Waterproofing a Roof Deck Takes Expertise

When it comes to waterproofing a roof deck, deck expert, Bill Leys recently shared his simple philosophy: “You can hire a contractor who is well-versed in deck waterproofing, or you can assume all the risk of choosing a system, figuring out the details, and installing it yourself.”

For someone like Mr. Leys whose company specializes in repairing and waterproofing failed roof decks and balconies, this philosophy becomes excellent free advice to home owners who need a deck built or renovated; but even more so to contractors who are not familiar with the intricacies of deck waterproofing.

Bill, along with most deck waterproofing specialists, sees the results of damaging water intrusion on a regular basis. What some people might consider an ‘add-on’ feature of the home; deck waterproofing is actually a critical factor to protect the entire home. Once water has infiltrated the building envelope and dry rot has developed, damage to the framing, shear walls, deck and possible living space below can turn what might have been a simple repair under $5,000 into a massive project upward of $100,000.

Inadequate details at perimeter and post were
likely responsible for allowing moisture to
invade and rot this deck.

While inadequate deck waterproofing keeps companies like Bill’s busy with repair projects, long-lasting waterproofing on a deck over living space is easily achievable and straightforward when best practises are followed and the most reliable products are used. There are a variety of ICC-ES listed manufacturers of Class A walking deck systems to choose from, so when you are making your building product selection this is an excellent resource. However a word to the wise, not all products in the same categories are tested to the same standards and you should be thorough when reviewing and comparing products.

For example, Duradek vinyl membranes are only one of over 20 Pedestrian Traffic Coatings listed with ICC-ES, but from this ICC-ES Comparison Chart* you can see that not all varieties were tested to the same standards. If you are selecting a membrane for waterproofing over living space, it is an important indicator of the product’s suitability for that purpose to see exactly what ICC approved uses the product is designated with.

A deck waterproofed with Duradek vinyl membranes get
installed by trained professionals who know the details.

In an excellent article, “Building Waterproof Roof Decks” featured in Professional Deck Builder magazine, Bill Leys discusses some of these issues and more, and he indicates several areas of consideration to ensure decks are not vulnerable to water intrusion.

Bill highlights many factors that must be considered for successful deck waterproofing, the first of which is design. It is important to know what you need from your deck before beginning the framing.

• Does it need to support a hot tub or other heavy weight items like oversized ceramic planters or outdoor kitchen assemblies?
• Is the deck to be over living space or cantilevered out on joists?
• What kind of water routing and slope will be required?

It would be a costly and frustrating experience to find out your deck is sloped inadequately for your waterproof membrane once the membrane has been installed.

This is where working with a professional, experienced deck builder can save you a ton of time and money right from the start. If you contractor uncle says he will build you a deck when the family comes for a visit, are you confident that he knows that the deck should never be level with the floor of the interior, and should actually be at least 1 ½ inches below the level of the interior floor; or that he knows the proper spacing of joists and fasteners to support the load of your expected capacity?

Door sills can be a target for moisture invasion
if small but critical details are missed.

While many do-it-yourselfers will shrug off concerns about building code, when it comes to deck building and waterproofing the risk of not using a professional can be an exponentially more expensive route than paying a little more to have it done right from the start.

If you’d like to talk to a deck waterproofing specialist, contact a Duradek installer in your area to discuss your deck waterproofing and maintenance needs.

* Information obtained from ICC-ES website, researched and compiled by Duradek.

Bill Leys owns Deckexpert.com and Central Coast Waterproofing in Arroyo Grande, California. Bill is a regular presenter at building industry events to share his vast knowledge on deck waterproofing.

Plan your Hot Tub Function and Foundation to Include Duradek

If plans for your outdoor living space include incorporating a hot tub or spa, you will be well served by considering both the foundation and the function from beginning to end to ensure you get the most ideal use of your investment. Ideally you will want to make certain it is installed for both comfort and safety while still being an attractive addition to your outdoor living space.

