Creating a dry under-deck area dramatically increases the usable space of your outdoor living oasis. Of course, the key is to make sure it’s done right so that your deck is waterproof.
2 Waterproof Solutions
At Wahoo Decks, we offer two different solutions to help you waterproof your deck or balcony—AridDek and DryJoistEZ. Both of our waterproof aluminum deck solutions are naturally water-resistant due to the inherent nature of aluminum. Aluminum decking is also:
- Innately solid and durable.
- An environmentally-friendly decking choice. It’s made of 50% recycled aluminum, and neither consists of – or requires cleaning by harsh chemicals.
Comparing the 2 Waterproofing Products
AridDek is an aluminum deck board with a tongue-in-groove design that creates a beautiful, low-maintenance deck surface while providing the added bonus of an integrated gutter system for a dry, usable space below the deck.
AridDek aluminum decking has a powder coat to increase protection, durability, and color customization. As with all our aluminum decking choices, it’s also a low-maintenance decking option. Aluminum decking also stays cooler than wood, composites, or concrete. AridDek is cooler to the touch when compared to traditional deck waterproofing options. The top surface of AridDek has texture for safety. Each watertight decking board’s interlocking tongue-and-groove decking design forms a completely solid surface when connected.
*See an animation of how the AridDek waterproof aluminum decking system boards lock together when connected
AridDek also includes a hidden gutter system to shuttle any water that does get through. Since it is one inch tall, it can also be the perfect replacement for existing decking.
The good news is that AridDek’s installation process is simple. It goes over a traditional joist system and includes a start board, mainboards, and a finished board. We recommend that AridDek be perpendicular to the structure so the water will drain at a point furthest from the structure.
*Learn more about how AridDek aluminum decking works
DryJoistEZ
DryJoistEZ is a great option to waterproof your deck. It is a watertight solution for a totally dry space under your deck area.
Made from marine-grade aluminum, DryJoistEZ has many of the same benefits as AridDek aluminum decking. It’s sturdy and durable, and it won’t ever rot, chip, warp, crack, or split. Since aluminum has a powder coat, it doesn’t need paint.
DryJoistEZ is not only an alternative to wood framing; it’s also an alternative to waterproofing a deck or balcony. The DryjoistEZ planks can span a 6′ post to post on a single span and an 8′ post to post on a multi-span, eliminating the need for wood joists 12 or 16 inches on center. The underside of DryjoistEZ is precision extruded with grooves so that when planks are interlocked, they resemble a traditional beadboard pattern on the ceiling of the area below the deck. You can secure any decking material while forming a waterproof barrier for the space below the deck itself!
Can you imagine how much easier it would be to have your deck waterproofing be a proactive, well-considered, planned part of your deck design instead of an afterthought? This means no add-on gutters or drains to detract from your deck’s beauty or that you only work part-time.
Today, there are so many ways to maximize your outdoor living spaces! Between waterproofing options that allow you to have that fully dry area below, the ability to add wiring into the dry channel of the DryjoistEZ, and then the option to top it all off with beautiful, prestigious-looking, and durable deck railing options, your deck plan can be truly unique. Contact Wahoo Building Products today to learn how our products can help your space stay dry.
