The Decking Industry Represented by NADRA at ICC Committee Action Hearings

The decking industry has a voice of representation with the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), and right now is an important time to have that voice heard. On March 11, 2013, the International Code Council (ICC) released proposed changes to the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC). 

Proposed Changes to the 2012 IRC

The ideas for these proposals come from both professionals and non-professionals in all corners of the construction industry, and the decisions made from now until fall on these proposals will directly affect what changes are made to the current codes and effectively become the resulting 2015 IRC...and what the building industry will be working under in 2016 and beyond.

If you are concerned about how these proposed changes will affect the decking industry, now is the time to review the proposals. NADRA Technical Advisor, Glen Mathewson, will represent the decking industry in Dallas at the ICC Committee Action Hearings from April 20th – 31st, where over 2,000 individual proposed changes will be reviewed.

You can view the proposed changes by selecting a pdf from the ICC code development web page link here.

As NADRA members, Duradek extends an invitation to all of our decking industry friends and associates to give us your feedback on the proposed changes, both positive and negative, during the next couple of weeks. We will gather all of your thoughts and insights and provide NADRA with your collective comments to consider for their official position on decking industry representation at the ICC Committee Action Hearings.

ICC Product Evaluation Reports

ICC Product Evaluation Reports are a valuable reference to ensure your building products meet the requirements set out by building codes such as the IRC. For those of us that are not technically minded and do not have a thorough understanding of what ICC codes affect the decking industry, specifically pedestrian traffic coatings, Duradek technical manager Len Viegener has put together The Anatomy of an ICC-ES Report brochure which explains how to read an ICC-ES Report, and includes a pedestrian traffic coating product comparison for what criteria has been met by various products.

Duradek is proud to be the most tested product of its kind and reminds you that All Vinyl is Not Created Equal! Duradek vinyl and Durarail Aluminum Railing Systems are tested to meet IBC and IRC Building Codes, so that you can have confidence in your deck building product selection.

If you’d like to consider using Duradek waterproof vinyl deck surfaces, you can contact a trained and authorized Duradek dealer in your area.

Duradek Expert Shares Exterior Tile Deck Advice with the Construction Specifier

Exterior tile decks can be a tricky subject for even experienced contractors, but for anyone who desires insights on the subject of exterior tile decks, there is a great resource included in the February 2013 issue of the Construction Specifier magazine.

‘Avoiding Leaky Exterior Tile Decks’ written by Duradek president, John Ogilvie, is a detailed article that discusses the waterproofing details that can make the difference between a successful and a failed tile deck project.  Having spent nearly 40 years in the deck waterproofing industry mastering the use of PVC membranes for roof deck waterproofing, John knows a thing or two about waterproofing details and the critical elements that are required to protect a home from the constant influence of moisture or water penetration.



A beutiful tile deck waterproofed with Tiledek,
installed by Duradek of Utah

In fact, it was John’s decades of experience with deck and flat roof waterproofing combined with the exterior tile industry’s need for a better waterproofing solution that inspired the creation of Duradek Ultra Tiledek, the under-tile waterproofing membrane. Particularly when used on decks built over living space, Tiledek provides significant peace of mind as it is a true roofing membrane, designed specifically for use with outdoor tile.

Here are some of the vital components to exterior tile decking projects that Duradek president, John Ogilvie discusses in this article:

Installing Tile on Decks and Balconies

• Thick-set Method
• Thin-set Method

Causes for Tile Failure

• Building the Deck
• Waterproofing
• Thin –set Bonding Adhesive
• Choosing the Tile or Stone
• Tile Installation Techniques
• Details
• Waterproofing or Roofing
• Railings
• Maintenance

Preventing Failures

• Sloping the Surface

Waterproofing Options for Under Exterior Tile

Critical Installation Details

• Outside Perimeters
• Drains
• Rail Attachments
• Inside Perimeter
• Surface Preparation
• Installation Qualifications

View the .pdf of “Avoiding Leaky Exterior Tile Decks” or view online at the Construction Specifier.

