Multicultural Waterproof Deck Education from Duradek

Many home owners have deck upkeep on their home maintenance list somewhere, but most do not fully understand the importance of deck waterproofing and how it affects the integrity of the building envelope, and therefore the entire structure of the home.

Duradek participates in many local home shows and takes pride in educating home owners in why their choice of deck waterproofing is so important, particularly when situated over living space. However, this detail specific home maintenance feature can become even more confusing when a language barrier is added to the equation.

Duradek's corporate headquarters are located in Greater Vancouver, BC which is a metropolis rich in cultural diversity. In particular, there is a very large Asian community in south-western BC and Duradek has extended its support in educating home owners in the Chinese community to understand the importance of deck waterproofing.

Home and Happiness on NTD TV 

New Tang Dynasty Television is an independent, non-profit Chinese language TV network head-quartered in New York with correspondents in over 70 cities globally. NDT is the world's largest independent Chinese TV network with a wide variety of content, which includes a new weekly show, Home and Happiness.

Home and Happiness intends to share the knowledge and experience on buying, selling, maintaining and renting a house with the Chinese community. Duradek is featured to bring expert waterproofing advise to home owners with decks or roof deck to ensure they have the waterproof protection they need.

Seeing the advantages Duradek brings by reducing your deck maintenance and providing security with waterproofing peace-of-mind, you may want to talk to your own local Duradek expert. Feel free to contact a Duradek installer near you for a no-obligation, free estimate on your decking project.

Outdoor Living Top 10 Trends for 2014

More and more homeowners are taking their renovation plans to the great outdoors and instead of adding additions to their homes they are extending their everyday living space outside by adding or renovating their outdoor spaces. Renovating outdoor living space is not just for the ‘staycation’ but for an elevated quality of life every day, all year long.

It is no surprise then that a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) showed a 97.7% popularity rating for terraces, patios and decks. The survey details cover a wide range of outdoor living trends but the common consensus was that people want low-maintenance design suited for entertainment and relaxation. People simply want more time to enjoy their outdoor living space and less time maintaining it.

It is relatively easy to adapt what add-ons you select for your outdoor living space as the latest trends or your personal preferences change, but it is imperative to start out with a solid foundation like you can get with a deck protected with a Duradek membrane. Professional Builder Magazine shows off Duradek’s latest color ‘Graphite’ from the ‘Ultra Cork’ line of waterproof vinyl. The beauty of Duradek is not just that it gives your deck an attractive surface, but it also provides warrantied, roof-grade waterproof protection.

Duradek 'Graphite' as seen in Professional Builder Magazine.

This is a fundamental and very important detail to remember…no matter what kind of details or features you want on your deck; it is the foundation that is critical to get right the first time. The First and most important part of moving your living space outdoors is to create a safe, waterproof outdoor surface, on which you can build your outdoor living area. A properly built structure that has reliable waterproof protection means that you will have a deck you can rely on for decades.

After reviewing a wide variety of design, architectural and landscaping opinions, we’ve compiled a list of the top trends in outdoor design for 2014.

Size and Shape is Right Out of the Box
The traditional 10 x 20 foot rectangular deck is giving way to expansive deck and patio areas in a variety of shapes and sizes. While the average size of decks seems to be increasing, the trend is towards multi-level structures with unique shapes that can flow and carry the design of the house out and into the landscaping.

Multi Level Deck with custom shape protected by Duradek.

Sustainability – Eco Friendly Design Practices
People want something cost effective, but they also want to act in environmentally conscious ways that minimizes the impact on the environment at both the point of installation and with maintenance and long-term sustainability.

Lighting
Outdoor lighting has a bright outlook for 2014, particularly with creative uses. Cleverly designed lighting systems worked into ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and outdoor furniture are making an appearance. Unique, simple lights strung above a deck have replaced the old patio lantern strings and are a simple way to update your outdoor design.

Seating and Dining Areas
Always popular for the central entertainment area of a deck, seating and dining areas are taking on new forms as built-in seating is incorporated into deck designs. Additionally, furniture elements are trending to ‘natural’ forms such as rough-wood or stone structures.

Customization
People’s outdoor living areas, like their homes’ interiors, are a unique expression of their character and preferences. Pergolas, walls, functional areas, planter boxes, storage and accessories are all ways in which homeowners will be expressing that individuality in 2014. Functional design is key!

Creative Outdoor Storage Space Waterproofed with Duradek.

