Vinyl Decking Seam Strength Test with Duradek

Vinyl Decking is the ideal choice for low maintenance decking, but some folks may question the reliability of the seams where the vinyl sheets are joined. With the results seen from some vinyl suppliers, this concern is valid as evidenced in the image below.


This other vinyl was installed with a 'butt-joint'
and sealed with a liquid sealer.

Duradek vinyl is worry-free and the seam strength is stronger than what you will ever need for your deck or balcony. Check out this video where Duradek of Utah uses the power of a Ford 250 to put the strength of Duradek's heat welded seams to the test.



Duradek's heat welded seams performed by trained and authorized installers give you complete peace of mind that:

• your vinyl waterproofing remains intact
• your home remains protected
• your outdoor living space remains beautiful

Duradek's heat welded seam includes a 3/4 inch overlap.

For a flush surface, the Duradek 3/4 inch heat welded

seam can be installed with a recessed channel routered

into the deck surface for a nearly invisible look.

Important Price vs. Cost Considerations for Your Vinyl Deck Product

"There is a huge difference between price and cost. Price is what you pay to get what you think you want; cost is what you pay to fix the problems after the fact."
- Matt McClure, Duradek of Utah

3 Important Things to Know About Duradek PVC Membranes

1. Time - Duradek has been in business for nearly 40 years. This kind of experience brings confidence in our product, our installation methods and our relationships with our customers.
2. Tested - Duradek continually invests in research, development and testing to ensure our vinyl membranes, as well as other products used along with our vinyl, maintains consistency and compatibility. Duradek even tests along side competitive vinyl products to ensure our membranes outperform the other options. (see image below)
3. True - Duradek stands behind our product with an industry leading warranty. Our vinyl has gone through multiple warranty cycles which allows us to repeatedly prove that Duradek performs well past the warranty terms. In addition, Duradek vinyl warranties include an appearance warranty which is above and beyond what many competing vinyl companies are prepared to offer.

If you dont' think these things are important...think again!

Imagine how the customers who chose the product below are feeling right now...

Failed accelerated weathering test results!

(This is not the result of a direct flame as may first appear. This is the result of controlled testing to the standard of ASTM G90 using concentrated natural sunlight).

The really sad thing here is that if you selected this competitor's vinyl for use on your home, you may not be covered by warranty since according to this company's website, there is not an appearance warranty offered.

Choose Your Vinyl Waterproofing Membrane Wisely.

Duradek waterproofing experts know that it is important to do it right the first time, and that applies to product selection as well as the skill of the tradesman installing it. You can feel confident on both accounts when you chose Duradek vinyl waterproofing for your deck and balcony surfaces.

Relevant Downloads

• Accelerated Weathering Comparison
• Time, Tested and Approved
• Not All Vinyl Is Created Equal

Leaky Deck Frustration Turned Around in Utah

It’s a common story. A homeowner who has the desirable feature of a roof deck or multi-level decks on their home wants to make the space the ideal entertainment area. Some homeowners that have decks that are situated over living space have experienced reoccurring frustration with water intrusion, and perhaps even more frustration with their contractors that were unable to provide reliable waterproofing.

Sometimes, these same contractors will charge homeowners each time they re-apply the same ineffective waterproofing product. Here’s where the biggest frustration lies. Most homeowners are willing to pay to get the job done right, but when they repeatedly invest in ineffective solutions it is very disheartening.

TileLetter Magazine spoke with a home-owner in Utah that experienced this common story and sought the services of a new contractor (see full story on page 36). While the previous contractor had used a simple roll-on liquid coating and fibreglass mesh system, the new contractor had a different arsenal of weapons to fight water invasion. The homeowner noticed a Tiledek binder that the contractor had brought along with him and inquired about how suitable a tiled surface might be for their deck. The contractor had discovered the Tiledek system of waterproofing at a trade show, had researched the product and was confident it was the best option for tile deck projects, particularly over living space.



MBL Contracting applied the Tiledek membrane with
a proven assembly for waterproof protection under tile.

Tile is often selected as the surface finish for its beauty and relative low-maintenance appeal. While tile decks convey a simple elegance, there is nothing charming about a leaky tile deck that allows water to slowly but relentlessly invade your home. Although hesitant after the last experience, the homeowner decided to proceed with the tile option for their deck when they learned that Tiledek was approved as a roofing membrane and came with a 10-year waterproofing warranty.

