Duradek Wishes Everyone a Happy Holdiay Season

Caring for Your Vinyl Deck This Winter

Those of you who have a deck protected with Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl have an attractive and low maintenance decking solution, and winter is no exception. Duradek vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. Duradek vinyl is strong and you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern.

• Rock Salt - OK!
• Kitty Litter (for non-slip traction) - OK!
• Snow Melting Chemicals - OK!

Duradek patterns and colors are beautiful all year round, but how does a homeowner ensure that they are going to get the most longevity in their deck’s appearance when the wicked winter weather attempts to cover our decks with ice and snow.

Luckily, for the Duradek homeowner, Duradek’s superior vinyl strength and durability is no match for Mother Nature. All you have to do to ensure your deck is unaffected by brutal winter conditions is to remember a couple of simple tips:

Only use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck surface.
Driving a metal shovel down through the snow and ice to your deck surface risks puncturing the vinyl and sacrificing your waterproof security.


Clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse before the summer sunshine returns.
While the chemicals from de-icers do not damage the vinyl surface when applied, if its film is left on the surface, direct sun can bake the chemicals into the vinyl which is harmful and will affect your deck’s appearance.

That’s all there is to it! Now you can rest assured that you can take all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the cold winter months and look forward to the return of the warm weather to get back to enjoying your deck again.

If you do not yet have a Duradek waterproof deck and you would like to talk to a Duradek dealer about your decking needs, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free estimate.

Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Supplies Sells Service

...and they sell Duradek Vinyl too




AMA Roofing Supplies is a family business.

Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Supplies is a perfect example of the type of service and support you can expect from the Duradek network of distributors and dealers throughout North America. Based out of Hamilton, Ontario, AMA Roofing Supplies is a family owned and operated business run by the brother-sister team, Andrew and Monique. With humble beginnings back in 1979, their father launched AMA with a single pick-up truck and trailer and the company grew steadily from the start with one word – SERVICE.

The dedication to service was the key to AMA’s growth over the decades and has consistently been the mainstay of the AMA Roofing Supplies philosophy. AMA Roofing Supplies now has grown to a fleet of 4 large trucks that are on the road full time and they maintain a high-quality staff and associations with trained professionals who are experts in their specialties.



Monique and Andrew, siblings that agree on service.

Whether you are a professional contractor or a week-end warrior battling your renovations yourself, Andrew and Monique will give you the straight-up support you need with informative advice and excellent product knowledge. The most important thing to AMA is that your project is done right.
Whether you are doing a small residential roof repair or a large commercial roof deck, AMA provides their customers with the best product selection and the information they need to ensure the products and installation methods chosen are truly the best ones for the job at hand.

When it comes to roof deck projects, don’t be surprised if AMA recommends that you utilize the services of an authorized Duradek installer to complete the waterproofing phase of your roof deck. Duradek is the most tested single-ply vinyl membrane on the market today and it is only installed by trained and authorized installers. This is because waterproofing installation details are so extremely critical to the overall success of your project and both AMA Roofing Supplies and Duradek operate with the mission of ensuring the job is done right the first time.

While hiring the services of a waterproofing professional may add to the overall cost of your project, it can save you 10-fold versus having to go in and repair damage from water leaks and need to re-do your roof deck all over again. If you are considering a decking project, it is well worth your while to consult with AMA Roofing Supplies or a Duradek dealer in your area for a free estimate.

Let AMA Roofing Supplies Show You How to Do it the Right Way with Duradek

Duradek Products Recognized by Professional Deck Builder Magazine

Professional Deck Builder magazine is a go-to resource for many deck building professionals and a reliable resource for the decking industry. In November, Professional Deck Builder Magazine recognized two of Duradek’s superior waterproofing products:

Duradek Ultra Vinyl Membranes, the single-ply vinyl waterproofing membrane with roof grade protection is mentioned by Professional Deck Builder Magazine in its November issue. As a walkable, roofing membrane, Duradek provides both the waterproof protection and a walkable, stylish finish in one step.  Duradek, the original sheet-vinyl waterproofing membrane, has been protecting decks for nearly 40 years.

Also mentioned in November’s Professional Deck Builder Magazine is Duradek Ultra Tiledek. Tiledek is the waterproof membrane designed specifically to go underneath exterior thin set tile. While it provides the same degree of roofing approved waterproof protection as Duradek Ultra, Tiledek comes with a cloth surface that allows the thin set mortar and tiles to be securely adhered.
While this particular product review mentions some of the superior features of Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes such as the ability to withstand high-heat and high-moisture conditions, the article states that the only ‘hitch’ of the product is that it can only be purchased and installed by an authorized Duradek dealer.

