Comparing Waterproofing Substrates for Outdoor Thinset Tile Applications

Outdoor tiles are an increasingly desirable finish for patios and decks, but abuse from the elements can wreak havoc on them, particularly when applied to roof-top decks over habitable space where reliable waterproofing is of primary importance.

Outdoor tile jobs have been a source of frustration for many contractors, but the number of problems resulting from traditional methods of waterproofing under tile is soon to be a thing of the past as Duradek has raised the bar on best practices for the installation of exterior tile.

Duradek has specialized in waterproofing balconies and rooftop decks for nearly 40 years and has a time proven walkable waterproof membrane that stands up in all North American climates. Expanding on the success of the Duradek Ultra membrane, Duradek has adapted the product to provide its superior waterproofing performance AND to best adhere exterior thinset tile. The result, Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek not only provides guaranteed waterproof performance, but it also acts as an integral part of a built-up system that is demonstrably maintaining the integrity of the whole tile surface. This means a significantly lower chance of tiles cracking or lifting when compared to traditional application methods.

One of the most common methods of waterproofing under exterior tile has historically been the use of a Modified Bitumen which can be torch applied, asphalt applied or cold applied. While these methods are adequate for Modified Bitumen roofing applications, they may not be ideal for under tile. Duradek Ultra Tiledek is roofing approved an applied with a latex adhesive, heat welded at its seams and most importantly, it is installed by trained applicators that are experts in waterproofing details.

Asphalt Applied Modified Bitumen

Latex Adhesive Applied Ultra Tiledek

Before you start your next  outdoor tile application, be sure to compare your options, Duradek has provided a simple list of details to be aware of before you make your decision. You may want to read:

Techtalk #106 - 10 Reasons Not to Use Modified Bitumen as a Waterproofing Substrate for Outdoor Thinset Tile Applications

Techtalk #107 - 10 Reasons to Use Duradek Ultra Tiledek as a Waterproofing Substrate for Outdoor Thinset Tile Applications

Armed with this information you can confidently proceed with your next exterior tile project. But if this hasn't answered all of your questions you can contact the Duradek Technical Manager or your local Duradek installer for any specifics you would like to have addressed.

Premium Wood Grain Finish For Your Deck Railings

This new premium finish from Durarail is fantastic...it is like Martha Stewart meets Iron Man!
This authentic looking wood finish presents an elegant and sophisticated look, but with the strength and durability of aluminum.

Applied to our strong and long-lasting powder-coated aluminum railings, this wood finish does not require the constant upkeep of sanding, re-staining or re-painting. There are no concerns about wood rotting or fading as the product is extremely durable and UV resistant.

Now you can enjoy the rich, beautiful look of real wood with the low maintenance and durability of aluminum. Available in an excellent variety of wood grain options and all 5 of our top rail profiles, you can be enjoying your deck while your neighbors are slaving away on theirs!

Life Just Got Easier For Installing Stair Railings

Installing stair railings just got easier with the addition of Durarail's new Adjustable Stair Railing!

Collapsible, pre-assembled panels means no need to install individual pickets on site and no need to wait for the stairs to be built for measurements as they adjust to virtually any angle. These railings are a benefit to both the installer and the home owner as less installation time is needed and therefore less labor cost. They are installed in a fraction of the time it would take to install individual pickets, and all without the risk of inaccurate measurement!

Easy to ship, stock and store, the Adjustable Stair Railings collapse down to approximately 10" tall while adding only about 32" in length once fully collapsed. They are ideal for ramps, stairs, sloped decks and temporary rails that can be reused because of the installation flexibility.

There are three lengths and two standard heights available and custom heights are available on request, as are any of 180 custom colors should our 8 standard colors not suit your design. Available with all 5 top rail profiles, the Adjustable Stair Rails can be used up and down for stairs OR side to side for custom angles on decks. It's all about flexibility and these railings have it!

Exterior Tile Decks - A Big Job One Step At A Time

Though cherished by homeowners, outdoor tile decks have traditionally been a source of frustration for many deck builders. Now, that is a thing of the past with the advantages gained by using the Duradek Ultra Tiledek waterproofing membrane and the recommended installation sequence for superior performance of the waterproofing system underneath exterior tile.

The team of decking professionals in the Duradek network have shown time and time again that "it is all in the details".  Duradek installer Matt McClure of Dekmax in Salt Lake City, Utah is a perfect example of how top performing waterproofing requires not only an excellent product, but also a professionally trained installer that is an expert in the intricate details critical to successful waterproofing.

One of Matt's Tiledek installations was for a very challenging deck project in Salt Lake City, and was featured on Ideas For Deck Designs website. This article is an excellent explanation of the details involved in adding an exterior tile deck and is presented in an easy to understand step-by-step sequence.

We've listed the steps involved for you here, but highly recommend you get the full details of the specifics if you'd like to educate yourself on the best practices of installing an outdoor tile deck.

