Duradek Anticipates Deck Expo co-located with Remodeling Show

Deck Expo, the biggest national trade show for professionals in the deck building industry is just around the corner and Duradek invites you to come by and discover the latest in education and product availability for this trade-only event at the Baltimore Convention Center from October 10th – 12th. Duradek will be there with exclusive distributors Duradek MidAtlantic and Specialty Building Systems at booth #2403.

What to Expect at Deck Expo Co-located with Remodeling Show

At Deck Expo co-located with Remodeling Show, professional remodelers can expect to find: hundreds of exhibitors, installation clinics, interactive workshops and a variety of instructional presentations…all held in conjunction with 4 days of educational conferences that begins on October 9th. Here are some of the highlights for deck building professionals:

Deck Expo Installation Clinics 

Held on all three days of the trade show exhibit at booth #1310, presenter Mike Guertin presents deck installation clinics covering 9 individual topics geared exclusively for the professional deck builder.

Deck Expo Live Deck Collapse

At booth #1901 you will find two decks that are 8 ft. wide by 6 ft. deep and 7 ft. tall. One of these decks is safe…one is not. Find out which one by witnessing the live deck collapse at 1 p.m. on October 10th and 11th.

Deck Expo Educational Conferences – Education Track for Deck and Rail Construction

While the first day of conferences on October 9th is a dedicated “Business Skills Bootcamp”, the remaining conference topics include 52 break-out seminars and features a special education track for Deck and Rail Construction covering the following topics:
• International Building Codes and Their Impact on You
• Corrosion and Decay Resistance of Decks
• Marketing Strategies: Lesser Costs, Bigger Results
• The Last 10% - Punch List, Clean Up and Avoiding Call Backs
• Achieving Consistent Results From Your Field Crew
• The One Mouth, Two Ears Sales Process
• Building and Selling Six Figure Decks
In addition, you can participate in the Master Deck Professional – Codes and Standards, a four-part series offered by NADRA. 

Deck Expo Social Events

A great way to unwind with your fellow remodeling professionals, Remodeling Show co-located with Deck Expo offers a variety of fun events to enjoy some social networking the old fashioned way. This list is a sampling of the many social events that you can take part in (pre-registration required):
• Dinner with New Friends
• Opening Day Block Party
• NADRA 2012 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner
• Intelligence, Burgers and Beer – Something for Everyone
• Fells Point Pub Crawl
• NAHB Remodelers Gala

Deck Expo Co-located with Remodeling Show’s History

Deck Expo is a trade only event focusing exclusively on the deck, porch and railing industry. Sponsored by NADRA and Professional Deck Builders Magazine, Deck Expo began in 2003, and co-located with Remodeling Show in 2009.

Remodeling Show is owned and produced by Hanley Wood and sponsored by the National Association of Homebuilders, NAHB Remodelers and Remodeling Magazine, Remodeling Show. It has been an anticipated industry event since its inception in 1991, and since that time has seen many ups and downs in the industry, several technological advances and an increased breadth and scope of building products on the market. One thing has remained consistent over the years - manufacturers continue to innovate and allow residential construction professionals to work smart and efficiently.

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 4 – Stacking the Deck

In this four-part series of detailed questions about Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes we first familiarized you with Tiledek, discussed the alternative methods of waterproofing under exterior tile and why Tiledek is the stand-out option for doing it right the first time and guaranteeing that your deck waterproofing performs as intended.

In this fourth and final part of our Tiledek series of articles we will discuss how to first prepare your deck surface to achieve waterproofing success.

How do you build a deck to make it is ready for tile?

A major cause of failure of tile over decks and balconies is that the structure to which it is applied allows too much deflection.  Tile has little tolerance for deflection.  Cracking grout lines or tile is the result of deflection. 

Deflection (the spring or give of the deck surface) is a product of the joist spacing and thickness of the flooring materials.  The Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) specification for flooring under tile or slate is as follows:
¾ inch plywood fastened with 2” #10 Exterior wood screws @6” oc @ perimeter and 8” oc @ joists covered with ½ inch cement board secured with thinset and fasteners. (The deck must have slope built in – suggested slope ¼” per foot)

The use of a cement board overlay is required/recommended by tile associations and manufacturers.  Cement board, unlike plywood, is not affected by varying levels of moisture.

