Duradek Waterproofing Expert Interviewed on ‘At Home With Gary Sullivan’

Last week at the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, Home Improvement Expert Gary Sullivan chatted with Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan about deck waterproofing for his nationally broadcast home improvement radio show aired on Saturday, January 26th, 2013.

Duradek's Booth at IBS 2013 in Las Vegas

While this year’s IBS featured a huge variety of decking materials, Duradek stands out from the numerous composite deck products and the pvc deck products because Duradek is actually a waterproofing membrane…best described as a ‘Walkable Roofing Membrane’.
As Duradek Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan explains, “it takes care of your waterproofing needs, your roofing needs and provides your walking surface…all in the same single-ply sheet.”

For those just becoming familiar with Duradek, learning about the original single-ply vinyl sheet waterproofing membrane that is walkable directly after the point of installation brings an element of excitement to a variety of projects. Perhaps you are already aware that Duradek Ultra membranes are roofing approved and can guarantee waterproof protection on roof decks over living space.
But are you aware of some of the details to look at when comparing decking options?

There is a lot more to consider than just the finished look and the installation price. Waterproofing performance and required deck maintenance can vary greatly from product to product, so it is very important to do your homework before you invest your valuable time and money into a home improvement project.

Perhaps you may be surprised to learn that Duradek is not just about a vinyl waterproof membrane, but rather a complete provider of waterproofing solutions. Listen to Gary's interview with Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan and discover what makes Duradek an effective and affordable solution for flat roof deck projects.

 
Keep in mind that Duradek offers not only a walkable, waterproof membrane to protect and beautify your balconies, patios and decks, but a whole range of waterproofing solutions for your outdoor living space. Duradek's superior waterproofing expertise also presents:

• Tiledek: waterproof membrane to perform as an exterior tile underlayment
• Plazadek: waterproof membrane for use under concrete pavers and other composite decking products
• Durarail: exclusive line of powder-coated aluminum deck railing and fencing systems

Remember, it is not only important to get the look you want at the price you want...when it comes to waterproofing, the performance is the true measure of value for investment.

The Most Overlooked Home Maintenance Task - Deck Inspections

Deck inspections are quite possibly the most commonly overlooked home maintenance task. Perhaps it is because it is an outdoor extension of a home’s living space, or perhaps it is due to its seasonality of active use. No matter the reason, it is critically important to perform this maintenance task regularly to avoid the dangerous risk of deck collapse.

The number of deck failures resulting in injuries is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), there are over 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old, which means they were built prior to current building code standards and may hold greater risk than newer decks. 

If that staggering statistic doesn’t encourage you to inspect your deck, take a look at this video from the NADRA Western Washington Chapter performing a simulated deck collapse.


NADRA offers a fantastic, free consumer checklist for deck inspections available for download from their website. They also offer a very thorough deck evaluation checklist for builders and inspectors to assist in the evaluation process.

While these documents can aid you in determining if you need to perform any repairs to your deck, there are a few things that should always be left to the professionals:

• Waterproofing a deck, especially a deck over living space
• Waterproofing under exterior tile
• Replacing a railing system by puncturing a waterproofing membrane

When it comes to waterproofing decks, patios and roof decks over living space, the performance is all in the details and we cannot stress enough the importance of utilizing the services of a deck waterproofing professional well versed in the intricate details involved in successful waterproofing of your outdoor living space.

Duradek Ultra walkable, waterproof vinyl membrane, Duradek Ultra Tiledek under tile waterproof membrane, and Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing systems are all available only through Duradek’s network of trained and authorized waterproofing experts.

Duradek Assists Understanding of ICC Code Classifications in Deck Waterproofing

While the overall purpose of the ICC (the International Code Council) to provide building industry professionals with the tools needed to ensure public safety in the built environment is the cornerstone for the development of state adopted I-Codes, navigating the waters of the code classifications, requirements and ratings can leave even the most technical minded professionals scratching their heads. 

Interpreting ICC-ES Reports

ICC Evaluation Services provides a reliable and comprehensive method for evaluating building products for code compliance. A valuable reference for architects, specifiers, builders and even home owners to have the peace of mind that the products used in the construction of their project are reliable for their purpose, ICC-ES Reports can authenticate code compliance and provide a method of comparing building product options.

However, with the range of acceptance criteria and testing required for each classification, getting an ‘apples to apples’ comparison is not always a straight forward query. Even when products receive similar testing, there can sometimes seem to be a significant ‘grey area’ to what standards were actually tested.

