What is Trex Rain Escape and Why Would You Need It?

By MKW Services

If you're building a second story deck and want to utilize the space beneath it, consider installing the Trex RainEscape system. This system is designed to manage water runoff, keep your outdoor space dry, and create additional usable space beneath your deck. Here's a breakdown of how the Trex RainEscape waterproofing system works and why you might want to consider it on your next deck build.

What is Trex RainEscape?

Trex RainEscape is a deck drainage system designed to waterproof the underside of your deck from rain or snow melt and providing a way for water run off to reach the ground. It’s perfect for those who want to create a dry, usable area underneath their deck for storage, a patio, or even a finished living area. The system is installed during construction before the deck boards are installed. It can also be installed when replacing or upgrading the decking while maintaining the existing framing.

How Does Trex RainEscape Work?

Trex RainEscape uses a series of troughs, downspouts, and custom components to divert water that falls between the decking boards. This system is designed to keep water from pooling on your deck or flowing directly underneath it, which helps prevent damage from mould, moisture, and rot. Breaking it down, here's how it works:

Water Flows Between Decking Boards: When it rains or snow melts, water naturally flows between the gaps in the decking boards. Without a drainage system, this water runs down the side of the framing and drips in the space below.
Collection Troughs: Trex RainEscape uses a trough installed in each joist space underneath the deck boards. These troughs are installed on top of the framing and creates channels to collect water in the joist space. The troughs are made from a durable material designed to withstand the elements and provide a reliable drainage path.
Water Redirection: The troughs are sloped to direct water towards one end of the deck where downspouts are installed. These downspouts look sort of like a funnel. This prevents any water from accumulating under the deck or sitting on the deck framing, which helps to keep the deck’s structure dry and free from rot.
Drainage System: The downspouts direct the collected water into a trough usually attached to the bottom of the framing. The trough is sloped to one side to direct the water to a downspout. The downspout takes the water to ground level.

Key Features of Trex RainEscape

Invisible from Above: Once installed, Trex RainEscape is hidden under the deck boards, so it doesn’t disrupt the finished appearance of your deck. It comes in either black or tan colour to blend into the decking or framing.
Customizable: Trex RainEscape can be used with most deck types, including pressure treated, cedar, composite or PVC decking. The system is adaptable to different deck sizes and configurations, allowing for a custom fit.
Prevents Moisture Damage: By preventing water from collecting underneath your deck or on the framing, Trex RainEscape helps reduce the risk of moisture-related issues like mould, mildew, and wood rot. It also prevents water from damaging any furniture or outdoor living spaces you might have underneath. This significantly increases the life span of your deck.
Creates More Usable Space: With a dry area under the deck, you can use the space for storage, a lounge area, or even a fully covered outdoor room. This increases your home’s usable square footage and adds value to your property. A ceiling and pot lights can be installed on the underside of the deck to completely hide the RainEscape system and light up the space below.
Simple Installation: The Trex RainEscape system comes with simple directions and YouTube tutorials. All the components can be cut and fitted to the layout of your deck. The only challenge we have found with the installation is working at heights without the deck boards in place can make it a bit tricky.

Why Choose Trex RainEscape for Your Deck?

Protects Your Investment: Decks can be expensive to build—especially composite or PVC, and over time, they can suffer from the effects of water damage if not properly maintained. Trex RainEscape helps protect your deck from the elements, ensuring it lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
Maximizes Outdoor Living Space: With the space under your deck kept dry, it essentially doubles your outdoor living space. You can use it for a variety of outdoor living purposes. You could add a patio, hot tub or even a fully enclosed outdoor room—making your deck much more versatile.
Reduces Maintenance: Because Trex RainEscape prevents water from sitting under your decking and on your framing, you’ll spend less time dealing with mould, mildew, or rot. This helps to reduce the overall maintenance required to keep your deck looking its best and significantly increases the lifespan.

Why would you need Trex RainEscape?

Trex RainEscape is a great option for anyone who wants to maximize the potential of their outdoor space. If you are building a new deck and want to ensure it’s as functional as possible, Trex RainEscape is a great idea. It can double your outdoor living space, whether that's for relaxing or lounging, or even entertaining. We have installed screen porches, hot tubs and Tvs under decks protected with Trex RainEscape systems.

Conclusion

Trex RainEscape is another option to increase your outdoor living space, an effective way to protect your deck and extend the life of it. Whether you're building a new deck or retrofitting an old one, this system will help prevent moisture damage, provide better water drainage, and maximize your outdoor living space. Its design can be completely hidden but still provide full functionality—making it a smart choice for any homeowner looking to get the most out of their outdoor space. Reach out to MKW Services to find out more or ask about integrating the system into your next deck.