Tile Decks: Robinson Testing for Performance

Tiledek Under-Tile Membrane

Ceramic tile floor assembly testing is a valuable way of determining and measuring a (flooring) system’s performance prior to installation. While outdoor tile decks, particularly when over living space, have no specific testing criteria, testing the flooring assembly provides the peace of mind that the system is going to perform as intended in its real-world application. Duradek Ultra Tiledek under-tile membrane has been thoroughly tested in a ceramic tile floor assembly and can confidently offer a 10-year waterproofing guarantee.

Tile Floor Testing History

Robinson Floor Tester

During the development of the thin-set method for installing ceramic tile back in 1958, Donald Robinson, the head of engineering research at the Tile Council Research Center, designed a testing machine to evaluate the performance of such a method on floors. Adopted as ASTM test method C-627 in 1970, the apparatus is commonly known as “The Robinson Floor Tester” and the ASTM C-627 is still used today as the benchmark for performance of all types of flooring products.

Some technical consultants agree that the only problem with the Robinson Floor Tester is that it doesn’t necessarily give you the full picture since it is only a 4’ x 4’ pad the assembly is placed on, which may hinder the system from mimicking an entire floor installation.

Recognizing this, the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) developed a more modern and advanced testing machine that can perform the ASTM C-627 for both conventional size test formats (4’ x 4’) or more real-life longer spans (up to 20’). Developed about nine years ago, the Universal Floor Tester tests assemblies following ASTM C-627 criterion and designates five levels of performance:

• Residential (three cycles)
• Light Commercial (six cycles)
• Moderate Commercial (ten cycles)
• Heavy Commercial (twelve cycles)
• Extra-Heavy Duty (fourteen cycles)

Robinson-Type Universal Floor Tester

How Tile Floor Testing is Performed

The test requires a carriage with three wheels that rotate over the same path consistently with specific weights and a specific type of wheel designated for each cycle performed. Testing criteria is determined by being aware of what type of conditions under which the flooring will be used and then simulating those conditions.

The test assembly is placed under the carriage of the machine, and the first set of wheels, which are made of soft rubber, are installed along with steel plates weighing a total of 300 lbs. The cycle takes approximately one hour to complete 900 revolutions, and the load is continually increased by 150 lbs. for each cycle up to 900 lbs.

After each cycle the technician inspects the assembly to see if any cracks, chips, loose tiles, etc. exist. If the assembly (the whole assembly system is observed for each cycle) is unaffected after four cycles, the wheels are changed to hard rubber and the process is repeated until there is evidence of failure or the eighth cycle is complete.

The final last two levels of performance require the use of steel wheels and to once again run the test through the increasing weights for each cycle. Once the test is completed or a failure is observed, the test is stopped and observations, readings and pictures are taken. The final test classification is then determined and the testing technician provides a written report.

This test is extremely useful because it allows a simulated representation of what will occur at the installation site. In addition, you are able test many types of material to demonstrate whether or not certain materials are able to work together.

Does Tiledek pass the Robinson Floor test?

Tiledek was tested to ASTM C627 (the Robinson Floor Test) on TTMAC’s Universal Floor Tester to see how suitable our system was for application under tile.  Tile has very little tolerance for any deflection or movement of the surface to which it is installed.  Too much deflection or if the membrane beneath is too soft may cause cracking of the grout lines or the tile.

Tested over ¾ inch plywood and ½ inch cement board, Porcelain tile on Tiledek achieved a “Heavy” rating with no cracking of tile or grout lines after 9000 revolutions with 600 pounds on steel wheels (on the twelfth cycle).  This is much more than would ever be necessary for residential traffic on a roof deck.

On the same subsurface assembly, Tiledek achieved a “residential” rating on slate.  There were no signs of cracking on the slate or the grout lines.  The failure was in the slate itself which showed signs of the surface deteriorating where the steel wheels made contact.