One of the best ways to ensure you consider all contributing factors is to first identify what you will most use your hot tub for. Then, work your way backwards so that each factor is considered early on in the planning stages. Is your hot tub to be used primarily for entertaining guests; or is it to be used primarily by members of the household for unwinding or meditating? Is it important for you to be able to use your hot tub year round? Do you have a view that you want to be able to enjoy from your hot tub? All of these things are important to consider for where you will actually position your hot tub to best accommodate access, traffic, privacy and wind screens or overhead cover.


Duradek brings function and form to your hot tub area.





Based on that, you can best plan for your structural needs. Professional Deck Builder Magazine online featured a fantastic article, “Getting Started with Hot Tubs” which goes into some specific detail on calculating load requirements and the structural needs your deck will require if your hot tub is to be placed on an elevated deck.

Right from the beginning planning phase, be sure to work with your contractor to ensure your plans incorporate a hot tub surround area that is attractive, durable and easy to maintain. Duradek vinyl membranes provide a walking surface that elevates your outdoor recreation areas and it is the easiest way to add some individuality and style to complement your outdoor design scheme without any labour on your part for upkeep. Duradek vinyl membranes are perfect for your hot tub surround because:

• Duradek is a waterproof membrane that will protect your deck and home from water infiltration keeping the structure sound and secure, even in areas where there is frequent splashing and water-logged traffic.
• Duradek has been tested in accordance with ICC ES Acceptance Criteria for Walking Decks and meets the requirements of AC39 for chemical-resistance, making it suitable for use around pool or hot tub areas. When you are considering coating or surfacing products for your hot tub area, this is an important detail to look at to ensure your surface will not be weakened or discoloured from contact with the chemicals required for hot tub maintenance.
  
• Duradek is an attractive, low-maintenance finish that can be applied to a plywood or concrete surface around a hot tub or pool area.* Duradek only needs to be installed once and requires no maintenance other than an occasional cleaning for its lifespan, which is often expected to be well over the 10 years it is warranted for. (Unlike wood plank surrounds that require regular multi-stage maintenance to keep up their appearance; concrete surfaces that require re-coating and will still inevitably crack; or outdoor carpet surrounds that hold onto moisture and other organic debris)
• Duradek vinyl, particularly in a pattern that has a heavily textured surface, gives a hot tub area an element of slip resistance and is a lot more comfortable on bare feet than rough concrete or slippery, splintery wood.
• Duradek is available in over 20 varieties of attractive finishes that will complement most outdoor design schemes. Duradek’s most recent color additions have been selected two years in a row as one of the Best 101 New Products from Professional Remodeler magazine.

Hot tubs can be one of the most valued and luxurious residential features to have on your property. Their purpose is to serve as a place of relaxation, leisure and enjoyment - not another maintenance chore. Whether you intend to enjoy your hot tub only a portion of the year or all year round, using Duradek vinyl as the pedestrian surface around your hot tub provides an attractive surface that requires no maintenance and will last you for many years of spa-side pleasure.


Duradek vinyl provides a degree of slip resistance
for pool or hot tub areas.

See what makes Duradek a better option than other traditional methods for your outdoor living space.

Contact a Duradek Dealer near you to inquire about keeping your outdoor living space both protected and beautiful with Duradek vinyl membranes.

* Quantitative Moisture Testing is recommended before applying any coating over concrete.

Overload of Options Cloud Deck Reno Decisions

When looking at deck building options, there are so many new products available that it can be a challenge to make the decision on what type of deck you should go with, let alone what supplier to choose. When you are planning your decking project, it is a good idea to be aware of what the options are, but don’t let the excitement of possibilities become the major influence on your decision over what it is you really want from your deck.

While not a new product in the marketplace, Duradek may be the proverbial ‘forest that you can’t see for the trees’ and provide the ideal decking solution you are looking for amidst the maze of options.

As Andrew Wormer, editor of Professional Deck Builder magazine said about composite decking in his article ‘Too Many Choices?’ after his visit to last year’s Deck Expo, there are “enough variations and new color options to give lumberyard owners nightmares.” This massive selection means most buyers will never even see the full collection of what is available because no one supplier can possibly stock all of the available options. And that is just the composite board category!

(Be sure to look for Duradek at Deck Expo 2014!
We are at booth #3313)

Even with traditional wood decks there are more choices than ever before. At one time, only 2 or 3 species of wood was available for deck building, but today there is a myriad of choices between treated or untreated wood in various grades as well as a variety of imported hardwood varieties.

