Duradek Solves 2 Big Deck Remodel Problems on Cottage TV

Decks, Docks and Gazebos program on Cottage Life T.V. specializes in creating the ideal outdoor living space for cottage locations with amazing views. Host Jason Lake takes on cottage upgrades from rough planning to final construction and in a recent episode, "Rob and Nancy's Gazebo Sun Porch" (Season 2, episode 6), he demonstrates how two big problems are solved with one design solution by using Duradek vinyl deck membrane.

Visit Cottage Life T.V. to view full episode (22:06 minutes)

The Scenario - Deck to Dock
Rob and Nancy's cottage has a gorgeous waterfront location with the front corner of the house only 10 ft. from the waterline. When looking out the window, they look at lake. It is a perfect place for entertaining and since so many people enjoy going down to the dock regularly, most times people gather on the lower patio instead of the upper level deck. Like most people with cottage properties, they just want a hassle-free getaway.

A high maintenance drip-through deck was too much
work and not enough protection.

Problem #1 - Tired of Maintenance
Although the 10 x 40 ft. deck provides excellent lounging area with the fantastic lake view, Rob and Nancy are tired of the maintenance the typical drip-through deck requires. The staining and sanding every two years is too much work when they would much rather be enjoying the leisure time on their deck. As they put it, "The less staining we have to do, the better".

This high maintenance wood deck required re-staining every 2 years.

Problem #2 - Need Protection from the Elements
Rob and Nancy like to spend most of their time on the shaded, lower level deck but it is still open to the elements which can cause discomfort. They have to deal with the insects on the very hot days and on the days where there is rain, the drip through deck above does nothing to protect them and keep them dry when they would prefer to still be outside enjoying the view.

The lower level deck was ideal for lounging...unless it rained.

Host Jason Lake (who gained his celebrity builder experience with 'The Builder Boss - Jim Caruck') knew that he could solve both problems with one easy design solution using Duradek Vinyl Decking.

Deck Remodel Solution with Duradek

The solution was an easy one if you know the right products to work with and Jason Lake knew Duradek was the answer. He was ready to solve 2 big problems with 1 design.

He could easily provide Rob and Nancy everything they wanted by incorporating a lower level sunroom into the design which is made possible with Duradek which has been tested and evaluated to meet building code for use as a both a pedestrian coating AND a roofing membrane.




Jason called on the expertise of John Kellett from Kellett Sales
and Contracting.

The First Phase of the Deck Remodel

Solution Step #1 - Create a Waterproof Ceiling for the Sun Porch

Duradek, a brand of vinyl deck surfaces so trusted that it has become synonymous with vinyl decking is actually also a classified roofing membrane and provides a completely watertight seal. Authorized Duradek dealer, John Kellett from Kellett Sales and Contracting was on location to lend his vinyl deck installation expertise and to ensure the deck had the proper slope and that the substrate was prepared correctly for the application of the Duradek vinyl membrane.

Substrate preparation is the first step of a
successful Duradek application.

Rob and Nancy selected Duradek Forest Floor Alder (one of 24 Duradek colour options)and John Kellett and his assistant laid the Duradek with best installation practices to guarantee roof-grade protection for their new sun room below.

Duradek Forest Floor Alder was a perfect choice for the
deck surface to blend harmoniously with the
home and its surroundings.

Duradek installers ensure all perimeter details are handled
with waterproofing best practices.

Solution Step #2 - Provide a Maintenance Free Surface for the Upper Level Deck

See Solution Step #1.

The installation of the Duradek Membrane also solved the problem of ever having to re-stain the deck again. This was very important to Rob and Nancy as they found the labour required to re-stain the deck every couple of years was just too much for them.

Voila! Duradek provides a deck surface that NEVER requires
re-staining or re-coating of any kind.

With Duradek, they will never have to sand, stain or seal their deck again and they can just relax and enjoy it. The only maintenance Duradek vinyl deck surfaces require is the occasion cleaning which can be easily done with a scrub brush or power washer.

The attractive, slip-resistant surface requires only
occasional cleaning to stay looking great.

The Second Phase of the Deck Remodel
The addition of a gazebo sun room allows Nancy to get the feeling of being outdoors while still being protected from the elements, and this is made possible with the roof grade protection of Duradek above.

The lower deck before the addition of the sunroom gazebo.

Once the challenging task of framing the sunroom utilizing the existing posts was completed with consideration for the screen door, the team was able to install the ceiling. Since the Duradek membrane on the upper deck provided the warrantied waterproof roofing, the ceiling below in the sunroom was purely to make it look good and cover the joists and the wiring. Rob and Nancy chose a tongue and groove pine with a white wash and Jason installed directionally away from the house, which requires a little more material and more labour but provides a clean, seamless look.

