Spring Cleaning Advice for your Duradek Deck

Finally! Winter has come to an end and the promises of spring are starting to be revealed with an increased amount of sunshine for many of us as we happily ease into peak season for deck use.

While we anticipate the many barbecues, family events and social gatherings that take place on our favourite outdoor living spaces in the coming months, now is the perfect time to give your deck a really good cleaning to prep it for a long season of enjoyment.

Duradek deck owners can happily start enjoying their outdoor spaces while neighbours with wood decks are procrastinating the labour intensive maintenance required before the leisure time begins...but even Duradek decks need a little TLC in the form of cleaning. Particularly if you've used rock salt or other ice melting chemicals throughout the winter months, you need to give your deck a thorough cleaning before the sun can 'bake' any of those chemicals into your deck surface.

EYA Builders, twice named America's best builder had made good use of thoughtfully planned spaces in their homes which often includes roof decks waterproofed with Duradek. With over 4,000 homes in over 30 neighbourhoods in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC, EYA builders takes great care of its customers by providing maintenance advice for various features of their newly built homes. This video on cleaning Duradek is one of the ways EYA helps its customers enjoy the fabulous features of their homes and we thought we'd share it with you.



So remember these simple tips for proper care of your deck:

1 - Give your deck a seasonal cleaning.
While all cleaning products are not always available in every market, your best option is to use a cleaning product that states it is safe for use on vinyl. Choose a gentle cleaner and always follow the manufacturers recommendations for use. Here are a few popular examples:

• Vinyl Deck Cleaner (available from Duradek)
• Simple Green
• Tide Detergent (diluted)
• Cascade Powdered Dish Detergent (diluted)

2 - Give your deck a gentle scrub.
Use a soft bristled broom or brush, but be careful to not apply too much pressure that might wear down the embossed pattern of your vinyl.

3 - Be sure to rinse off all cleaning residue very thoroughly.

While Duradek is manufactured with UV and mold inhibitors, in some rare cases mold growth can be a frustrating issue with a little more work required to clean. If you are experiencing mold on your Duradek, you may want to read this article on mold removal which features an excellent case study by Duradek MidAtlantic on how to identify and combat mold.

Cleaning your deck is a comparatively easy, maintenance free alternative to the sanding, staining, painting and sealing required from other deck systems to keep it looking great.

Just invest the few minutes it takes to clean your deck seasonally and you will have a deck you want to show off for many years like these happy Duradek deck owners.

If you don't yet have a Duradek deck and would like a free estimate for the best option in low maintenance decking, contact a Duradek dealer in your area.

We hope you enjoy creating a ton of happy memories on your deck!

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

originally published September 24, 2012

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.

The Most Popular Week for Home and Garden Shows to Find Duradek

Home & Garden Shows are the perfect place to get inspiration and ideas for planning your home renovations and there's no shortage of shows to chose from this week, one of the busiest weekends of the spring for this type of event.

If you've got deck renovations on your mind, you won't want to miss the chance to talk first hand with the deck waterproofing professionals of Duradek. Duradek installers know deck waterproofing and will be available at a variety of home shows throughout the season to answer all of your decking questions.

If you are going to attend a local Home & Garden show, be sure to look for your local Duradek dealer to see the latest Duradek colours and patterns that will complement your exterior design scheme and bring you the most reliable, low maintenance deck waterproofing system available.

Look For Duradek Installers at These Upcoming Shows Taking Place March 28 - 30, 2014.

The Fredericton Home Show - Fredericton, NB
Taking place at the Capital Exhibit Center, the Fredericton Home Show attracted over 13,000 visitors last year to view the region's best home building and renovating professionals. Look for Duradek dealers, Beaver Construction who are the local Duradek experts. You can talk to waterproofing professional Blake Price or one of his skilled installers for information on transforming your deck.

The Ideal Home Show - Halifax, NS
The Ideal Home Show is the largest home show in Atlantic Canada and this year it takes place at Exhibition Park in Halifax. Showcasing spring building, renovation and landscaping projects, this is the perfect show for you if you are considering adding or renovating a deck on your home. Talk to Duradek professionals South Shore Custom Decks while you are there for professional decking advice. Shane and Misha from South Shore are talented and skilled professionals that will bring you the deck of your dreams.

Gardenscapes - Saskatoon, SK
The 25th Annual Gardenscapes Show is held at Prairieland Park and is a traditional first sign of spring in Saskatoon. It has everything you need to create a backyard paradise and the outdoor living space of your dreams. For all the green-thumb enthusiasts who'd rather be working in the garden than on deck maintenance, be sure to talk to Saskatoon's deck experts Rene and Desiree from Saskatoon Deck Shop who can bring you the beautiful, low maintenance deck you desire with Duradek. For the last 20 years, Saskatoon Deck Shop has been making sure that when it comes to your deck, you do it right the first time!

