The growing consumer interest in low-maintenance decking (often made from aluminum or a wood-plastic composite) signals that it’s time to rethink the traditional wood framing systems of decks as well. These are vulnerable to rot, mildew, fire, and insects, and don’t protect the areas below from water exposure. Gainesville, Ga.–based manufacturer Wahoo Decks proposes an alternative: a precision-extruded, marine-grade aluminum joist system that’s impervious to fire and other problems associated with wood.
When assembled, either the Dry Joist system (which has six SKUs) or Dry Joist EZ (which has only two) will serve triple duty as a finished ceiling to the space below, a waterproofing solution, and deck structure. Deck boards can be fastened in any direction, and 45 percent of the aluminum used for manufacture is recycled. The basic components are 4-inch- and 8-inch-wide profiles that lock together—the covered joints between them become channels to direct water away from the deck. The aluminum has a white powder-coat finish and is resistant to corrosion. Either option can be used for low-slope roof decks as well as simple exterior decks.
“I think it simultaneously solves a lot of issues, this integral gutter system, its structure, its surface,” juror John Ronan said. “It’s very simple, but it does a lot of things as well.” Craig Hodgetts concurred: “It’s a floor system that could reach way beyond decks.”
Dry Joist and Dry Joist EZ
Manufacturer Wahoo Decks, Gainesville, Ga.—Jon Bailey (vice president); Michael Lyle (vice president, operations & business development)
