Dexerdry Profiles Explained: Create a Dry-Under-Deck Space Without Gut – The Ultimate Deck Shop

If you've ever sat under your deck during a rainstorm in Saskatchewan or Alberta, you've probably wondered: Could I make better use of this space if it just stayed dry? Most homeowners resign themselves to that soggy, unusable patch under the deck, seeing it as lost potential. But as deck specialists at The Ultimate Deck Shop, we know there's a simple, elegant solution—one that doesn't rely on bulky gutters or ugly under-deck troughs: the Dexerdry system.

What Exactly Is Dexerdry?

Dexerdry is an above-joist waterproofing solution designed to keep out water, prevent debris buildup, and give you a dry, clean zone beneath your deck boards. Think of it as a weatherproof gasket that fits into the edges of deck boards, acting like an invisible raincoat for your substructure. Instead of water dripping through the cracks, Dexerdry channels moisture away—creating a clean, dry area below where you can store garden tools or even set up a patio sitting area.

Why Do So Many Decks Suffer Below-Deck Water Problems?

The typical deck has gaps between boards to allow rainwater to drain—a must in our climate. But all that moisture running between the boards soaks the joists and beams below, inviting rot, mold, and all kinds of pests. Over time, even the best-built deck suffers from moisture damage. Gutter systems can help, but they're intrusive, can clog, and require maintenance. Dexerdry takes a completely different approach—preventing water from ever touching your joists in the first place.

How Does Dexerdry Work? (A Quick Overview of the Profiles)

Dexerdry works by fitting into the groove that runs along the edge of compatible deck boards (both composite and some PVC brands). When installed, it creates a seal in the space between boards—so water runs off the surface entirely, safely away from the framing beneath. This isn't just a stop-gap; it's a permanent upgrade to your entire deck ecosystem.

Profile Matching: Dexerdry comes in specific profiles, each precisely engineered to fit the groove dimensions of major deck board brands (for example, Trex, Deckorators, Fiberon, and others).
Material: Made from a specialized thermoplastic, it shrugs off sun, cold, and wet—essential for Canadian conditions. It's also UV and weather-resistant (a big plus for decks that see year-round use).
Installation: It's installed as you lay your deck boards—Dexerdry goes between each board, and is compressed for a tight, leak-proof fit.

Key Benefits of Dexerdry: Extend Deck Life and Add Usable Space

Transforms Below-Deck Space: Converts a damp, dirty under-deck area into clean storage or extra living space for hobbies, kid play, or weatherproof retreats.
Prevents Rot and Insect Issues: No more standing water means far less risk of rot, mold, or mosquitoes making a home in your joists or beams.
Reduces Maintenance: With Dexerdry in place, you’re not continually cleaning out clogged gutters or scraping up the mess underneath your deck every spring.
Cleaner Look: Because the weather protection happens right at board level, you preserve a seamless deck underside with no awkward troughs or hung gutters below.
Flexible Install: Works with new builds or full board replacements—making it a perfect add-on for big deck renovation projects.

Installation Details: What Makes Dexerdry So Unique?

Installing Dexerdry isn’t complex, but there are crucial steps needed for perfect performance. Here’s the process our team recommends (or that we follow for managed installs):

Profile Selection: Identify which brand and line of decking you’re using and match the Dexerdry profile. Every deck board brand has specific dimensions—using the wrong fit won’t provide a watertight seal. Visit our Dexerdry compatibility guide or chat with our team if you’re unsure.
Deck Slope: Like with most water management solutions, slope is key. Your deck surface should tilt 1/8 inch per foot for quick runoff. This is typically achieved with careful framing (no need for specialty framing with Dexerdry, just proper pitch).
No Hidden Fasteners: Since Dexerdry occupies the edge-groove where many hidden fasteners go, you’ll use top-mount screws—often with fasteners like Cortex that we also stock. This doesn't alter your deck’s appearance when done right, but you'll want to plan for it.
Install Process: Install your first board, insert Dexerdry into the groove, compress tightly (beater block and compression tools are recommended), repeat for each board, caulking as needed at ledger points for a continuous seal.
Long Decks: For deck runs longer than 20 feet, introduce a small gap (about 1/4 inch) and treat the gap as a break, then continue. This ensures the system handles lots of water without pooling.

