Trex RainEscape: Maximising outdoor living space as part of a balcony deck build
Homeowners on the Wirral Peninsula wanted to make the most of their picturesque surroundings by adding a first-floor balcony deck to their barn conversion – but with one important requirement: they also wanted the area beneath the balcony to function as an extra outdoor living space.
Their decking installer made it possible to achieve both by incorporating the innovative Trex® RainEscape® drainage system as part of the build, creating a stylish elevated deck with a fully protected, usable patio area below.
The system shields the area below the deck from rain and snow, while also protecting the deck substructure from moisture damage.
Known for its picturesque coastline and lush countryside, the Wirral is the perfect place for a balcony deck with a view. That’s exactly what the owners of a barn conversion in the village of Thornton Hough were seeking when they chose the Wirral Decking Company to build a balcony deck at the property.
The homeowners wanted to expand their usable outdoor area while ensuring the space beneath the deck remained dry and inviting. Included in the brief for the build was a requirement for the space beneath the 15m² balcony to serve as a patio area.
“Our client was keen to maximise their outdoor living space,” said certified TrexPro® composite decking installer Phil Wright, owner of the Wirral Decking Company.
“We recommended incorporating the Trex RainEscape drainage system into the build as the best way to keep the area below completely dry and protected from the elements.”
How Trex RainEscape works
Designed for elevated decks, Trex RainEscape is a network of troughs and downspouts installed above the joists of a deck’s substructure and below the decking boards.
The system captures and diverts water away from the deck, creating a dry space beneath it that can be used either for storage or as an additional living area.
Phil explained: “The Trex RainEscape system is very straightforward and robust. The troughs and downspouts are made from durable polyethylene, with all seams and joints sealed and made watertight using either RainEscape butyl caulk or RainEscape seam tape, which is a self-adhesive waterproof butyl flashing tape.
“This prevents water from infiltrating the deck’s structure, protecting it from moisture damage like rot or mildew, as well as holding screws in place longer.”
In addition to its waterproofing benefits, the system provides flexibility for concealed wiring for stylish features.
Phil continued: “Because the area between the decking and the soffit ceiling below remains dry, electrical cabling can be safely and discreetly installed here to power features such as lighting, ceiling fans and speakers. This gives homeowners the option to create a truly finished, functional living space below their deck.”
Straightforward installation
One of the advantages of Trex RainEscape is ease of installation. Just three tools are needed: a utility knife, a staple gun and a caulking gun.
Phil explains: “The system is really quite straightforward to install. It comes with very helpful instructions that include guidance for a range of builds; for example, how to install it on picture-framed decks and with flat blocking. There are also videos showing each stage of the installation process.”
In brief, installation starts with laying ledger and sub-ledger flashing tapes, before stapling funnel-shaped downspouts into the joist bays, making sure they are angled to drain toward the gutter.
Next, the trough material is adhered directly to the flashing tape to cover all the joist tops, overlapping the downspouts to create a watertight seal.
Finally, the trough material is secured with staples, ensuring a slight slope for drainage.
A stunning outdoor living space, with weather protection below
For the finished balcony surface, Phil used Trex® Transcend® Lineage decking boards in ‘Rainier’ – a cool, mountain-inspired grey with subtle silver tones and a delicate grain pattern. The balcony is framed with Trex® Signature™ glass railing.
The combination of the high-performance composite decking and the concealed RainEscape drainage system has created a sophisticated, low-maintenance balcony with a bright, sheltered patio beneath that can be enjoyed all year round.
“The clients couldn’t be happier with the deck, and have told me they enjoy using it every day,” said Phil.
“Trex RainEscape really enhances the value and usability of an elevated deck. For homeowners, it’s a simple and effective way to make the most of their space, whether they want to increase outdoor living space or simply create a waterproofed storage area.”
Backed by a 25-year warranty, Trex RainEscape offers lasting peace of mind alongside design flexibility and performance.
Find out more about Trex RainEscape here. For more information on Trex visit uk.trex.com.
