What is UnderDeck Designs?
Under Deck Designs, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cherokee Metals Company, a privately owned company based in Atlanta, Georgia that has been in the business of roll forming and folding metal components for over 45 years. Cherokee Metals is the leading manufacturer of premium, custom-made steel and aluminum components and the largest independent manufacturer of canopy components in the United States. Additionally, Cherokee has manufactured under deck canopy components for leading companies in the industry.
With the introduction of its own patented proprietary system, Under Deck Designs, LLC was formed to bring this new product directly to the market.
What constitutes an “Underdeck?”
Although Wikipedia might not recognize the term underdeck, any addition to the underside of an existing deck designed to channels water or debris away from the patio area below is referred to as an, “Underdeck.” Furthermore, traditionally, the suspension of a standing seam metal roofing system from a new or existing deck designed specifically to channel water to a drainage system is commonly referred to as an, “Underdeck.”
Why buy an Underdeck?
While the personal reasons vary, the essential reason most people decide to have our system installed is to make the most out of the space below their deck. Rain and debris are significant variables when deciding how to utilize the area beneath a deck. And the versatility of having hundreds of square feet of additional dry space to use as you please is appealing to anyone who values having options.
Often times we’re approached by customers who have come to the realization that they want to create an area under their deck designed to relax and enjoy being outside. However, their choice of furniture, fireplace, lighting, and decoration are all dependent largely upon whether they can enjoy a waterproof area or are constantly battling the elements.
We’re also approached by customers who have realized that the dry storage that comes with a work shed or a second garage is just as easily available to them beneath their deck, which is the efficient solution because it saves them money and utilizes existing space. And the fact that we provide a turn-key solution that’s aesthetically pleasing doesn’t hurt either.
Why this Particular System?
Well we’ve been providing the materials for the industry leaders for years. And we’ve been in the business of roll-forming and folding sheet metal for the past 45 years. However, the real difference is in the design. The significant time and expertise that went into designing our patented system to be the strongest, most efficient, aesthetic addition to your home is what sets us apart.
Hal Rhoad, the president of Cherokee Metals (Under Deck Design’s parent company), originally decided to improve upon the existing model, when the underdeck system installed at his own house collapsed leaving gaping steel panels and exposed sharp edges hanging precariously over his patio. That faulty system failed due to a simple design flaw. The entire load was supported by the gutters. In order to cut costs by eliminating the need for skilled workers and ultimately reducing the installation time, the system that failed at his own home was nothing more than interlocking panels suspended between gutters. Hal took the challenge of creating a better system to his team of experienced engineers and they created Under Deck Design’s patented system. Utilizing Cherokee’s extensive manufacturing capabilities, including roll-forming, custom fabrication, bending up to 40ft, in-line embossing, and in-line shrink-wrapping, Cherokee’s engineers created a solution that borrowed from the success of previous systems while increasing the over-all strength and accessibility by incorporating a track system that hooks to the backside of the panels providing support and allowing them to be removed individually with ease. The track system ensures a specific pitch, which allows the gutter system to do what it was designed to do, drain any excess water or debris. And in the event that there is some sort of significant blockage to one of the downspouts, a nearby panel can always be removed to inspect the drain in question.
That attention to detail, be it ease of maintenance (although very little is ever required), or customization, or identifying potential design flaws and working tirelessly to produce the best product available, has made Under Deck Designs the most trusted name in the industry. We stand behind our process because we know you’ll be pleased with our product.
How Does it Work?
Our system is composed of a track system, which is suspended from the existing deck, a gutter system that runs along the front of the deck, and a flashing system that attaches directly to the sides of the deck. Removable ceiling panels slide into place and hook to the track system, redirecting any water or debris to the gutters and eventually to the drains.
How Well Does it Work?
When we say waterproof we don’t mean water-resistant. The area beneath your deck will be transformed into dry, usable space. What you do with the space is up to you.
What if it Gets Clogged?
Our system was designed so that each panel can be removed individually with ease. In the event that there is some sort of significant blockage to one of the downspouts, a nearby panel can always be removed to inspect the drain in question.
Specs?
All our components are manufactured in house and customized by the job. Our deep channel interlocking roof panels are formed out of 22-gauge pre-painted galvanized steel. Our patented track system is formed from 14-gauge pre-painted galvanized steel. The flashing, gutters, and additional components are fabricated from 22-gauge pre-painted galvanized steel. We use standard wood screws and Grade 3 self-tapping sheet metal screws to fasten our system to the existing deck; however, the individual removable panels are self-sealing and do not require any fasteners whatsoever We use a silicon-based sealant to ensure strong adherence to any surface: Brick, Stucco, Vinyl Siding, etc.
Job Completion Time?
Most jobs are usually completed within 2-4 weeks from the initial contact. However, projects that contain more advanced decks and require more design and installation work can take longer.
My Deck is a Crazy Shape?
If your deck has a very unique shape we can come up with a solution. Our engineers will take the time to customize the system to perfectly fit your deck. The installation crew might take a bit longer on installing your Under Deck System, but between the engineers and the install crew we’re willing to tackle any project.
Where is Under Deck Designs located?
Our manufacturing facility is located in Norcross, Georgia. If your home is located in Atlanta, north Atlanta, Gainesville, or somewhere in between then we would be happy to give you a free estimate. If you are not in that area, then still feel free to give us a call and we will consider your location and project on an individual basis.