For homeowners in New Hampshire, where unpredictable weather and heavy rain are common, optimizing your outdoor spaces can significantly enhance your home’s functionality. If you have an elevated deck, you may be missing out on the opportunity to create a dry, usable space below it. By installing an under deck drainage system, like the DEK Drain system used at the Lakeside Meredith Escape, you can transform the area beneath your deck into a functional, year-round outdoor space.
What is an Under Deck Drainage System?
An under deck drainage system channels rainwater and moisture away from the surface of your deck. This keeps the space underneath it completely dry.
Without a drainage system, water seeps through the gaps between the deck boards, creating a damp, unusable area below. With an under deck drainage system like DEK Drain, you can direct rainwater into a gutter system, turning that underutilized space into a comfortable, weatherproof area.
5 Reasons New Hampshire Homeowners Need an Under Deck Drainage System
NH’s climate and landscape present unique challenges for homeowners. An under deck drainage system offers several benefits that make it an ideal solution for homes in the Lakes Region:
- Extended Outdoor Living Space: New Hampshire homeowners can enjoy their outdoor spaces longer when the area beneath their deck is dry and usable. An under deck drainage system provides shelter from the rain, allowing you to add features like a seating area, outdoor dining, or even a hot tub without worrying about weather conditions.
- Protection from Water Damage: New England weather can be harsh, with rain, snow, and ice taking a toll on outdoor structures. An under deck drainage system protects your deck’s joists, beams, and the area below from water damage, preventing issues like wood rot, mold, and mildew, which are common in moist environments.
- Increase Home Value: A dry, functional space beneath your deck adds extra usable square footage to your home, which can increase its market value. Whether you use the space for entertaining or storage, an under deck drainage system enhances the overall functionality of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
- Low Maintenance Solution: Without a drainage system, water can pool beneath your deck, causing mud, mold, and mildew to accumulate. This not only damages the deck over time but also requires constant cleaning and maintenance. Installing a system like DEK Drain keeps the space dry, clean, and virtually maintenance-free.
- Maximizes Your Investment: Building a deck is a significant investment for any homeowner, and an under deck drainage system protects that investment. By preventing water from damaging the deck structure, you’ll extend the life of your deck, reduce repair costs, and get more value out of your outdoor space.
How the DEK Drain System Works
The DEK Drain system is a top-tier solution for managing water runoff from elevated decks. The system uses pre-sloped pans that direct rainwater into bladders positioned between the deck joists. From there, the water is funneled into a concealed gutter system, keeping the space beneath the deck completely dry.
By connecting to the home’s existing gutters, the DEK Drain system ensures that water is efficiently directed away from both the deck and the house, preventing any issues with flooding or moisture buildup. For the Lakeside Meredith Escape, this created a dry, functional area perfect for a stone patio and hot tub, transforming the outdoor living space into a year-round oasis.
Want to see the inner workings of the rubber bladder system? Watch this demonstration video with our Lead Carpenter, Cody.
Deck Details at the Lakeside Meredith Escape
The new deck at the Lakeside Meredith Escape was a complete transformation. The old deck was removed and replaced with a modern structure using Azek/Timbertech Coastline decking and coordinating fascia. The deck was framed beautifully with cortex hidden fasteners, while the perimeter and stair treads were picture framed for a polished look.
To further elevate the design, the deck features Keylink American Series black cable railings with a textured black finish, offering both safety and style. The addition of the DEK Drain water diversion system beneath the deck ensures that the space below remains dry, providing a perfect spot for the family to gather, rain or shine.
Unlock the Potential of Your Outdoor Space
If you’re a homeowner in New Hampshire, an under deck drainage system is an essential upgrade for making the most of your outdoor space. It allows you to extend the life of your deck, create dry, usable areas for entertaining, and protect your home from the damaging effects of water. Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an existing one, the DEK Drain system is a smart investment that delivers long-lasting value.
To further enhance your outdoor living area, explore our latest deck railings ideas for 2025, featuring stylish and functional options that complement any deck design.