Monday, July 30, 2012

Duradek Hits the Airwaves with
New TV Commercials for 2012

Duradek has been making a presence in the Canadian market with a series of commercials, and this July they introduce two new 15 second commercial spots. These two colourful clips vividly demonstrate in only a few seconds how Duradek is the perfect waterproofing solution for decks and patios.

The first of Duradek's new commercials highlights that Duradek comes in a great selection of colours and patterns. It also focuses on the fact that Duradek is installed only by professional contractors and is backed up by the Duradek guarantee.



The second new commercial demonstrates how Duradek vinyl waterproofing is ideal for home owners who want to enjoy their outdoor lifestyle without having to labour to maintain it. Low maintenance Duradek waterproof vinyl offers home owners the benefit of extending their living space to their decks with style.



Duradek Commercials are Aired on
Four Major Canadian Specialty Networks



The National Geographic Channel
This hugely popular network has had the largest increase in audience in the last year in specialty T.V. with an excess of 6 million subscribers.


The Do It Yourself Network
The Do It Yourself Network is all programming showing renovations by contractors and home owners. With just over 2 million subscribers, it is viewed by people who wish to find ideas on renovation (with many shows featuring sundecks being built!)


HGTV
The Home and Garden network was selected to use for concentration on reality shows on building decks...all kinds of decks. The viewer here is often looking for ideas on decks to pass on to their contractor.


The History Channel
This is the largest viewed specialty T.V. station in Canada with a cross section of new programming.

Duradek Makes an Impression
With presence like this and the professional reputation Duradek has built since protecting decks since 1974, it is no wonder that many consumers often consider 'Duradek' as synonymous with 'waterproof vinyl'. But remember, not all vinyl is created equal! Like Duradek president, John Ogilvie states in the commercial, "For a true seal of quality, look for the Duradek logo - before you buy!"

To view these fun new commercials, informational clips, installation sequences and more, visit 'The Duradek Channel' on YouTube.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Duradek Ultra Tiledek Meets North American Building and Industry Standards

While many specifiers and builders are still learning about the incredible waterproofing advantages that Duradek Ultra Tiledek can bring to outdoor tile projects, the technical department at Duradek has been busy with testing through various agencies to provide the documentation that proves that Duradek Ultra Tiledek meets North American building and industry standards as a roofing and waterproofing membrane which can accept direct application of outdoor tile.

Duradek has been working with tile industry associations to ensure that Ultra Tiledek’s superior waterproofing performance meets the needs of the tile installers and stonemasons all over North America and provides the highest level comfort and assurance that when tiles are laid over a Tiledek membrane, they will never have to be removed for waterproofing repairs.

Finally, the ability to have a rooftop deck with a beautiful tile surface is no longer a waterproofing issue waiting to happen! Duradek Ultra Tiledek is approved for use in both roofing and pedestrian applications.



Duradek Ultra Tiledek and the Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada
Duradek is a proud member of the Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) that is the “Voice of the Hardsurface Industry”. 
TTMAC Logo
TTMAC has a long standing reputation for providing the industry with the most up to date resources available and operates with a strict adherence to a code of ethics that supports quality and professionalism.

TTMAC has a mandate to develop a method of standardizing terrazzo, tile and marble installation techniques as well as being a technical resource and liaison for the industry. ASTM C627 Standard Test Method for Evaluating Ceramic Floor Tile Installation performed by TTMAC’s  Universal/Robinson Type Floor Tester provides verification of suitability of a flooring system for a particular type of installation. TTMAC has determined that Duradek Ultra Tiledek meets the North American building standards for the ASTM C627 requirements.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek and the Tile Council of North America

Duradek is also proud to be a member of The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) which is an international trade association dedicated to expanding the market for ceramic tile manufactured in North America. TCNA is recognized for its leadership in promoting the use of ceramic tile and developing North American and International industry standards. With a goal of expanding the ceramic tile market in North America,
TCNA Logo
TCNA conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade and other government agencies, offers training and publishes installation guidelines.

