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What is Trex RainEscape?

What is Trex® RainEscape® and why would I need it? Trex RainEscape is an under-deck drainage system. The trough and downspout design drains water away from your deck, which allows you to create an additional living space or storage area below. The above-the-joist design provides 100% protection to the framing from moisture and holds screws in place longer. Plus it is backed by a 25-year warranty. The biggest benefit of RainEscape is that it creates an area under the deck that is free from rain, spills, and snow melt dripping through the decking boards above. This doubles the square footage of your outdoor living space. Once the system is installed, you can add lighting, ceiling fans, and more, then finish the space with soffit or tongue and groove. 

Trex RainEscape consists of several components, it is installed once the framing and sub-structure are finished, and before the decking boards are installed. Downspouts are installed between all of the joists, then troughs are installed at a gradual slope that directs the water to the downspouts. An aluminum or plastic trough can be installed underneath the downspouts to collect and direct the run-off to a desired location. Butyl tape is placed along all seams and fastener locations to ensure a 100% water-tight seal. Flashing is installed where the framing attaches to the house to ensure water does not seep behind the ledger board. The over the joist design protects your framing from the elements and increases the life of your deck. Trex RainEscape is not recommended for an existing deck unless you remove the deck boards.

The cost of Trex RainEscape varies depending on the size and complexity of your deck design. While you can install RainEscape yourself using Trex's online guides, we recommend hiring a professional deck builder to ensure your system is installed properly according to Trex's guidelines. As a Trex Pro Platinum builder Elevated Deck & Fence is well versed in all of Trex's products and their installation processes. There is no room for installation mistakes, mistakes can lead to structural issues and major leaks. Here are a few typical issues you can run into by self-installing: misaligned or improperly installed joist tape, uneven trough slope, incorrect downspout placement, and longer installation depending on deck complexity.

The #1 benefit of Trex RainEscape is doubling your outdoor living space. It increases your home value and the longevity of your deck. You can finish the underside of the deck with soffit, lighting, fans, and more! Creating an extension of your indoor living space and a seamless addition to the outdoors. Imagine creating a home office, fully furnished sunroom, carport, or an outdoor kitchen. Now maybe your deck is only about 5 feet tall leaving an awkward height for an additional living space. You can still use Trex RainEscape to create a waterproof space underneath the deck for storage. It creates a closed space to store your smoker, BBQ, lawn mower, outdoor toys, and more.

Maintaining your RainEscape system is easy. Simply hose down your deck periodically to wash away pollen and other debris - irrigating your downspouts and gutter line. Without this periodic maintenance you can subject your system to blockages due to leaves and twigs, especially if your deck is near or under trees.

Trex RainEscape protects your deck from rain, snow, mold, and mildew. Installation is simple, especially with the help of a professional deck builder. Backed by a 25-year warranty, RainEscape extends the longevity of your deck with its over-the-joist system. We would be happy to discuss if RainEscape is the right addition to your deck-building needs. Call us at 208-760-2727 for a free estimate.

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