Once the framing and ceiling were complete, the last step was to install the screening and door to keep the gazebo sun room shaded and bug-free.

Duradek above allowed them to keep it dry below.

Homeowners Happy with Duradek and their Sun Porch Deck Remodel

With their two most important criteria met on their new deck, Rob and Nancy couldn't be happier and are certain to use their new sun porch gazebo room very frequently...particularly since they have all that extra time with an upper level deck that no longer needs maintenance.

Before Duradek, this deck was a high maintenance chore.

After Duradek, this deck is a low maintenance pleasure!

Home Improvement Experts Trust Duradek

This is all thanks to host Jason Lake who was familiar with Duradek as the product to solve both of their problems. This is Jason's first year hosting Decks, Docks & Gazebos but he is no stranger to home improvement television. For three years, Jason worked as a sidekick to Jim Caruk on HGTVs Real Renos.

Duradek is also no stranger to home improvement television as several celebrity builders have turned to Duradek over the years to solve the specific problems of roof deck waterproofing.

• Scott McGillivray - Income Property: Episode Nick and Karen (HGTV)
• Jim Caruk - Builder Boss: The Bunker (episode 6) | Porch and Garden (episode 7) (HGTV)
• Ty Pennington - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: 100th Episode, Swenson-Lee Family, Minneapolis, MN (ABC)
• Mike Holmes - Holmes on Homes: Rocky Reno, AB (HGTV Canada/USA)

For YOUR Decking Needs

To find a Duradek Dealer in your area for a free consultation on your decking project, visit our 'Find a Dealer' locator or contact Duradek directly to be referred to an authorized installer near you.  

All of us at Duradek are thrilled to help you create more time for leisure on your decks!

Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association 10th Annual Members Expo at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA) Member's Expo takes place in less than two weeks on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Theatre in Coquitlam, BC.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required (see details below).

This free, drop-in event offers:

• complimentary food and beverages
• free parking
• great door prizes
• amazing grand prizes

...and some of the best networking opportunities available for builders in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

This is the 10th year for this annual event that has supplier members of the GVHBA gather to exhibit for the benefit of its members and industry guests. It is an ideal location and atmosphere to learn about the latest building technologies and materials and see new products.

Duradek is a proud GVHBA member and will be on location exhibiting. We invite you to come by to talk to Duradek's Winston Conyers about your decking needs, challenges and goals. Winston can help you to understand the exponential advantages of using Duradek vinyl decking over other options to waterproof your decks and balconies while keeping them attractive and contributing to your outdoor design and curb appeal.

Be sure to ask about Duradek's latest patterns of vinyl being introduced this spring in the all-new LEGACY line of 60 mil sheet-applied pvc membranes. (see Press Release)

• Legacy Barnwood
• Legacy Driftwood
• Legacy Pebble Beach

Duradek Legacy Driftwood

In addition to discovering new products, the GVHBA Member's Expo is a fantastic way to discover professional, reliable suppliers and sub trades while networking with industry leaders and colleagues. Attendees can take advantage of special discounts and promotions  by GVHBA supplier members at this unique event.

The newly renovated and updated lobby adds to the great atmosphere of the venue. Be sure to pre-register to qualify for Grand Prizes and to give GVHBA and idea of how much food and beverages to have for this fun industry event!

GVHBA Members Expo 2015

When:		Wednesday, May 6, 2015 - 3:30 - 8:00 p.m. (Drop In)
Where:		Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Theatre 2080 United Boulevard Coquitlam, BC
Cost:		Free!

Register now! Click Here.

Or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.gvhba.org/EventCalendar#id=563&cid=120&wid=901

This event is a not-to-miss networking and product education opportunity for:

• Builders
• Renovators
• Specifiers
• Estimators
• Trades
• Designers
• Architects
• Developers
• Project Managers

Download the .pdf flyer or share this link with your friends....we look forward to seeing you there!

Do-it-Yourself Deck Projects Not Recommended by Duradek

Deck waterproofing is a very important detail in protecting the home. When if comes to the superior performance of vinyl membranes as your long lasting waterproof solution, you could unknowingly create future issues for yourself if you attempt to do-it-yourself.

PVC membrane waterproofing is possibly THE most reliable method of roof deck waterproofing available today, but only if it is done correctly, using proven installation details. Duradek professionals care much more about successful waterproofing for their customers' long-term happiness than just making a 'quick sale'.