The railing category also has more options than ever before as well. Mr. Wormer mentions that in 2006 the ratio of decking to railing products for the average building products distributor was 80/20. In 2013 that ratio is 60/40.

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!

So given all these choices, how do you know what is the best option for your deck building or renovating project? Before even looking at budgetary considerations, first really give some thought to what you want from your deck to help you qualify the options along the way through your decision making process.

Some Practical Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Decking Needs

Do you prefer to use your deck throughout the year as much as possible or do you only use your deck seasonally?

• Decks protected with Duradek vinyl membranes withstand all types of climatic conditions and have been successfully installed throughout North America over the past 40 years.

Do you have or prefer a roof deck, an elevated deck or a ground level patio?

• Duradek can be applied on untreated plywood, concrete or coated surfaces and is ideal for all outdoor living surfaces from patios to pool surrounds.

Do you have need of or use for covered outdoor living space?

• When applied to a second level deck, Duradek provides a dry area for a covered patio below that can be used all year round. Since Duradek is a roofing membrane, rain does not have to stop you from barbecuing and your family members or guests who smoke will always have a dry place to take their habit outside.

Do you have need of or use for dry outdoor storage space?

• As a roofing membrane, Duradek on a second level deck provides a dry area below for storage of lawnmowers, barbecues and other outdoor items you’d like to protect from the elements.
  
  (Check out Case History #131 where Duradek enabled the area under the stairs to be transformed into an additional 100 sq. ft. of completely waterproofed storage space!)

Creative Outdoor Storage Space Waterproofed with Duradek.

What is needed to maintain your deck?

• When Duradek is installed, it is warranted for 10-years of waterproof protection but often has a life expectancy that far exceeds that….and requires no maintenance. Duradek is installed in a single-ply, one-time application and will only need a seasonal cleaning to stay looking good. No sanding, staining or re-coating required….ever!

Wood decks will always eventually require some maintenance.

Now compare prices….

Remember, when looking at the cost; be sure to consider the overall lifespan of the deck and the maintenance costs required throughout that time. That is where many home owners wish they had spent a little more at the deck construction phase to get the most longevity from their deck without the need for ongoing maintenance or repairs.

It is amazing how often a home owner’s frustration at deck repairs could have been avoided by authorizing the use of recommended waterproofing details like drains, scuppers and perimeter flashing. It equates to only a small amount of the overall cost, but can extend the longevity of the deck greatly.

Duradek installers run into this problem frequently. As Winnipeg’s Duradek distributor, Mel Dueck from Windeck says, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of the cheap price is forgotten.” (Learn more about Windeck – Winnipeg Patios and Decks on YouTube).

Also, when looking at prices, be sure to compare installed costs. Where sometimes the material cost may be lower, the labor required for installation more than offsets the material savings.

Making the Decision on Your Deck

Remember, when choosing a building product, new does not always mean better. The most important thing to consider is what you want from your deck. In most cases, that can be summed up as outdoor living space for leisure that you spend more time enjoying than maintaining.

If you’d like to get some details on how Duradek can bring what you need to your decking project, contact a trained and authorized Duradek applicator in your area for a free estimate.

Find out what Duradek can do for your deck!

Ask a Pro How to Build and Waterproof Your Deck

When it comes to renovating and maintaining your deck, there are so many options out there it can be a bit of a challenge to know what type of deck is best for your needs; but even once you do have an idea of what type of deck you want, it is worthwhile to seek the advice of a ‘pro’ on proper waterproofing to ensure you get the most longevity and good overall value from your deck as well as protect the building envelope of your home.

Celebrity builders like HGTV’s Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray  and Jim Caruk are well known building experts and they can be an incredibly valuable source for information on building products and the techniques used to properly install them. While these celebrity builders often offer advice on do-it-yourself projects, when it comes to deck waterproofing even these experts know that specialty trades like deck building are not the place to save money to try to do it yourself. Deck waterproofing is best left to the experts.

Rolling out Duradek's Tiledek membrane on 'Income Property'.