We strongly recommend that decks be built to this specification.  For the money that is being invested in the whole system, it would seem unwise to scrimp on the subsurface.  In case of a failure (cracking), the first thing anyone will look at (and blame it on) is whether the floor was strong enough and provided the necessary deflection resistance.

Concrete decks and balconies are suitable for tile application but still require proper waterproofing or roofing protection.

We recommend you follow the local best practice guidelines as laid out by the Tile Contractors Association of TTMAC or the building code. There may be regional differences in the suggested use of cement board or a second layer of plywood. As with all the details involved with a tile deck over a wood structure, you should follow the tile and thinset mortar manufacturer’s specifications.

Can tile be applied over an existing vinyl deck?

Most existing deck surfaces (PVC membrane or liquid applied finishes) are applied to 5/8 inch or ¾ inch plywood and therefore are not suitable for a tile overlay without some stiffening to reduce the deflection.  The vinyl could be removed (possibly leaving the existing vinyl up the wall behind the siding and building paper), the floor stiffened with the appropriate thickness of cement board and the Tiledek installed over top (special details will be published for this).

There is another system that can be used to stiffen the existing structure.  Schluter’s ditra mat can be installed over top of Tiledek (with thinset) and then the tile can be installed over top of Ditra.  The Ditra mat stiffens the floor system to an appropriate level to provide for residential use of tile.  We have tested this system with the Robinson Floor test and achieved a “residential” result. 

Should you protect Tiledek until the tile is applied?

Like all products installed on a construction site, Tiledek is susceptible to damage from other trades, scaffolding, paint, stucco, materials or tools being dropped from above or other abuse.  Although Tiledek is very tough (as we know from Duradek) and can take a lot of abuse, it is always wise to protect it especially in heavy traffic areas or areas which are most likely to be damaged.  Covering it with a protection board (plywood, recovery board etc) will save time and effort cleaning the Tiledek to prepare it for accepting the tile overlay.  A layer of polyethylene under the panels will protect the membrane from liquids (paints etc). Another method of protection would be to trowel apply directly to the Tiledek a thin coating of the same thinset material that will be used to apply the tile or stone overlay. 

How do you clean Tiledek if necessary?

If Tiledek has been left exposed to traffic and construction debris and needs to be cleaned, it can be cleaned easily and effectively.  Pressure washing with a light (1500 psi) spray with the nozzle no closer than 6 inches from the surface will work well.  The surface can also be washed and lightly scrubbed with a bristle broom and hosed off.

Does the surface need to be sloped?

Yes!  Sound roofing/waterproofing practice needs to be employed even when tile is applied over top.  We operate on the expectation of water getting through the tile installation.  Our membrane will be applied to a surface sloped towards drains, scuppers or an outside edge which allows the water to escape. 

Moisture will still run downhill, even under tile applications.  This can happen without negatively affecting the bond of the thinset mortar to the tile or the membrane.

We recommend the seams of the Tiledek run parallel to the slope to avoid any water puddling up behind the bump.

Can a flat waterproof surface be re-sloped with a thickset application technique?

While it is possible to provide a slope with the thickset mortar, there are other problems to consider.  If the waterproof membrane is flat or allows water to puddle on it, providing a sloped mortar bed will NOT remove all the water from the deck.  Although most of the moisture will drain off the top surface, water WILL enter under the tile through cracks in the grout joints, cracks in the tile or on perimeters.  The water that enters will follow the slope of the waterproofing membrane.  If it puddles before the thickset mortar goes on, it will still puddle after the tile job is completed.  The water will then just sit in a puddle and stagnate, potentially causing mould and an unpleasant odor to occur.
If you want to take a belly or depression out of the deck surface, it must be done prior to the Tiledek being installed. Since water will not penetrate Tiledek, if the depression has been eliminated any water reaching it will be shed away.

Water testing before the Overlay is Applied

We recommend a water test be done after the Tiledek is installed and prior to the overlay being applied.

Conclusion

If you have read all four parts of this series of articles on Tiledek and waterproofing methods for exterior tile projects, you are well equipped to ask all of the right questions to all parties involved in the construction of a reliable and long-lasting outdoor tile deck.