Greater Kansas City Home & Garden Show - Kansas City, MO
Bartle Hall hosts the Greater Kansas City Home & Garden Show and this 66 year tradition is held in conjunction with the Flower, Lawn and Garden Show to bring attendees the best in spring home and garden tips and products. The show features a great selection of HGTV celebrity guests and experts like the professionals from Essential Extras who specialize in creating unique outdoor spaces like decks, patios and gazebos. These Duradek experts are professionals you can trust with a great reputation as seen through their 40+ years in business and excellent reviews on Home Advisor.com.

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show - Grand Rapids, MI
Taking place at DeVos Place, a state-of-the-art convention center in the heart of Grand Rapids, the Cottage and Lakefront Living Show brings ideas and instruction for all summer-fun activities to enjoy with a cottage lifestyle. From boat building to sandcastle building, to fine art and fine food...you can find it all at the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show. In particular, you can find the professional deck experts of Home Acres Building Supply who can help you with building or renovating the perfect, low maintenance deck. Whether for the summer cottage or your year-round home, Phil and his team from Home Acres Building Supply will make sure you have a well-protected deck with the reliable waterproof protection of Duradek.  



Chose Duradek for the best in low-maintenance decking.

We hope to see you at there! Or look for Duradek at any of the other Home & Garden Shows taking place this spring to help you create the ideal low-maintenance outdoor living space!  

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

originally published on September 17, 2012

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”.

JLC Live and Duradek Bring Important Info to Builders in New England this Week

JLC Live New England takes place this week at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI with education sessions starting on Wednesday, March 19, through to Saturday, March 22,2014; and Exhibit Hall on March 21st and 22nd only.

JLC Live New England is the most anticipated regional industry event for residential construction professionals and offers real world construction education with a conference program that highlights the fundamental skills that can help you elevate your proficiency and differentiate your company from the competition.

JLC Live makes it easy for you to get the most out of this event by providing extremely flexible registration options to allow you to participate as much or as little as works for you. You can register for exhibit hall access only or sign up for a full 4-day education conference pass choosing the courses that most benefit your niche in the residential construction industry...or any level in between that works best for you!
Visit JLCLive.com to register.

Access Decking Solutions at JLC Live 

Anyone who is in the business of deck building or sub-contracting deck builders knows that decking is a speciality trade of its own and comes with its own unique challenges that can affect the overall integrity of the home; particularly in instances where the deck is on a roof deck over living space.

Information on this specialty trade is easily accessed at JLC Live from two excellent sources.

1. Register for Bill Leys' education session "Construction and Waterproofing Methods for Walking Decks and Tile Covered Decks" which takes place on March 20th from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
2. Visit Duradek booth #1314 and talk to Duradek expert Steve McTaggart. Steve, who is the owner of Railing Pro, is Duradek's authorized distributor in New England and the only local source of Duradek, the original vinyl deck membrane. 

About Bill Leys 

An authoritative voice in the deck building industry and a regular presenter at JLC Live events, Bill is a big enthusiast and promoter of encouraging best practices. Bill is a licensed contractor in California and owner of DeckExpert.com. Since waterproof decks and/or tile-covered waterproof decks rate high on the list of components claimed to have construction defects, Bill's session is an incredibly valuable 3 hours for any construction professional who takes on decking projects.

"I am most looking forward to returning to Rhode Island (Newport is my hometown) and making New England contractors aware of the benefits that pedestrian traffic coatings offer over other methods in building and waterproofing roof decks." says Bill in the weeks leading up to the show.

About Duradek 

Duradek celebrates its 40th year in business this year and is very proud to have pioneered the use of sheet vinyl membranes as a deck waterproof surface and further developing it for building code approved use as a roofing membrane. Whether your project requires an attractive, waterproof pedestrian surface on a deck or a waterproof membrane for use under tile or stone pavers, Duradek has the reliable waterproofing methods you need to protect the living area below.

If you are in the New England area and are interested in waterproofing and railing solutions for your decking projects, you can rely on Steve at Duradek of New England / Railing Pro who is Duradek's own decking and waterproofing expert in New England. One of the main factors that makes Duradek a superior choice for decking projects is that Duradek professionals understand the critical details involved in waterproofing projects which can be a huge advantage over less specialized building professionals.

Moisture is the Enemy

Duradek is a reliable method of resisting the elements and protecting a home from water damage and this is partly due to an excellent membrane product that has proven itself over a 40 year history, but is also due to the skill of its applicators who are familiar with the details involved in professional waterproofing.

To keep informed on this critical topic, you might want to check out two other sessions on the JLC Live education track:

• Moisture and Leak Investigations - Friday, March 21st 

• Keeping Moisture Out: Flashing Details to Prevent Water Intrusion - Saturday, March 22th 

The Fun Stuff from JLC Live New England 

JLC Live New England has an app available for download from both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store to help you get the most out of your JLC Live experience.

When you are scheduling your JLC activities, don't forget about the networking events - the Opening Day Welcome Party and the Conference Happy Hour.