Well, this is actually one of the features that Duradek is very proud of. Duradek president John Ogilvie states, “No matter how good a waterproofing product is, if it is not installed properly you cannot be sure it will perform as intended.”

That is why Duradek membranes are only installed by professionals that have been specifically trained in the intricacies of deck waterproofing and best practices in applying PVC membrane systems. Check out our blog post, Deck Collapse Dangers for some examples of why using a specialized deck builder and products that meet current building code requirements is so critical in your deck building projects.

Deck Collapse Dangers Can Be Avoided

While builders are held up to strict building code standards today, this has not always been the case. Many homes built 20 - 30 years ago were built when common practice did not include these current standards, and as such, potentially pose a risk to homeowners or residents who are completely unaware of the hazards. Additionally, some more recent home improvement projects have had decks added by someone with basic carpentry skills who bypassed permitting issues and may lack the specialized knowledge that applies to deck building, leaving the people actually using the deck to rely on luck more than on the stability of the structure.

Both of these common scenarios are very dangerous and costly.

Avoid Deck Collapse Danger With Professionals

While Duradek does not typically deal with the actual structure of the deck, we strongly urge Home Owners to hire credible carpenters. Do your research and ask for references. Your Duradek installer will often be able to refer you to a qualified deck builder if they do not perform that specialty themselves. It is also wise to confirm your builder pulls a building permit as that will assist in ensuring the structure is well built and goes through an inspection process with a building inspector.

Once the deck is built, Duradek can step in to ensure the structure remains strong and not damaged by water intrusion to keep your deck safe and secure for many years to come.  Duradek believes that only professionals trained specifically in the intricate details of deck waterproofing should be installing your deck waterproofing system and Duradek undertakes extensive 3rd party testing of the performance of Duradek Vinyl membranes. With the combination of a tested product and trained professionals you can avoid some of the risks of a substandard decking system.



An Example of a collapsed deck.
image from jimfletcher.net

Take for example, the renter of a home in Smyrna, GA. Just two weeks ago, after enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends,  the deck of her home collapsed …with 8 people on it at the time! Luckily, in this case there were no life-threatening injuries; however this incident is just one of many deck collapses in the U.S. each year that reminds us of the importance of deck safety and the necessity of performing safety checks, particularly on older homes.

In November, Professional Deck Builder Magazine posted a great article from Editor Andy Engel entitled “Confessions of a Former Deck Builder”, which is a synopsis of a talk he recently gave at a conference in Atlanta. This honest and straight forward recollection of his early days building decks is a realistic account of the history of the decking industry and further highlights the need for regular deck inspections.

North America’s biggest proponent of deck safety is NADRA, the North America Deck and Railing Association. NADRA knows that deck safety is a serious issue and encourages home owners and builders alike to be aware of the safety checks that should be performed on decks and balconies. According to NADRA, there are 40 million decks in the United States that are over 20 years old, so it is crucial for homeowners to check their decks.

A deck collapsed while hosting a wedding reception.
image from ajc.com

If you are concerned about the safety of your deck or you would like to ensure your deck waterproofing keeps your home protected, contact an authorized Duradek installer who can visit you for a free estimate on your deck renovation needs.

A two-level deck waterproof protected by Duradek

Duradek provides waterproofing you can rely on. When it comes to waterproofing decks…we’ve got you covered!

Newly Renovated Hoover Pavilion Pyramid Waterproofed by Tiledek

One of the first projects of Stanford University’s $5 billion Medical Center Renewal Project and Expansion that is underway was the Hoover Pavilion, and Duradek Ultra Tiledek was very proud to be a part of such a significant undertaking.

Hoover Pavilion Open House
– Thursday, December 6th, 2012

Stanford University is inviting the public to an open house to view the newly renovated Hoover Pavilion to honor this historic structure’s place in the legacy of clinical and community care.
On Thursday, December 6th a welcome reception launches the event at 10:00 a.m., followed by a short ceremony at 10:30 a.m. and tours of the newly renovated facility between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Hoover Pavilion Pyramidal Roof Protected by Tiledek

Originally built in 1930 as the Palo Alto Hospital, it was renamed the Hoover Pavilion in 1965 after Stanford University School of Medicine relocated to Palo Alto from  San Francisco. The restoration and reuse of the historic 1931 facade and building allows the project to honor this landmark structure’s place in the legacy of caring at Stanford. While the Hoover Pavilion site is modernized, it still maintains its historic image.