Accessories
While neutral tones will always have a place in residential exteriors, they are being splashed up with accessories like pillows, rugs and other fabrics. Popular options for 2014 include bright, cheerful colors, geometric art deco-like patterns and ethnic, tribal themed patterns.

Outdoor Kitchens
Beyond the basic grill, complete outdoor kitchens with cooking surfaces, sinks, fridges and yes, grills are carrying on from 2013 trends and are an example of how home owners are extending their day-to-day living outdoors.



An outdoor kitchen with a good foundation of
Tiledek waterproofing membrane.

Fire Features
Whether it is a small, lantern style accent, set within a pond, or completely built into a full exterior wall; fire features are incredibly popular and with many options available, there is a fire feature in virtually an size and shape you desire.

Outdoor Recreation
This one is definitely not new, but there’s nothing like an old favourite to help you get the most out of your outdoor living space. Whether it is a swimming pool or a hot tub, a little liquid R&R is a time honored back yard favorite. What is new for 2014 is an increase in desire for outdoor saunas.

Gardens
It may have fallen down the priority list for a couple of generations, but today’s homeowners are gardening enthusiasts. With the increased desire for sustainability and healthy living, a place for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs is a top priority with homeowners. For those that want to garden for the sheer pleasure of the greenery, lush gardens rife with Native Plants is a top trend and these natural looking landscape are much more forgiving when behind on maintenance than their sculptured counterparts.

We hope this has inspired you with some ideas for your deck makeover plans. But remember to start with a good foundation...and a great way to start with that is to talk to your local Duradek expert.

Vancouver Islanders Look Forward to Home Show Advice This Week

Home and Garden Shows season may be nearing an end for the spring 2014 season, but Vancouver Islanders are getting in some of the last looks of the season in the coming weeks. 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.

Outdoor living space is one of the most in demand of building and renovating projects, but if you are going to invest in this type of addition or renovation to your home it is important to consider all of your options to choose a decking system that will last you for many years and not require extensive maintenance to upkeep.

Vancouver Islanders can get the expert advice of their local Duradek installer at some local Home and Garden shows, so 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 Vancouver Island Duradek Dealers at These Upcoming Shows

Victoria Home Expo
April 25th - 27th, 2014 - Westshore Parks and Recreation Center, Victoria, BC

26th Annual Victoria Spring Home Expo takes place this weekend and is sure to be a huge draw for home owners looking for ideas, information and solutions for their home improvement projects. Admission is only $5 and you can access an abundance of home improvement ideas and experts like the skilled decking professionals at Victoria Deck.



Duradek Ultra Taupe Chip
on balcony by Victoria Deck.

Victoria Deck is the exclusive Duradek supplier in the Victoria area and have been taking care of Victoria's decking needs since 1974. Family owned and operated, Victoria Deck has a team of experienced installers and estimators who all take pride in customer service and attention to detail.

Be sure to stop by and visit their booth to discuss you deck waterproofing needs and how Victoria Deck can provide you with the superior, low maintenance decking solutions of Duradek vinyl membranes.

Victoria Spring Home Expo Hours:
Friday, April 25th: 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 26th: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday, April 27th: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm  

Port Alberni Home Expo
May 2 - May 4, 2014 - Port Alberni, BC

The Port Alberni Home Expo takes place May 2 - 4th, 2014 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, and with over 100 exhibitors Port Alberni residents are sure to find everything they need to invigorate their homes and build the ideal outdoor living space. Admission is free so you are guaranteed to at least get your money's worth!

For anyone interested in deck renovations this year, be sure to talk to long-time Duradek dealers Alberni Vinyl Deck. The authorized Duradek installers for the area will be on hand to answer any of your deck waterproofing questions. When it comes to waterproofing your deck, make sure you do it right the first time!

Port Alberni Home Expo Hours:
Friday, May 2nd: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday, May 3rd: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday, May 4th: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

We hope Vancouver Islanders can make it out to one of these great local spring home shows to discover what Duradek can do for you to create that perfect, low maintenance deck for you to enjoy for decades!  

While spring home shows season is nearing an end, be sure to check the Duradek Home Shows listings for all upcoming shows from coast to coast in Canada and the U.S., or contact one of our trained and authorized installers near you to help you create the ideal low-maintenance outdoor living space!  

