Most distributors and contractors live with one reality: feast in the summer, famine in the off-season. Decks, roofing, and exterior projects flood the schedule during warm months—and then slow to a crawl when weather turns.
Ottertite aluminum underdecking from Otter-Tech gives you a way to even out that curve. When you position underdecking as a planned, off-peak project category, you can help contractors stay busy (and profitable) in the shoulder seasons while growing your own revenue.
Here’s how to turn underdecking into a reliable off-season play.
1. Sell the project as “next season’s outdoor room”
Homeowners dream about better outdoor living during the summer—but they’re often willing to plan those upgrades in late fall, winter, and early spring.
Ottertite underdecking is a perfect fit for that mindset. The system uses heavy-duty 12″ aluminum panels with exclusive dual-strength channels to create a clean, finished “ceiling” under the deck and channel water away. It:
- Creates a dry, usable outdoor living space under existing decks
- Eliminates spider webs and wasps’ nests
- Uses rot-proof, rust-proof components for long-term durability
- Is extremely heat resistant, so homeowners can safely grill underneath without warping or melting
Coach your contractors to sell the vision now: “Let’s get your underdecking designed and scheduled this winter so it’s ready for you on the first nice weekend.”
- Make winter the planning season, shoulder months the install season
Help contractors structure underdecking as a two-phase process:
- Winter/late fall: design, estimates, and approvals
- Early spring/late fall: installation, when decks are clear and schedules are lighter
As a distributor, you can support this rhythm by:
- Stocking key Ottertite SKUs ahead of shoulder seasons
- Running “Plan Now, Enjoy Next Season” marketing through your email list
- Training your inside sales team to suggest underdecking when deck materials are quoted
Because Ottertite is easy to install with a comprehensive installation guide and video tutorials, it’s an approachable add-on for contractors looking to fill gaps in their calendar.
3. Campaign and email angles for distributors
Here are a few simple campaign themes you can run through your dealer network or directly to contractors:
- “Turn Dead Space into Dry Space”
Highlight the Ottertite dryspace system and the idea of reclaiming the area under the deck with a clean, durable ceiling. - “Book Underdecking Now, Beat the Spring Rush”
Encourage homeowners to lock in design and pricing in the off-season, so contractors can schedule installs before peak summer. - “Add a Profitable Upgrade to Every Deck Quote”
Train contractors to add Ottertite as an optional line item on every deck project—especially those quoted when their core categories are slow.
In email, keep it simple: one strong benefit (dry outdoor room, no rot/rust, extreme heat resistance) and one clear call-to-action to contact you or find an Otter-Tech dealer.
4. Know who to target when things slow down
When core categories are soft, underdecking is ideal for:
- Deck builders looking for a high-value upsell on past and current projects
- Remodelers with homeowner relationships but light exterior work in the shoulder seasons
- Contractors with past deck customers who never finished the space under their deck
Encourage your dealers and contractors to mine their customer lists: anyone with a second-story deck is a prime candidate for an Ottertite upgrade.
By promoting Ottertite underdecking as an off-peak project, you’re not just selling more product—you’re helping your contractors stabilize their businesses, stay busy in the slow months, and deliver a premium outdoor experience their customers can enjoy for years.
For dealer opportunities, bulk discounts, and on-site delivery, contact Otter-Tech at info@otter-tech.com or (717) 789-3375.