Here we share an actual inquiry about a project in the Pacific Northwest; and the verbatim response provided by Duradek Northwest's Matt Whale whose 20+ years specializing in roof waterproofing provides advice to be taken seriously.

Customer Duradek Inquiry

I am a property manager with a deck to re-do, approximately 100 sq. ft. Would like to have my very experienced handyman do the install if we can buy the materials. Plenty of installers down here, but I cannot find online a source in the Portland, OR area. Can you assist?

Duradek Northwest Response

I am sorry that I am unable to fulfil your material purchase desire, but due to statistical failure rates of waterproofing products and the untrained worker, coupled third party product compatibility issues, improper design and/or detailing associated with Do It Yourself (DIY) products and projects, Duradek has elected not provide a DIY product. It is sold only through the authorized installer networks.

Because success and deck failure exists in the Northwest and since Duradek has a forty year local history, it is this history and experience that confirms that less than one percent of all deck vinyl problems are material related and as such, the issues fall clearly on a combination of lack of education, non-existent installation repetitive skill and detail design choice experience. Therefore a onetime user can never get or be proficient in heat welding, the proven and code compliant method of seam sealing, or the one time designer can never arrive fully up to speed on proper detail choice or material compatibility, nor does a “do it yourself” product offer any warranty protection other than a “warrant it yourself, you installed it”.

This gamble, you personally maybe embarking on, is in an industry or situation where the bulk of all building related litigation resides. The American Institute of Architects “Architect” publication**, in of June 2011, put it “Water intrusion makes up more than 70 percent of construction litigation”. Thus, Duradek’s lack of “Do It Yourself” products, though not your preference, is a prudent decision on Duradek’s part and subsequently, a major contributing factor to their unequaled, unparalleled or unsurpassed forty year success in the vinyl deck waterproofing industry.

If I can provide you an installing company who would be willing to team up with your handyman, to save you money, then I can be of service. I attached two articles for your consideration. (links below) **

http://www.architectmagazine.com/roofing/when-it-leaks-it-pours.aspx

(or download .pdf version of When it Leaks it Pours ARCHITECT June 2011.pdf (295 KB)

Matthew Whale - Duradek Northwest

• Why Does Duradek Train (808 KB .pdf)
• Seaming Vinyl Decks (177 KB .pdf)

If your are a builder, designer or property manager that would like to stay up to date on issues related to deck and roof deck waterproofing, sign up for our e-news where you will get the latest and greatest articles and white papers delivered to your in box 2-6 times a year.  

Latest Outdoor Design Trends for 2015

The most recent survey highlighting top outdoor design trends for 2015 was released a couple of weeks ago by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and it reveals that sustainable and low-maintenance design is the top trend for residential landscape projects.

These trends have further developed from the 2014 survey results that had attractive spaces for entertaining and relaxing on the top of the list, demonstrating that outdoor places of leisure are most desirable when they require little to no labour to maintain.

The 2015 ASLA Design Trends Survey was redesigned, introducing a new methodology to more clearly rank the popularity of different types of landscape projects. While the top landscape project type was indicated as Native Plants (85 percent), the three most popular outdoor design elements include fire pits/fireplaces (78 percent), lighting (72 percent) and grills (63 percent). Spa features like hot tubs, Jacuzzis and swimming pools were indicated as the most popular outdoor recreation amenities (40 percent).

See Article: 4 Ways Pool or Hut Tub Areas Benefit from Duradek

Hot Tub and Pool surround areas benefit from Duradek.

Decks remain a popular design element in the increasing trend of outdoor space and are ideally included in design plans with the low-maintenance expectation in mind. Duradek has been a leader in this product category having introduced its low-maintenance deck waterproofing vinyl over 40 years ago.

In an article “Products for Creating an Outdoor Oasis” in Hanley Wood’s Remodeling magazine online, Steve Van Kouteren of Principia Consulting says, “The outdoor living trend has been talked about since the early 2000s. As the trend develops and more manufacturers produce products, more options and price points are available, so more consumers can take part. Synthetic decking used to be one or two products and now there are all types of products. When you add the new products and price points to a recovering economy, you get a growth in a trend.”

See Article: Overload of Options Cloud Decking Decisions

The Hanley Wood Remodeling article also features a slide show of New Products for Outdoor Living Spaces that support the trends most in demand and includes the latest Duradek vinyl deck membrane offerings in the all-new ‘Legacy’ line of its walkable roofing grade membrane. The Legacy line offers faux-natural finishes in Barnwood (brown), Driftwood (grey) and Pebble Beach in Duradek’s reliable low-maintenance waterproof vinyl.