At Duradek we believe that your deck should be a source of pleasure, not stress, and we encourage all home owners and builders to ensure they do it right the first time….do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

How to Clean and Care For Your Duradek Vinyl Deck

If you are a homeowner with a deck protected with a Duradek vinyl membrane, you are fortunate that you were able to enjoy your outdoor living space this summer without the necessity of having labor intensive maintenance to ensure your deck performs as intended.  With Duradek vinyl, there is very little required to keep the appearance of your deck looking good. All your deck needs is some simple seasonal cleaning and your Duradek protected deck will look great for many years.

Care for Your Duradek Deck

As summer winds down and we approach the autumn weather, now is a perfect time to review the details of inspecting that the superior installation of your Duradek protected deck is still performing as guaranteed.
When inspecting your deck, remember to:

• Check the caulking seals around posts and pillars
• Check corner details
• Check the caulking seals around vents and drains

Over time, the structure your Duradek membrane is adhered to may crack, shrink or shift and these inspections will uncover any potential problems with broken seals. If you discover some caulking has pulled away from the wood or a seal has cracked, contact your Duradek dealer who will recommend the proper sealant to correct it.

Cleaning Your Duradek Deck

Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least 4 times a year with the Duradek vinyl cleaner available from your local Duradek dealer. This cleaner is designed specifically for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Then simply spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt and flush thoroughly with clean water.

 

If you choose to use a household cleaning product, we would recommend Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent as a reasonable option, however we do not recommend the use of household cleaners in general as certain types of cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration. Dry cleaning fluids should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and glass. Waxes should not be used as they may contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating. While all cleaning methods require a thorough rinse with water, using any household product dramatically increases the need to flush the deck thoroughly with clean water to ensure all residue is removed.  The residue may not be obviously visible to the eye, but if any remains, the sun can bake the harmful chemicals into your vinyl and it may affect the appearance of your vinyl.

If your vinyl pattern is one of the more textured surfaces that offers a more effective non-slip characteristic, it will likely require a little more cleaning effort than a vinyl pattern with a smoother surface.  Power washing is an effective method of removing dirt and debris, although it is not intended for removing embedded stains (which we will address next week!). Set your power washer at 1500 psi (max.) and hold nozzle 12 inches from the surface and be careful to avoid seams, railing attachments, caulking or house trims.

Cleaned and Cared For…Now Enjoy!

Though no exterior surface is completely impervious to the elements, by taking the small amount of time required to properly clean your deck at the change of the seasons, you will help to ensure that your deck appearance lasts as long as the guaranteed waterproofing performance of your Duradek vinyl deck. No matter what the season, Duradek protects your outdoor living space all year, every year.

To find a local Duradek Dealer, visit the Duradek website’s Dealer Locator.

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 3- Installation

In part one of this four-part series of detailed questions about Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes we first familiarized you with Tiledek and the necessity of having a reliable waterproof system under your outdoor tile decks and the typical methods of installing outdoor tile.

In part two, we discussed the alternative methods of waterproofing under exterior tile, and why Tiledek is the superior choice.

In this third part of this series we will expand on why Tiledek is the stand-out option for doing it right the first time and guaranteeing that your deck waterproofing performs as intended.

How is Tiledek installed?

Tiledek is installed using almost identical techniques to the installation of Duradek. We use the same adhesives, heat welded seams, and waterproofing details. There are a few finish details that differ due to the tile that will be installed after we are done. Here are the areas that require different techniques:

Tile Deck with Custom Flashing Details

Outside perimeters: As with regular Duradek, there are many ways to finish the outside perimeter of a tile deck. As water proofers, we need to establish what “look” the owner wants to be able to advise them properly. You should consult with both the builder and the tile setter to discuss the perimeter finish details. Depending upon their desired finish, we can alter our detailing. This is an area where we can offer our customers excellent service and help them make good waterproofing decisions while taking all the future steps they will go through into consideration. Our attention to these details contributes to the overall success of the job.

Drains: Should drains be necessary, we cannot use our regular WDD1 system. We recommend a special cast drain with a square top to make it easier and more attractive for the tile applicator to finish to.

Rail attachments: We strongly recommend attaching rails to the fascia instead of the surface of the deck. DO NOT INSTALL RAILS OVER TOP OF TILE AS IT WILL CAUSE THE OVERLAY TO CRACK. We have special details for surface mounted rails if there is no other alternative.

Proper installation required running the membrane
up the wall and "cut-in" to the brick.

