Winter weather can be tough on outdoor structures, especially decks. Freeze-thaw cycles—when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing—are particularly damaging, causing building materials to expand and contract. Without proper protection, your deck’s substructure could suffer costly moisture-related damage. This is where DEK Drain® comes in. Our durable, flexible rubber membrane stays strong in extreme cold, safeguarding your deck investment through winter and beyond.
What Happens During Freeze-Thaw Cycles?
Freeze-thaw cycles occur when water seeps into cracks or surfaces, freezes (expanding), and then thaws (contracting). This constant movement causes damage to vulnerable materials like wood and plastic.
The problem? Repeated exposure to moisture and temperature swings weakens your deck’s substructure over time.
Standard Materials Don’t Hold Up
Many deck drainage systems and other so-called safeguards rely on plastic materials that become brittle in freezing temperatures. Over time, cracks can form, leading to leaks and compromising your deck’s protection.
Plastic simply doesn’t offer the durability required to endure winter’s temperature extremes.
How DEK Drain® Protects Your Deck Investment
DEK Drain’s TOPSIDE® system, however, uses a durable, flexible rubber membrane that remains pliable even when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Unlike plastic systems, DEK Drain® won’t crack, warp, or fail due to expansion and contraction caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
By effectively channeling water away from your deck’s substructure, DEK Drain® prevents moisture-related damage like rot and mildew, ensuring your deck lasts longer.
Additional long-term benefits of DEK Drain® include:
- Moisture Damage Prevention: DEK Drain® keeps beams and joists dry, protecting the foundation of your deck from winter snow and ice.
- Extended Lifespan: By shielding the substructure from repeated freeze-thaw stress, DEK Drain® helps decks maintain their integrity for years to come.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Investing in DEK Drain® now means avoiding expensive repairs caused by cracked drainage systems or moisture damage later.
Freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on unprotected decks, but DEK Drain® offers a lasting solution. Our flexible rubber membrane is designed to handle extreme temperature fluctuations without becoming brittle or cracking, unlike plastic alternatives. Protect your deck investment this winter—and for years to come—by choosing DEK Drain®, the trusted solution for deck drainage and long-term durability.