Lumber is mounted to the steel frame to facilitate the installation of composite top-decking, and ensuing decorative siding and soffits.
The TREX composite top-decking of the balcony mimics the two other large decks below.
As the rains recently continued to fall incessantly my memory took me back to a huge double composite deck project that also included a cantilevered balcony to match. Because the balcony protrudes above one of the decks, it would be necessary to divert precipitation from falling through. TREX manufactures a product for just this type of scenario.
The TREX RainEscape product is a rubber membrane trough system that once installed, catches rainfall and diverts it as desired. Set between the joists of a deck or balcony, the membrane is laid in such a way as to create a nominal grade that channels the accumulating water towards a rubber downspout. An eavestrough can then be mounted directly below the sequential downspouts positioned at the end of each joist gap, which then carries the water away.
The RainEscape system shields the area immediately below the decking from rain & snow, as well as sunlight that attempts to peer through the gaps of top-decking, and provides 100% protection of the deck substructure from moisture. It should be noted that this product is intended for areas above non-interior living space.
During the balcony and double deck build, the TREX composite colour and style chosen for the balcony would match the top-decking of the two main decks at ground level. To prep the framework, two-by-fours were mounted atop the existing steel beam structure to both raise the elevation of the balcony top to better meet the balcony door height, as well as provide a convenient surface upon which the composite top decking boards could be affixed. Once the top framing was completed, the perimeter was also framed for the ensuing decorative siding that would also match other areas of the house.
Before the top-decking is installed, the TREX RainEscape system is introduced. The downspouts are first placed along the backside of the balcony, near the exterior wall of the house. The flat rubber membrane is then cut to a length that fills the gap between joists, minus the depth of the rubber downspouts. Along the tops of the two-by-fours, the membranes are stapled in such a manner as to create a backward grade towards the house, where the downspouts are placed. Once every joist gap is fitted with a membrane, RainEscape tape is used to seal the seams where the membrane edges meet, and along the top edge of the downspouts. Using a hose to test confirms that all joist cavities channel the water successfully towards the respective downspouts. With the system is place, the composite top-decking can be installed.
To mimic the two decks below, a double picture-framed perimeter of TREX top decking is installed along the outer edges of the balcony framework. The main composite boards are then laid parallel with the exterior wall of the house, quarantine with the perimeter picture-framing. The boards are fastened to the two-by-fours below using TREX T-clips, which are screwed into the lumber at every gap between composite boards. With the composite now in place, my attention reverts briefly to the underside of the balcony, whereby an eavestrough is mounted below the row of rubber downspouts to carry precipitation away to the far side of the corner of the house. The height of the balcony protrusion allows the trough to then be hidden within the balcony decorative siding, and the impending soffits along the underside.
The TREX RainEscape, precipitation diverting system is optimal for exterior scenarios that require a moisture-free outdoor environment. When the rain falls, these homeowners can still enjoy sitting on their deck, while keeping dry below the balcony. Other situations may also call for a dry storage area below a deck. No matter the reason, the TREX RainEscape system is a tailorable option for keeping things dry below. And based on the amount of rainy days thus far this spring, it seems keeping dry is imperative.
RenoBoss.Inc@outlook.com