See the Press Release: Duradek Introduces the Natural Choice for Deck Surfaces.

Builder magazine recently reported on the inclusion of outdoor living space in floor plans and Hanley Wood’s house plan sales group content director Hillary Gottemoeller states, “My general impression is that more plans are incorporating outdoor living space than previously.” Before, she says, “designers may have left this more to the discretion of the buyer, but now in response to consumer demand (or really expectation), they are at the very least showing it on their floor plans and even incorporating it into the footprint/design.”

So if a new or remodelled deck, patio or balcony is part of your residential landscape design plans, be sure to consult with a Duradek Dealer for your low maintenance waterproof deck surfaces.

Wood Decks Beat Composite Decks for Value in 2015 Cost Vs. Value Report

The Hanley Wood Cost vs Value Report for 2015 confirms that in mid-range projects, Wood Deck additions bring more value to the home than Composite Deck additions.

Wood decks hit the top 5 of home renovation projects that best retain the value of the renovation cost based on resale value of the home. Wood decks at 5th best value with 80.5% cost recouped came in substantially better than a composite deck addition which came in at 14th out of 23 categories with 68.0% of cost recouped according to the Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).

The 2015 Cost Vs. Value Report compares average cost for 36 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale (based on realtors’ perceptions) in 102 U.S. markets . Rising costs with lower rising values ended two years of gains by slipping 3.9-points from last year, but still show the second-best numbers in the past five years. Even though it shows a decline from last year, overall, wood deck additions are still among the best home renovation projects for value retention. On a national average, wood decks have a -7.9% cost-value ratio, with 12 markets showing a 100% return. Composite deck additions show a -8.6% and -9.5% cost-value ratio.

Click for large view of projects analysed in cost vs. value. 

Only five project types saw their cost-value rations rise in this year’s report. Midrange roofing led the way rising 5.9%; and the other four gainers wither the midrange garage door replacement (up 5.6%), the 20-gauge steel replacement entry door (up 5.4%); vinyl siding replacement (up 3.2%) and upscale fiberglass replacement entry door (up 1.7%). The only project on a national basis that pays back more than its investment at resale value was steel entry doors. So when it comes to deck addition projects, wood deck additions consistently retain more value on the home than composite deck additions in all regions and major markets (* See below for breakdown of regional data).

Click for large view of regional and city data comparison.

Last week we recommended that in deck renovation projects that you Compare Cost of Maintenance Before You Renovate Your Deck as well as initial costs, and that advice still stands with this Cost vs. Value data.

Even though wood decks traditionally are a high maintenance deck surface often requiring annual labor to maintain its appearance and to be treated for water-resistance, when a wood deck is surfaced with a Duradek vinyl deck membrane it is protected for decades and will not require ongoing maintenance to keep its waterproof performance and thus the security of a safe, stable and attractive deck.

While Composite Decks also do not require any ongoing treatment to stay waterproof, the obvious results of lower retained value of composite decks as shown above may make your low maintenance deck choice an easier one by choosing a wood deck and protecting it with a Duradek membrane. Not only do you gain the low maintenance advantages of a vinyl deck, but if applied on a second level deck, you double your usable space by providing dry space below. While this was not its own category in the Cost vs. Value Report, most realtors will agree that doubling the usable outdoor living space with a long-lasting and low maintenance roof grade membrane will also add to the value of the home.

When you are comparing your options for a deck addition or renovation project, be sure to contact a Duradek installer in your area for an estimate and to learn more of the advantages of using Duradek vinyl deck membranes. When you decide to go with a Duradek deck, be sure to submit photos of your new deck in Duradek's 'Show off Your Deck' contest to win a new tablet!

Regional Breakdown
East North Central – OH, MI, WI, IL, IN East South Central – AL, TN, KY, MS Mid Atlantic – NY, PA, Mountain – NM, CO, AZ, ID, NV, UT, New England – MA, CT, ME, RI Pacific – WA, OR, CA, HI South Atlantic – GA, NC, SC, FL, VA, MD, DC West North Central – IA, NE, MO, KS West South Central – TX, LA, OK, AR

© 2015 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2015 Cost vs Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Compare Cost of Maintenance Before You Renovate Your Deck

As soon as the first signs of spring appear, many of us begin to get out on our decks or balconies and often discover that the winter has not been kind to the appearance of our favourite outdoor spaces. But there is a big difference between having to clean your deck for appearance or re-treat it to maintain it's structural integrity.

The trick is to enjoy your deck more, but labour on it less. If you are considering building a new deck or renovating an existing deck, here are some things to keep in mind...