The Hoover Pavilion when it was known as the Palo Alto Hospital

The most distinguishing feature of the Pavilion is the Pyramidal Hip Roof, and this is where Duradek Ultra Tiledek has been utilized to protect the structure from the elements. Tiledek was the perfect choice for waterproof protection for this part of the roof, particularly since the design includes thin set tiles on its sloped surface. 

Lawson Roofing, who is responsible for the pyramidal hip roof as well as all of the other roofing and waterproofing aspects of the Hoover Pavilion and the new parking facility, knew they needed a product that would perform flawlessly for this very unique project. Since the pyramidal roof is sloped at such a steep angle, they had to be sure that the tiles would be able to be securely adhered to the waterproofing membrane. With the textured surface of Tiledek designed specifically to best adhere thin set tiles and its 10-year waterproofing warranty; it was the perfect product choice to protect such a historic and relevant structure.

Pyramidal Roof at the Hoover Pavilion Reconstruction

Since Duradek products are only installed by trained and authorized dealers, the crew at Lawson Roofing had to be specially trained in the details of installing Duradek Ultra Tiledek. Technical Manager, Len Viegener made the trip to San Francisco to conduct the training himself for this special, one-time only installation for the Hoover Pavilion. 

For any Duradek inquiries in the San Francisco area, contact authorized Duradek dealer Paul from Golden Gate Enterprises.  Paul is a veritable deck waterproofing specialist! He has posted over a 100 YouTube videos regarding deck waterproofing that include some very revealing information about the importance of details and the ugly truth of what happens when deck waterproofing is not performing properly.

If you are interested in learning more about how Duradek Ultra Tiledek can be the solution for your exterior tile roof deck, contact one of our authorized Duradek Dealers in your area for some detailed information specific to your project.

Duradek Offers Discount on Deck Rebuilds After Sandy

While we at Duradek cannot begin to fully appreciate the destruction that eastern U.S. residents faced with Hurricane Sandy and the amount of work required to clean up the damage left behind, we certainly would like to assist in the rebuilding process and help those who dealt with property losses get back to their quality of life.

Being in the decking business, we know that communities from coast-to-coast take great pride in their natural environments and outdoor living space. Sandy packed a far-reaching punch and hundreds of residents certainly lost their decks and balconies altogether, but even homes where the decks are still standing may have lost critical stability and made their decks unsafe for use.

Duradek Discount Offer for Hurricane Victims

Duradek, in conjunction with our local Distributor Specialty Building Systems, would like to assist these homeowners in our own small way by contributing 15% off of the cost of material for our Duradek vinyl membranes in waterproofing your new or reconstructed decks. This offer goes out to all residents in the affected regions in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Working with Specialty Building Systems, our eastern American distributor in NY, NJ and PA, homeowners in these disaster regions may request 15% off the cost of vinyl when they choose a Duradek dealer for their deck rebuilding. Duradek and Specialty Building Systems will present this offer for one year to the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, but we will require that some proof of hurricane damage be submitted for this special discount offer (photographs or a copy of an insurance claim would suffice).

Roof Deck Waterproofed by Duradek Vinyl Membrane

It doesn’t matter if your previous deck was a Duradek deck, wood deck, a composite deck, a fiberglass deck, an EPDM roof deck or even a competitive vinyl deck…Duradek will help you waterproof your re-build!

Duradek brings the best in waterproof protection for your home.

Choosing a Duradek dealer for your deck waterproofing takes all of the guesswork out of choosing a contractor. All Duradek installers are trained and authorized, so you don’t have to worry about the skill or reliability of the people working on your home.

If your deck was affected by Sandy, you or your insurance or restoration company can contact Specialty Building Systems at 1-800-765-9865 or email sbsddek@verizon.net for peace of mind in your rebuilding.

In addition to all other building code approvals, Duradek has been tested to show our Duradek Ultra Vinyl meets the requirements and received evaluation reports for both Wind Uplift and for Pull-Off Testing for Edge Flashing.