Since Tiledek (as well as all Duradek waterproofing membranes) is installed only by applicators that have been trained for correct application techniques, Duradek authorized installer MBL Contracting was hired to do the waterproofing and tile setting.

If you are considering a tile deck or have a roof deck on your home, this Article from TileLetter Magazine “Waterproofing Makes All the Difference in Dual Level Deck” is a quick read and a great example to learn from before taking on your tile deck project.

A tiled roof deck makes an ideal entertainment area.

If you’d like to talk to a Duradek waterproofing expert about your decking projects, find an authorized Duradek Dealer in your area to address your specific needs.

Duradek and Tiledek at Coverings 2013

Coverings, the biggest show of the year for the hard surface industry, brings the best of tile and stone manufacturers and suppliers together for 4 days of exhibits and education for the hard surface industry, and Duradek was there.

While Duradek has been around for nearly 40 years waterproofing deck and flat roof surfaces with our walkable roofing membrane, many builders are still unaware of how this single-ply sheet vinyl is an ideal waterproofing for outdoor living space.
   
With the addition of Tiledek to Duradek's waterproofing solution, the tile industry now has a new resource for peace-of-mind waterproofing for outdoor tile pedestrian surfaces, particularly the challenging projects that involve installation over top of living space.

Here is Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan at Coverings with a brief introduction to Duradek and Tiledek.

If you didn't make it this year, save the date for next year's Coverings show on April 29 - May 2, 2014 when Coverings will take place in fabulous Las Vegas, NV, or plan to visit the Duradek booth at other upcoming trade shows. Watch for more information on Tiledek in a great real-life example of turning a problem deck into a beautiful, worry-free entertainment area on our next post!

Selecting a Waterproof Membrane for Your Deck

PVC membranes have earned the reputation of being a reliable, low-maintenance deck waterproofing solution. Duradek, the industry’s leader in PVC waterproofing introduced the popular use of this single-ply, walkable waterproof membrane nearly 40 years ago and still today continues to perform ongoing product testing to ensure performance and compatibility with other building products.

When professionally installed, PVC’s waterproofing performance extends well beyond most manufacturers’ warranties. Yet the quest for a "better, longer-lasting, newer" topcoat or film continues. While the concept is great, so far the end results on this pursuit have not been very successful.

Duradek has considered this innovation, but initial production with available technology was never able to provide the desired results; therefore Duradek chose not to offer a product they could not be completely confident in. Others manufacturers may have gotten carried away with pushing a great idea forward before the manufacturing technology was able to support their exciting new product innovation with the performance results they desired. When these great ‘new and improved’ products are released into the market before being properly tested for long term results, it is the homeowner who pays the price of research and development. (see our post from May 8th "When Choosing a Building Product, 'New' Does Not Always Mean Better")

Deck Surfaces - Keeping Up Appearances

Not all products require the same kind of research and development. Deck building products are continually exposed to things like UV rays and moisture – two things that all new decking products are expected to withstand and should be tested to.

1999 – New Product Innovation: Clear Coat on PVC Membrane

This PVC membrane manufacturer may have not considered long-term testing, but Duradek did. They decided to put this ‘new’ vinyl to the test along with Duradek’s vinyl and the results are pretty evident in the images below. These images show the result of the ASTM G90 Accelerated Weather Test Method which is a widely used accelerated weathering test method.

This company was forced to remove vinyl from their product offerings and to the best of our knowledge, no warranty claims were honored.

2013 – New Product Innovation: Clear Coat on PVC Membrane

Once again a PVC membrane manufacturer who was excited to offer their customers a durable product by incorporating a clear top coat may have been too eager to get this ‘new’ innovation into the marketplace. Duradek took a single random sample of this competitor’s vinyl and put it to the test against Duradek’s vinyl membrane. Accelerated weathering tests were performed by a third-party testing agency, Atlas Material Testing in Phoenix, Arizona. The testing was performed to the ASTM G90 (Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Non-Metallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight).

Tested side-by-side in the same conditions over a 9 month period, the results show a dramatic difference in how the two products stood up to the extended UV exposure.

While Duradek agrees that the concept of a clear top coat over PVC vinyl to extend the esthetic longevity is a great idea in theory, until the technology to produce this feature can be PROVEN to have lasting, long-term performance results, Duradek will not risk introducing an inferior product into the market and will continue to provide the same reliable product that has been successfully installed on over 100 million square feet of decks throughout North America.