Duradek Simplifies Comparing Deck Coatings and Coverings Code Compliance

Duradek's Interpretation
and Comparison of ICC Evaluations
for Pedestrian Traffic Coatings

Duradek Technical Manager, Len Viegener performed a detailed analysis of products listed on the ICC-ES website as ‘Pedestrian Traffic Coatings’. In addition to providing a thorough comparison of products in this category, there is a simplified explanation of how to read an ICC-ES Evaluation Report in Duradek’s “The Anatomy of an ICC-ES Report” (2-sided tri-fold, legal sized .pdf). Most of the material included in this brochure is obtained directly from the ICC-ES website, organized to best compare pedestrian traffic coating products. (Please refer to this site for current ICC-ES Report information).

Note: Duradek is classified as a:

• Pedestrian Traffic Coating
• Walking Deck and Classified Roof Covering (AC39)
• Membrane Roof Covering System (AC75)

ICC-ES also provides an instructional video on YouTube on how to read an ICC-ES report that you may find valuable. As muddy as the waters may seem when you start to compare building material evaluation reports, once you really understand what you are truly looking at, you can make much more educated and informed choices in selecting materials for your deck building project needs.

Application of ICC and I-Codes

To ensure projects and building products used meet building code standards, the ICC is a valuable reference point.  50 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the I-Codes at the state or jurisdictional level. While the 2012 I-Codes have been published, most states have yet to adopt them, relying on the 2009 I-Codes. Meanwhile, the ICC-Code Development Schedule is already in progress for the 2015 I-Code edition.

There is a great deal of deck-specific detailing in a proposal in front of the ICC-Code Committee and the North America Deck and Railing Association’s (NADRA) technical advisor, Glen Mathewson will represent NADRA at the ICC hearings. Glen Mathewson is a contributing editor of Professional Deck Builder magazine and you can read his contributions on ICC Codes on the PDB website.

 

Duradek and Home Improvement Experts at IBS This Week

The NAHB International Builders Show is the largest light construction show in the world and it takes place this week, January 22 -24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Duradek waterproofing experts along with experts and manufacturers from over 300 building categories will be at IBS from Tuesday to Thursday and Duradek is excited to take part in this anticipated industry event. You will find Duradek deck waterproofing experts at booth #N2518 on the trade show floor, ready to answer all the questions you have about deck waterproofing and how vinyl membrane waterproofing may be the best choice for your deck and flat roof projects. 

Nearly 1,000 vendors will be displaying and demonstrating their best offerings of building products and services and this is your chance to get a first-hand look at the latest innovations for the building industry. While some exhibiting vendors like Duradek have been around for decades, you can always count on their expertise for the most up to date information for their specialty. Stop by the Duradek booth #N2518 to:

• Discuss installation techniques and substrate requirements for the time proven Duradek vinyl membrane
• Check out the most recent additions of vinyl patterns and colors
• Inquire about Ultra Tiledek waterproof membrane specifically designed for use in exterior tile projects
• Discover the latest innovations and offerings of Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing systems

No matter how well you think you know the building industry, there is always something new to learn or discover. At last year’s IBS show, Home Improvement Radio Show host Gary Sullivan discovered Duradek for the first time. Gary, who has dedicated his entire adult life to the home improvement industry, had a variety of questions for Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan from the renovation perspective. To resolve what Gary refers to as a ‘nightmare scenario’ of unsightly aged and weathered decks and patios, Duradek can often be the best option with its intrinsic ability to protect and beautify in one step.

Duradek is excited to welcome Gary back to the Duradek Booth for IBS 2013 and for a chance to sit down and chat with Gary who will interview Duradek’s Kevin MacMillan on Wednesday during the show. The interview will be broadcast on Gary’s syndicated call-in radio show on Saturday, January 26th. So if you can’t make it down to IBS in person, tune in to At Home With Gary Sullivan between 9 a.m. to noon (est) to hear Gary’s interviews from his on-the-road show at IBS and the deck waterproofing advice from Duradek.

About Gary Sullivan

Gary Sullivan, who began his career as a stock boy in a hardware store at the age of 16 worked his way up the ladder of hardware retail until eventually becoming president and part owner of an 18 store chain in the 90’s. In 1996 he created and hosted a T.V. Show on HGTV called ‘The Hardware Store’ which aired for 4 years. Now Gary continues with his media career by hosting his nationally syndicated radio show and also holds public appearances such as free ‘new home seminars’ for Habitat For Humanity.  To learn more about Gary Sullivan, visit his website and you will quickly see why Gary Sullivan has earned his expert status in the home improvement industry

 

Top 5 Deck Maintenance Tasks

While a properly built and waterproofed deck requires very little maintenance, it is no excuse to ignore deck maintenance or deck repair tasks all together. A very small amount of time is all it takes to avoid costly repairs, or worse, personal injury due to deck collapse.