Builders and contractors may disagree on many things but there is one thing that most would agree on:  Exterior tile projects are often ‘problem’ jobs. Duradek Ultra Tiledek hopes to change that perspective with the performance value of Tiledek under-tile roof membranes.

To learn more about Duradek Ultra Tiledek, check our blog each Monday in September as we publish a 4-part series detailing the specifics of Tiledek and tile installation methods.

Beautiful Tile Deck Waterproofed with Tiledek Membrane

Enjoying Outdoor Living Space with Waterproof Peace of Mind on Many (Deck) Levels

The style of your deck, balcony, patio or any outdoor living space is as much of a personal decision as it is for any other room in your home.  While some homeowners bask in the glory of gardening, some prefer playing in the pool, and others desire a more leisurely lifestyle and simply prefer a place to relax and enjoy a good view. Whatever purpose your deck serves to you, Duradek can ensure that your deck is protected so you can have waterproofing peace of mind.

Celebrity Builder Jim Caruk
Chooses Duradek

In this inaugural season of, Jim Caruk’s “Builder Boss” on HGTV, Jim chose Duradek for waterproofing decks on two of his projects. The first project to feature Duradek was episode 6, entitled ‘The Bunker’ (see our blog from July 23rd) and the second project was episode 7, entitled ‘Porch and Garden’.

In ‘Porch and Garden’, the home owner was a lover of green space and gardening, and also valued unique architectural design. Considered a ‘problematic outdoor project’, Duradek was able to handle one of the issues with ease! The home’s back yard required major renovations for landscaping, and the house itself required the addition of rear decking.

Adhering the Duradek vinyl to the plywood substrate.

Built completely from scratch, a two-level deck was added to the home to provide an outdoor lounging area to enjoy the view of the new landscaping. As the second level deck provides roofing for the first level deck, Duradek Ultra vinyl was the perfect solution.

The second level deck provides roof-grade
waterproof protection for the deck below.

Not only does the roofing approved membrane keep the first level deck dry, but the low maintenance durability of Duradek vinyl membrane ensures the homeowner only has to clean it seasonally, and does not have to labor on maintaining the waterproofing or finishing details. Check out how the Builder Boss team transformed this back yard and watch for the installation of Duradek vinyl at about 19:32 into the episode. While only featured for a few seconds, you can see how the expertly trained Duradek installers easily lay the Duradek vinyl and do not at all contribute to the problematic factors on the job site.

Many Levels of Luxurious Lounging on the Deck

Whether for a ground level patio, a pool deck or an elevated roof deck, Duradek membranes provide a guarantee of waterproof protection. Take this beautiful home for example….a ground level pool deck, an elevated deck and a deck over living space are all different ways that Duradek outperforms many of the alternative waterproof solutions; particularly because the homeowner of these decks preferred the surface to be finished with exterior tile. 

Three different styles of deck surfaces - one perfect under-tile
waterproofing solution...Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

Outdoor tile projects can be a troublesome task for tile layers, but Duradek Ultra Tiledek provides an assurance that is very hard to find. Tiledek offers a 10-year waterproofing guarantee and is specifically designed to be used as an under-tile roofing membrane. That allowed the builders to finish the top of pool house deck with beautiful tiles while feeling confident that the outdoor kitchen below is completely protected from water damage.

What Level of Waterproof Protection Would You Choose?

Remember, there is a difference between a waterproof membrane and a roofing membrane. Duradek Ultra vinyl membrane and Duradek Ultra Tiledek under-tile membrane are both roofing approved and will provide secure, guaranteed waterproofing….even when your deck is above living space. And when you compliment your deck surface with Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing, you have the best of aesthetics and functionality with a durable and low maintenance outdoor living space.

Deck Renovations: Why Not Do-It-Yourself

The long days of summer are the ideal time to enjoy your decks, balconies and patios. Your outdoor living space is your own personal oasis where you can enjoy the singular pleasure that comes from relaxing on your deck after the work day is done. But if your deck is weathered and worn, relaxing on it may be a challenge as you consider your renovation options and start to tabulate expenses.