While many at-home do-it-yourselfer’s have been captivated by programs like Deck Wars, it is HGTV’s Disaster Decks with Paul LeFrance that shows all too vividly the problems that can occur when your deck was not constructed by a professional deck builder.  It’s enough to make a building envelope consultant cringe!  Many at-home builders unknowingly ignore critical sequencing, drainage and other deck building details that will leave their brand new, beautiful deck vulnerable to the elements and therefore a much shorter life span.

Duradek installer attending to the critical inside perimeter details on Tiledek installation.

For your deck to be constructed properly, choose a professional deck builder. And for the longest lasting deck, trust your waterproofing to the professional installers of Duradek vinyl membranes.

Duradek has 40 years of proven performance history and will extend the life of your deck by providing exceptional waterproof protection without the need for regular maintenance or re-application. Just the one time installation by one of our trained and authorized Duradek installers will keep your deck protected for many years.

The finished porch...all water-tight!

Duradek comes with a 10-year waterproofing warranty so you can be confident that your investment is doing the job it is intended for…protecting your deck and your home from the detrimental results of water infiltration. This is an investment that will reward you with safe, outdoor living space for your family…and more time to actually ENJOY that outdoor living space with your family since you will not need to lose any time to annual maintenance. So do yourself a favour and don't do-it-yourself....do it with Duradek.

Avoid Wood Deck Maintenance by Finishing with Duradek Vinyl

Deck Building is a specialty trade and most deck builders will go to great lengths to ensure they have built the best designed and engineered decks possible. Often though, deck builders may overlook the aesthetic details and maintenance requirements of the deck as part of the initial project.

When you are planning on building a new deck or renovating an existing deck for your residential outdoor living space, the maintenance it will require is an important, practical consideration. While that may seem to directly contradict the emotional satisfaction and immediate gratification of your new deck purchase, it is the best way to ensure you enjoy it for as many years as possible.

While the look of a deck protected with a vinyl membrane is very different than that of a deck constructed of wood plank, there are many advantages to choosing a vinyl membrane as your deck finishing material.

Duradek Cork and Durarail Panorama Post

For starters, Duradek is applied on untreated plywood, which is much cheaper than the cost of both the material and the labour involved in wood or composite board installation (and it is also aGreen Option with no chance of chemical of treated wood ever leaching into the environment).

Additionally, when choosing Duradek there is no drying or curing time required. You can use the deck as soon as the membrane is installed. But even more importantly, there is no reapplication required. Once a Duradek vinyl membrane has been installed on your deck, you do not have any additional maintenance (besides cleaning) throughout the product’s lifetime. Duradek is warranted for 10 years but has a life expectancy that far exceeds that (actual life span will vary by environment).

Another consideration is the added amount of usable living space. When you build a deck, the square footage is added outdoor living space. When you chose a vinyl membrane versus drip-through deck systems on a second level deck, you not only protect your deck, but you provide additional dry, usable space below.

 Let’s look at why those are important points to weigh when considering deck options.

Home owners that are eager to start enjoying their new deck are sometimes told by deck builders to leave their wood deck untreated so it can be ‘weathered’ for a year first. That advice is a little antiquate in many instances with the majority of today’s deck building products and would require a more costly finishing project than if it were done at the time of the initial deck construction.

Not to mention, the new wood plank deck looks great when the project is first complete, but with use by the home owner and exposure to the elements, the deck quickly loses its ‘newness’ and begins to take on a less than ideal appearance with stains from spills and general greyness from weathering in as little as a few weeks. Even expensive hardwoods like ipe that are naturally resistant to rot will still loose appearance appeal if not treated.

There are some companies that specialize in maintenance of wood finishings and will provide the service of application of finishes on new decks or restoration of an older deck. An article by finishing specialist Scott Burt, “Deck Maintenance Programs” on Professional Deck Builder online discussed this issue in great detail and explained that he frequently gets calls for new, unfinished decks.

Whether it is for a relatively new deck or a very old deck, the steps required in wood finishing are virtually the same. First the deck must be cleaned which usually involves a light pressure washing with some gentle cleaning products and sometimes a mild sanding. Then the deck would be cordoned off to dry for a few days.

The second step would require the application of a finish which would also require the deck to be shut down for a few more days of cure time. All together, the best case scenario for a mini restoration would cost 1 ½ weeks of time on the deck, or more if weather conditions impeded progress.

