Building or Renovating a Sun Deck

Regardless of the region you are located in, May and June are the pinnacle months for builders and contractors to quote on decking projects.

To save yourself time and reduce frustration on a decking project, builders and home owners both need to be sure to review some specific details before the project begins.

What is the right deck surface for you?

Reviewing the pros and cons of decking alternatives can be advantageous, even if you think you already know what you want. Builders can help customers compare decking material options beyond the initial product cost with future considerations such as durability, functionality and maintenance requirements with this convenient comparison chart.

When you see the advantages of a durable vinyl membrane over some of the other decking options, choosing the right vinyl is crucial. Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes are only installed by specially trained installers who know that when it comes to waterproofing, it's all in the details.

Refer to our handy Vinyl Purchase Checklist to assist in your decision making.

Substrate Considerations

Regardless of whether you are installing Duradek Ultra Vinyl Membrane for walkable surfaces, Duradek Ultra Tiledek as a waterproof tile underlayment, or Duradek Ultra Plazadek for waterproofing under overlay products - it is vitally important that you have installed your waterproof membrane as recommended.

This applies to installation techniques, but perhaps more importantly, taking into consideration the substrate that the membrane will be adhered to.

Concrete or Plywood: Application Techniques
are very specific to the type of substrate for
effective waterproofing

Duradek ensures all installation recommendations are kept up-to-date with the changes of industry standards and available materials.

 For best-practices n the application of Duradek membranes and proper substrate requirements, refer to the Techtalk bulletins issued for the following:

Techtalk #126 - Plywood Substrate Recommendations for Canada
Techtalk #126 - Plywood Substrate Recommendations for U.S.
Techtalk #126 - Supplement for Plywood Recommendations
Techtalk #140 - Concrete Substrate Recommendations
Techtalk #161 - Application to Prepared Surfaces

Proper Planning - Work Smarter, Not Harder

In a perfect world, you know exactly what you want before you get started, but in reality you may be uncertain and make requests for details once the project has begun. Be sure to make some important inquiries and critical observations to ensure you will be satisfied and the time and cost involved in your project is spent most effectively.

Is the deck a new structure or are you renovating an existing deck?

• Will you have the desire for dry storage space underneath your deck?
• If it is an existing deck predating current building codes, is there a safety evaluation before renovations begin?

 Is the deck above existing or potential habitable space below?

• Is the deck adequately sloped for proper water flow?
• Does the waterproofing material meet building codes for both pedestrian and roofing applications?

 Is there potential for the installation of exterior tile?

• Is the deck over habitable space requiring a roofing approved waterproofing membrane?
• Is there adequate space allowance for assembly build-up considering clearance for door frames?

May is Deck Safety Month® - The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) provides a handy Deck Evaluation Form to assist you in determining the scope of the project.

Outdoor Tile - A Step-By-Step Process For Pedestrian Tile Surfaces

If you are considering installing outdoor tile at your home or business, there are many factors to consider in ensuring it is the right material for your needs. That being said, the methods employed today to install exterior tile are far superior to those of the past and exterior tile is much more accessible to the average homeowner.

Proper application of outdoor tile surfaces requires not just the skills of the tile layer. One of the most critical phases of an outdoor tile installation is the waterproofing phase. A vinyl membrane is one of the most effective ways to provide exterior waterproofing as part of a tile assembly, and Duradek Ultra Tiledek is gaining a reputation as one of the best methods of fulfilling this need. Not only does it provide waterproof protection for the substrate of the tile assembly, it is also a roofing-approved membrane and will guarantee waterproof protection over habitable space allowing tiles to be used with confidence on roof top decks. In addition, its structure provides a durable and flexible surface that the tiles stay adhered to over years of freeze and thaw cycles.

Matt McClure of Duradek of Utah / Dek Max is a bona fide expert in waterproofing balconies, patios and roof top decks. As a specially trained Duradek Distributor, Matt is a well-respected voice of authority in the decking industry and is often turned to for advice on best practices in waterproofing.