We know that this small gesture cannot make up for the losses and the trauma that Sandy delivered, but we sincerely hope that we can do our small part in helping you take back your quality of life and enjoy your outdoor living space.

Last Chance For FREE Registration for IBS 2013 from Duradek

In less than 8 weeks, the International Builders Show takes Las Vegas by storm, and Duradek invites you to take advantage of FREE exhibit registration until December 3rd.

This invitation only offer is extended to you by Duradek and presents a $100 savings when compared to regular non-member registration.

Up until December 3rd, non-members can register for FREE exhibit hall passes, which go up to $125 the week of the show through our invitation only offer (compare with $200 on-site fee!) . There are also great savings on the education packages before December 3rd, with savings of 50% (or $75 a day) for one or two day education packages.

Duradek vinyl colors

The 2012 IBS Show took place in Orlando, Florida and Duradek was there to introduce you to our latest in waterproof vinyl patterns and colors. In 2013, IBS is back in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Duradek will be there - and you could be there too!

IBS is the world's largest annual light construction show and puts you in touch with over 300 building categories. For anyone in the building industry, this is an event you don't want to miss!

New at IBS 2013

• More than 100 revamped education sessions
• Speed learning sessions with quick insights and ideas
• The return of the daily keynote speakers
• Master Sessions - in depth, full day intensive program on a specific industry topic
• And more...

While the 100 quality education sessions and events get your professional engines fired up, IBS isn't just all work. There are some fun opportunities for networking and socializing as well with an excellent selection of events throughout the show. There is the IBS House Party on opening night, and this year the 2013 Spike and Director's concert, The IBS Closing Event features Cheap Trick. Events do have a limited number of tickets, so be sure to book your's ahead of time if you want to be sure to attend.

So don't miss out on this limited time offer to register online for FREE  exhibit hall access to attend IBS 2013 in Las Vegas this January...and take advantage of big savings.

We hope to see you at the show...look for Duradek at booth #N2518 and stop by to say hello! We'd love to show you our latest in vinyl and railing options for the best in waterproofing solutions for your outdoor living space projects.

IBS 2013 Duradek booth location



Florida's Newest Duradek Dealer - Southland Rowe Roofing Inc.

Duradek welcomed its newest dealer, Southland Rowe Roofing in Tallahassee, Florida this November. Kevin MacMillan, Duradek Sales/Training Manager and Norm Shafer, Duradek Area Rep Southeast conducted training for Rowe Roofing at their facility in Midway, Florida.

About Rowe Roofing - New Duradek Dealer for Tallahassee

Rowe Roofing is a recognized leader in commercial, residential roofing and sheet metal contracting. The Rowe family has been in the roofing business continuously since 1974. Their Florida operation has grown to be one of the largest roofing contractors in the state. Rowe Roofing not only has an office in Tallahassee, but also in Orlando, Florida. This steady, controlled growth has only been possible due to their tremendous employees whose commitment to excellence personifies their organization. Although the majority of their work is within Florida, they have completed multiple larger projects throughout the southeast.

Rowe Roofing has the experience, size and reliability necessary to complete any project successfully.
They are members of the National Roofing Contractors Association and The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.

All of their work is guaranteed, assuring peace of mind and financial strength. Whether you are looking for a contractor for new construction, a major re-roof of an existing facility, or basic maintenance work, Rowe Roofing has the experience, size and reliability necessary to complete any project successfully.

The Rowe Roofing Tallahassee Training:

Back Row Standing: James Parker - Foreman, Bill Seufert - Orlando Operations Manager, Burke Dasher - Vice President, Leo Stewart - Residential Sales,  Kevin MacMillan - Duradek Sales Manager, Willie Brown - Roof Mechanic
Middle Row Kneeling: Connie Lima - Project Assistant, Ann Hudgins - Office Manager, Greg Horton - Shop Foreman, Concepcion Gil-Montes - Foreman
Front Row Sitting: Charles Bates - Apprentice, Pat Rutgilano - Superintendent, Willie Shuler - Superintendent, Grady Brown - Roof Mechanic, J.J. Rutgilano - Roof Mechanic

Looking for a Duradek Dealer?

Duradek has quality trained professional installers all over North America. If you'd like to find a Duradek Dealer in your area check out our Find a Dealer locator.

Duradek's New CCMC Report ShowsDuradek Ultra Meets NBC 2010Building Codes

The Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) has completed its testing requirements for the 2012 review of Duradek Ultra and has renewed their CCMC Evaluation Report #13134-R which is valid through to the end of 2015.

