Wooden decking is very popular across Australia but despite its prevalence, there are little-to-no effective draining solutions. The RainEscape from Trex aims to counter this issue, just in time for the outdoor living season.

Popular among professional contractors and homeowners across the United States, Trex RainEscape is an innovative drainage system designed to divert water away from an elevated deck to keep the space beneath the deck dry and usable.

It also protects the deck’s substructure from the damaging effects of Mother Nature and Father Time.

“When the wooden joists and bearers used to build a two-story deck are exposed to the outdoor elements, water can seep into screw holes and sit on the timber, causing it to rot and the screws to rust,” Trex RainEscape founder Dave Kile says.

“Additionally, timber’s natural expansion and contraction due to seasonal temperature changes can cause bearers to split and weaken over time, posing serious safety concerns. By adding the Trex RainEscape system, you can extend the life of a deck and its framing for decades.”

Without protection, an average timber deck frame can show signs of deterioration in as few as eight years. Like shingles on a roof, the Trex RainEscape system shields the timber joists and bearers of a substructure from moisture penetration and damage while also making the space beneath the deck functional.

Trex RainEscape uses an integrated network of troughs and downspouts to capture rain, dew and other precipitation and funnel it away from the deck. Differentiating the system from ‘below-the-joist systems’ the Trex RainEscape system is installed above the joists – between the framing and the surface boards – allowing it to waterproof the entire deck frame while keeping the area beneath the deck dry and free of elements.

Once protected, users can add electricity, water and gas lines, as well as furniture, lighting, ceiling fans and entertainment components, to create a year-round outdoor living space. Trex RainEscape also accommodates a broader range of ceiling options than other systems, enabling contractors and homeowners to achieve the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.

Furthermore, only three tools – scissors or a utility knife, a staple gun/hammer and a caulk gun – are required for installation. The system can generally be installed in just a few hours and is backed by a 20-year limited warranty.