While you can see a summary of the entire process and many stages of installing outdoor tile in our blog article "Exterior Tile Decks - A Big Job One Step at a Time", below you will find a series of video clips covering the waterproofing stage of the tile installation assembly.

Stage 1 - Laying Out the Vinyl






Stage 2 - Applying Latex Adhesive to Cement Board






Stage 3 - Applying Contact Cement to the Edge of the Deck






Stage 4 - First Weld of Tiledek






Stage 5 - Second Weld of Tiledek






Stage 6 - Third and Final Cap Weld of Tiledek





The popular decking resource, Ideas for Deck Designs approached Matt to share his expertise and you can  benefit from his experience by reading his interview and reviewing a step-by-step sequence of a new tile deck installation on their website.

If you would like to look into the benefits of Tiledek for your particular project, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate and get one step closer to making your dreams of a tile deck a reality.

Duradek of Georgia Earns 5-Star Rating for Deck Installations

The Greater Atlanta Area of Georgia has no shortage of qualified contractors for your home improvement projects, and with so many options it can be a difficult choice to select the contractor that is right for you. Even if you do have a general contractor, when it comes to decking projects you want to choose someone who specializes in waterproofing, particularly if your deck is over habitable space. The professional installers of Duradek vinyl waterproof membrane know that when it comes to waterproofing, it's all in the details!

Crooked Creek Tennis Pavilion: Waterproof Duradek Vinyl = Dry Underneath!

Duradek of Georgia, represented by Royce Hayes of R.L. Hayes Inc. is a contractor that you can feel comfortable working with...but don't take our word for it. Check out this short video clip or read what other homeowners have to say on the Kudzu review site that features reviews for everything you need in home services.

Duradek of Georgia has received 18 reviews on the Kudzu site an every single one of them rated Duradek of Georgia 5 out of 5 stars in each of the categories of Quality, Service and Value.

Some of the comments include:

5-Stars - Duradek
"Duradek is a great company to work with. The steps on my back patio had a lot of wood rot and were beginning to fall and were unsafe for my kids to walk on. The estimator came out the next day and gave me a detailed estimate. After hiring them, they did a great job on my steps and also repaired some other places of my porch too. I would call them for any of my home repair needs."

5-Stars - Great Service and Great Company
"I called the company awhile back to get an estimate on my home. I was surprised at their quick response and reliability. The estimate was very precise and detailed. After some consideration, I went with Duradek and I don't regret it. I will be using them in the future."

5-Stars - Reliable and Fast
"They did my deck for me last year. And they didn't play around. They arrived when they said they would and completed the work in an amazing amount of time. They were done so quickly I wondered if it was done properly. Well to this day it still looks fantastic and hasn't faded in the least bit. They are the only one on my list of contractors."

Royce Hayes will be happy to
quote on your next decking project.

Royce Hayes of R.L. Hayes Inc. has been providing full-service remodeling construction since 1988 and is the exclusive Duradek Distributor in Georgia. With his vast experience and current involvement in trusted industry associations like NADRA, Royce is on top of all current building code requirements and all of the intricate details that are essential in waterproofing projects.

Outdoor Tile - An Age-Old Problem with a 21st Century Solution

For hundreds and hundreds of years, tiles have been used for pedestrian surfaces. When beautifying your outdoor living space, there are few surfaces that can match the aesthetic pleasure and long-lasting durability of porcelain or slate tiles...if they are installed correctly. However, many installers avoid exterior tile projects because they are unfamiliar with the new and innovative installation systems and methods now available.

Historically, exterior tile jobs have had repeated issues of tiles cracking or lifting; and exterior tile and grout provide absolutely zero waterproofing protection. While this may be something you would be willing to accept on a ground-level walkway, it certainly could pose a problem for deck surfaces, particularly when over living space.