Testing provided by the TCNA for Tiledek was the ANSI specification (ANSI A118.10) for load bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installations.

The Experts Trust Duradek Ultra Tiledek
Builder Boss Logo
While many builders and architects are still discovering Tiledek, celebrity builder Jim Caruk already knows the advantages that Tiledek brings to a project.  As discussed in the Duradek blog on July 23rd, Tiledek was recently featured on ‘The Bunker’ (episode 6) of Jim’s new reality series ‘Builder Boss’. This episode gives you a quick look at how Tiledek handles one of the most important details of outdoor tile projects in a real-life construction scenario.

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Builder Boss Relies on
Duradek Ultra Tiledek

Jim Caruk, the Builder Boss, recognizes Duradek Ultra Tiledek as a superior and reliable waterproofing product. On his Builder Boss programme, ‘The Bunker’ episode, Jim and his crew were faced with one of the most unique and challenging projects they have ever taken on…and Duradek Ultra Tiledek was there!

The project entailed an addition to a home for a playroom and a games room to house a golf simulator. In most cases, an addition is not a big head scratcher for builders, but in this case the addition was to the basement. This meant that the ground had to be dug up, new foundation poured, and reinforcement to the foundation of the original structure had to be added before they could even start with construction of the new rooms of the home.


Drawing Plans for the underground addition
and new patio on Builder Boss.


Once the challenge of the initial construction of the subterranean addition to the home was complete, the second phase of the project could begin. In this part of the project, the crew was building a gorgeous outdoor living space with a cooking area and lounging area, all to be covered with beautiful outdoor tile…and all of this is directly over top of the basement addition.


Jim Caruk, carefully reviewing plans for the project.

The Builder Boss Chooses Tiledek for Waterproofing

So for all appearances from the outside, the home just gained the addition of a new patio area. But in this case, the patio acts as a roof over the new addition of the home which means that the waterproofing is a critical feature for protecting the entire project. There is no room for guesswork and no margin for error. The success of the entire project and the investment put into this home is dependent on the performance of the waterproofing system to ensure the new construction is protected from the elements and protected from the many risks to a structure with inadequate waterproofing.


Concrete poured...next step, waterproofing

When there are projects with unique factors that challenge even the most experienced contractors, builders know that they need a product that will perform as intended. When Jim Caruk chose to use Duradek Ultra Tiledek for his waterproofing needs, it was not by chance. It was a very thought-out decision based on Tiledek’s performance as an effective waterproofing membrane underneath outdoor tile.


James, Duradek Distributor in Ontario
with Jim Caruk, the Builder Boss

Knowing that Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a superior waterproofing membrane from the reliable Duradek family of products that has been providing exterior waterproofing on decks and balconies for nearly 40 years may have helped make the decision to use it on this project. However, the most critical detail that made Duradek Ultra Tiledek the best product for this project is the fact that the Tiledek vinyl membrane is roofing approved as a pedestrian waterproof membrane in North American building codes. The fact that Duradek Ultra Tiledek also comes with a 10-year waterproofing guarantee may have made this the easiest product choice ever for Jim Caruk on this project. Installed by authorized Duradek installer Mike McGowan of HTR Duradek, ‘the Bunker’ episode of Builder Boss gives viewers a glimpse of how easy a professional installer can make laying a waterproof vinyl look.

Laying the vinyl and applying the adhesive.

Heat welding the Tiledek membrane.
Laying tile over the Tiledek membrane.

To view the full video of ‘The Bunker’, visit HGTV’s Builder Boss episodes online and enjoy the insight into a builder’s challenges on this unique and interesting project. Watch for Duradek Ultra Tiledek installation at 15:08 into the episode and see why Jim Caruk offers thanks to the installers of Duradek. In only a few seconds you can get some insight into how Tiledek is laid and what Jim Caruk has to say with Duradek Distributor Jim Simpson of Raildek in Ontario.