If you have deck repairs or maintenance to take care of before the optimum summer weather subsides, you may find it daunting to compare your options to ensure you get the most out of your hard earned dollars. There are so many different options to choose from and there is so much more than just a finished ‘look’ or style to consider. Doing it yourself may seem like a good idea, but can often cost you more in the long run.
 

Deck Renovations:
Foundation Comes First

First and foremost, the structure of the deck needs to be stable and built to the proper building codes to ensure your safety and to provide a solid foundation for whatever waterproofing finish that you decide to use. If you are not a professional builder yourself, attempting this type of project may seem like a good way to save a few dollars, but a few overlooked details can have a costly affect down the road. Improperly built decks are such a wide spread problem in North America that the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has created a consumer Deck Safety program to minimize domestic accidents and ensure all the memories of your deck are happy ones.
 

Deck Renovations:
Aesthetics Count, But Maintenance Adds Up

Once you are certain your deck structure is safe, you want to make sure it is beautiful too. While having an attractive finish is obviously a desirable result, how much money and time will have to be invested to keep your finish looking good.

• Will your deck require yearly sanding and staining to stay attractive and protected?
• How long will your deck be unusable when maintenance is being done?
• How long will your finish last before repeating the renovation process?

That last question is very important when considering which decking material to use, and leads us to the most important factor in deck renovations – waterproofing.
 

Deck Renovations:
The Critical Stage of Waterproofing

The option of doing the project yourself is a tempting consideration for many home repairs and renovations, but when it comes to waterproofing you are much more likely to come out ahead when you leave the job to the professionals. Even professional builders will hire waterproofing specialists for deck projects as there are so many detail specific factors in properly waterproofing a deck or balcony, and Duradek professional installers are relied on by builders from coast to coast.

 

Besides the fact the Duradek installers are all trained specifically in best practices for vinyl waterproofing, they are the only installers authorized to lay Duradek Ultra vinyl membrane. And while there are similar vinyl waterproof membranes on the market, not all vinyl is created equal. Duradek Ultra vinyl is manufactured in North America and goes through regular quality control testing to ensure the product maintains its stringent performance value.

 

The manufacturing facility is regularly inspected

to ensure the quality control of Duradek Vinyl.

Deck Renovations:
Why Not D-I-Y

John Ogilvie, president of Duradek has decades of experience with waterproofing outdoor living space and he has seen time and time again how saving a few dollars in the short term has cost home owners thousands in the long run. Let John explain why...

  

 

  

Your home is valuable and your time is priceless. So why not take a few minutes to let an authorized Duradek installer provide you with a no-obligation estimate. Duradek vinyl membrane both waterproofs and beautifies so you can enjoy your deck rather than labor on it. And by NOT doing the project yourself and relying on Duradek professionals, you get the industry leading 10-year Duradek guarantee that your waterproofing performs as intended.

 

Duradek Displays Beautiful Decks on the NADRA Gallery

Duradek, the leader in waterproof vinyl decking, became a proud member of NADRA, the North America Deck and Railing Association this spring. (For detailed information, read the Duradek Way Blog from April 30th, 2012 "Duradek Proud Member of NADRA"

NADRA is the voice of the Deck and Railing industry and while it offers many resources for industry members, NADRA has a strong consumer focus and has a great selection of decking information for homeowners. Information on building materials, locating deck builders, and information on deck safety are all available at the click of your mouse. There is also access to a variety of decking news such as new products or styles like the announcement of the new Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Alder that was released this summer.