Inside perimeter: If the owner wants the tile to return up the wall as part of their finished look, appropriate flashings are needed. If not, then consideration must be given to the visibility of the part of the membrane that returns up the wall and hiding the gap that must be left on the inside of the tile application.

Surface preparation: Apart from a thorough inspection for a properly fastened substrate, there is little prep work necessary. A light sanding of the joints of the cement board or a scraping of the entire surface to take care of any bumps will suffice. No filling is required.

Who installs Tiledek?

Tiledek can only be installed by a qualified Duradek applicator who has gone through our training program and who works for an authorized Duradek applicating contractor. That is how we can give our customers superior protection in making sure it is done right.

Do we recommend tile installations in cold climates?

We do not profess to be tile experts. Manufacturers of the tile and the installation accessories must answer this question. We are waterproofing professionals. We can protect the structure from water damage no matter how hot or cold or wet the climate is. And we can provide a membrane to which thinset mortars will tenaciously adhere. We cannot (and do not) guarantee tiles will not erupt as a result of freezing temperatures but we can (and do) guarantee the water that gets under the tile will not get into the building.

There are currently countless decks and balconies in cold climates being overlaid with tile. People like the look and are going to continue to use it regardless of if it is a good idea. Our part is to make sure they don’t suffer water damage.

Is Tiledek an Anti Fracture Membrane?

Example of Tiledek Assembly Build Up

Tiledek will add a very small amount of fracture resistance to the system but should not be purchased as an anti-fracture membrane. Because it is glued to the subsurface, movement beneath the Tiledek membrane may transfer through into the tile.

Will an anti-fracture membrane eliminate the need for a control joint?

It is a frequent misconception that anti-fracture membranes allow you to eliminate expansion joints - they do not. There always must be soft joints in the tile work to allow for expansion and contraction. Guidelines for expansion joint placement are given in the Tile Council of North America Handbook. The exact placement of expansion joints is a function of many items including exposure to sunlight and the range of high to low temperature, moisture, aging of the concrete (where relevant), structural movement, expected loading, and other design criteria. It is a common recommendation that there be expansion joints every 8 - 10 feet in any direction. The manufacturer's recommendations should also be consulted and followed.

On ¾ inch plywood covered with Tiledek plus a layer of Schluter’s Ditra Mat, we achieved a residential rating.

Summary

Now that you know some of the installation details to consider, check back next week for the final article in our 4-part series, “What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 4 – Stacking the Deck”.

Duradek Dealers Are Rooftop Deck Waterproofing Experts

A great deck waterproofing product like Duradek can last for decades and has a reputation of superior performance, however, like most products, 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.

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 rooftop decks and outdoor waterproof flooring, Duradek knows that when it comes to building a deck and waterproofing it to last, it's all about the details. When authorizing new Duradek Dealers, their knowledge, skills and commitment to excellence are essential elements in the Duradek equation. After all, a great tradesman can make even the worst product work, but even a great product, installed by a poor tradesman will fail.

New Duradek Deck Waterproofing Expert: Pinnacle Roofing and Coating Inc.
in Alabama

Duradek Dealers can be found from coast to coast, and now there is a fantastic new Duradek Dealer to be found in the state of Alabama. This latest addition to the Duradek network of Dealers is Pinnacle Roofing and Coating in Northport, Alabama.

The Pinnacle Team:
1st row – Marvin Blevins, Patrick Shanks, Brian Collins
2nd row – Aaron Camatti, Mike Loxterman (trainer) Danny, Jeff Collins

Pinnacle Roofing and Coating specializes in Commercial and Residential roofing products and has been in business since 2007. Having built a reputation on service and quality workmanship, owner Aaron Camatti recognized the strength of the Duradek brand and saw that it was a product that could compliment his current business and benefit his customer base. After several conversations and interviews, a training date was established, and Duradek Trainer, Michael Loxterman was sent to Northport to ensure the Pinnacle team was fully versed on the intricate details of deck waterproofing with Duradek vinyl membranes for decks, patios and rooftop applications.

There's a lot to cover in a Duradek training program

Opportunity to Excel as a Duradek Dealer

Duradek installers are educated
in each intricate detail.

If you are a builder, roofer, remodeler or contractor, or have a background in the building industry and are looking for a new business opportunity with a reliable product, you could possibly become an authorized Duradek dealer. Check our Dealer opportunities online 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 the potential in 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!