Builder Boss - The Bunker, final reveal of patio

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Duradek Ultra Meets the Requirements of the Florida Building Code

Duradek is one of the most tested PVC waterproof membranes on the market and has shown excellent results in all North American climates. However there are some American climates that operate to a different standard than the rest of the nation. Florida has its own unique environmental challenges, and thus the Florida Building Commission created a unique standard and product approval system – the 2010 Florida Building Code.

2010 Florida Building Code

The state of Florida has a unified code composed of two sections with product approval systems for each section. The state section includes 65 of 67 counties. The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) is geographically defined as Dade county (Miami) and Broward county (Fort Lauderdale) only.
As Florida is a natural disaster prone state, it requires a higher standard for performance of products, materials and systems of construction. The Florida Building Commission (FBC) administers the Florida Product Approval System.


Duradek Ultra Meets the Florida Building Code Requirements

The FBC has determined that Duradek Ultra Roof and Walking Deck Membranes meet the requirements of the 2010 Florida Building Code (except for the HVHZ). Duradek’s submission was reviewed by a state licensed engineer and is under a third-party quality assurance program administered by Quality Auditing Institute Ltd. (QAI).


Duradek Ultra’s Florida Product Approval can be used as a basis for evaluating the suitability for use in other geographical areas that are hurricane prone or have “special wind regions”.
To view Duradek Ultra’s Florida product approval, visit the Florida Building Commission online and search for FL# 12407.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Builder Boss Uses Duradek Vinyl - PVR Alert!

See Duradek Vinyl Perform on HGTV's Builder Boss - Thursday at 10:00 p.m.
Tomorrow, July 12th, 2012, Duradek is used by the experts on The Builder Boss show on HGTV featuring Jim Caruk, one of Canada's most respected building celebrity experts. This brand new series that premiered on Thursday, June 21st with back-to-back episodes has the master contractor providing his expert renovation advise while overseeing a multi-million dollar roster of some very diverse projects.



The Experts Do it With Duradek on Builder Boss
Each episode of the series documents a real-life Caruk Group job from the early days of the build right through to the finishing touches with impressive reveals of the completed spaces. This week's back-to-back Builder Boss episodes include the use of Duradek vinyl on two different projects.

Duradek on Builder Boss "The Bunker"
The first episode of Builder Boss to feature Duradek is entitled 'The Bunker', and is a unique project for even a builder like Jim who has done it all. Watch as Jim and his team take on this subterranean playroom housed underneath an elaborate outdoor living space. This episode airs on HGTV on Thursday, July 11th at 3:00 p.m. EST and 10:00 p.m. EST; on Friday, July 13th at 1:00 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. EST; and on Sunday, July 15th at 1:00 a.m. EST. For more on this episode, visit HGTV's Builder Boss - 'The Bunker' episode listing.

Duradek on Builder Boss "Porch and Garden"
The second episode of Builder Boss to feature Duradek is entitled 'Porch and Garden' has Jim's team taking on a problematic outdoor project. This Charleston style two-story porch and landscaped garden provide about every problem imaginable for Jim's team and Duradek is proud to have provided at least one solution for them! This episode airs on HGTV on Thursday, July 11th at 3:30 p.m. EST and 13:00 p.m. EST; on Friday, July 13th at 1:30 a.m. EST and 4:30 p.m. EST; and on Sunday, July 15th at 1:30 a.m. EST. For more on this episode, visit HGTV's Builder Boss - 'Porch and Garden' episode listing.

For more information on the Builder Boss show on HGTV, read The Duradek Way blog from June 19th, or check out the Builder Boss website. This new building reality show promises to be both informative and entertaining for anyone interested in the real world of custom home building and renovations.