The CCMC has determined that Duradek Ultra is an acceptable PVC Sheet-Applied Waterproof Decking Membrane in compliance with the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2010.

CCMC has evaluated and rated Duradek Ultra as:

• A traffic coating subject to pedestrian traffic
• A walkable roofing membrane over habitable space

CCMC's acceptance criteria requires walkable PVC decking membranes be tested for slip resistance; and as a roofing membrane, requires fire testing.

A Pulte Homes Roof Deck by Duradek

Duradek is the Most Tested Vinyl on the Market Today!

While there are many vinyl products on the market, Duradek is proud to present their testing results for both Canada and the United States to show that Duradek Ultra is the most tested and approved waterproof membrane for use on balconies, decks, patios and roof top decks. Duradek Ultra meets or exceeds the requirements of most North American Building Codes.

If you are comparing vinyl options, be sure to know what to look for in product testing. And remember, no matter how great a product is...it will not perform if it is not installed properly for the best waterproof protection. Duradek Ultra is installed ONLY by our trained and authorized dealers who can be found from coast-to-coast across North America.

Duradek Invites You to IBS 2013 FREE Registration Opportunity!

The International Builders Show is less than 10-weeks away, and Duradek invites you to take advantage of FREE exhibit registration until December 3rd.

This invitation only offer is extended to you by Duradek and presents a $100 savings when compared to regular non-member registration.

Up until December 3rd, non-members can register for FREE exhibit hall passes, which go up to $125 the week of the show through our invitation only offer (compare with $200 on-site fee!) . There are also great savings on the education packages before December 3rd, with savings of 50% (or $75 a day) for one or two day education packages.

Duradek vinyl colors

The 2012 IBS Show took place in Orlando, Florida and Duradek was there to introduce you to our latest in waterproof vinyl patterns and colors. In 2013, IBS is back in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Duradek will be there - and you could be there too!

IBS is the world's largest annual light construction show and puts you in touch with over 300 building categories. For anyone in the building industry, this is an event you don't want to miss!

New at IBS 2013

• More than 100 revamped education sessions
• Speed learning sessions with quick insights and ideas
• The return of the daily keynote speakers
• Master Sessions - in depth, full day intensive program on a specific industry topic
• And more...

While the 100 quality education sessions and events get your professional engines fired up, IBS isn't just all work. There are some fun opportunities for networking and socializing as well with an excellent selection of events throughout the show. There is the IBS House Party on opening night, and this year the 2013 Spike and Director's concert, The IBS Closing Event features Cheap Trick.

So don't miss out on this limited time offer to register online for FREE  exhibit hall access to attend IBS 2013 in Las Vegas this January...and take advantage of big savings. You have the option of full registration or 1 or 2 day education passes, or exhibit floor only.

We hope to see you at the show...look for Duradek at booth #N2518 and stop by to say hello! We'd love to show you our latest in vinyl and railing options for the best in waterproofing solutions for your outdoor living space projects.

IBS 2013 Duradek booth location



Vinyl Decking Vs. Composite Decking

Is the Price Worth the Cost?

Vinyl decking has long been a reliable, low maintenance solution for waterproofing decks and outdoor living space but in the last few years there has been quite a buzz about WPC decking, or wood plastic composite decking – the new kid on the block for low maintenance decking options. Information and images are showing up from sources like the article, “Some Issues with Composite Decking” from home inspector, Jason Horn that raise more questions, and possibly some doubt about composite decking.

If you are comparing options for building or renovating a deck, doing a little homework will save you a lot in the long run for getting the most value for your investment.

Duradek and Durarail bring protection and style
to your outdoor living space.

The Price You Pay for Your Deck

While actual costs will vary greatly from project to project, composite decking has shown costs of 2 to 5 times more than decks built from pressure treated wood, and nearly twice as much as a deck protected with PVC Vinyl. While the cost of material contributes to this difference, a lot of the extra cost is attributed to labor. The composite decking boards have less strength than regular wood and have a tendency to sag or bow, so the supporting joists must be placed closer together. Additionally, each board must be pre-drilled prior to installation during the fastening process.



Composite boards bowing and sagging
- image from GardenStructure.com

While waterproofing your deck with a vinyl membrane will contribute to the overall cost of the material for your decking project, the installation is handled by expertly trained installers and the vinyl can be installed and walked on within the same day. Additionally, the primary substrate of the deck is still a solid wood foundation, which protected by Duradek vinyl, can last for decades.

