10 Things the Experts Learned about Waterproofing at IBS with Duradek

10 Things Home Improvement Experts Learned About Waterproofing with Duradek at IBS

Professional trade shows in the design and construction industry can be invaluable resources for trade professional who want to maintain a competitive edge by staying informed on the best product solutions for practical building applications.

Shows like the International Builders Show (IBS) that took place last week in Las Vegas as part of Design and Construction Week allow building product manufacturers to showcase their best products so construction professionals know what resources they can rely on for their residential construction projects…and that’s not always just a good product. It’s a good product backed by experience.

Even the ‘experts’ that we turn to for our home improvement advice attend shows like IBS to stay informed on what is going on in the building industry as far as best practices, new techniques and the latest innovations. Whether it is home improvement radio personalities or HGTV celebrity home improvement hosts, the experts go to shows like IBS to find the best solutions.

The team at the Duradek booth at IBS 2015.

Home Improvement Radio Celebrities Discover 10 Things About Duradek Waterproofing

At IBS 2015, home improvement radio hosts James and Morris Carey, the Carey brothers, recorded their live broadcast “On the House” from IBS where they were able to talk to a great selection of building product experts including John Ogilvie, president of Duradek.

John Ogilvie from Duradek being interviewed by the Carey Bros.
 for 'On the House' radio show with HGTVs Scott McGillivray
in the background.

Even though Duradek has been successfully waterproofing decks and flat roofs for 40 years, many builders are not yet aware of the advantages of Duradek’s pedestrian roofing membrane. John was able to provide some very straight forward points about Duradek for buildings or designers who might want to incorporate the desirable feature of a pedestrian flat roof deck.

1. Duradek is the solution for decks above living space.
2. Duradek is a sheet vinyl membrane glued down to a plywood or concrete substrate.
3. Duradek is the waterproofing and the pedestrian surface in one product; different from liquid applied or torch-down roofing with something over-top to walk on.
4. Duradek is like a flooring product.
5. Duradek is applied with a glue and a heat-weld with a lap.
6. Duradek is a waterproofing product first. Duradek is a roofing company with a good looking product.
7. Duradek is unique in that you walk right on the membrane; no further protection is required because Duradek has an attractive, slip-resistant surface.
8. Duradek has a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
9. Duradek is not a do-it-yourself product. Waterproofing is too important for D-I-Y.
10. Duradek has no climate restrictions in North America.

You can check out the Carey Brothers’ highlights from the IBS 2015 show or “On the House” radio show online in its podcast archives, or listen here for the 2 minute segment where you can hear the interview with Duradek's John Ogilvie.



James and Morris Carey are award-winning, 3rd generation contractors with 70+ combined experience and host their weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column “On the House” that offers hands-on advice from coast-to-coast. The Carey brothers are always looking for the latest and greatest in building product technology to improve efficiency and lasting quality. During their full 4-hour program, the Carey brothers mention that the best brands are continually investing in research and development. Duradek is proud to have a 3-party quality control program and be ICC approved product as both a roofing membrane and pedestrian traffic coating; and  to continually be testing and evaluating our products to ensure Duradek offers the most reliable walkable waterproof membrane on the market.

Free Registration to Buildex Vancouver Before February 5th, 2015

Duradek is proud to be a participating exhibitor at Buildex Vancouver 2015, one of the largest trade shows in Western Canada for Design, Construction and Real Estate Management professionals, taking place at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre West on February 25th and 26th, 2015.

You can take advantage of free registration for the trade-show floor and discounted seminar prices if you register before February 5th (see link below).

With over 13,000 attendees expected to visit the 600+ exhibitors and over 100 speakers at more than 50 educational seminars, Buildex keeps professional builders, designers and property managers up-to-date on the latest in construction and design trends, and how it affects your place in the building industry.

Duradek, the suppliers of the original waterproof roofing membrane believe in being on the top of your game, no matter what your specialty may be. That is what makes the Buildex Vancouver 2015 show such an valuable opportunity. Offering the latest and greatest products and information for 3 distinct professional markets, Buildex covers the most relevant topics for Real Estate Design, Building and Management professionals over 2 days.

In addition to the excellent selection of seminars, you will find presentations throughout the show at the Passive House Pavilion on the show floor. There are also some excellent opportunities for networking as you wander through the exhibit hall or attend the networking reception on Wednesday, February 25th between 4 - 5 pm.

Duradek is a proud participating exhibitor and you can find us at booth#307 - near the Construct Café. We are excited to introduce you to our latest selection of PVC Waterproof membranes such as our 'Legacy' line which was recently introduced in honor of Duradek's landmark 40 years in business; and we couldn't be prouder to have pioneered the sheet vinyl method of waterproofing. This new line emulates the appearance of aged wood and provides an attractive outdoor design scheme while still providing the superior level of waterproof protection you've come to trust from Duradek.