Doing it right the first time saves time and money.
Demolition and rebuild of a leaky tile deck is a homeowners nightmare.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek has changed the playing field for exterior tile applications and allows a performance-proven system of under-tile assembly to far surpass the methods and products used in the past. Duradek Ultra Tiledek brings solutions to the 3 primary environmental stresses that make exterior tiling a challenge.

#1 - Freeze / Thaw Cycles: When water that infiltrates the tile, grout and substrate is allowed to freeze, it expands and can cause high internal pressure. The localized damage caused by the expansion can allow even more water to infiltrate the materials during the thaw. As the cycle repeats, deterioration of the assembly will occur over time.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is able to withstand freeze/thaw cycles while many other materials cannot. As a waterproofing membrane specifically designed to best adhere exterior tile on rooftop applications, no moisture is able to penetrate through to the substrate.

#2 - Thermal Stress: When the temperature increases, the materials used in the assembly can expand. Since the sun heats the tile assembly from the top, a gradient of higher temperature in the tile layer and a lower temperature in the substrate is created which causes significant stresses at the tile/bond coat/substrate interfaces in direct bond applications which can result in cracking.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a strong and durable vinyl membrane which provides just enough flexibility in the assembly to allow for subtle movement due to thermal stress and allows the complete tile assembly build-up to shift with the temperature without losing integrity in the adhesion.

#3 - Moisture Exposure: Since tile and grout are not waterproof, moisture can enter the assembly and cause substantial damage to any moisture sensitive substructure.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a roofing-approved waterproof membrane, so you are guaranteed that if your exterior tile is installed over habitable space, the area below is properly protected.

Most experienced tile installers will agree that some of the most critical points to consider when planning exterior tile projects are:

• Waterproofing and Flashing Details
• Inclusion of Movement Joints
• A Suitable Surface

In fact, some installers refuse to take on outdoor tile jobs if the customer does not want to pay for the proper build-up assembly underneath, and waterproofing seems to be the most critical factor.



When the problem can't be avoided, Tiledek simplifies the solution.

One of the most common problems with exterior tile is experiencing tiles 'popping' or 'lifting'. When your outdoor tile assembly utilizes the Duradek Ultra Tiledek recommended application, this becomes a very minor issue. Because the Tiledek waterproof membrane is installed underneath the thin set mortar, tile and grout, even if a tile does lift it does not at all compromise the waterproofing protection and the tile can easily be adhered back in place. Without a proper waterproof membrane underneath the tiles, once one tile lifts you have no certainty whatsoever that the entire tiled surface has not been compromised.

Tile 'lifting' could be avoided when adhered to a Tiledek Membrane

With the costs involved in an outdoor tile job (just the tiles themselves can be expensive), you get heh most value out of your investment when you choose to do it right the first time...do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

To see an example of how Tiledek has outperformed its predecessors, read these real-life examples from Vancouver, BC, Centerville Bench, UT and the Bay Area, CA.

Let the (Safe) Patio Season Begin!

The long-awaited and much anticipated first long-weekend of the summer season is nearly upon us - and not a moment too soon!

Those of us that have decks and patios have been excitedly preparing our favorite outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

Having installed over a million square feet of vinyl decking, Duradek wants to be sure that your deck is still the best it can be. While the obvious task of cleaning any organic debris, dirt and soil from the deck surface is usually the first step for many homeowners, be sure to include the critical step of inspecting the waterproofing details such as the caulking around posts and drains.

May is Deck Safety Month ®  

The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is the decking industry's most visible association, and they have a very strong consumer focus. Deck safety is a critical issue to NADRA, and the organization has a mandate of increasing public awareness of the necessity of regular inspections and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks. This initiative prompted NADRA to declare May as Deck Safety Month ® in 2006.

As many decks remain that were installed prior to today's building codes, deck safety is an issue that is important to address and NADRA provides a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders. This is a fantastic free tool for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference  when getting estimates or discussing project options.