Duradek and Durarail provide long lasting results.

The Performance of Your Deck

Like many other decking materials, composite decking boards need room to expand and contract. There have been many instances of composite boards cracking and splitting along the edges, and even some occurrences of deterioration along the primary surface of the boards. View for yourself some of the unwelcome results with composite decking. Some composite decking manufacturers have attempted to resolve this issue by ‘capping’ the boards with a protective coating,  however some of these composite deck boards are showing swelling at the ends where there is nothing to keep moisture from getting into the wood fibers.

Composite boards showing signs of flaking.

But beyond the deck surface, it is the deterioration of the wood joists underneath the composite that must be considered. The drying qualities of composite decking on the surface can be counterproductive to the actual structure of the deck. While wood decking will absorb some moisture and eventually release it to the air around it, composite decking does not absorb water. Any moisture that gets trapped underneath the composite decking and on top of the wood joists would tend to stay there and keep the joist from drying properly, making the joists more susceptible to rot and decay. For some interesting comments and images, check out “Lots of Noise About Composite Decks” on the Business of Building Decks and Fences blog.

Duradek vinyl membranes virtually eliminate the issue of wood rot. The vinyl completely seals the deck with a water-tight surface and provides roofing grade protection for the structure underneath. The water is not absorbed by the deck, but drains with a natural slope and water routers and diverters that keep the structure protected.

If you are interested in discussing deck waterproofing options with a Duradek professional installer, find a Duradek dealer near you for a personal consultation on your decking project.

Duradek Cares About Your Deck Safety

Decks along the shorelines
were pummelled by Sandy

Deck safety is always a concern, but following the wake of Hurricane Sandy, eastern homeowners must pay extra attention to a potentially dangerous situation. Although the declared disaster zones were primarily along the coastal areas and damage to decks may be quite obvious, it is the deck structures on buildings further inland or that still appear intact that can pose the most risk...especially when considering the addition of wet, heavy snow on structures with questionable stability.

Immediately following a disaster of this magnitude, the response efforts first focus on emergency rescue, restoration of essential services, clean-up of debris and destruction that poses an obvious danger to people, then overall clean up and damage assessment.

Let’s talk a little about assessing the damage to your deck.

What to Do if Your Deck Shows Obvious Damage

Firstly, DO NOT walk on your deck if it shows signs of damage or instability. It is important that you obtain the services of a professional contractor or inspector in your area. Due to the number of people who will be seeking these services, you may have to wait awhile to have someone come out to your location, but it is worthwhile to ensure that your damaged deck is dealt with as safely as possible. One resource that many people turn to is NADRA, the North American Deck and Railing Association, and NADRA offers a lot of good resources including a directory of qualified contractors.

Second, if you are choosing the services of a contractor, even in desperate times it is worthwhile doing your homework. While most people really rally together after a disaster, there are always the unscrupulous few who will try to take advantage of a situation for personal gain. The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association has put out a great article entitled Consumer Guide to Selecting a Contractor – Be Careful of Crooks. If you are looking for a contractor who specialized in waterproof decks and flat roofs, contact one of our specially trained Duradek installers for a Free estimate on rebuilding and waterproofing your deck.

Shorline residents will likely
have to rebuild all decks.

What to Do if Your Deck Appears Undamaged

Assessment of the structural wellness of your deck should not be overlooked. Even if it appears to be structurally sound, your deck’s stability may have been compromised and you should not assume it is safe before performing a thorough and proper assessment.

Don’t put off inspecting your deck until spring when you will be using it more heavily again and be taken by surprise by a shaking structure. Or worse, think your deck is ok but find out in the spring that water damage has affected your building envelope and compromised the structural integrity of your home. Even if your deck looks alright after a major storm, it is a good idea to:

• Check for split wood or sagging surfaces.
• Check for secure posts and joists, ensuring there is no leaning and deck support is sound.
• Check that flashing and other water routers are secure and firmly in place.
• Check for loose or missing fasteners like missing screws or popped nails.
• Check stairs and railings to ensure stability.
• Check deck accessories such as lighting, fireplaces, and furniture to ensure there is no risk of fire or of items falling.

If there is any indication after inspection that the stability of your deck is questionable, be sure to consult with an inspector or a professional contractor like a specially trained Duradek installer before using it.

