Where can I purchase DryJoist?

You can purchase DryJoist factory direct. Feel free to send us an email click here with a description of your project include dimensions and we’ll send you an email with an attached quote.

Or if you’d prefer, give our DryJoist Team a call at:
Toll Free: 866.595.4064
Phone: 678.343.2020

You can even send us a fax at 678.343.2916

To request additional information on the DryJoist Structural Deck Drainage System click here or to have a DryJoist professional give you a call click here.

What type of application can DryJoist be used for?

DryJoist can be installed by the DIY homeowner or professional deck builder to refurbish or remodel existing outdoor decks and also for new construction. Installation is quick and easy for building exterior structures such as the backyard deck, second story balcony, patio, porch, roof deck, carport or garage deck, upper deck boat docks, boardwalks, and even for pool decks. DryJoist can also be used for water harvesting, a deck cover for outdoor kitchens, or even at ski resorts for snow and ice free walkways. heating strips can be installed to melt snow & ice

DryJoist is quick and easy to install when building a backyard deck, second story balcony, patio, porch, roof deck, walkout carport or garage deck, boardwalks and even for pool decks.

What is DryJoist made of? Why?

DryJoist is made with 6005-T5 marine-grade aluminum. It will not deteriorate or harbor mold or mildew like other plastic based below decking drainage systems.

What is a ‘Structural Deck Drainage System’?

Good question. DryJoist is the first and only ‘Structural Deck Drainage System.’ We invented the product category and thus ’redefined’ conventional deck building and remodeling. DryJoist is a ‘Structural Deck Drainage System’ meaning the deck’s surface boards are structurally supported by the same system that creates a dry space in the area below. Impressed? We thought so.

What colors are available? Can I paint DryJoist?

The only visible side or ‘Face’ of DryJoist comes standard in an Ivory color powder-coat finish. Yes, DryJoist is paintable; you’re local home center should be able to suggest an exterior paint for use on aluminum. If you decide to paint, make sure you paint after DryJoist has been installed to prevent paint build-up in the Flange Receiver. enjoy & get creative

How does DryJoist differ from other waterproof decking products?

DryJoist isn’t a waterproof decking product – it’s a structural deck drainage system. DryJoist provides the necessary structural support every 4” compared to traditional 16” for your deck boards whatever they may be - unlimited decking material options, patterns/designs is the same system that creates a dry area below the deck.

Up to date, builders wishing to provide waterproof decks have attached additional gutter systems to the underside of the frame exposes supporting beams to a moist environment, used contemporary deck boards such as aluminum modern style, or layered wooden joists with water resistant membranes time intensive & pricey. DryJoist’s structural design is a single system structural design creates 100% waterproof area below ie: waterproof deck joists that provides the necessary utility of traditional deck joists yet provides the freedom to build a truly custom deck surface that is both waterproof and independent from the constraints of wooden joist spans or waterproof ‘add-on’ substructures.

Does DryJoist require maintenance?

Nope. All you have to do is enjoy it!

In regards to aesthetics, the only visible side or ‘Face’ of DryJoist comes standard in an Ivory color powder-coat finish that will never require painting, sealing, or staining. no maintenance but we made it paintable if you fancy a different look

How is DryJoist manufactured?

DryJoist is precision extruded with marine-grade aluminum. Extruding is the process of pressure-forcing heated aluminum through a die so that it takes on the die’s cross-sectional shape. Same concept as a Play Dough spaghetti machine Extrusions create a seamless product to exacting specifications with very precise tolerances. The visible side of DryJoist referred to as the Face has an ivory color powder coat finish, providing a finished appearance that requires no routine maintenance. yes - it’s paintable if you fancy a different look

Is the DryJoist system compliant with the International Building Code?

Yes. DryJoist meets or exceeds the specifications and guidelines for aluminum structures as recommended by AA ADM 1 and required by the International Building Code - 2006.

Building Code Requirements – International Building Code - 2006
CHAPTER 16 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SECTION 1604 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
1604.3.5 Aluminum. The deflection of aluminum structural members shall not exceed that permitted by AA ADM1.

CHAPTER 20 – ALUMINUM
SECTION 2002 MATERIALS
2002.1 General. Aluminum used for structural purposes in buildings and structures shall comply with AA ASM 35 and AA ADM 1. The nominal loads shall be the minimum design
loads required by Chapter 16.

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AA ASM 35
Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction (Fourth Edition):
SCOPE: These specifications shall apply to the proper use of aluminum in roofing, flashing and other sheet metal work in building construction. They are not intended to cover the details or specifications of proprietary or pre-formed sheet metal systems or products, such as horizontal siding, fascia and soffit systems, curtain wall systems, corrugated or ribbed roofing and siding, etc.
(NOT APPLICABLE TO DRYJOIST AS THE SYSTEM IS STRUCTURAL)

AA ADM 1
Aluminum Design Manual: Part 1-A Aluminum Structures, Allowable Stress Design; and Part 1-B - Aluminum Structures, Load and Resistance Factor Design of Buildings and Similar Type Structures
SCOPE: The Aluminum Design Manual includes aluminum structural design specifications and accompanying commentary, a supplemental design guide, material properties, section properties, design aid tables and graphs, illustrative design examples and guidelines for aluminum sheet metal work in building construction.
(DRYJOIST MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE SPECIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR ALUMINUM STRUCTURES AS RECOMMENDED BY AA ADM 1 AND REQUIRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE - 2006)

My deck frame was built using ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) pressure treated wood, is it compatible with DryJoist?

Yes, DryJoist was designed to be compatible with ACQ treated lumber and is produced with a barrier coating (a special powder-coat paint applied at the mill) to prevent ACQ contact with the bare aluminum. As a matter of fact, an aluminum decking product we manufacture called Ariddek (www.ariddek.com) has been used with ACQ since this lumber treatment was introduced a few years ago.

Other building products that are not compatible with ACQ recommend simply adding a felt paper or PVC barrier (sheets or strips) to prevent contact with ACQ treated lumber. The point here is that it is not difficult to use other standard metal components such as uncoated aluminum or uncoated steel while ACQ is still the standard pressure treatment for lumber.

Decking fastener manufacturers understand the issues with ACQ and have development stainless steel, coated steel and electroplated screw fasteners specifically for use with ACQ.

ACQ will soon be replaced with another treatment that is friendly to standard building materials such a aluminum, steel and steel coatings. There are mills and manufacturers that already produce and sell non-ACQ treated lumber. More can be read about these new treatments and products in web articles on the same subject.