Dry space below · Atlanta, Georgia
A raised deck leaves a second outdoor room underneath, as long as rain stops falling through the boards. We install drainage systems that catch that water and carry it to a gutter and downspout.
Two rooms from one deck
Deck boards are spaced so water drains between them. On a ground-level deck that is exactly what you want. On a second-story deck over a patio or a basement door, it means the space below is wet every time it rains and for a while after.
A drainage system puts a sloped, watertight layer between the deck surface and the space below. Water that drips through the boards lands on that layer, runs to a gutter at the outer beam, and leaves through a downspout. The area underneath stays dry enough for furniture, storage, or a finished ceiling with lights and a fan.
It suits the way many Atlanta houses sit. Sloped lots and walk-out basements put the main-floor deck a full story above the yard, with a patio or basement entry directly beneath it. Our deck building crew in Atlanta installs these systems on new decks and adds them to existing ones when the frame allows.
Two approaches
A waterproof membrane or trough is fitted between and over the joists before the deck boards go down. Water never touches the framing, so the joists and beams stay dry too. This is the best choice on a new deck or when the decking is being replaced.
Sloped panels of vinyl or aluminum attach under the joists and form a finished ceiling. They can be installed on an existing deck without removing the boards. The framing above the panels still gets wet, so airflow and joist condition matter.
Either system ends at a gutter along the beam. The downspout has to send the water somewhere sensible: to an existing drain line, or away from the foundation and the patio.
A dry ceiling makes room for recessed lights, a ceiling fan, or outlets. Electrical work is planned before the ceiling goes in and should be done by a licensed electrician.
Before you buy
These systems work well when they are matched to the deck. A few things decide which type fits, or whether one fits at all:
We look at all of this on the site visit and tell you which approach we recommend and why.
Planning your budget
Price depends on the square footage being covered, the system type, and whether it is going on a new deck or an existing one. Below-joist panels on an existing deck avoid the cost of lifting the boards. Above-joist systems cost less to add during a new build or a re-decking than as a separate project later.
Gutter and downspout routing, a finished soffit, and any lighting or fan wiring are priced separately so you can see each piece. Your final price comes after a site visit, written out in the scope.
Step by step
We check joist layout, slope, headroom, framing condition, and where the water can drain.
You get a recommendation for above-joist or below-joist, with gutter routing and any ceiling finish written into the scope.
Any soft joists, loose hangers, or missing flashing are fixed first.
Membrane or panels go in with the required slope, followed by gutter, downspout, and trim.
We run water over the deck, check the ceiling and gutter, and show you how to clear debris.
Adding drainage during a new build costs less than retrofitting later.
Call (470) 279-4199Common questions
Usually, yes. Below-joist panel systems are designed for retrofits and go in from underneath. An above-joist system needs the deck boards removed, so it makes sense when you are replacing the decking anyway. Either way, the frame is inspected first.
It will be protected from rain falling through the deck, which is most of the water. Wind-driven rain can still come in from open sides, and a patio slab can get damp from the ground. Think of it as a covered porch, not an interior room.
It should not if the system is installed correctly. Above-joist systems keep water off the framing entirely. Below-joist systems let the joists get wet as before, so the panels need the right slope and enough ventilation for the framing to dry between storms.
Leaves, pine straw, and pollen wash through the gaps between boards. We leave access to flush the troughs and gutter, and recommend rinsing them when you clean the deck, more often if the deck sits under trees.
Yes. A drained ceiling is what makes that practical. Fixtures should be rated for damp locations, and the wiring is run before the ceiling is closed.
Service area
We take on this work throughout Atlanta and in nearby cities, including Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Vinings, and Marietta.
Use the space you have
Tell us how high your deck is and what you want to do underneath it. We will check the framing and drainage path and recommend a system in writing.
