Sometimes, it’s what you don’t see that makes all the difference. That’s the thinking behind the latest enhancements to the Trex® RainEscape® deck drainage system and Trex® Protect™ joist and beam tape. New for 2019, Trex RainEscape is available in a black color option to better blend with darker shades of decking, while Trex Protect is now offered with a non-skid surface for easier, safer installation.
“Both Trex RainEscape and Trex Protect have received a tremendous response from contractors and consumers alike for their abilities to add value to an outdoor living space without adding significant cost,” said Dave Kile, national sales manager for Trex RainEscape and Trex Protect. “These updates to both product offerings are in direct response to feedback we’ve heard from builders and homeowners and are intended to add protection and safety to any decking project.”
Colors That Go Incognito
The Trex RainEscape under-deck drainage system creates dry space beneath a deck that is suitable for furnishings, lighting, ceiling fans, entertainment components and more. The above-the-joists system features a trough and downspout construction that drains water away from a deck and protects the living area below from the elements.
By popular demand, Trex RainEscape is now offered in black, which has been found in field studies to blend better with darker hues of Trex decking, such as Transcend® Spiced Rum and Vintage Lantern. The original brown option works best with lighter decking shades.
Unlike competitive products – which make use of “under joist” technology – Trex RainEscape shields floor joists, protecting them from water damage and deterioration that may occur over time and guarding the structural integrity of the deck. The system is competitively priced at approximately 20-to-30 percent less than similar products. In addition, Trex RainEscape is easy and efficient to install on new decks and during deck resurfacing projects – making it an ideal solution for both contractors and do-it-yourselfers.
The Trex RainEscape system includes just five SKUs – a 16’ and 12’ drainage trough sheet, a down spout, butyl waterproof caulk and 4”x50’ butyl waterproof tape. In addition, only three tools – scissors or a utility knife, a staple gun hammer and a caulk gun – are required for installation.
Don’t Slip When It Comes To Safety
When a dry space underneath your deck isn’t needed, Trex Protect joist and beam tape is a simple and cost-effective solution to combatting the damaging effects of both Mother Nature and Father Time. The self-adhesive deck flashing tape is designed to shield the tops of joists, rim joists, ledger boards and beams from moisture that can lead to the development of rot and wood decay. It also acts as a barrier between wood and galvanized metal commonly used in construction hardware such as joist hangers.
New for this year, the product has been re-engineered with a non-skid surface, making it easier and safer for contractors to walk across during construction.
“Adding a non-slip coating to Trex Protect helps eliminate one of the most common potential hazards of deck construction,” Kile said. “As the trend toward larger and more complex outdoor living spaces continues, Trex Protect takes on a dual meaning as it not only helps protect the deck’s substructure, but also the contractor installing it.”
Available in two widths – 1-5/8” for joists and 3-1/8” for beams – Trex Protect works on horizontal and vertical surfaces and is applied as a “cap” (vs. wrapping), which allows the wood to breathe. It seals deck fasteners and helps deck screws hold longer and stronger by preventing moisture penetration and defending against splitting. Additionally, the butyl-based self-adhesive won’t bleed, dry out as quickly, or curl up and hold water like many asphalt-based tapes.
Trex RainEscape and Trex Protect, along with the complete portfolio of Trex outdoor living products, will be on display during IBS in Booth #N1113. More information can be found at www.trexrainescape.com and www.trexprotect.com. To learn more about Trex, visit www.trex.com.