Duradek Recommends Performing the Following Top 5 Deck Maintenance Tasks.

#1 TASK: General Deck Inspection

FREQUENCY (per year): once

DESCRIPTION:

1. Inspect your deck for any built-in or added on features to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.
2. Be sure that all lighting is working, and clean all light covers to allow adequate light to shine through.
3. Ensure all electrical outlets, appliances and features are up to code and that there are no electrical cords presenting a tripping hazard.
4. Ensure that any sources of fire or heat such as fire pits, chimneys, grills, heaters and candles or placed safely away from flammable surfaces and protected by a non-flammable pad.
5. Test all outdoor furniture for stability.
6. Be sure to store all deck related chemical products away from children (i.e. barbecue fluids, cleaners, etc.).

POSSIBLE OUTCOME IF NOT DONE: deck safety may be compromised and could result in damage/expense to your deck or cause personal injury.

#2 TASK: Detailed Deck Inspection

FREQUENCY (per year): once

DESCRIPTION:

1. Check for stability of the wood in several different areas of the deck. Be sure to check deck boards (if exposed), stairs, support posts and joists under the deck and the ledger board (where the deck attaches to the house).
2. Inspect any caulking that has been used at deck/wall intersections, around any posts or protrusions, etc. for damage or openings, re-caulk as necessary.
3. Pay special attention to any areas that tend to remain damp, are regularly exposed to water or are in contact with fasteners.
4. Note: If you are uncertain of the condition of the wood, you can use a tool like an ice pick or a screwdriver to test the wood by attempting to penetrate the wood surface. If you can easily penetrate ¼ to ½ inch, break off a sliver of wood without splinters, or the wood is soft and spongy, decay may be present.
5. Look for any small holes in the wood that may indicate insects.
6. Check flashing along where deck meets house and along deck perimeter to ensure flashing is firmly in place.

POSSIBLE OUTCOME IF NOT DONE: deck stability and safety may be compromised, and worst case scenario could result in a deck collapse, extensive repairs and personal injury.

#3 TASK: Deck/Stair Railings Inspection

FREQUENCY (per year): once

DESCRIPTION:

1. Deck stairs should appear even without sagging and should not sway or move.
2. Check any railings or handrails to be sure they are firmly in place.
3. Check steps to be certain they are securely attached and not decayed.
4. Ensure all railing fasteners are in place and are not corroded.
5. In the case of decks waterproofed with a vinyl membrane, ensure all caulking around surface mounted posts are intact.

POSSIBLE OUTCOME IF NOT DONE: un-noticed water infiltration through even the smallest of entry points can cause eventual water damage and costly repairs, and unstable railings can cause personal injury.

#4 TASK: Deck Cleaning

FREQUENCY (per year): 4 times

DESCRIPTION:

1. The removal of any debris and proper cleaning is a crucial step in maintaining your deck’s appearance. Remove organic matter such as leaves or moss, which may become a slip-hazard.
2. Most times a mild household cleaner diluted in water and using a soft brush or broom for scrubbing, then rinsing thoroughly will remove dirt and freshen up your deck’s appearance.
3. Performed seasonally, this will keep most naturally occurring staining and discoloration from occurring.

POSSIBLE OUTCOME IF NOT DONE: the appearance of your deck will be compromised without regular, seasonal cleaning. If any organic debris is not removed it can promote the growth of mildew and pose a slip hazard. If de-icing or cleaning agents are not properly cleaned and rinsed off of a deck, it can adversely affect the appearance as the sun can ‘bake’ the chemicals into the surface causing discoloration.

#5 TASK: Deck Waterproofing

FREQUENCY (per year): As needed based on deck type and inspections

DESCRIPTION:

1. The type of deck you have will determine the amount of time and money required to sustain waterproofing performance.
2. With a wood deck, you may be required to sand and stain yearly to maintain your waterproofing and appearance.
3. With liquid coatings over concrete, re-application is required.
4. With a Duradek vinyl membrane waterproofing system, no re-application is required and the waterproofing function can perform up to 2-3 times the length of the 10-year waterproofing warranty offered by Duradek. That being said, while Duradek withstands a lot of wear and tear, if something has cut the vinyl it should be re-welded by a Duradek Trained Applicator before allowing it to leak.