Have a great, rewarding time at JLC Live and we hope you stop by Duradek's booth #1314 to say hello and ask us whatever you wanted to know about finishing your decking projects with a reliable and low maintenance Duradek vinyl membrane and Durarail aluminium railing systems.

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

originally published on September 9, 2012

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”.

Home Improvement Expert Shell Busey Forged the Trail

Before Mike Holmes was showing us how to 'Make it Right', before we were learning how to make 'Income Property' from Scott MacGillivray, and even before Bryan Baeumler had us 'Leaving it' to him; - there was Shell Busey and his House Smart Network.

Just as Duradek pioneered the use of PVC membranes for waterproof deck surfacing, Shell Busey forged the trail for the industry of home improvement experts that have become a new breed of the North American celebrity. And what is it that makes these celebrity builders and home improvement experts attract our attention and earn our trust? It is their knowledge and experience with a topic common to the most of us...our homes.

The home improvement experts take our basic need for shelter and show us how to maximize space, value and personal enjoyment from our homes which is one of the most important investments we make for both practical value and quality of life.

Shell Busey has been in the home improvement industry for more than 50 years and while his notoriety is mostly renowned in his home base of south western B.C., he has national recognition throughout Canada and is known in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. as a reliable source of home improvement information. Everything from fundamental building products to the care and maintenance of specific features of your home, Shell Busey's website, www.askshell.com is a fantastic resource for your home improvement questions.

Shell has a long-standing relationship with Duradek and has been sharing the advantages of the Duradek waterproofing systems with homeowners for many years. Starting with our original Duradek waterproof, walkable membrane to our uniquely reliable Tiledek membrane for exterior tile projects, Shell knows a good product!

When your whole business is about referring people to the right resources for their home improvement projects, you must be very confident in the products you recommend and Shell has been recommending Duradek for decades!

Check out this House Smart video clip from our archives.

 

Remember, if you need decking advice, call on a Duradek dealer in your area...and if you need other home improvement advice, you can ask Shell Busey at www.askshell.com.    

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Membranes - Part 1

originally published September 3, 2012

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 Wednesday 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.

 

Deck Expert Bill Leys Talks Decking at JLC Live New England

Deck Expert, Bill Leys, will be at JLC Live New England on Thursday, March 20, 2014 conducting a not-to-miss conference session that focuses on deck building best practices.

When you want the fast-track to knowledge in your trade, hearing what the experts have to say gives you a great advantage over some contractors that might only just 'get by' with what they already know.

JLC Live New England is the most anticipated regional industry event for residential construction professionals and offers real world construction education with a conference program that highlights fundamental business and technical skills that can help you elevate your skill level and your reputation well above the competition. JLC Live New England takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI and offers conferences from March 19 – 22 and Exhibit Hall from March 21 - 22.

Bill Leys

A regular presenter at JLC Live events, a licensed contractor in California and owner of DeckExpert.com, Bill Leys is a big enthusiast and promoter of encouraging best practices.

"I am most looking forward to returning to Rhode Island (Newport is my hometown) and making New England contractors aware of the benefits that pedestrian traffic coatings offer over other methods in building and waterproofing roof decks." says Bill in the weeks leading up to the show.

Bill presents “Construction and Waterproofing Methods for Walking Decks and Tile Covered Decks” which takes place on Thursday, March 20th, 2013 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The session covers best construction practices and will be divided into two parts. The first half discusses pedestrian deck systems and best building practices to construct a well built and long lasting deck assembly. The second half instructs on roof decks and how to properly build and waterproof them for a systems to last 30+ years.

Learning objectives include:

• Best practices when installing new waterproof systems for tile.
• Best practices in building and framing a deck that will receive tile, which materials are available for waterproofing tile decks.
• How to properly sequence the waterproofing of the deck with the construction of the building.
• Tile Council of North America standards and methods for tile decks. (Durdek Ultra Tiledek has been tested to meet TCNA ANSI specification for load bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installations.)
• Reduce your risk of exposure to liability.

Since Bill specializes in the installation of deck coatings for decks over living space, he is very familiar with the Duradek family of deck waterproofing solutions. An authoritative voice in the deck building industry, Bill brings a not-to-miss highlight of JLC Live with his education session. Since waterproof decks and/or tile-covered waterproof decks rate high on the list of components claimed to have construction defects, this is an incredibly valuable 3 hours for any construction professional who takes on decking projects.

Tiledek as part of an outdoor tile assembly is
one of the best methods of waterproofing
under exterior tile

JLC Live New England takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI with conferences from March 19 – 22 and Exhibit Hall from March 21 - 22.

Registration options are very flexible and range from exhibit hall only to full 4-day education conference passes. You have the freedom to choose whatever combination works best for you.

Visit JLCLive.com to register.

JLC Live New England is the most anticipated regional industry event for residential construction professionals and offers real world construction education with a conference program that highlights fundamental business and technical skills.

If you are in the New England area and are interested in waterproofing and railing solutions for your decking projects, you can also talk to Steve at Duradek of New England / Railing Pro who is Duradek's own decking and waterproofing expert in New England!