For anyone taking on a deck build or major reno, this is one area where a little planning with us pays off—choosing the right materials, laying out the install plan, and using the right tools makes all the difference in lifetime performance.

Where Dexerdry Excels: Best Use Cases

New Decks: Dexerdry is easiest and most effective when installed during a fresh build. If you’re building from scratch, we can help you design from the ground up.
Major Board Replacement: If you’re pulling up old boards to refresh your deck, it’s a great time to add Dexerdry as you lay down the new surface.
Outdoor Rooms: Want a shaded dry patio below or a sheltered garden zone? Dexerdry plus a well-designed pergola or shade structure creates a true outdoor retreat that’s usable long after summer ends.

The Role of Shade Structures and Design for Ultimate Comfort

If you’re already re-imagining how to use your under-deck area, consider pairing Dexerdry with a pergola or shade structure. These aren’t just about looks—they help funnel rainwater even further away from the deck, shield your dry zone from blowing leaves or snow, and extend the “outdoor season” well past Labour Day. We work on many projects where a modern shade structure plus Dexerdry creates a weather-protected backyard lounge, a hidden bike storage, or even a mini-shop for weekend projects.

Maintenance and Longevity: What to Expect

One of the biggest advantages of Dexerdry is low maintenance. There’s no need to reapply sealant, worry about UV damage, or replace failed tape or caulking. The thermoplastic material stands up to Canadian winters (and the odd hailstorm), is easy to rinse off each season, and rarely needs attention. We do encourage everyone to periodically do a quick inspection—check under the deck for moisture, clear away any debris from the board gaps, and ensure the water is running clear off the edge. If installed according to best practices, you’ll see less deck rot, fewer pests, and a tidy below-deck zone year after year.

Is Dexerdry Right for Your Deck?

In our experience, Dexerdry is a smart fit for homeowners who:

Want to make full use of their backyard (especially if storage space is at a premium)
Prefer a clean, well-maintained look without visible under-deck gutters or flashing
Are building new or fully replacing board surfaces
Value a longer deck life and less annual maintenance

If your current deck is in good shape but you don’t want to remove all the boards, installing Dexerdry retroactively isn’t usually practical. However, if you’re reading this while planning a spring build or a fall upgrade, it could be one of the smartest add-ons you choose—no extra joist tape, no tedious gutter cleaning, just solid dry-under-deck protection from day one.

What to Know Before Buying Dexerdry

Ask us for Compatibility: Bring your board brand and style to our counter, and we’ll confirm the exact Dexerdry profile you need. This ensures a perfect seal.
Count the Boards: Know your deck dimensions so we can calculate how many linear feet you need (more boards equals more Dexerdry profile required).
Plan for Top-Mount Fasteners: Have a system like Cortex or similar in mind—we can help match these as well.

Making the Most of Your Investment

When you invest in a deck, you want it to last and to make every part of your yard usable. Products like Dexerdry allow you to treat your deck as more than just a surface—they unlock the hidden utility of your entire backyard footprint. This is a uniquely practical solution for prairie weather and Canadian climate extremes. We’ve seen firsthand how a dry under-deck spot can become the overflow entertaining area at family BBQs, the gear-stash during rain, or the off-season storage every gardener needs.

Ready to Explore Dexerdry Profiles?

If you’re considering Dexerdry for your new or renovated deck, drop by The Ultimate Deck Shop in Regina or Saskatoon, or view Dexerdry online to learn more about compatibility and order lead times. We’re always happy to help you compare deck waterproofing options or put together a full materials package—including the right profile for your boards and matching fasteners. And if you want to create an even more inviting space, check out our approach to pergolas and shade structures for a beautifully integrated outdoor living experience.