Duradek takes deck safety very serious too. Whether you are located in Canada or the United States, there are building requirements t o consider in constructing your deck surface and preparing the substrate. Right from the initial construction of the deck to the condition of the substrate, the installation of the vinyl waterproof membrane and the installation of the railings, each stage requires its own detailed expertise and is a major factor for Duradek recommending that you do not do the job yourself.

HTR Duradek Rates 5/5 Stars in Decking

Selecting a contractor for home improvement projects like deck construction or renovation can sometimes be a daunting task. While you may have some idea of what you have in mind for your project, finding the right supplier and the right contractor can be a challenge. Duradek strives to make all information easily available to you to make your selection by hosting a very comprehensive website on Duradek products, in addition to ensuring our product information is accessible on the most respected decking association website. But another valuable resource in researching your decking contractors is through consumer review sites.

Before                   and                 After

The unsolicited opinions found on these review sites from other consumers can help you make your decision with more confidence by letting you hear real-world experiences and comments. One Duradek dealer, HTR Duradek that serves the Greater Toronto Area has received numerous reviews on the N49.ca website and has an impressive 5 out of 5 star rating.

Comments include:

5-Stars - Goat Boathouse
"Wow, our 1955 built boathouse in now a show piece. The glass railing was the icing on the cake. We were very impressed with your crew and the quality of workmanship."

5-Stars - Mr. George Hardy
"The work was done in a professional manner. The crew members worked with pride. They were meticulous with every detail and produced an excellent result."

5-Stars - HTR Duradek - Great Work, Great People
"Excellent to deal with. Professional, courteous and accommodating. On site staff were friendly, efficient and aware of those around them (children). The work site was kept clean. Emails and phone calls were returned quickly and full of information. I'd say I can't wait to work with them again, but the warranty is so good, it won't be for many years!"

HTR Duradek is an excellent example of the professional service that supports a superior product. Visit the HTR reviews on N49.ca to read all of the reviews that gave HTR Duradek a 5-Star rating.

Seeing is believing....so see for yourself the excellent work completed by the team at HTR Duradek.


HTR Duradek
416-881-8822
htrinc@hotmail.com
www.htrduradek.com

Your Opinion on Deck Renovations is What Matters Most

For professionals in nearly any business, word-of-mouth is a very valuable advertising resource. While many dollars can be spent on advertising, the direct feedback from customers that have used the product or service often carries more weight than any advertising medium. At Duradek, we value our customer's feedback and strive to ensure our network of installers is always performing to the highest standards.

For the first time in history, individual consumers have more information at their fingertips than ever before when comparing purchasing options. Wikipedia reports that by the year 2014, the number of household computers world-wide will have doubled to reach 2 billion. While the old-school methods of seeking a business through monthly magazine reviews or time-consuming phone call sourced through the Yellow Pages is becoming obsolete, the immediate results of Internet research gives consumers' access to compare products and services directly. More so, the use of online review sites is growing daily and can be a great resource when selecting a contractor.

There are several online review sites that range from national reviews covering all types of products, to smaller regional review sites covering a specific type of product. Angie's List is one of the more recognizable online national review sites covering nearly any product category. While Angie's List does require a modest membership fee, some would argue that fact may make it a more reliable source for testimonials versus a free review site. Many other review sites are available that do not require a fee, but do require a membership log-in to post reviews.

When researching for your next renovation project, here is a sampling of some review sites to browse.

• Review Centre
• Home Stars
  (Duradek has a 10/10 review on this site)
• Handy Directory
• Handy American
• Kudzo
  (Duradek of Georgia has a 5-star rating and
  18 reviews on this site)
• N49
  (HTR Duradek has a 5-star rating and
  11 reviews on this site)

Watch for upcoming blogs featuring review details on some of our Duradek dealers and installers like Royce Hayes from Duradek of Georgia and Mike McGowan of HTR Duradek.

Birds of a Feather Share Airtime Together

from left: Mike Holmes, John Ogilvie, Gary Sullivan

Q - What do home renovation experts Mike Holmes, Gary Sullivan and John Ogilvie have in common?