For further insights into Jim and his views on his new Builder Boss show, check out this interview on monstersandcritics.com.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Deck Designs with Natural Inspirations from Duradek Vinyl Decking

Duradek - the original Walkable Roofing Membrane responded to market demands for deck designs with naturally inspired colors and textures, and launched a new line in its extensive collection of 60 mil vinyl colors and patterns.
The Forest Floor line of waterproof vinyl was an instant favorite with designers and home owners alike, and Duradek is now proud to introduce the second selection in this unique and popular pattern:

Duradek Ultra Forest Floor ALDER
Color swatch of Forest Floor ALDER may appear different
than shown based on printer or monitor calibrations

A soft and warm, earthy hue gently presents the naturally inspired fossilized leaf pattern throughout for a subtle and attractive waterproof finish on balconies, decks and patios.
Reminiscent of an actual forest floor, Duradek Ultra Forest Floor ALDER offers a distinctive design in a soothing blend of natural tones that brings harmony to virtually any outdoor living space, and this deck desgin complements a wide range of exterior design schemes.

Deck Designs Inspired Naturally

Left - Forest Floor ALDER; Right - Forest Floor BIRCH

The flagship color for this exclusive line launched in the summer of 2011 was Duradek Ultra Forest Floor BIRCH, which offers the same distinctive fossilized leaf pattern in a cooler blend of earthy, neutral tones.



Forest Floor BIRCH - 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 over 35 years and provides low maintenance, stylish solutions for your outdoor living space.

Friday, July 6, 2012

When it Comes to Waterproofing Decks, it's All in the Details

As a leader in deck and flat roof waterproofing, Duradek knows that when it comes to waterproofing decks, it is all in the details. These details are not restricted to what happens at the point of installation, but in fact are an on-going process behind the scenes, long before you've consulted with one of our professional installers.


Waterproofing Decks Best Practices
Duradek waterproof vinyl is always installed using best practices and we take every step possible to ensure that our applicators are educated with the latest installation techniques and details. Beginning with thorough product performance testing through recognized third-party organizations through to the development of detailed installation drawings, this behind-the-scenes research and development sets Duradek a cut above in North American vinyl options. Duradek Detail Drawings include specific installation details for a variety of architectural styles and elements, and the entire Duradek network strives to ensure all of our waterproof vinyl is installed to meet each area's local building codes and perform as intended to meet or exceed the excellent 10-year product warranty that comes with all Duradek Ultra Vinyl membranes. The technical team at Duradek ensures new drawings and specifications are available to the architectural and building communites as the need for them develops or previous methods have evolved.


Duradek's Commitment to Waterproofing Decks
Duradek is committed to providing 5-star service to our industry associates in the building and architectural communities, and providing these Detail Drawings for best practices for installation is just one of the many ways Duradek offers peace-of-mind that the product is being installed right the first time.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Opportunity to Excel as a Duradek Dealer

Duradek Dealers believe in excellence, and what better opportunity to promote excellence than to represent a product with a reputation of superior performance. Duradek has unwavering confidence in the durability and reliability of their Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes and its Durarail powder-coated aluminum railings. As a leader in outdoor waterproof flooring, Duradek knows that when it comes to waterproofing, it's all about the details.

Duradek takes great pride in its professional network
of Dealers and installers from coast-to-coast

A great product like Duradek can perform for decades, however proper installation is critical to benefit from the strength of the product. This is why Duradek is installed ONLY by trained and authorized installers who are well versed in the intricate details of exterior waterproofing.
While Duradek has excellent representation nationally, there are some regions that have opportunity to add new Duradek dealers. Recently, on the 'At Home With Gary Sullivan' show, Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan made mention of Dealer opportunities. If you are a builder or have a background in the building industry and are looking for a new business opportunity with a reliable product, you could potentially become an authorized Duradek dealer.

 Listen to Kevin's interview with home improvement expert Gary Sullivan to learn more about Duradek's benefits and the potential it can bring to your home or your business.


If you have any questions regarding this excellent business opportunity and  the possibility of becoming a Duradek dealer, email your inquiries to Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan at duradek@duradek.com for more information.

If you are not in the market for a fantastic business opportunity, but you are considering building a deck or renovating an existing deck, contact one of our amazing Duradek Dealers near you to discover the Duradek difference!