Duradek Recognized by Canadian Business Journal

The Canadian Business Journal recognized Duradek as a featured manufacturer in the March 2014 issue (#198) of their leading business magazine. With 2014 marking Duradek's 40th year in business, we couldn't be prouder to appear in Canada's longest-publishing business magazine.

Duradek is especially proud to be a recognized Western manufacturer as many national product manufacturers are based out of Ontario, Duradek remains western based in British Columbia where vinyl membrane deck waterproofing was first conceived.

(See the full Duradek Story for details).

The Canadian Business Journal is sent digitally each month to over 37,000 senior executives in Canada and receives a month average of over 400,000 unique visitors to its website. The online publication also holds the highest independently audited and verified readership of any Canadian Business-to-Business publication. It keeps Canadian business leaders informed on current business news, industry topics and trends including a glimpse into major Canadian industries such as Construction, Energy, Food and Drink, Healthcare and Manufacturing.

While Duradek is a mature, reliable product that has been around since 1974; The Canadian Business Journal is truly wise from experience since it was founded in 1928 as 'The Commerce of the Nation' as the voice of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The magazine was renamed the Canadian Business in 1933, but its official association with the Chamber of Commerce did not end until 1977. Today, the magazine's official media partnership is currently held by George Media and is owned by Rogers Communication.

See the featured article, "Duradek-Waterproofing Your Outdoor Living Space for 40 Years" in the March issue of the Canadian Business Journal online.

Stettler Flooring and Paint Knows Home Owner Needs

Settler Flooring and Paint already has a great reputation with its customers for providing excellent products, but its lineup just got better with the addition of multiple new products to its offerings including Duradek vinyl deck membranes.

Shane and Jennifer Mercier of Stettler Flooring and Paint are determined to be the go-to resource for all of Stettler's renovation and redecoration needs and they are well on their way. Besides the addition of so many strong products this spring, the Mercier's invite any customer to make requests for things they might want that aren't yet there; but with the excellent brands represented in their current selection, home owners are sure to find the solutions they need for their home improvement products.

Spring was the perfect time to launch all of their new offerings. Since spring is typically a time of renovating and reinvigorating the home they wanted to be sure to have the best available products for their customers. They also recognize that home improvement projects, particularly in the spring, tend to focus on one of the most significantly growing trends in home improvement...outdoor living space.

Outdoor living space is fast becoming as important to home owners as any other area of the home, so it seems only natural that Stettler Flooring should extend their flooring options to cover the exterior floor space as well. Duradek is a perfect addition to their product lines to fill this specialty need.

Duradek provides waterproofing and stylish walking surface in one!

While many of Stettler Flooring and Paint customers enjoy the do-it-yourself approach to home improvement, Duradek is available only as an installed product. Since waterproofing is such a specialized skill, Duradek knows how important it is to have a membrane product installed just right the first time and only installers who have been trained in this critical detail are authorized to install Duradek vinyl.

The advantage this brings to the homeowner is exponential when it comes to longevity of their decks and the waterproofing security it provides. And after 40 years in the deck waterproofing business with over 125 million sq. ft. of decking installed, Duradek knows deck waterproofing.

If you are in the Stettler area and are interested in renovating your deck, be sure to visit Stettler Flooring and Paint at #2, 4707 42nd Street in Stettler to check out the excellent selection of Duradek vinyl colours to compliment your outdoor living space and get a no-obligation estimate for your deck.



Stettler Flooring as seen in the 2014 Spring Flyer

(See the full 12-page version of The Stettler 2014 Spring Flyer brought to you as a supplement by The Stettler Independent, Regional Weekender and Castor Advance)

In all other areas, you can contact a Duradek Dealer near you.

Landmark Year for Duradek MidAtlantic

While Duradek celebrates its 40th year in business this year, key Duradek distributor, Duradek MidAtlantic celebrates their landmark 20th year along with us! The source of all Duradek vinyl from Maryland to South Carolina and from Virginia to Delaware, Duradek MidAtlantic has been the top producing Duradek distributor for the past 14 years and they are poised to continue their stellar performance for years to come.

Duradek MidAtlantic was launched in 1994 by Ron Bongiorno and Del Thebaud with the assistance of John Harlow. Ron, Del, and John recognized Duradek as a niche product that would work well with their existing home improvement business, Bay Construction. While Ron was busy seeking specifications from architects and working with builders, John was diligently installing numerous Duradek projects in the area. Duradek was virtually unknown in the area but after very little time, great interest had developed and other companies wanted to get involved installing Duradek. John began training these companies to be independent Authorized Duradek Dealers thus laying the groundwork for a distribution network.