POSSIBLE OUTCOME IF NOT DONE: If waterproofing is not completed as required, water can infiltrate the decking system and the building envelope, which in the case of decks over living space, can cause exponential damage and repair costs to your home.

When it comes to waterproofing decks, patios and roof decks over living space, the performance is all in the details and we highly stress the importance of using the services of a waterproofing professional who knows the many details involved in successful waterproofing.

Duradek Ultra walkable, waterproof vinyl membrane has been waterproofing decks for nearly 40 years and is available only through Duradek’s network of trained and authorized waterproofing experts.

These same waterproofing experts can provide the Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing systems to ensure your entire deck project is handled professionally and is made to last.

If you would like to contact one of our qualified Duradek installers to provide a free, no-obligation estimate on your decking project, look for a Duradek dealer near you.

Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Supplies Has a Strong 2012

AMA Introduces 15 New Duradek Installers to Ontario

AMA Roofing Supplies, a family owned and operated business based out of Hamilton, Ontario completed its second Duradek training program of the year this December, finishing 2012 with a total of 15 new Duradek installers to service the Hamilton-Toronto regions of Ontario.

The most recent training was conducted by Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan who was thrilled at the expertise these newly authorized Duradek dealers bring to Duradek’s network of professional installers. Several of the new trainees came to the Duradek training session with an existing background in roofing and vinyl waterproofing and were able to competently understand and perform the waterproofing installation details that all Duradek installers must possess in order to be authorized to install Duradek vinyl.

Duradek’s requirement that only quality-trained waterproofing specialists be authorized to install Duradek vinyl is one of the key features that distinguishes Duradek from other similar products on the market. A philosophy shared by both Duradek president, John Ogilvie and AMA Roofing Supplies, Andrew Courchesne is that no matter how great a product is, if it is not installed properly you will not get the performance that you desire.

AMA Roofing Supplies is happy to provide a range of excellent products and exceptional customer service whether you are a large professional contractor or an uncertain do-it-yourselfer. It is important to AMA that your project is completed properly, and often, arming you with the right tools or some extra information is all you need. Sometimes, however, they may recommend that you retain the services of a specialist. This is often the case in roof decks where the waterproofing details are very particular and extremely critical in protecting your building envelope from slow but dangerously expensive water damage. Don’t take any chances with your home.

If you are in the Hamilton area, stop by and visit the AMA Roofing Supplies showroom or take advantage of a free estimate from a Duradek Dealer near you.

Get to Know AMA Roofing Supplies

It's only 2 weeks away, but there's still time to register to attend the 2013 International Builders Show in Las Vegas taking place January 22 - 24th. Duradek encourages you to take advantage of FREE Registration for the exhibit floor at IBS . This invitation only offer is extended to you by Duradek and presents up to a $200 savings when compared to regular non-member registration on site at the show.



While you may have missed the biggest opportunity for savings on the education packages that were available before December 3rd, but if you do wish to attend any of the education events, it is still a worthwhile savings to register in advance rather than on site at the show.

This year, IBS is back in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Duradek will be there - you could be there too! IBS is the world's largest annual light construction show and puts you in touch with over 300 building categories. For anyone in the building industry, this is an event you don't want to miss!

New at IBS 2013

• More than 100 revamped education sessions
• Speed learning sessions with quick insights and ideas
• The return of the daily keynote speakers
• Master Sessions - in depth, full day intensive program on a specific industry topic
• And more...

And don't worry....IBS isn't just all work. There are some great networking and socializing opportunities as well with an excellent selection of events throughout the show. There is the IBS House Party on opening night, and this year the 2013 Spike and Director's concert, The IBS Closing Event features Cheap Trick. Some events are already sold out with a limited number of available tickets, but hey, you're in Las Vegas so we are sure you will find something fun to do after the show!

 Gary Sullivan interviewed Duradek Sales Manager,
Kevin MacMillan at the 2012 IBS Show in Orlando

We hope you can make it to I.B.S...look for Duradek at booth #N2518 and stop by to say hello! We'd love to show you our latest in vinyl and railing options for the best in waterproofing solutions for your outdoor living space projects. So take advantage at the great savings opportunity and take a few minutes to register online for FREE.

IBS 2013 Duradek booth location #N2518