Leaves, Rain & Debris: Your Fall Under-Deck Maintenance Checklist

Fall is one of the best times to enjoy your backyard. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, football weekends, and evenings around the fire make it the perfect season to spend more time outside.

But for homeowners, fall can become an endless cycle:

It rains. The furniture gets wet. Leaves fall. Everything gets dirty. You clean it and then it happens all over again.

An under deck ceiling and drainage system changes the way you can use the area beneath an elevated deck. By collecting and directing rainwater away from the patio below, an Under Deck Oasis system helps create a dry, finished area where you can keep outdoor furniture, décor, and other items more protected from the weather above.

If you have an under deck ceiling and drainage system, a little fall maintenance can help keep your system performing properly and your outdoor living space ready to enjoy throughout the season. Instead of waiting for cushions to dry or clearing leaves off your seating every time you want to relax, your under-deck area can stay more accessible and ready to enjoy.

Here are a few simple under deck maintenance tips for homeowners as summer turns to fall.

1. Remove Leaves and Debris Around Your Deck

Leaves are beautiful on the trees. They're less appealing when they're piled around your deck and drainage areas.

Throughout the fall, regularly clear away leaves, twigs, pine needles, dirt, and other debris around your deck and accessible portions of your under deck drainage system.

Pay extra attention after windy days and storms, when debris can accumulate quickly.

Keeping drainage paths clear helps rainwater continue moving where it's supposed to go instead of encountering unnecessary obstructions.

2. Check Your Under Deck Drainage System

Fall rain makes this an ideal time to pay attention to how your drainage system is performing.

Rinsing the deck above your system to remove any dirt, debris, pet urine or leftover plant chemicals/fertilizers is a good habit for Fall cleanup. It provides a clean deck above but also gives you the opportunity to see how your system is functioning with the increased flow of water and flushing away the potential materials that could harm the aluminum material of your system.

Take a few minutes to visually inspect accessible gutters, downspouts, and drainage areas. Look for leaves, dirt, or debris that could interfere with water flow.

During or shortly after a rainfall, you can also observe how water is exiting the system. If something doesn't look right, addressing it before freezing temperatures arrive is a smart addition to your fall deck maintenance routine.

3. Clean Your Under Deck Ceiling

Your under deck ceiling is an exterior surface, so some dirt, dust, pollen, and environmental residue are inevitable.

Fall is a great time to clean accessible surfaces and freshen up the finished space beneath your deck. Simply wipe down panels, trim, edges, gutters and downspouts with a soft wet towel and typical dish soap to keep your system clean and shiny.

While cleaning, visually inspect the ceiling for anything that appears loose, damaged, or out of place. If you notice something concerning, contact your under deck system provider rather than waiting for a small issue to potentially become a larger one.

4. Prepare Your Outdoor Living Space for Cooler Weather

Fall maintenance isn't only about the drainage system. It's also a great opportunity to transition your outdoor living area for the new season.

Clean your furniture, remove summer items you no longer need, bring out the blankets, and add a few seasonal touches, like pumpkins, candles and holiday décor.

If your under-deck space includes lighting, fans, a TV, heaters, or other accessories, inspect them and follow the manufacturers' recommended maintenance and winterization instructions.

With the right setup, the space beneath your deck can become a favorite fall destination for:

• Morning coffee on a crisp Saturday
• Watching football outside
• Family dinners and weekend gatherings
• Relaxing while the rain comes down
• Enjoying the changing leaves
• Spending more time outside before winter arrives

Make Fall Cleanup Easier With an Under Deck Oasis

If you don't already have an under deck system, fall may be when you notice just how much potential is hiding beneath your elevated deck.

Rainwater dripping through the deck boards, wet furniture, muddy patios, fallen leaves, and constantly cleaning your outdoor space can make the area below your deck frustrating to use.

An Under Deck Oasis under deck drainage system transforms that space with a finished aluminum ceiling that collects water passing through the deck boards and directs it away from the living area below.

The result is a dry, finished outdoor living space that gives you more opportunities to enjoy your backyard, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.

Because fall should be about enjoying your backyard, not constantly cleaning it.