Knowledge is Power: Building Education Opportunities with Duradek

As the leader in single-ply sheet waterproofing, Duradek knows a thing or two about waterproofing best-practices, particularly when it comes to waterproofing decks over living space. A proud member of the building and construction industry, Duradek takes an active role in passing along the specialized knowledge in deck waterproofing acquired over the last 40 years. Duradek is an AIA Continuing Education provider, and while anyone can access Duradek's course on Walkable Roof Deck Membranes from the Duradek website, Hanley Wood Online University or AEC Daily Online Learning, attending this course in person allows the advantage of asking direct questions to a Duradek expert.

Construction Specifications Institute SLC Chapter Annual Symposium

Tuesday, May 14th the Salt Lake City Chapter of the CSI celebrates 50 years at the CSI Annual Symposium, taking place at the Ray Olpin Union Building at the U of UA. This is an excellent forum for the exchange of ideas to work toward a common goal of sustaining the built environment. With a variety of presenters, attendees can earn up to 4 Learning Units in this one day of professional development.

Duradek of Utah's Matt McClure will be there to answer any questions you may have about sheet vinyl waterproofing and why it can be a better choice than traditional torch-on methods of waterproofing a roof deck. Matt is also very experienced with Duradek's under tile waterproofing solution, Tiledek. If you want to know how to install a SUCCESSFUL tile deck, talk to Matt!

The Blue Book Building & Construction Network

Thursday, May 9th was The Blue Book Building and Construction Network's day of hosting continued education. It took place at the Turner Field in Atlanta, GA. This event was a full day of exhibitors and presenters, offering attendees a chance to earn up to 4 AIA Learning Units free of charge...including lunch!

Duradek's Atlanta Representative Norm Shafer was there to provide education on our PVC membranes and to present Duradek's "Walkable Roof Deck Membranes" course where 28 architects were able to gain 1 Learning Unit, and discover what makes the Duradek difference.

Your Continuing Education for Deck Waterproofing

If you have an interest in learning about deck waterproofing with Duradek's Walkable Roof Deck Membranes, you may want to inquire about Lunch and Learn opportunities for your organization. But if deck building season has you wanting that knowledge now, you can gain immediate access to Duradek's online continuing education.

We hope that you benefit from the course material and finish with a better understanding of PVC Waterproofing. If you have any feedback for us on our online course material, we'd love to hear your comments.

Duradek is at the Last BC Home Shows of this Season

Duradek has been very busy this spring, talking with home owners across the country about the benefits of protecting balconies, decks and patios with Duradek's long-lasting, low-maintenance waterproof vinyl surfaces.

Duradek wants to make sure you have an attractive outdoor living space to enjoy this summer. While the home and garden shows are coming to an end for the season, there are still two home shows taking place in British Columbia this weekend where you can find a Duradek expert.

Spring Home Shows This Week

Duradek can be found at shows all across North America to share the benefits of PVC decking. When you are visiting your local home and garden shows, be sure to look for Duradek. This week you will find Duradek at the following shows:

May 10 -11, 2013
Powell River Home Show
Recreation Complex Arena, Powell River, BC
Look for Duradek Dealer, Modern

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May 10 - 11, 2013
Vanderhoof Trade Show
Vanderhoof Arena, Vanderhoof, BC
Look for Duradek Dealer, Duradek North / Marathon

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Duradek Booth at the Vancouver Home & Garden Show 2013

If you'd like to find out more about Duradek but you didn't get a chance make it to a spring home show, feel free to contact a Duradek Dealer near you who can answer your questions or provide a free estimate on your deck.   ....And look for Duradek at your home shows again this fall!  

When Choosing a Decking Product, ‘New’ Does Not Mean Better

Would you risk investing in a building product that may or may not perform successfully? In our fast-paced North American culture, we are often seduced by the magic words ‘new and improved’ and will line up in droves for the latest consumer gadgets. But when it comes to building products, we have to be careful not to let this attraction to ‘new’ and exciting seduce us away from trusted materials that have proven to be reliable. (Read our post "7 Critical Questions to Ask When Investigating New Decking Material Products")

New products continue to fail at a disturbing rate and one source estimates that more than 90 percent of all new products fail within two years; and another study suggested that the failure rate for new industrial products may be as high as 30%.