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 2 – The Alternatives

In part one of this four-part series of detailed questions about Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes we explained what Tiledek is, why waterproofing is essential in outdoor tile applications, specific details on evaluations and testing results on Tiledek as a roofing membrane, and the typical methods of installing outdoor tile.

This week, we will discuss the alternative methods of waterproofing under exterior tile, and why Tiledek is the superior choice.

What does Tiledek compete with?

The answer to this question depends upon the deck being over living quarters or not.  Obviously if it is over living quarters, then the membrane must be a roofing membrane and more importantly, it must be installed with roofing principles in mind.  Should the deck not be over living quarters, there might be no building code requirement that the membrane is a roofing product but the installation details should be no less stringent considering the consequences of leaks.  Water intrusion can cause very expensive damage to the structure and we believe all waterproofing jobs demand the attention of a professional.

For the purposes of this discussion, we will separately deal with roofing and non-roofing applications.

For Roofing purposes:

Torch applied or self-adhering modified bitumen roofing materials:  
Modified Bitumen (MB) is asphalt that has had modifiers added to it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The most common types of modifiers being used are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene).

Methods of applying modified bitumen.

Rolls of modified bitumen membrane come in widths of 36" (0.9 m) to approximately 39" (1 m) and cover an area of approximately 100 square feet to 112 square feet.

Modified Bitumen roof systems consist of one, two, or three ply systems. (Base sheets with no cosmetic finish and cap sheets) The cap sheet membranes may be applied using a torch (the back of the sheet has extra asphalt on it which, when heated, bonds to the substrate) or be self adhered (removing a release paper on the back exposes a sticky surface which adheres to the substrate).

Modified bitumen
asphalt Effluence

To the best of our knowledge, none of the manufacturers of Modified Bitumen materials supports tile installations over top of the roof membrane and therefore provide no promise that it works and certainly no guarantee.  In addition, the asphalt in these products is not compatible with the mortar in the thinset or the grout lines and may bleed through causing a discoloration.

More importantly, when the MB softens as it heats up it can be compressed and may allow the tile or the grouting to crack from the movement from traffic on top.  Any product that is designed to have tile installed overtop will have test results from the Robinson test (ASTM C627) to verify it is capable of supporting weight of people and equipment.

See Tiledek Techtalk #106 – 10 Reasons Not to Use Modified Bitumen

Roof membrane plus a thickbed mortar system:

Adhering Duradek Ultra Tiledek

The traditional method of providing roofing protection under tile would be to install a suitable roofing product like PVC, epdm, tpo, modified bitumen or liquid applied urethanes, etc. with a thickbed mortar system on top to which the tile is attached.  (It is important to know whether or not the manufacturer supports the use of their product in an application like this.)  The tile may be “uncoupled” from the mortar bed or the mortar bed uncoupled from the roofing membrane or both.  There may be a drainage layer above the roofing membrane to allow any moisture that gets in to escape along the drainage plane.

This system is very expensive and quite thick (at least 1-½ inches above the membrane).  There may be as many as 7 or 8 layers involved in the system.   For examples of what they may look like, go to www.schluter.com and see their balcony details.

Either Tiledek or Duradek Ultra would make for suitable roofing membranes under this type of system.  Duradek does warranty its product for this application.

Note:  In Canada, on wood framed structures (part 9 of the National Building Code) all decks and balconies are required to use an approved roofing membrane.  

Non-roofing applications
(referred to as “waterproofing” membranes)

The first thing you will notice when researching the products that are available for waterproofing decks and balconies to which tile will be applied is the lack of the word “roofing”.  Most manufacturers of these systems want nothing to do with the details, the headaches and the liabilities involved in roofing.  You will notice details that we would not even consider using in a non-roofing application (such as finishing a membrane on the flat horizontal surface without turning it over the edge and then caulking the leading edge).  Most of the details you see are for concrete decks and balconies, not for the wood frame construction, which we are most likely to be dealing with.

 

Why is Tiledek superior to the alternatives?

As you can tell from the extensive list of other products that are available for “waterproof” applications under tile, there are very few who claim to be roofing products.  Most of the details on the websites of the products are meant for waterproofing concrete balconies and ARE NOT an “apples to apples” comparison to the kind of waterproofing we do with our materials. 

Cap welding the membrane as step 3 of
the triple heat-welded system.

