, making the space more enjoyable for relaxing, dining, or entertaining.
2. Expand Your Living Space
By adding options like ceiling fans, lighting, and heaters, the area under your deck can provide a comfortable indoor-outdoor space all year long. Whether you decide to create an outdoor kitchen, seating area, or a custom storage space, you’ll significantly increase your home’s usable square footage with the addition of an underdecking system.
3. Protect Your Deck and Home from Moisture Damage
Your deck takes a lot of punishment from the elements and water dripping around and through it. Every time it rains it may be causing more damage than you realize.
If the ground under your deck is frequently damp, water may be working its way toward your foundation. Trapped water and debris can cause leaks that are hard to track down and expensive to repair. Underdecking systems drain water away from your home into the yard, thus preventing mold, mildew, and erosion problems around foundations.
4. Prevent Mold and Mildew
Mold can cause health problems for people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Improper drainage is a major cause of mold and mildew around homes and under decks.
The lack of sunlight can also contribute to the dampness below a deck because it takes longer for it to dry out. An underdeck system eliminates moisture problems by draining water away from your home and out into your yard.
5. Enjoy the Healthy Benefits of Outdoor Living
More people of all ages are spending more time indoors under fluorescent lights and in front of computer screens. Increasing outdoor time can improve both physical and mental health.
Hundreds of studies have shown that spending time outside offers numerous health benefits. Time spent outdoors has been shown to improve memory, fight depression, and lower blood pressure. Some studies have shown that simply sitting and taking in the views of nature can improve mood and lower anxiety.
6. Minimal Maintenance Required
Maintaining an underdecking system requires little time or effort, especially when it’s constructed with aluminum panels. The only debris that makes it into the drainage system is what can fit through the spacing of deck boards. In most cases, they are small particles that are washed through the system by a heavy rain. Cleaning is also simple - simply spray with a garden hose and wipe down as needed.
7. Increase the Value of Your Home
For regions with multi-story homes or hilly terrain, the dead zone under a tall deck is practically useless. Adding an underdecking system can add valuable living space at far less cost than a traditional home addition.
Realtors report that outdoor living spaces are an attractive selling feature for most homebuyers. A dry, secure underdeck system creates additional value whether it is used for secure storage, a covered patio, or as an additional living space.
Increase Your Outdoor Living Space
RainTight of the Carolinas specializes in the custom-made manufacturing and installation of underdeck ceiling systems. We can create a custom design that will increase the value of your home, blend seamlessly with your existing architecture, and provide years of enjoyment. With a RainTight underdeck system, you’ll get a high-quality product that is strong, lightweight and requires little maintenance.
We serve customers in a roughly 200-mile radius from Charlotte, North Carolina. Our professionals are dedicated to giving each and every customer the ultimate underdecking ceiling system to fit their needs and lifestyle. Call us at (704) 322-3055 to schedule a free consultation.