Moderate for individuals with strong carpentry, waterproofing, and basic plumbing knowledge. Professional installation is recommended to ensure code compliance and long-term performance, especially concerning structural integrity and proper flashing.
Installation requires careful attention to structural integration, proper water shedding and flashing techniques, and adherence to storm drainage principles to prevent water intrusion into the primary structure and ensure adequate discharge, all while accommodating DuPage County's specific environmental factors like frost depth.
Project Guidelines & Rules
Permitting and Plans
3 Rules
Project Permit
IRC R105.1 (A permit from your local municipality is required prior to commencing work.)
Construction Documents
IRC R106.1 (Detailed plans, including structural modifications, drainage pathways, and discharge points, must be submitted to the local building department for review and approval.)
Site Plan Requirements
IRC R106.2 (The site plan must clearly illustrate proposed discharge points relative to the principal structure, property lines, and other site features.)
Structural Integration
3 Rules
Ledger Board Attachment
IRC R507.2.6 (Ensure under-deck drainage system components do not compromise the existing ledger board attachment or create areas for water to become trapped. Proper flashing integration is critical.)
Supporting Framework
IRC R507.2 (Any new framing or modifications to the existing deck structure to support the drainage system must comply with IRC span, bearing, and connection requirements for intended loads, including the weight of collected water.)
Live and Dead Loads
IRC R301.6 (The design must account for additional dead load from the drainage system components and potential live load from accumulated water within the system.)
Water Management and Drainage
6 Rules
Flashing and Waterproofing
IRC R703.8 (Flashing is paramount at the intersection of the deck ledger and the primary structure, and around any structural penetrations. Flashing must be integrated with the house's exterior water-resistive barrier to prevent water intrusion.)
Drainage Plane Slope
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.130 (All collection surfaces and conveyance piping for storm drainage must be sloped to ensure positive drainage. A minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot for pipes 3 inches or larger, and 1/4 inch per foot for pipes less than 3 inches, is generally required, unless an alternative is engineered and approved.)
Collection and Conveyance System Design
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890, Subpart J (Gutters, downspouts, and collection pipes must be sized to adequately manage anticipated rainfall rates specific to DuPage County, preventing overflow or ponding.)
Discharge Location
Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.130(a), IRC R1004.1 (Stormwater must discharge to an approved location, such as grade, an engineered stormwater system, or a rain garden, at least 5 feet away from the foundation and property lines, or as otherwise specified by your local municipality's stormwater ordinances. Discharge into the sanitary sewer system is strictly prohibited.)
Protection from Freezing
IRC P2603.6 (Any pipes or components of the drainage system susceptible to freezing, particularly those exposed or underground, must be protected. Underground components for discharge in DuPage County must be installed below the 42-inch frost depth, or adequately insulated and heat traced.)
Material Durability and UV Resistance
IRC Chapter 7, Illinois Plumbing Code Part 890.310 (Materials used for under-deck drainage must be durable, corrosion-resistant, and, if exposed to sunlight, UV-stabilized to withstand DuPage County's climate conditions.)
Electrical Requirements (If applicable for integrated components)
3 Rules
Outdoor Receptacles and Wiring
2023 NEC Article 406.9 (All outdoor receptacles must be of a weather-resistant type and installed in a weatherproof enclosure, whether or not a cap is in place or an attachment plug is inserted.)
Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Protection
2023 NEC Article 210.8(A)(3) (All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed outdoors shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.)
Wiring Methods and Protection
2023 NEC Article 300 (Wiring methods must be suitable for damp or wet locations, protected from physical damage, and installed in accordance with all applicable sections of the NEC.)
Inspections
2 Rules
Rough-in Inspection
IRC R109.1.1 (Required before covering structural components, flashing, and any rough plumbing or electrical components. Contact your local building department to schedule.)
Final Inspection
IRC R109.1.4 (Required upon completion of the project to ensure all components are installed and operational in accordance with approved plans and all applicable codes. Contact your local building department to schedule.)