Step #1 - Build the New Balcony Decks
Not always as simple as throwing down some plywood. All sorts of considerations such as soil conditions, imposed loads and of course, proper slope must be factored into the plans. Read more....




Step #2 - Prepare the Surface
3/4" tongue and groove plywood is the recommended deck surface and although it is possible to install the Tiledek waterproof membrane to plywood it would first require a lot of filling preparation. Duradek recommends use of a cement board on top of the plywood as an excellent substrate. Read more....


Step #3 - Install Cement Board
A bed of thinset mortar must be applied to set the cement boards properly, and should be allowed to cure properly before application of the membrane.
Read more...



Step #4 - Prepare Wall Flashing
Keeping your waterproofing intact where deck meets wall takes precision and accuracy. Read more....



Step #5 - Lay Out Duradek Ultra Tiledek
The material is heavy and cut in economical lengths and it must be laid out before applying the adhesive. But first the deck surface must be checked for cleanliness and be free of any obstructions. Check out the video...




Step #6 - Apply the Adhesive
The easiest method of applying adhesive to the deck surface is to fold the Tiledek membrane in half along the length of the roll and apply latex adhesive using a thick roller. Contact adhesive is used around the perimeter edges. Check out the video...

Step #7 - Wall Flash Detail
A very important detail to pay attention to, proper wall flashing details include ensuring the Tiledek is glued down flat and smooth right up to the transition point at the wall, leaving plenty of material to flash up the wall. Read more....


Step #8 - Triple Weld the Seams
The most important step of all, this is not something for the amateurs to try.  Duradek ensures that all of their applicators are professionally trained on this critical step. Watch the video...




Step #9 - Weld Column Patches
Corner patching details are an important step to finish the waterproofing details. With accuracy critical to performance and appearance, this is one more step where you would appreciate the skills of the trained professionals. Read More....




Step #10 - Applying The Bond Coat
Now that the waterproofing is professionally installed, the tile can be laid traditionally which includes the application of a bond coat. Read More....

Step #11 - Install The Tiles
The tiles are applied over the bond coat, and with Duradek's tested methodology this is not just a tile deck job, but an entire waterproofing system for your outdoor living space. Read more...

Step #12 - Install Expansion Joints
While installing the tiles, you  must ensure to install expansion joints every 8 or 10 feet. This is particularly important in environments that are subject to extreme temperatures. If the tile has room to expand, they won't crack or lift. Read more...





Step #13 - Grout the Tiles
One of the final steps to completing your outdoor tile deck is to grout the tiles and allow time to cure. Read more.....



And at the end of all the laborious and detail specific stages of an outdoor tile deck installation, the result is a beautifully finished tile deck, just waiting for its railings to be installed.

Matt from Dekmax and the good folks at Ideas For Deck Designs online have provided an incredibly easy to follow sequence that clearly illustrates the importance of details and how the Duradek Ultra Tiledek and the recommended system can provide far superior results in waterproofing under exterior tile than we have seen in the past.

MSN Money Expert Includes Deck Renos In Top Projects For Your Dollar

With spring approaching, many homeowners are looking at ways to renovate their homes to retain or increase their value. Last week, Duradek released an article "Creating Value in Real Estate and Quality of Life" discussing the advantages of rooftop decks and outdoor living space.

This week, MSN Money expert Ian Harvey posted an article proposing that his top suggested renovation projects can increase the value of your property up to 75%. Deck renovations were 1 of his 8 top recommendations. If you read this article you will see that while Mr. Harvey acknowledges the value of deck renovations for the real estate value, he may not have yet heard of Duradek and the low maintenance advantages it adds to the equation as his construction recommendations are somewhat traditional yet labour intensive.

Regardless of the approach you choose to take, one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your home includes your deck and outdoor living space.

Update - We've Got a New Booth Location at Coverings 2012

Update - Duradek has a new booth location at the Coverings 2012 Show!

Be sure to visit us at Booth #3842

Taking Place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida from April 17, 2012 to April 20th, 2012, the Coverings Show - The Ultimate Tile & Stone Experience 'covers' all the flooring essentials.

Take advantage of Free Registration for the Ultimate Tile and Stone Experience and discover what the experts are saying about the latest in surface finishing.

Duradek will proudly be exhibiting at booth #3842 and showing the tiling community the best practices in preparing waterproof surfaces with our Tiledek waterproof vinyl membrane, specifically designed for waterproofing under exterior tile. Duradek installers know it's all about the details, and we want to be sure that you do it right the first time - do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

At the Coverings 2012 show you can experience:

• 4 days of exhibits with over 800 exhibitors
• Nearly 70 FREE Specialized Training and Education Sessions
• Feature Speakers addressing Design, Marketing and Labor Trends
• Installation Demonstrations and Design Showcase
• Special Programs such as the Design Awards and Project Green

We hope to see you there. Be sure to stop by the Duradek booth #3842 and say hello to our sales Manager Kevin MacMillan and Duradek president, John Ogilvie who can answer in detail any questions you have on waterproofing flat roof decks and balconies.