By 1999, Duradek MidAtlantic had built up a large enough distribution network to cease installations and focus solely on training, sales, and support for their growing network of Authorized Duradek Dealers. In 2000, Jaime Kotanko, John Harlow’s daughter, was brought on to assist with the company’s growth.

In 2001, Ron Bongiorno bought out his partner, Del Thebaud, making him sole owner of Duradek MidAtlantic. Ron recognized that John Harlow had been a major driving force behind the success of Duradek MidAtlantic therefore designated him President and gave him half ownership in the company. By 2006 Ron had moved to Florida and was ready to retire so he sold his remaining share in Duradek MidAtlantic to John Harlow, and Jaime Kotanko was named Vice President.

Duradek MidAtlantic maintains a nationally recognized training program developed by their factory certified trainer who has nearly 20 years of installation experience. They have also developed a leading sales and marketing program to assist their dealers with growing and expanding their businesses and can be seen representing Duradek at major industry trade shows like Deck Expo (Look for Duradek MidAtlantic at Deck Expo in Baltimore in the fall).

In preparation for his own retirement, John has now passed the Duradek MidAtlantic leadership reins to Jaime. Jaime was named company President and began holding an ownership stake in 2012. John is now the company Chairman and is getting ready to enjoy his retirement in North Carolina.

Duradek U.S. Manager, Susan Smith (left) Duradek MidAtlantic's
John Harlow (center) and Jaime Kotanko (right).

While some members of the Duradek MidAtlantic team have changed over the years, the quality and dedication of their staff and the services they provide are at the same level of professionalism and dedication that they have always been. In addition to John and Jaime, the Duradek MidAtlantic team includes:

Debbie Rickert - Office and Marketing Manager
Debbie has been with Duradek MidAtlantic since 2002. She is highly dedicated and one of the major forces behind the company's success.

Rick James - Business Development
Rick is tasked with seeking specifications from architects and engineers as well as working with builders and general contractors to see that Duradek is properly utilized.

Matt Kotanko - Dealer Services
Matt, who is also Jaime’s husband, is in charge of Dealer Services which includes Authorized Dealer training, support, estimating, and whatever else their Dealer Network needs.

Candice Johnson - Administrative Assistant
It is Candice's pleasant voice that greets everyone on the phone. She not only processes Dealer orders, but provides valuable support to the rest of the staff.

Andy Bowser - Warehouse Manager
Andy is the one responsible for making sure everyone gets the right materials in a timely fashion.

With a strong team and a strong brand with the Duradek family of products, and of course the ever present need to protect outdoor living space from the elements, Duradek MidAtlantic will continue to be a leading supplier of waterproofing solutions for decades to come.



The Duradek MidAtlantic Team 2014

Congratulations Duradek MidAtlantic!

Decking Snapshot – Past, Predicted and Performance

Homeowners love their outdoor living space and they are increasingly utilizing that space as functional additions to their homes. This has allowed the decking industry to experience some modest, yet significant growth. The preference for more outdoor living space, along with the resurgence in new construction, has specialists anticipating this trend of growth in the decking industry to continue.

Principia Residential Decking & Railing 2013 Marketing Report that predicts the decking industry will experience in excess of 4% growth to reach 4.1 billion by 2015. This follows a 4.8% growth from 2012 to 2013 with a decking and railing factory gate value of $3.75 billion in 2013.
The increased desire for functional outdoor living space is shown in the recently released

According to the American Institute of Architects, 63% of architects cite outdoor living space as the most popular “special function room” in housing construction. But today’s homeowners aren’t satisfied with the traditional 10’ x 20’ rectangular, drip-through wood deck.

Before considering the accessories like lighting, furniture and fire features that customize the look of a deck, today’s homeowners want a deck that is high performing, low maintenance and environmentally friendly. This makes choosing deck building products one of the most important choices for developers and contractors who are juggling the cost vs. value with long-term customer satisfaction.

Considering Composite?