Produced by the same manufacturer over our 40 year history and having gone through several warranty cycles we are very confident in our product and that it can provide the level of waterproof protection you need whether for a single family residence or a large multi-family development.

Buildex has the support of several sponsor associations, several of which Duradek is a current participating member. Associations like Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA), Canadian Home Builders Association of BC (CHBABC) Condominium Home Owners Association (CHOA), Landlord BC, and the BC Building Envelope Council (BCBEC) and its members help to share information to ensure best practices in residential construction, and you can access a lot of the information gathered by the professional Vancouver builders market while you explore Buildex 2015.

Duradek would like to invite you to come visit us at booth #307 and ask us anything you'd like to know about outdoor waterproofing projects and what makes Duradek the leader in waterproof roofing membranes you can walk on.

You can register online before February 5th for free admission to the show floor and lower seminar prices.

We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it down to Buildex or one of the other great construction industry shows or home shows, you can always contact a Duradek dealer in your area for more information on this most reliable method of waterproofing your outdoor living space.

Roof Deck Rescue by Heroes at PG Builders

Originally posted November 11, 2014

When you've got issues with a leaky flat roof deck, a good contractor with a good product is a like a real life superhero that can come to your rescue to save your home from water damage, save your bank account from repeated repairs and maintenance costs and save your sanity from leaky roof frustrations.

The heroes at PG Builders have rescued many home owners in the Washington DC area from the evils of leaky roof decks. PG Builders are the protectors of building envelopes, defeating water infiltration and dry rot. They are the fighters for justice in home renovation investment by doing the job right the first time. They are the champions of lifestyle giving home owners back the freedom to enjoy one of the most cherished parts of their home without the need for ongoing maintenance. Like most superheroes, PG Builders has a secret (or not-so-secret) weapon against water damage - Duradek vinyl membranes.

How PG Builders Rescues Roof Decks with Duradek

It is an unfortunately common story where a product presented as a lower priced solution failed. In this case it was a concrete substance over two layers of plywood and a coating over top of that. After being buried under snow for the winter, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause coatings and concrete to crack resulting in leaks.

Wood rot due to water infiltration.

Now the owner had to decide if they were going to keep spending money on Band-Aid solutions, never really solving the problem or if they were going to have to absorb the cost of a full retro-fit. These home owners chose wisely. They understood that Duradek was a reliable pedestrian roofing membrane and with the help of Duradek MidAtlantic, they were introduced to PG Builders who made sure the job was done right.

In this excellent, informative video below, you will hear from actual home owners in their own words how PG Builders came through for them by resolving their leaking roof deck issues with Duradek. Then Mike from PG Builders will explain a little bit about the project. A must-view for anyone who has a roof deck or a pedestrian roof project on their horizon!

Duradek was chosen because:

• Building code approved as both a pedestrian membrane and a roofing membrane.
• Ability to withstand extreme climate variations.
• One-time application with no re-coating required.
• 10-year waterproofing warranty.
• Attractive surface with no need for ongoing maintenance.

If you have a roof deck project in Montgomery County, PG County or the Washington D.C. area, one of the best decisions you can make is to talk to the roof deck experts at PG Builders before you spend any money on product choices that will eventually fail and cost you more in the long run. PG Builders know the specific waterproofing details required to make sure the job is done right.

Mike from PG Builders on the finished retro-fit roof deck.

In all other regions, be sure to seek out your local authorized Duradek dealer who is the only source of Duradek, the original waterproofing membrane. Selecting the right product is the right place to start and Duradek is only available through installers who have been trained in the specific details of roof deck waterproofing to make sure you get it done right the first time.

3 Key Tips for Deck Care in Winter

Keep your vinyl deck safe and attractive throughout winter and beyond with these 3 important tips:

While we are inching our way through winter, many regions with heavier than normal snowfall are dealing with digging their way out of the white stuff more than most years. Dreams of barbecues on the deck have taken a back seat to the realities of ice and snow, but snow management on your deck is a breeze with a Duradek vinyl deck.

Snow on a Duradek is easy to manage.

Winter Vinyl Deck Tip #1 - Use Only a Plastic Snow Shovel

It's no problem at all to shovel snow off of your deck and the textured surface can easily withstand contact with a plastic shovel, but just be sure to avoid snow shovels with metal edges that allow the risk of puncturing your vinyl membrane. Duradek vinyl is an extremely reliable waterproofing solution, but if it is compromised with a puncture or tear moisture can penetrate through to the structure. While repairs are possible, if a puncture has gone unnoticed for an extended time, it may lead to a larger repair.

Always use a plastic edged snow shovel on a vinyl deck.

