How to salvage valuable outdoor storage space

Dear Contractors.com,

I have a lot of patio furniture and equipment that I would like to store in my backyard, but my yard is small so I don’t want to take up space with a shed. I was thinking about using the space under my deck, but how can I protect my stuff from the elements?

– G. L., Hyattsville, MD

There are many methods for keeping the area under your deck dry and usable. They vary in design, look, performance, and price. But the majority of these methods required prior planning before installing the deck.

Typically, a protective layer of plastic, aluminum, wood, or other material would be laid down before the deck planks were put down. Unfortunately, this does not work for existing decks.

“One solution that I have found that is very effective for new and existing decks is TimberTech DrySpace,” recommends Vern Munushian, owner of VM Enterprises, Inc., who has 40 years of experience in home remodeling and repair.

DrySpace is installed on the bottom side of the deck, along the exposed joists. A joist cover runs along the joists at an angle away from the house. Between the joists fits a “V-panel” that collects water, leaves and debris that fall between the deck planks, and channels them away from the house. At the end of the joists, Munushian recommends using a gutter system to collect the water and run it to a downspout to protect the space and its contents from getting wet.

“I recommend DrySpace because it’s an effective product that’s reasonably priced, and comes with a good warranty. And it’s easy to install, so it makes my job a lot easier,” jokes Munushian.