We treat each and every deck as if it was a roof and we detail accordingly.  It doesn’t take much of a study to see how superior our details are.  But the most significant reason why Tiledek is superior to all the other alternatives is the network of professional applicators that install the product.  Duradek (and therefore Tiledek) is only sold through a network of businesses that have been trained.  There is no other way to get the product installed.  That means huge protection for the building owner.  THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS IS THE CONTRACTOR WHO CARES ABOUT DOING IT RIGHT.

Our primary responsibility is to protect the building from water finding its way in.  Regardless of the success or possible failure of the tile overlay, we can GUARANTEE our customers that their home will be protected from water damage.

As far as the product is concerned, you can clearly see the superiority of a 60-mil layer of the same PVC we use for walking roof decks to provide the waterproofing protection needed.  Many of the systems we’ve identified are very thin layers of liquid (20 mils).  Some of the sheet systems are only 20 mils or less and even the thickest are only 40 mils.  The seams of the sheet materials are done with liquid seam sealers and we know how ineffective that has been over the years.  Some of the thicker “solutions” are very soft rubber that could allow too much movement of the tile and may promote cracks in the grout or the tile.  Clearly, Tiledek is to be considered as the superior system of waterproofing for exterior decks or balconies overlaid with tile.

If you have an outdoor tile project and would like to speak to a Tiledek professional, contact a Duradek Dealer near you.

See Tiledek Techtalk #107 – 10 Reasons to use Duradek Ultra Tiledek  and check back next week for “What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 3 – Installation”.

Deck Waterproofing the Celebrity Builders Prefer

Celebrity Builders are a unique breed of professionals and when it comes to deck waterproofing, celebrity builders rely on the professional waterproofing experts of Duradek. Known for their expertise and their ability to bring solutions to ‘problem’ projects, celebrity builders keep viewers entertained while educating them on specific details of various projects and the most reliable materials to use. For homeowners and builders alike, these home renovation or building reality shows bring valuable advice on a variety of projects, and with waterproofing projects the insights given can save precious time and investment to ensure you do it right the first time.

Deck Waterproofing on HGTV’s Dream House

On Episode DRH-1601 “Groundbreaking in Chattanooga” extreme sloped property and uncooperative weather added challenges to the project. The project manager and the general contractor were brother and father to the homeowner and it is certain they wanted the best, most reliable waterproofing for their family member. It is no wonder that they chose Duradek vinyl for waterproofing the second-level deck that kept the area below dry and usable.

Deck Waterproofing on HGTV’s Holmes on Homes

Few names hold as much esteem as Mike Holmes when it comes to reliable building projects. Mike Holmes is known as Canada’s most trusted contractor and he has built an empire from his mission to Make it Right®. His #1 rated show on HGTV, Holmes on Homes® is an honest and revealing show that gives homeowners around the world tips on how to manage a renovation and what out look out for in home repair and maintenance.

Deck Additon on 'Rocky Reno'

On Episode 7081 “Rocky Reno”, Mike came in to save the day when the homeowners’ planned addition was left hanging by an unreliable contractor. For the deck portion of the project, Mike called on the Duradek professionals for the roof grade waterproofing membrane that keeps the area below the deck dry, as well as the low maintenance Durarail aluminum railing system that can stand up the to the relentless elements of the Rocky Mountains.

Deck Waterproofing on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Ty Pennington

Sometimes home renovations are very life changing and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition changes lives with each episode. Hosted by the charming and enthusiastic Ty Pennington, this home building/renovation program focuses on families who have faced incredible challenges and where home improvement immediately equates to changing lives. Duradek was very proud to be a part of these domestic transformations by providing the deck waterproofing and railings.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition: The Swenson Lee Family Home

On the very memorable and moving 2-part 100th episode in season 5, the Swenson-Lee family has gone from tragedy to togetherness with a home addition to accommodate the almost immediate growth of a family of 3 to a family of 10. This amazing home transformation took place with the help of TJB Homes and hundreds of volunteers to be accomplished in only 7 days. TJB Homes went above and beyond and have documented this heart-warming project with a beautiful photo and video gallery taking you through every step of the way.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition:
The Latiff Family Home

In the 5th season, episode 22, the Latif Family whose lifetime of struggling to improve the lives of their family and that of those in their community gained much needed assistance in renovating the home that was virtually falling apart around them. Duradek ensures that going forward, their patio is protected from the elements and kept safe.