New Product Failure Rates infographic

Decking Product
Innovation vs. Performance

There have been plenty of advances in manufacturing technology and even more impressive and innovative ideas, but until the resulting new products have been around for a while, how is a home builder or home owner to know if the product will really live up to its performance claims?

Here are a couple of examples of decking products that have been introduced to the market place a little prematurely, essentially turning their initial customers into a low-cost alternative to long-term product testing.

Composite Decking – But it was so Good in the Beginning

Still the ‘new’ kid on the decking block, composite decking hit the marketplace with enthusiasm and charm. The appeal of a low maintenance decking product that looks good and is manufactured in part with recycled materials is enough to instill warm and fuzzy feelings to a product selection decision.

But one look at the YouTube video from this composite deck home owner shows that the initial thrill of his new deck was replaced with frustration and disappointment, an all-too-familiar story with many composite deck home owners’ experiences.

PVC Decking – Not All Vinyl is Created Equal

PVC membranes have been a reliable deck waterproofing solution for decades. Duradek, the industry’s leader in PVC waterproofing pioneered the use of this single-ply, walkable waterproof membrane nearly 40 years ago and it is the most tested vinyl membrane on the market today.
While other vinyl manufacturers who have entered the supply chain are eager to differentiate themselves with ‘new’ and improved features, these innovations have yet to be proven to be successful over time.

The image below shows the results of a side-by-side accelerated weathering test conducted by Atlas Material Testing in Phoenix, Arizona over a 9 month period. The test procedure emulates a time span of UV exposure using natural concentrated sunlight. The sample on the left is from a vinyl manufacturer who has been emphasizing their tough, scuff-resistant top coat; the sample on the right is Duradek Ultra.

PVC Vinyl Accelerated Weather Testing Results

When choosing a vinyl membrane, these results are critically important because if you were to experience the eventual darkening of the vinyl surface on your deck, there is little recourse for you to take to be compensated for replacement. Often, the warranty for appearance on a pedestrian surface is much less than that of the waterproofing warranty, and home owners could be potentially stuck with a very unattractive, although still waterproofed deck.

Side Note – this particular company does not even offer an Appearance Warranty on their product at all.

Don’t take chances with your deck. Duradek is the Time, Tested and Approved decking membrane that you can rely on.

Contact a Duradek Dealer in your area for a free quote and do some comparisons for yourself!

Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair is Nashville, TN New Duradek Dealer

Duradek welcomes its newest dealer, Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair Service, Inc. in Nashville Tennessee.

Mike Loxterman Kansas City, MO Trainer and Norm Shafer Duradek Area Rep Southeast conducted training on April 4th and 5th for the Reliable Roofing group at their facility in Nashville. Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair Service, Inc. is a recognized leader in Commercial, Industrial, and Residential Roofing and Construction Services. Reliable Roofing has been in the roofing business continuously since 1990 and has grown to be one of the most reliable roofing contractors in the state.

This steady, controlled growth has only been possible due to their remarkable employees whose commitment to excellence personifies their organization. Whether you are looking for a contractor for new construction, a major reroof of an existing facility, or basic maintenance work, Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair Service, Inc. has the experience, size, and dependability necessary to complete any project successfully. All of their work is insured, guaranteed and licensed assuring peace of mind and financial strength. We are proud to have Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair Service, Inc. led by Eddie Patterson, President and Owner and his team as part of the Duradek family of dealers.



Standing (left to right) - Dan, Jeff Garrett, Doyle Hood , Mike Loxterman (Instructor),
Eddie M. Patterson, Manuel Ramires, Andy St. Amour, Daryl Sexton.

Kneeling (left to right) - Fermine Marabel, Palemon Villa, Oscar Morales,
Mauricio, Morales.

 

Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair Service, Inc. are members of: GNAA -Greater Nashville Apartment Association; CAI-Community Associations Institute; NARPM-National Association of Residential Property Managers; IREM-Institute of Real Estate Management; Nashville Chamber of Commerce; Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce; Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Practice Safe Decks this Season

It's that time of year again when those of us with decks and patios have been excitedly preparing our favorite outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

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

May is Deck Safety Month ®  

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

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

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

Find a Duradek waterproofing specialist near you for a free estimate on your deck.