 

If you’ve had issues with tile decks in the past, or are even considering building an exterior tile deck, this article is well worth taking the time to read to become aware of the details that can save you hundreds of dollars and plenty of time by avoiding a leaky tile deck.



Exterior Tile Waterproofing for Roof Decks with Tiledek.

Shows for Home Builder or Home Owner - Duradek is There for You

Whether your decking needs are that of a builder or a home owner, Duradek is ready for a busy spring of solving your deck waterproofing problems to ensure you have an attractive and low-maintenance outdoor living space.

Spring Home Shows This Week

Spring home and garden shows are in full swing and Duradek has been 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:

March 21 -24, 2013
Regina Spring Home & Garden Show
EVRAZ Place, Regina, SK
Look for Duradek Dealer, KM Burgess

March 22 - 24, 2013
Gardenscape Show
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK
Look for Duradek Distributor, Saskatoon Deck Shop

March 22 - 24, 2013
North Vancouver Home Expo
Karen Magnussen Arena, North Vancouver, BC
Look for Duradek Dealer, United Vinyl

Builder's Shows This Week

March 22 - 23, 2013
JLC Live New England
Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
Look for Duradek Distributor, Duradek of New England/Railing Pro

March 22 - 24, 2013
Home Builders' Association of Newfoundland
Mile One Centre, St. John's, NL
Look for Duradek Dealers Island Wide Duradek and Duradek Newfoundland Railings

March 22 - 24, 2013
Home Builders' Association of New Brunswick
Le Colisee de Moncton, Moncton, NB
Look for Duradek Dealer Thompson Construction



Look for Duradek at your local Home and Building Shows.

While we are always thrilled to introduce Duradek to people and explain all of the benefits of waterproofing your deck with our Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes, one of the most enjoyable part of home shows for us is to hear the comments of so many happy Duradek customers who tell us, "Oh, we've had Duradek for YEARS!".

If you'd like to find out more about Duradek but you can't 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.



Is Your Deck Still Buried in Late Winter Snow?

While there is only a week left of winter and we are all anticipating getting out on our decks this spring, many North American communities are still covered in a blanket of white. If your deck is protected with Duradek vinyl, you've got an advantage with how easy it is to remove snow from your Duradek and prepare for the spring.

Duradek vinyl membranes protect your deck and your home from melting snow and ice that has the potential to cause water damage, and once you get all that snow removed you will see that your Duradek has survived the winter very well. Just be sure to use a snow shovel that does not have a metal edge so that you don't risk damaging the vinyl surface.

Check Out How This Duradek Homeowner Feels About Snow Removal From a Duradek Deck

Once you are free from winter, remember to give your Duradek deck or balcony a cleaning to remove any chemical residue from de-icers that you may have used throughout the winter. The chemicals in de-icers themselves will not harm your vinyl deck surface, but if the sun has a chance to 'bake' the chemicals into your deck it may age your deck's appearance faster than normal UV exposure would.

That's it for maintenance! Decks protected with Duradek need no other maintenance besides a seasonal cleaning and annual inspection. So when the spring weather arrives and your neighbors are busy slaving away with sanding and staining, you can invite them over for a relaxing beverage on your beautiful, low maintenance Duradek deck. And you might want to share with them that they can contact a Duradek Dealer in your area for a free estimate for their own decks too.

Decks in Demand for 2013 Residential Landscaping

Terraces, Patios and Decks were identified as the top outdoor living trends for 2013 according to results of the 2013 Residential Landscape Architect Trends survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects. The survey polled landscape architects who specialize in residential design and asked them to rate the expected popularity of various residential outdoor design elements for 2013. In addition to Terraces/ Patios/ Decks topping the expected demand at 97.6%, the results also show demand for low maintenance design and sustainability.

ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA says, “In this uncertain economy, homeowners want to get more enjoyment out of their yards. They want attractive outdoor spaces that are both easy to take care of and sustainable”.