The popularity of composite decking products for their environmental benefits coupled with no maintenance requirements has been jaded by multiple product issues with several different suppliers. While claims of developmental improvements in the new ‘capped’ composite deck boards have promised to resolve the negative issues experienced with composite decking; only time will tell if these ‘improved’ products will perform as promised. Several recognized brands including Azek have been faced with legal proceedings stemming from product degradation. In the past several years, customers of Trex composite decking experienced such significant issues with their composite deck products that Trex settled their class action suit, followed most recently by a similar experience with Fiberon. So while composite deck products in theory meet some of the needs of ‘green’ building practices, in reality a lot of composite deck boards have ended up in the landfills.

Prefer PVC?

Alternately, a product that does not immediately conjure perceptions of environmental benefits, PVC membrane waterproofing is actually a wise choice environmentally for its longevity of performance. As a waterproof roof or deck, compared to the alternatives, Duradek vinyl membranes are the greener choice and can be considered for LEED points in green construction projects.

Duradek, the pioneers of PVC membrane waterproofing are celebrating their 40th year in business this year. Having gone through multiple warranty cycles, Duradek knows that their product performs as intended.

Duradek was recently featured in the Canadian Business Journal and is very proud to have been the leader in their niche of deck waterproofing by developing a single-ply pedestrian coating that also acts as a roofing membrane. This ability to provide long lasting, roof grade waterproof protection is made even more appealing due to the fact that the product requires virtually no maintenance. With only an occasional cleaning (seasonal to annual) and an annual inspection at perimeters, seams and posts, a deck protected with a Duradek vinyl membrane will regularly exceed their warrantied lifetime and last for decades.

Wood You Prefer…?

Drip through wood decks can
be a high maintenance burden.

Traditional wood decks require comparatively high maintenance with sanding, staining and sealing, and over time, can be a costly option. Decks built with pressure treated wood might last a little longer, but will eventually leach harmful chemicals into the environment while still requiring significant maintenance for longevity and waterproof integrity. When a wood deck is not maintained and its waterproof integrity is compromised, it is often the softened, water damaged wood that can be traced as a contributing factor to where supporting hardware has failed and led to dangerous deck collapse incidents.

Builders, Compare Your Options

Deck builders must carefully consider their options since they have a much broader choice of materials than they did 40 years ago. When choosing a building product, the best route is often choosing a product that has a proven performance backed up by a sound warranty and can meet the needs of the end user…in this case the homeowner who wants attractive, low maintenance, long-lasting outdoor living space.

If you'd like to discuss your decking needs with a waterproofing professional, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no obligation estimate.

Duradek Expert Quality Vinyl Decking at the Tri-City Home Expo

The Tri-City Spring Home Expo takes place this weekend, April 4 - 6, 2014 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex in Coquitlam, BC and it is the perfect place to talk to long-time Duradek authorized installers from Quality Vinyl Decking about your decking needs.

The arrival of spring often signals the time to start planning for any projects to your outdoor living space like decks and gardens, and shows like the Tri-City Spring Home Expo is an ideal place to start. With free admission and over 180 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, you are sure to find what you need for your spring home improvement inspiration.

The not-to-be-missed exhibitor is Quality Vinyl Decking, particularly if you have any decking or outdoor building projects in mind. Quality Vinyl Decking was founded over 30 years ago and has over 23 years experience in installing vinyl waterproofing on decks. Quality Vinyl is an authorized Duradek dealer and is very proud to hold Duradek as their primary product for long lasting, low maintenance decks and balconies. With Duradek's excellent warranty and great performance history throughout its 40 years in business, Quality Vinyl stays very busy installing Duradek vinyl.



Duradek Ultra Cork Natural protects this multi level deck
installed by Quality Vinyl Decking.

While Duradek protected decks are the mainstay of Quality Vinyl's projects, they take a 'no job is too big or too small' approach to their work and can also perform deck repairs, build gazebos or install hot tubs...they will even perform property maintenance work! Quality Vinyl Decking is a BBB accredited company and they take pride in being confident that they are doing the job right the first time. They are a community minded group and truly enjoy what they do. Be sure to stop by the Quality Vinyl Decking booth at the Tri-City Spring Home Expo to discuss how they can help you with your decking needs.

This year's show also features keynote speakers Marlena Stocker of Benjamin Moore Tri-City Paint and Decorating and Ronnie Vanstone of Design Alley Interiors who will bring you their professional advice and insights on the latest design trends, particularly with colour trends and creative finishes.

The Tri-City Home Expo hours:
April 4th - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
April 5th - 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
April 6th - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you don't get a chance to make it down to a home show this spring but would like to talk to a Duradek expert about your deck, you can find a dealer in your area to give you a free estimate.