What to Do if Your Deck Escaped Undamaged

If your deck went through a hurricane and escaped without any damage, you should consider yourself very lucky! You had a great combination of a good contractor that built your deck and probably some very good luck.

If you are a Duradek homeowner and your Duradek Vinyl deck survived the Hurricane Sandy, we’d love to hear your story. Write to us at duradek@duradek.com and tell us your story of “deck survival”.

Good luck to all of you dealing with the post hurricane clean-up and rebuilding process. We hope that Duradek may be able to provide you with some of the material you need to bring your deck back to safe and protected use.

Duradek Extrends Sympathy and Respect for Those Affected by Hurricane Sandy

Damage from Sandy - photo from Getty Images

At Duradek, our thoughts have been with the residents of the communities affected by the destruction of Hurricane Sandy. After Sandy battered the coastal areas of the eastern seaboard leaving behind a tangled mess of devastation, we joined the rest of the world in quiet astonishment at the amount of damage the storm left behind and with a new level of respect for the strength of the people dealing with such challenging circumstances.

Then mother nature added insult to injury with an early winter storm on the east coast, complete with wet, heavy snow. While many people affected are only now recovering their basic services and the entire scope of the damage has not yet fully been assessed,the clean-up process is well on its way. For some it is a process of clearing the debris, for others it is completely starting over…but for all, we send you our best wishes and our respect for the strength and fortitude that you’ve demonstrated through such challenging times, and the unity that has pulled people together to get through it.

This spirit of unity and progress is well spoken by president Obama in this clip:



While we at Duradek cannot begin to fully comprehend the destruction that eastern U.S. residents faced with this disaster, we certainly extend our thoughts and best wishes to those who dealt with the storm’s fury and suffered from lack of essential services, property losses and personal trauma. And we sincerely extend our hope that all those affected can begin to move forward and get back to their quality of life on the east coast.

Sandy damage at Kitty Hawk, NC
photo from Flikr - dedhed1950

Duradek and Mother NatureTeam Up in Decking

Duradek, the original Walkable Roofing Membrane has done it again! Following the successful addition of the Forest Floor line to Duradek’s extensive collection of 60 mil vinyl colors and patterns, a third color is now being introduced in this innovative and popular pattern.

An instant favorite with designers and home owners alike, Forest Floor resonates with the desire for naturally inspired colors and textures, and the ability to provide stylish outdoor living space while still having guaranteed waterproof protection.

Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Ash

Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Ash Swatch

A cool, earthy hue softly presents the distinctive fossilized leaf pattern in gentle taupe with grey under tones for a subtle and attractive waterproof finish on balconies, decks and patios.

Reminiscent of an actual forest floor, Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Ash offers a unique, naturally inspired design in a calm blend of neutral shades that invites harmony to virtually any outdoor living space or exterior design scheme.

The flagship color for this exclusive line launched in the summer of 2011 was Duradek Ultra Forest Floor ‘Birch’, followed in summer of 2012 with Duradek Ultra Forest Floor ‘Alder’.

Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Ash
Photo provided by Duradek of Georgia

This unique product is an innovative example of Duradek’s leadership in outdoor flooring.

Exclusively installed by specially trained professionals, Duradek has been the leader in waterproof roofing membranes for nearly 40 years and provides low maintenance, stylish solutions for outdoor living space.

Duradek Ultra Forest Floor
Ash, Alder and Birch

For All Appearances, Vinyl Decking is More Reliable Than Composite Decking

For homeowners seeking low maintenance decking solutions, Duradek vinyl has been a proven method of providing complete waterproof protection without the need to perform labor intensive maintenance. While this appeals to many homeowners, the introduction of composite decking products has enticed the homeowner who desires low maintenance decking with the promise of a natural wood-look for their deck.

However with composite decking being such a relatively new building product, does the performance and appearance really provide the long term results that homeowners desire? Articles from trusted sources like ProSales.com, ExtremeHowTo.com and GardenStructure.com provide a lot of valuable information and we’ve attempted to summarize some of it here, and let you decide for yourself how vinyl decking may be a much more reliable product to choose for your renovation or construction dollars.