With the desire for outdoor living space on the rise, Duradek is the ideal product choice to fill the need of many of these anticipated outdoor living space design trends with our single-ply, low maintenance walkable roof membrane and the inherit green features with PVC membranes longevity. Duradek provides homeowners with an attractive walking surface that waterproofs their balcony or roof deck in one step, without the need for annual maintenance which presents an economic advantage measured in both time and money over a simple wooden deck or liquid coating system that would require regular upkeep or reapplication.

Check out some of the survey results below and how Duradek is an optimal product choice to meet the needs of these expected demands.

Outdoor Design Elements
(Overall rating for 2013)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Outdoor living spaces
(kitchens, entertainment spaces) – 94.5%

Duradek provides an attractive and easy to clean surface
for your outdoor living space with slip resistance and
UV and mold inhibitors built into the material.

Outdoor recreation amenities
(pools, spas, tennis courts) – 76.3%

Duradek also makes an attractive and easy to
maintain surface for pool and hot tub surrounds.



Sustainable design practices – 74.8%

PVC’s one-step application and longevity compare
favourably  to the multiple application and
reapplication requirements of liquid applied systems,
and unlike pressure treated wood, no harmful chemicals
are eventually leeched into the landfills.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Structures
(Overall rating for 2013)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Terraces/patios/decks – 97.6%

Whether it a ground level patio or a roof deck
over living space, Duradek membranes provide
waterproof protection with a 10-year warranty.

 

Fencing (includes gates) – 89.6%

Durarail powder coated aluminum railing and
fencing systems are the perfect complement
to Duradek to match its durability and low
maintenance performance.
No rust, no sanding, no staining…ever!

 

To view the complete published survey results, visit the American Society of Landscape Architects News.

If you’d like to discuss how Duradek can benefit your home or project, one of our specially trained Duradek installers in your area would be happy to answer your questions.

Home & Garden Shows Offer Inspiration and Information for Deck Renovations with Duradek

When you need ideas and inspiration for your home and garden renovation projects, your local home shows are invaluable resources to get you started. And right now home show season is in full swing with local home shows taking place throughout February, March and April in communities all over North America...and Duradek will be there!

Besides getting a first-hand look at the latest design trends and offerings, it is your chance to ask first-hand questions directly to suppliers to help you decide exactly what it is that you want and what will work with your home. Asking the right questions ahead of time can save you precious time and money over just guessing or assuming what the right product choice for your projects might be.

Ask a Duradek Expert About Your Deck Building or Renovation Projects

Duradek Installers know all about deck waterproofing. While they have all been trained in the specific waterproofing details that apply to the application of a vinyl membrane waterproofing system, most are experts in the field of deck building and can help you decide if a membrane system is right for you and answer your questions comparing your decking options.

This week Duradek can be found at:

• Homestyles Show   March 7 – 10 – Saskatoon, SK
  talk with Duradek Distributor, Saskatoon Deck Shop
• NIBCA Home & Garden Show   March 7 – 10 – Coeur D’Alene, ID
  talk with Duradek Distributor, Duradek Northwest and Duradek Dealer Duraseal
• Tacoma Remodeling Show  March 8 – 10 - Tacoma, WA
  talk with Duradek Distributor, Duradek Northwest

For a full list of national and regional home shows where you will find Duradek, please check out our home show schedule for 2013. From coast to coast, Duradek is ready to answer your questions and show you our latest colours and patterns in our selection of vinyl membranes along with the latest offerings from our Durarail aluminum railing systems.


Look for Duradek at your local home show.

 

Already Have a Duradek Deck? – Come Say Hello!

One of the best parts of participating in home shows for Duradek is that we get to talk to so many of our long-time customers. Each and every show we have people come by our booth and comment that they have had their Duradek for 15 or 20 years, and are completely thrilled with its performance. While their deck waterproofing is still doing its job well past its 10-year warranty, they do tend to enjoy looking at the latest colours and patterns of our Duradek vinyl for plans to update the look of their home’s exterior.  Duradek customers love their outdoor living space, and Duradek loves helping them protect it.

Be sure to come by and say hello the next time you are at a Home Show and ask us anything you want to know about deck waterproofing.