Deck Waterproofing on W-Network’s Home Wreckers

This W Network program’s initial episode “All Hands on Deck” featured a home that put all their renovation eggs into their kitchen basket and completely neglected their deck which was on the verge of completely collapsing. Duradek was there to provide the waterproof vinyl and to ensure the new deck was properly protected for many years to come.

Deck Waterproofing with the Builder Boss on HGTV

Builder Boss Jim Caruk and James of Duradek

Celebrity builder extraordinaire, Jim Caruk recently launched his second successful building reality program, “Builder Boss”. In its first season, Jim and his crew relied on Duradek for two of their projects.

In episode 6, “The Bunker” the task to build an underground room below an outdoor tile patio could have been a stressful endeavor, but with Duradek Ultra Tiledek under-tile roofing membrane, Jim’s crew and customer can be confident that the new room below the tile patio is properly protected with a reliable waterproof membrane with roofing grade approval.

In episode 7, “Porch and Garden” Duradek contributes to the success of the project again by providing the vinyl waterproof membrane on a newly added second level deck which keeps the lower level deck below dry and protected.
During Jim Caruk’s first successful renovation reality series, “Real Renos”, Duradek was there in the 6th season to contribute to the success of a multi-million dollar project on an episode entitled “Picture Perfect”.

Deck Waterproofing Recommendations by Industry Referral Specialists

It is not just the professionals in the reality T.V. building programs that believe in the strength and reliability of Duradek. Renovation experts that have been in the home improvement industry for decades will often recommend Duradek for your deck waterproofing needs. Radio personality, Gary Sullivan with his weekly home renovation program “At Home with Gary Sullivan” recommends Duradek from coast-to-coast in the U.S., while Shell Busey, one of the original Canadian home renovation referral experts often recommends Duradek.

Deck Waterproofing for Your Home

Mike Holmes, John Ogilvie (president of Duradek) and Gary Sullivan

You don’t need a celebrity endorsement to want the best in low maintenance waterproof protection for your own home. All you need is a product you can count on installed by professionally trained experts. With the number of celebrity builders that rely on Duradek and have a national audience where reputation relies upon the success of their work, you can be confident that Duradek is reliable too. How else could you be offered an industry leading 10-year warranty on your waterproof protection? Check it out for yourself by contacting an authorized Duradek dealer in your area for more information on how Duradek can solve your deck waterproofing needs.

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 1

Part 1 – Getting Familiar with Tiledek

Leaky tile decks are a source of frustration for many builders and homeowners throughout North America, particularly when the tile deck is above living space. However, the methods that have been used in the past without much success are no longer the only options. Duradek Ultra Tiledek was manufactured specifically to provide waterproofing peace of mind underneath exterior tile roof decks. It is the only roofing membrane specifically produced for waterproofing under outdoor tile AND that comes with a 10-year warranty that guarantees waterproof protection.

This month we will be publishing a 4-part series in a basic Q & A format every Monday to help you get acquainted with the specifics of Tiledek and waterproofing under exterior tile.

In part one, we will familiarize you with Tiledek and why it is the essential waterproofing component for outdoor tile projects.

What is Tiledek

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a 60 mil thick, PVC roofing membrane similar to Duradek “Ultra”. It is designed to have outdoor porcelain tile or slate installed over top of it with a thinset mortar bond coat. Lightweight concrete or cementitious finishes can also be installed over it. From here on we will just refer to the overlay products as ‘tile’.

A fabric has been laminated to the topside of the roofing membrane to provide for a strong physical “grab” by the thinset mortar.  Tiledek comes in rolls 6 feet wide and 75 feet long.  Tiledek is only available as a “professionally installed waterproofing system” through the network of trained Duradek applicating contractors all over North America.

Is an outdoor tile application waterproof by itself?

Absolutely not!  It is absolutely certain that water will get under the tile.  That is precisely why there are so many problems with outdoor tile decks.  People THINK and are even misled to believe that a tile installation is waterproof and therefore they don’t pay too much attention to the proper waterproof treatment underneath. The failures are often waterproofing failures where leaks that have been happening undiscovered for years eventually cause rot requiring major renovation work.  Not only does the structure need replacement work, the tile application must also be torn up to get at it.