Winter Vinyl Deck Tip #2 - Use De-Icing Agents

Duradek vinyl is textured for slip-resistance, but with a layer of ice on top, it can be as slippery as any other pedestrian surface. We want you to safely enjoy your deck all year, so rest assured you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern. Rock salt, snow melting chemicals and even kitty litter for non-slip traction is perfectly safe to use (just be sure to use traditional, course kitty litter for non-slip traction, because if you mistakenly use the fine-sand clumping cat litter, you will wind up with a heavy, muddy mess to clean up).

De-icers are safe to use on Duradek.

Winter Vinyl Deck Tip #3 - Rinse Well When the Season Changes

To get the most longevity in your deck's appearance, be sure to give it a wash with soap and water after winter, including a very thorough rinse to be sure to remove any chemical residue from de-icers or soap. While the chemicals from de-icers do not damage the vinyl surface when applied, if a chemical film is left on the surface from de-icers or cleaning agents, direct sun can bake those chemicals into the vinyl which is harmful and will affect your deck’s appearance.

That’s all there is to it! Now you can be confident in taking all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the remaining winter months and look forward to the return of the warm weather to get back to really enjoying your deck again.

The area below a Duradek deck has the advantage of roof
grade waterproof protection to keep it dry below your deck.

The Advantages of Duradek Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl in the Winter

Those of you who have a deck protected with Duradek vinyl membranes have an attractive and low maintenance decking solution throughout the year and winter is no exception. Duradek vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. PLUS - if your Duradek vinyl is on a second level deck....you've got a protected, dry area underneath. Even with a heavy snow, Duradek keeps the lower decks clear for use and you can still enjoy a little outdoor living space when the snow has covered everything else.

If you do not yet have a Duradek waterproof deck and you would like to talk to a Duradek dealer about your decking needs, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free estimate.

Builders who Plan for IBS Plan For Success

The most successful builders don’t have a lot of extra time on their hands so it is important to make use of the most effective tools and opportunities to help build their businesses and stay competitive.

That’s why attending the International Builders Show (IBS) is an ideal investment for residential construction and design professionals; it is one of the most cost-effective, time-efficient ways to stay on top of what is going on in their trades with the latest product information and installation techniques.  (See below for a way to get an extra jump on what you can accomplish at IBS!)

IBS takes place January 20th – 22nd, 2015 during Design and Construction Week in Las Vegas and is one of 5 popular trade shows covering virtually all aspects of residential industry.   Duradek would like to offer you free exhibit hall admission for IBS, and this registration gives you access to all of the show floors in Design and Construction Week, including:

• The International Builders Show
• The Kitchen and Bath Show
• The International Surfaces Event
• The International Window Coverings Expo
• The Las Vegas Market (home décor & furnishings)

Get a Head Start on IBS – Product Previews

IBS is only a couple of weeks away now.  If you are planning to attend IBS, get a little head start by reviewing December’s digital issue of the NAHB Builder Magazine. This publication has featured a pre-show planner where you can check out a few of 2015’s new and notable products like Duradek’s all-new Legacy line (see page 66) to best plan you route through the exhibit hall floor.

If you are not attending IBS, be sure take a look through the digital issue of Builder Magazine to get a glimpse of the type of products that you would be able to see first-hand. It might just prompt you to take advantage of this free registration offer for IBS and spend a couple of days in Vegas this month after all!

Duradek at IBS

Duradek is proud to be a long-standing exhibitor at IBS and this year you will find us in booth # S1715 to share our specialized experience with flat roof waterproofing and long-lasting, low maintenance decks and balconies.

Be sure to stop by and get a preview of our latest designs in waterproof deck membranes. In honour of our 40th year in business, Duradek has recently introduced the Legacy line of vinyl membranes for deck waterproofing. The Legacy line’s premier offerings are Driftwood and Barnwood.

These two new designer patterns give your deck a comforting look similar to that of aged wood without sacrificing safety, security or waterproofing peace-of-mind.

Up close, you can recognize the characteristics of the vinyl membrane with its slip resistant, textured surface; but when laid out on a deck, the colour blends and pattern allow your eyes to pick up the traditional appearance of natural wood grains, but without the disadvantages of authentic aged wood.

  

Duradek Ultra Legacy Barnwood

In welcoming, brown hues, this faux wood finish brings a warm, retro look to your contemporary deck, but without any of the maintenance real wood requires.

Duradek Ultra Legacy Driftwood
In cooler grey tones, this vinyl finish emulates the appearance of natural driftwood, sun-bleached and weathered by the elements...but keeps your deck protected from them!

Download the Legacy introduction press release.


See more details on Free Admission to IBS |Design and Construction Week post from December 16th, or go directly to this link to Register for Free IBS Exhibit Hall Admission.