A Duradek Picture is
Worth a Thousand Words

One of the best features of NADRA's website is their excellent photo gallery which presents decking images in a variety of categories. Duradek has representation in several of the deck and railing sections since Duradek vinyl can be used for so many outdoor living applications and Durarail powder coated aluminum railing systems have the design flexibility to match your particular style preferences. If you are looking for deck and railing ideas, you can view Duradek and Durarail images via NADRA's online photo albums in the following categories:

Deck Categories

• Multi-Level Decks
• Ground Level Decks
• Second Story Decks
• Curved/Shaped
• Spa/Pools
• Front Entries
• Vinyl

Railings Categories

• Aluminum
• Cable
• Glass

Before you build or renovate your deck, do your homework on the NADRA website to ensure you are armed with all the information you need on deck safety and options before your start.

Duradek Vinyl and Durarail Railings can make your
outdoor living space your own little oasis

Duradek's professional waterproofing installations are not restricted to the Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes. You can enjoy the look of outdoor tile or concrete pavers while still benefiting from the superior waterproofing performance of Duradek by using Tiledek as an under tile waterproof membrane or Plazadek as a waterproof membrane under concrete pavers or duck boards. Nearly any type of deck you desire can be waterproofed by Duradek. If you have decided on the low maintenance advantages of waterproofing your deck with a PVC membrane, remember that all vinyl is not created equal, and that when it comes to waterproofing, it is all in the details. Trust your waterproofing projects to the waterproofing experts like the trained professional installers of Duradek vinyl membranes.

How Sweet It Is to Find a Product Like Duradek

Duradek vinyl membranes are a fantastic waterproofing solution for decks, balconies and other outdoor living space; and professionals in the architectural, engineering and construction industries know the value of finding just the right product to specify for their projects.  That’s why so many A/E/C professionals turn to Sweets®, the online resource with the most reliable and comprehensive information from trusted manufacturers.

Sweets® is the largest online product information resource with more than 17,000 CAD Drawings, over 3,000 product catalogue listing and more than 7,000 specifications.  While search parameters are flexible, Sweets® offers convenient search by Master Format and allows users to search, select and specify more effectively and accurately.

Duradek Listings on Sweets®

Duradek is proud to be a part of this professional network and you can find an abundance of information on Duradek, Tiledek, Plazadek and Durarail through the Sweets® website.  Product information available includes a company overview and product listings, CAD and BIM models, product catalogues, product galleries, specification notes, continuing education opportunities (CEU), and Green information.

Duradek Updates on Sweets®

Duradek is continually reviewing its methods of best practice of application of their superior PVC membranes, taking into consideration any changes in building code requirements or changes in products used in conjunction with Duradek.  As such, Duradek has recently updated a few of their CAD drawings and added a few new ones, the majority of which apply to Outside Perimeter Details. These new drawings, along with the full selection of Duradek Detail Drawings, are all available on Sweets®.
Note: revised Duradek CAD drawings include – OS-09, OS-13, OS-14, OS-15, IS-05, and C-01.
Duradek Details on Sweets®

While browsing the Sweets® product listings requires nothing other than your computer, to view the detailed information you must be a registered user. The wonderful part of that is there is no fee and registration is a quick process that can be completed in just a minute or two. After that, you have full access to the Sweets® site.

In addition to the product listings, you also have access to the online education opportunities for CEUs and easy access to affiliate web sites such as ArchitecturalRecord.com, ENR.com, and GreenSource.construction.com.  Not to mention, you have access to 17 industry newsletters. That is a whole lot of information available at your fingertips from one location!

Sweets® Place in the Industry

Sweets® is brought to you by McGraw Hill Construction where people, projects and products are connected in the design and construction industry serving owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, building products manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, distributors and adjacent markets. It has earned its place as a reliable and trusted resource for more than a century and provides information for over 1 million customers. Through print and online information and events, McGraw Hill provides the information and intelligence to allow users to be more productive, successful and competitive.

Duradek’s Fuzzy Backed Waterproof Vinyl is Backed Up By Third-Party Testing

Duradek’s well-known PVC waterproof membranes are some of the most tested and reliable in the industry. The time-tested woven-backed vinyl membranes of the Duradek Ultra line have a durability and performance reputation that makes it easily one of the most reliable methods of sheet vinyl waterproofing for use on walkable roof-top applications.