The water will most likely enter through cracked grout joints or on the perimeters.  If the tile cracks, water will enter.  If the deck is in a cold climate, the moisture freezes, expands and may cause tiles to erupt.

A failure in the tile installation doesn’t mean the waterproofing system has failed.  If the membrane is intact and performing its function of keeping the water out, replacing a cracked or erupted tile or a cracked grout joint is relatively easy and inexpensive.

What are Tiledek’s credentials?

Tiledek is a variation of Duradek Ultra, the first PVC walking roof deck material on the market.  Duradek Ultra has been installed for over 35 years and has proven itself in all climatic regions of North America.

Quality Auditing Institute Ltd.(QAI), an independent testing, inspection and certification agency, evaluated the Tiledek membrane (Evaluation Report T731-4), and based on this evaluation determined that Tiledek is considered compliant to the following criteria:

• ICC-ES:  Tiledek meets the requirements of ICC-ES AC39 "Acceptance Criteria for Walking Decks" and ICC-ES AC75 "Acceptance Criteria for Membrane Roof Covering Systems" as a roofing membrane when installed in accordance with the IBC 2009 or IRC 2009 and the manufacturers installation instructions.
• CAN/CGSB 37.54: Tiledek meets the requirements for conformance to the materials standard of CAN/CGSB-37.54-95 "Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane" classified as a Type 3, Class A membrane.
• Class “A” Fire Rating: Tiledek is considered to have a Class “A” rating when tested to ULC-S107 "Methods of Fire Tests of Roof Coverings" and ASTM E-108 “Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings" (when installed on and covered by non-combustible building components).
• ASTM C627: Tiledek meets the requirements of the standard test method for evaluating ceramic floor installation using the Robinson-type floor tester. Test Report #UFT 2008-008, #UFT 2008-009, #UFT 2008-010.
  Test conducted by Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC). 
• ANSI A118.10: Tiledek meets the requirements of the ANSI specification for load bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installations. Test Report #TCNA-428-10.
  Test conducted by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

Robinson Type Universal Floor Tester

Tiledek Techtalk #108 provides a summary of Tiledek testing and approvals in pdf format.

What is the warranty with Tiledek?

Tiledek is covered with the same waterproof warranty as Duradek Ultra – 10 years.  See the sample warranty on the Duradek website for the specific terms and conditions.

How is tile usually installed on decks and balconies?

There are two distinct methods of installing tile in waterproof applications:  thickset (using a 1-½ inch “dry mud bed”) and thinset (using a ¼ inch acrylic modified mortar).

Thickset Mortar

Thickset: Thickbed installations are based on the traditional method of packing a mortar bed over a surface before installing the tile. The tile is adhered to the mortar bed either while the mortar bed is green (just beginning to dry) or after the mortar bed has cured. The mortar bed may be reinforced with wire and either set over a cleavage membrane (that allows the mortar bed to "float" free of the substrate) or bonded to the substrate - hence the use of the terms "floating mortar bed" or "bonded mortar bed". For wall applications, metal lath is mechanically anchored to the substrate and the mortar locks into the metal lath as it cures. The terms thick-bed installation, mortar bed installation, and thickset installation are synonymous.

The thickset method is more likely to be used where the tile is thick and irregular in order to achieve a flat walking surface.

Thinset Mortar

Thinset: Thinset mortar is a blend of cement, very finely graded sand, and a water retention compound that allows the cement to properly hydrate. Tile set by the thinset method is adhered to the substrate with a thin layer of "thinset" mortar. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. For example, a 3/8" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement. While very minor adjustments in height can be made, this method is not appropriate for adjusting the level or flatness of a surface - rather the tile will follow the plane of the substrate. Only “Gauged” tiles (with similar thickness) should be used in thinset mortar applications.

Medium-set: Medium-set mortars can be used to adjust for slightly larger variations in the substrate than can be accommodated with thinset mortar. They are also used with large, heavy, thick or “ungauged” (varying thickness) tiles, where a thicker setting bed and a coarser aggregate may be required to achieve a flat installation and to support the weight of the tile while the cement is curing.

Summary

Now that you are more familiar with Tiledek and the types of outdoor tile installation methods, be sure to check back next week for part 2 in this series –“ What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 2 – The Alternatives”.

In the meantime, you may like more detailed information from the trained and authorized Tiledek installer in your area.