Expert tips for a water-resistant deck

It's common knowledge among professional builders that water is the enemy of timber and the leading cause of deterioration for decks. It can lead to mould, mildew, rot, and premature deck failure. To prevent moisture from undermining your next installation, here are four tips to keep in mind...

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Survey the slope

Water must drain away from a deck structure. Set the deck framing at a pitch of between 1% and 2% to slope away from the building site. Consider adding a French drain (also known as an engineered trench), reservoir, or other means to redirect the water or collect it for use in watering a garden or planting area.

Protect the substructure

The lumber used in deck building is pressure-treated to be water-resistant - not waterproof. To protect a deck’s structural elements from moisture and rot, it's critical to apply flashing tape, such as Trex® Protect, over all the joinery and blocking.