While the woven-back Ultra membranes are a reliable and long-lasting waterproofing solution for your decks and balconies, Duradek offers another option for builders who want to complete their waterproofing projects at a slightly lower cost and with the installation convenience of a fuzzy-backed membrane.

Duradek Ultra Okanagan vinyl membranes are the non-woven membrane that also comes with an excellent 10-year waterproofing warranty as the Duradek Ultra line with the woven back. The Duradek Ultra Okanagan is manufactured to the same stringent standards as all Duradek products and is now third-party evaluated as meeting the requirements for use as a walkable roofing membrane.

Quality Auditing Institute (QAI) has determined through an Evaluation Test and Report that the Duradek Ultra Okanagan membrane meets the requirements of CAN/CGSB-37.54-95 standard for “Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane”. CAN/CGSB-37.54-95 is cited as the applicable standard for PVC single-ply membranes by the National Building Code of Canada, International Building and Residential Codes, ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria, CCMC Technical Guide and Industry Standards.

CAN/CGSB-37.54-95 is a material standard which also provides basis for evaluating PVC membranes used on decking subject to pedestrian traffic. Some of the tests expose the membrane to the severest criteria in the roofing industry.

For further information on Duradek’s product testing and performance, check the Duradek Testing and Approvals page online and see for yourself that Duradek holds its product performance and quality assurance to the highest standards.

AEC Professionals Rely on CADdetails.com and Duradek

Duradek has new CAD Detail Drawings and they are all available on CADdetails.com. Since 1997, CADdetails.com has been dedicated to getting high quality manufacturer-specific product information into the working plans and specification documents of designers. CADdetails.com is relied on by thousands of AEC professionals for tools, information, resources and services, and is a leading online source for manufacturer-specific building product information.

CADdetails.com organizes and enhances building product information to simplify the design and procurement process and is one of the building industry’s most popular online destinations. It helps design and construction professionals find, evaluate, and most importantly, accurately specify manufacturer-specific building products through its easy-to-search interface.

Duradek on CADdetails.com

The Duradek family of products are all represented on CADdetails.com and users can easily access detailed information on Duradek Ultra Vinyl, Durarail, and Tiledek. Regardless of the type of project and details needed, you can benefit from free downloads through easy access to manufacturers’ proprietary information such as:

• Digital brochures
• Catalogues
• Green Info
• CSI-format Specifications
• Insertable 2D-CAD Details and 3D BIM Models in a variety of formats.

To further simplify the process, users can locate company and product information by CSI Master Format categories as well as by a range of intuitive keywords. Simply type in ‘Duradek’ and all the available CAD Drawings, BIM Models, Brochures and Videos are right at your fingertips.

The Big Picture is in the Drawings

The cornerstone of CADdetails.com success comes from their commitment to create high quality CAD content including 2D application details, and more recently, 3D models. These drawings are available in various formats, including:

• Pre-view thumbnails
• Large GIF image for viewing
• High quality .pdf for printing
• The application detail drawing itself for download and insertion into project documents

★ These drawings come in a variety of formats such as AutoCAD DWG, DWF, PDF and more.

With all of the possible viewing options, CADdetails.com also provides a selection of 8 downloadable software tools that will enable you to view and download the information you need.

Duradek recently released updated CAD detail drawings, and all of this updated information is available on Duradek website’s BIM and CAD Drawings page and on CADdetails.com. You can also download the entire collection of Duradek CAD Drawings here.

Other CADdetail.com Advantages

Through the CADdetails website, users can access the AEC eNewsletter that holds the latest industry trends, software reviews, trade show reports, digital technical news, hot products and new content for download.