Cable Railing System Is Now Proudly Offered By Durarail

photo provided by Premium Decks

Durarail, the powder-coated aluminum railing specialist, now offers Cable Railing - a contemporary deck railing system that provides minimal view obstruction with maximum style. The stainless steel  cables allow airflow through the deck and provide excellent resistance to the elements for an attractive, low maintenance railing solution.

photo provided by Premium Decks

Durarail's powder-coated aluminum top rails and posts provide the ultimate framework for the new Cable Railing System. Cleverly designed cable fasteners are hidden withing the posts, allowing you to attractively frame the perimeter of your deck with a sleek, clean and modern look that can stand up to the elements and provide many years of functional and esthetic appeal.

With a choice of 5 standard Durarail Top Rail designs, homeowners can choose the look that most appeals to them.

photo provided by Texas Railing Systems

Available in 8 standard colors and 180 custom colors, Durarail framework is UV resistant and will not peel, flake or blister as it ages so there is no need for sanding, staining or painting.
In addition to its esthetic appeal and durability, Durarail's Cable Railing System has another advantage; its stainless steel cables contain at least 65% recycled content which help qualify for LEED credits.

Rooftop Decks Create Substantial Value

Rooftop Deck in Baltimore

The value of residential real estate has many contributing factors and square footage of living space is one of the primary considerations. However, outdoor living space is sometimes overlooked and often underestimated for the value it brings to a property.

While suburbanites have typically held the advantage in quality outdoor living space, city dwellers are coming to realize that green space and outdoor relaxation are not out of reach. Roof top decks are growing in popularity from coast to coast. Although the scenic advantages at coastal regions have prompted the inclusion of rooftop decks for some time, many regions are unfamiliar with this design concept. But with the growing desire to enjoy quality outdoor entertainment and relaxation and the need to maximize space, new communities are appearing in which roof top decks are an integral feature to the property.

The Rivercrossing  Townhome Community in Utah

For example, the Rivercrossing Townhome Community in Utah is creating quite a stir with their design which include rooftop decks in a community quite unfamiliar with them. Residents can enjoy the leisure advantages of semi-private outdoor living space while avoiding all of the labor of yard maintenance.

To read more about urban outdoor living space and rooftop decks, check out our article, "Creating Value In Real Estate And Quality Of Life".  



Duradek Invites You To The Coverings Show

Taking Place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida from April 17, 2012 to April 20th, 2012, the Coverings Show - The Ultimate Tile & Stone Experience 'covers' all the flooring essentials.

Take advantage of Free Registration for the Ultimate Tile and Stone Experience and discover what the experts are saying about the latest in surface finishing.

Duradek will proudly be exhibiting at booth #4664 and showing the tiling community the best practices in preparing waterproof surfaces with our Tiledek waterproof vinyl membrane, specifically designed for waterproofing under exterior tile. Duradek installers know it's all about the details, and we want to be sure that you do it right the first time - do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

At the Coverings 2012 show you can experience:

• 4 days of exhibits with over 800 exhibitors
• Nearly 70 FREE Specialized Training and Education Sessions
• Feature Speakers addressing Design, Marketing and Labor Trends
• Installation Demonstrations and Design Showcase
• Special Programs such as the Design Awards and Project Green

We hope to see you there. Be sure to stop by the Duradek booth #4664 and say hello to our sales Manager Kevin MacMillan and Duradek president, John Ogilvie who can answer in detail any questions you have on waterproofing flat roof decks and balconies.

Comforting Colors and Waterproof Confidence

Update - In late 2011, Duradek, the original Walkable Roofing Membrane introduced two new colors in its Ultra Cork line of 60 mil vinyl that caught on faster than any other color in the company's 37 year history. The decks finished with these vinyls have an immediate contemporary feel and blend well with other outdoor furnature and accessories, and so far the reviews have been fabulous!

Joining the initial, organic-looking Ultra Cork Natural that launched this popular pattern, the Ultra Cork Macchiato and Ultra Cork Espresso offer deeper, richer color options to the earthy texture of the Ultra Cork Line.

Ultra Cork Espresso
Photo courtesy of Matt McClure at Dek Max

Ultra Cork Macchiato
Photo Courtesy of Paul Gordon at Golden Gate Enterprises

With the market demonstrating a desire for naturally inspired colors and textures, Duradek also introduced its newest product line with Ultra Forest Floor. The flagship color for this line is Birch, which offers a distinctive blend of subtle earthy, neutral tones with a gentle fossilized leaf pattern throughout , reminiscent of an actual forest floor.

Ultra Forest Floor Birch
Photo courtesy of Royce Hayes at Duradek of Georgia

This unique product is an innovative example of Duradek's leadership in outdoor flooring. For the best balcony on the block, protect your deck with a stylish Duradek membrane.

For more details on these new colors, take a look at our press release.

Exclusively installed by specially trained professionals, Duradek has been the leader in waterproof roofing membranes for over 35 years and provides low maintenance, stylish solutions for outdoor living space.