The Appearance of Your Deck

At the point of installation, many homeowners swell with pride at how beautiful their deck looks with their shiny new composite deck boards. The smile does not last long though, as composite deck boards reportedly do not age well and tend to take on a plastic-like or artificial appearance that opposes the natural wood look the homeowner had been seeking. While most materials will show signs of aging and fading when exposed to the elements, composite deck boards have excessive issues with uneven color fading. The material can reportedly be easily scratched and cannot be resurfaced (there are some claims it is possible to resurface, but the process is surrounded by uncertainty).

Scratches in Composite Deck
Photo from GardenStructure.com

Stain on Composite Deck
Photo from GardenStructure.com

Staining is another common complaint with composite decking, particularly with mould. While a wood deck can also grow mould, mildew and algae, the solution is to clean and resurface. Cleaning the composite decking requires the use of a special cleaning chemical that will kill mould, but will also remove some of the finish, making the surface more porous and therefore even more susceptible to future mould growth.

Mould on Composite Deck
Photo from GardenStructure.com

Duradek vinyl is manufactured with UV screens and stabilizers as well as mould and mildew inhibitors allowing its appearance to stand up to the elements better than other options. While direct sun may cause any exterior surface to fade over time, Duradek incorporates UV stabilizers to resist cracking and discoloration of the vinyl. Duradek vinyl is easy to clean and care for, and does not require the use of harsh chemicals.



Duradek vinyl waterproofing is a great
low-maintenance option for your deck.

Duradek also comes in an excellent selection of colors and patterns to choose from. While the vinyl patterns do not emulate the appearance of natural wood, there are many options that blend well with earthy or natural tones around your home. Unlike the composite products that will eventually tend to look like a plastic product rather than the wood it was intended to emulate, vinyl surfaces when taken care of properly with seasonal cleaning will maintain an attractive finish for many years.

For the best in authentic wood appearance in low maintenance decking solutions, Durarail, the powder-coated aluminum railing systems is now available with a rich looking wood grain finish. The powder coated aluminum railings stand up incredibly well to the elements and the wood grain finish provided by Mayne Coatings maintains an authentic wood look over time.

Durarail Authentic Wood Finish Aluminum Railing
provided by Mayne Coatings

To learn more about Durarail powder-coated aluminum railings and Duradek vinyl membranes, a specially trained Duradek installer near you will be happy to answer your questions. When it comes to waterproofing decks, Duradek’s got you covered!

Vinyl Deck of Choice for Pulte Homes is Duradek

Duradek and Durarail are one of the balcony products of choice for Pulte Homes, one of America’s largest homebuilders. Pulte Homes has maintained a disciplined approach to construction over the last 50 years and has homes in over 35 markets across the country. Over the years, Pulte Homes has won more awards for customer satisfaction than any other homebuilder and it is their unwavering commitment to quality and choosing quality products like Duradek that demonstrates that commitment to excellence.

U.S. New Privately-Owned
Housing Units Authorized
by Metropolitan Area: 2011

According to the U.S. Census Bureau News Joint Releasefrom the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released on October17 residential construction statistics show that new housing construction is on the rise, particularly with multi-residential developments. A good example of this type of development is the PulteHomes development of the MetroWest community in Fairfax, Virginia. This community of luxury townhomes and townhome condominiums offers the best in quality and style so it was a natural choice to include balconies and roof top decks finished with the attractive and dependable Duradek vinyl to provide reliable waterproof protection. Designed to be low maintenance, Duradek and Durarail are the perfect choices due to their durability and long-lasting performance that requires very little cleaning maintenance to keep looking great.

Duradek on the Townhome Condominiums

The MetroWest community has two distinct styles of Townhome Condominiums: The “Lafayette” and the “Saratoga”, with the desirable Saratoga including a Duradek balcony off of the kitchen.


MetroWest Townhome & Condonuminium Balconies by Duradek

Duradek on the Townhomes

There are three styles of townhomes at the MetroWest community: The “Blake”, “Stuart” and “Tyler”. All are available with decks, and as the design includes placement of some of the decks overtop of the first floor garage, it is imperative that the deck waterproofing perform as a roofing grade membrane to fully protect the structure underneath.

 

MetroWest Townhome Rooftop Deck with
 Waterproof Protection by Duradek

This is where Duradek is clearly the vinyl waterproof membrane of choice as it offers a walkable surface with roof grade waterproof protection. In a choice of over two dozen styles and colors, Duradek has a look for any homeowner, including the proud new homeowners of a MetroWest townhome.



Duradek and Durarail are the perfect low-maintenance combination
for Roof Grade Waterproof Protection on Walkable Rooftop Decks