A - They all believe in doing it right the first time...and they were all on the radio airwaves during Gary Sullivan's show last weekend.

On Saturday, April 28th, Duradek president John Ogilvie hosted a live web-chat during 'At Home With Gary Sullivan', the #1 call-in Home Improvement Radio Show in North America.

While Gary Sullivan spoke with his call-in listeners and highly recognized industry icon, Mike Holmes, John was busy hosting the live chat on garysullivanonline.com and answering questions about Duradek vinyl waterproof membranes and how it can solve difficult waterproofing problems.

Duradek displays its vinyl and railings
at IBS 2012...watch for them at IBS 2013

When Gary spoke with John live-on-the-air, Gary revealed that he discovered Duradek at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida last year. While it is evident that Gary is very excited about the Duradek product when he describes it with words like 'awesome' and 'versatile', he was surprised to learn that already over 100,000,000 square feet of Duradek vinyl has been waterproofing decks since 1974...and that's a LOT of decks!

While Duradek is a fantastic waterproofing membrane for a variety of applications such as sundecks, patios and pool or hot tub surrounds, its approval as a roofing membrane and its ability to provide a stylish waterproof and walkable deck surface over living space is one of the factors that makes Duradek stand out above other vinyl options.

And just like Mike Holmes, Duradek believes in doing it right the first time! Which is why, as John explains to Gary, that Duradek is only installed by trained applicators that are familiar with the intricacies of waterproofing best-practices to guarantee that the product performs as it is intended to.

To hear some of the great advice and insights John shared with Gary, have a listen to the April 28th edition of 'At Home With Gary Sullivan'. You can hear what John has to say at about 16:00 into the first hour of the show, and following Mike Holmes in the second hour at about 14:40.

NADRA Chapter Meetings Benefit Decking Industry and Consumer Satisfaction

The North America Deck and Railing Association is a highly recognized trade organization uniting various arms of the deck and railing industy in an effort to promote, educate and support each other and to keep the bar of professionalism raised to be the highest performing members of our industry.

While NADRA's national efforts benefit all members, there are 8 Regional Chapters and 5 chapters that are currently forming.

In April 2012, the Atlanta Chapter of NADRA gathered together at an event sponsored by Duradek. The Atlanta Chapter of NADRA is the second largest in the country and is very active, bringing together at least 60 people monthly for sharing industry information and exchanging referrals and experiences.

Norm and Royce proudly presented at NADRA Atlanta's April meeting

Duradek Representative Norm Shafer and Royce Hayes of Duradek of Georgia sponsored this event by providing the venue and the food so members could network in a casual, enjoyable environment. Duadek had a captive audience for their comprehensive slide presentation to educate the group on the advantages of Duradek vinyl waterproof membranes and the Tiledek waterproofing system for under exterior tile. While education and networking is the primary objective of the meetings, the NADRA Atlanta group looks like they know how to have fun too.

You can take a little sneak peak at what happens at a NADRA chapter meeting with this brief, friendly video:




While the group is comprised of equal amounts of builders, distributors and factory representatives, the referrals generated from this group of professionals are very significant. NADRA members are very knowledgeable and trusted in their area of expertise, and respectfully working together can ensure the right products and people are matched up with the right pojects.

One builder was very excited to discover Druadek. He had been approached by a customer who wanted to convert the area under their deck into extra enclosed living space, and the builder was uncertain on what to use for the project. Once he learned about Duradek and its specific performance feature of providing a walkable waterproof membrane over living space, he excitedly called back his customer and began to develop construction plans.

Enclosed or Open...Duradek keeps it dry

Duradek is a valuable additon to the NADRA membership community. For all of the projects that have plagued builders with problems over the years, Duradek provides and easy and perfomance proven system that builders can be excited about. Whether projects require dry space below a deck, enclosed living space below a deck, or are simply looking for a low maintenance alternative for a deck - Duradek fits a niche and is a brilliant and easy solution for a variety of projects.