According to Scott, the cost for the first restoration would be about $2,500 and maintenance every 6 or 12 months would cost about $1,200. The length of time between deck finishing maintenance would depend on climate, exposure and wear patterns; but the bottom line is that if you want to keep your wood deck looking good, it WILL require maintenance.

What Decking Considerations are Most Important to You? If the look of a wood board deck is something you cannot live without, you may feel tempted to go with a traditional, high maintenance wood deck or risk a potentially disappointing composite deck.

But Duradek vinyl membranes may be your deck finish of choice if you:

• Want to enjoy your deck without the losing the leisure time required for maintenance.
• Want to enjoy an attractive deck without the need to continually invest money in annual or semi-annual maintenance.
• Want to enjoy an attractive deck surface that can blend well with your exterior design scheme (Duradek comes in over 20 colours/patterns).
• Want to take advantage of a deck surface that brings complete waterproof protection providing a dry area below for living space or a covered patio for dry outdoor living space.
• Want to feel comfortable that your decking product has a reliable history and will perform as intended.

If any of the above points resonate with what you desire for your outdoor living space, be sure to talk to a Duradek installer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate on your decking project. Duradek has been protecting decks, balconies and patios for 40 years, and with over 125 million square feet of Duradek vinyl installed we are confident we can bring an attractive and functional contribution to your residential outdoor living space that you will enjoy for many years!

Happy 4th of July from Duradek!

The Dog Days of Summer - Enjoy Them With a Deck Makeover

The Dog Days of Summer are are marked by the Old Farmer’s Almanac as the 40 days beginning July 3rd through August 11th. While in ancient times this had a negative connotation as a time of drought, our fortunate present translation usually indicates enjoying this time with the least amount of rain in the northern hemisphere. What a great time for a deck makeover!

Ideas for a Deck Makeover

Go Big When You Go Home – Outdoor living space has become a favorite feature for many North American residences. The old style of constructing decks to a 10 foot by 20 foot single surface has been replaced by a growing number of expansive decks. In addition, you can double your deck area by using your second level deck as a roof for a deck area below. Deck waterproofing specialists like our Duradek trained applicators can provide a roof-grade deck surface on your upper level deck, enabling you to double your outdoor living space with a protected lower level deck below.


Double your deck area with dual-level decks.

They Are Not Like Grandpa's Railings – There are now a variety of styles of railings available for defining your outdoor living space. In addition to traditional picket railings, you can also select glass railings, stainless steel cable railings or powder coated aluminum railings that can provide the classic look of wrought iron without the need for maintenance. Go one step further and combine any of the above options for a completely unique look. Durarail powder coated aluminum railings allow for standard or custom designs, and incorporating unique features can provide the best of design and functionality for your individualized deck.


This deck uses a combination of topless glass railing
and picket railings - both by Durarail.

Get Creative With Shapes – There is no need to be stuck in same old rectangular shaped deck with today’s decking options. Choose octagonal, oval or multiple curves to create a unique shape that brings an element of contemporary style to the traditional feature of a deck.  Innovative railing products like Durarail’s Panorama Post allow you to define a curved deck with a topless glass railing system that virtually “bends” around corners.


Durarail Panorama Post virtually 'bends' around corners.

Multi-Level Decks – Decking trends like outdoor kitchens, permanent (as opposed to seasonal) outdoor furniture and fire features contribute to the use of outdoor living space being used as often as any other room in your home. Incorporating multiple levels to your deck with distinct separation allows you to treat each level of your deck like a separate room. While your outdoor kitchen is on one level, your lounging area can be another and your spa is on yet another…the possibilities are endless based on your favorite leisure activities. When your deck surface is protected with Duradek vinyl, the area below is kept dry; and even if a lower level of your deck is only elevated a couple of feet, that provides some great dry storage for gardening supplies, camping gear or other outdoor toys.


Multi-level decks can create distinct outdoor 'rooms'.

Want to explore the possibilities with a decking professional? Contact one of our Duradek installers to discuss your deck make-over options.

originally posted July 3, 2013

Happy Canada Day from Duradek!