Landscape Irrigation - Deck Drainage System
About Deck Drainage Systems
A deck drainage system for a landscape deck is used to channel rain water away from the home. This is very important in regions that expect a regular wet season. Excess water on your deck can cause many problems so it is best to install an appropriate drainage system to prevent any serious problems.
Deck Drainage for Pavement Decks
If you need a drainage system for a driveway or pavement in your landscape, a channel drain would be perfect. A channel drain is installed to collect water and transport it through underground pipes. A channel drain runs along the width of the pavement or driveway, rather than just one point, and collects rain water and transports it to the main storm water pipes. Channel drains feature a locking mechanism for the grates. This prevents the grates being lost, stolen or vandalized. This also allows the gratings to be removed for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Deck Drainage for Timber Decks
For a timber deck, the installation of a deck drainage system will ensure that when it rains, the water that comes through the gaps in the planks of a timber deck, will be directed away from the deck so there is no water coming through to the area below. This allows the homeowner the use of the area below the deck for storage area or even another outdoor entertaining area. 1. Begin by drawing a line along the inside of each joist underneath the deck where the brackets will be positioned. The channels must be sloping downward slightly to ensure the water will travel down the brackets.
2. Measure the space between the joists and then fit pieces of F bracket with long roof nails. Apply some exterior caulk to the back of the bracket before nailing it in. When the brackets are fastened, don’t nail them all the way in. Allow some room so as to allow for contraction and expansion in different climates. 3. Measure the sections that will run along the sides of the joists and cut more F bracket to accommodate.
4. Once all the brackets are fitted in between and running along each joist, measure and cut sections of vinyl to secure between the F brackets. Place the end of the vinyl panels in the end of the bracket and pull into place. 5. Install some guttering and down pipes to collect and carry the water away from the home to an appropriate soakaway. If there are no gutters installed, in heavy rain the excess water will create muddy areas on your grass.
Benefits of a Deck Drainage System
- Prevents excess water from overflowing your deck and flowing onto your landscape
- Transports excess water to prevent muddy patches from forming due to heavy rain
- Reduces the risks of fungal diseases of the lawn by removing the rain water and directing it away from the landscape.
- Prevents the threat of moss and algae build up on a deck, pavement or driveway from poor drainage
- A sufficient deck drainage system will assist in preventing rotting and eroding of a timber deck.