Another great feature of CADdetails.com is the ‘My Projects’ application that allows users to save and manage product information into project folders. This allows users to save information on the fly and access their selection for future reference. And to enhance this feature even further, users can share their project folders with colleagues through “permission-based” technology enabling faster communication and enhanced collaboration in a real-time environment.

Duradek is Proud to be a Supplier Sponsor for the 2012 PNE Prize Home

Duradek is proud to be a part of one of Western Canada’s most anticipated summer events and a favourite Vancouver tradition as a supplier sponsor for the 2012 PNE Prize Home.  An annual summer event since 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition is just around the corner and the coveted Prize Home lures hopeful thousands who are more than willing to submit themselves to long lines in the summer sun to get a glimpse of the interior of this beautiful home.


The PNE Prize Home lottery has been a favourite feature of the PNE since 1934, and this year’s grand prize home lives up to the standards of luxurious living that fair-goers have come to expect. This gorgeous craftsman-style home is constructed by Britco and Duradek is very proud to be a supplier sponsor providing our quality waterproof vinyl for the two decks on the home.

The 2012 PNE Prize Home

The more than 3,000 square foot Prize Home has a beautiful exterior and a warm and rich interior design scheme (provided by Jillian Harris from Extreme Makeover Home Edition) that reflects the natural environment of its future home at Canada’s Alpine Village at Sun Peaks Resort.  A virtual tour of this home will show you the exquisite design details and demonstrate the attention to detail that went into its construction.

With 20’ vaulted ceilings, 3 fireplaces, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a walk-in wine cellar this home features 2 decks that Duradek has protected with Duradek Forest Floor 'Birch' waterproof vinyl. This is one critical detail of the home that should not be taken for granted. Duradek Ultra vinyl is a guaranteed waterproofing membrane that protects a home from costly water damage that can silently overtake a house when the decks are incorrectly constructed or inadequately waterproofed.

Just outside these master bedroom doors is one of
the beautfully protected decks from Duradek.

Whether the lucky winner of this home wishes to enjoy the deck off of the master bedroom or off the main living area, they will be enjoying it with very little maintenance thanks to the durability of Duradek vinyl and the low maintenance aluminum railing system. While the railing system available from Durarail is made from long-lasting aluminum from Excell Railing Systems, it is designed with the appearance of real wood with a quality finish from Mayne Coatings to blend in with the natural surroundings of its Sun Peaks location. Even in the winter months, there is no worry about rust to the railings and the Duradek vinyl deck surface can accept the application of de-icing salts without damaging the surface.  A simple rinse to ensure all chemicals are removed from the deck before the spring sun comes out keeps Duradek vinyl looking great. For details, check out the PNE Prize Home Lottery website.

Good Luck to all who enter from your friends at Duradek!

Duradek: We Don't Just Say It - It's True!

Duradek Ultra is the Most Tested
Waterproof Vinyl on the Market

Duradek, the leader in vinyl deck waterproofing since 1974, has the most tested vinyl membrane in the North American building industry with Duradek Ultra waterproof vinyl.
Duradek Ultra meets or exceeds the performance requirements for North American Building Codes.

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 is tested and approved for use as:

• a traffic coating subject to pedestrian traffic
• a roofing membrane
• a roofing membrane over habitable space
• a walkable roofing membrane over habitable space
• a walkable roofing membrane over habitable space
  (as required by Florida Building Code)

Third-Party Monitored Quality Assurance Program

Duradek retains the services of Quality Auditing Institute, Ltd. (QAI) for third-party quality assurance verification for Duradek Canada Ltd. and Duradek US Inc.
QAI is an independant testing, inspection and certification agency serving the building industry in North America.

Other Duradek Products That Have Been Evaluated

Duradek Ultra Okanagan and Duradek Ultra Tiledek have been evaluated and deemed to meet the same CGSB standards as the Duradek Ultra line of waterproof vinyl membranes.

See Duradek's Press Release:  We Don't Just Say It...It's True - Duradek Ultra is the Most Tested Waterproof Vinyl on the Market