Easy Maintenance with Vinyl Decks

Decks finished with Duradek vinyl membranes make it easy to enjoy your outdoor living space all year round with virtually no maintenance. Simply call a Duradek dealer, request an estimate and arrange for installation on a substrate of untreated plywood. Then Duradek is installed in one single application and (in most cases) is completed in one day. Your deck is ready for use immediately and is waterproofed for decades*. No reapplication required….ever! Additionally, if your deck is elevated, the use of Duradek membranes provides roof-grade waterproof protection for dry, usable space below.

Continual Maintenance with Coatings

Wood decks finished with a coating are a completely different story.

Once wood rot has invaded, deterioration is inevitable.

While slotted wood decks are a traditional go-to style of deck, many home owners or property managers are surprised and unprepared for the amount of work required to maintain them. Besides becoming unsightly when not regularly maintained, it is the safety concerns of a neglected wood deck that is far more serious than the aesthetic implications.

Wood decks finishes are required in order to penetrate the wood to slow down its ability to absorb moisture, prolonging the life of the deck and maintaining appearance.

Moisture wreaks havoc on unprotected wood, even pressure-treated wood. Moisture from rain, snow or humidity causes problems like raised grain, cupping and splitting. If moisture has penetrated the wood to the point where it has developed wood rot, the affected portion should be replaced immediately before the rot spreads to the entire structure.

UV radiation breaks down the lignin that holds wood’s cellulose fibers together in a process called photochemical degradation. This is what causes wood’s natural color to gray, and while this does not affect the strength of the wood, it is sometimes an undesirable appearance. The longer unprotected wood sits in the sun, the more UV radiation damage is done to the lignin, and it no longer bonds the wood fibers. As the fibers loosen and detach, any color pigments like stains will also fall away.

The key factor in longevity of a wood deck’s surface finish is to seal the wood before sun hits its surface. There are several different options for wood finishes like sealers, coatings, protectors and stains; and all of them have different advantages and appearance features. Solid stains act almost like a paint and block the UV rays, clear sealers only protect from water and still allow the UV radiation to reach the surface, and there are different levels of semi-transparent stains in between.

One of the drawbacks is that once the wood is sealed, it requires resealing every 1 – 3 years to stay protected. And even worse, if a coating fails, the process to replace it is a very unpleasant, labor intensive process.

Labour Intensive Wood Deck Maintenance

For example, a Redwood Deck Restoration project that was featured on the Journal of Light Construction shows that a four-step process requires significant time and cost to complete, and once you have started the process; you are in it to the end. The four steps that are recommended include:

1 – Sample: to see how the deck will strip and re-finish, a preliminary sample is recommended with a minimum of sanding a deck board and applying finish samples to have a sense of the end result.

2 – Pressure Wash – Chemically Strip and Neutralize: this is a best-left-to-professionals stage. Scott Burt from Topcoat finishes says, “The chems are hot, or caustic, and can do immense damage to people and property if not understood and used with discretion.” It is a two-step process: stripping and neutralizing and if not done properly, the job will not go well. The process is a fairly radical chemical reaction and is not a quick process, often requiring many passes and reapplication of chemicals and a great deal of clean water rinsing.

3 – Let Deck Dry, Then Sand: At least a day or two of good drying weather is required before proceeding. If not fully allowed to dry before the necessary sanding, the grain of the wood can be torn up easily. Then the process of sanding requires time consuming, knee-torturing hand sanders if you do not have access to and upright floor style sander. Then of course, proper dust containment must be used to provide protection from breathing in the dust of organic matter.

4- Apply New Finish: Finish must be applied using the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Whew! Just thinking about all that is enough to make you tired! Wouldn't you rather just pull out your deck lounger, pour a drink and kick back for some R&R?

Leisure instead of Labour on a Duradek Vinyl Deck

Duradek requires only a seasonal cleaning to stay looking great. Easy.

However, if you are determined to have a deck that looks like wood, Duradek has even solved that - check our the new Legacy Wood Grain patterns.

Legacy Driftwood on a front porch. Photo by Home Defect
Analysis and Solutions in Houston, TX.

With over 20 colours to choose from, Duradek’s UV stabilizers and mold inhibitors delay the natural aging process due to continual environmental exposure and offer an attractive deck surface for most outdoor design schemes.

So if you are considering a deck renovation, be sure to contact a trained and authorized Duradek installer in your area for a free estimate on your project.

*Duradek Ultra comes with a 10-year waterproofing warranty however many homeowners in Duradek’s 40 year history have reported that after 20+ years, their Duradek is still performing. Aging of membrane and waterproofing performance will be affected by environmental conditions and installer technique.

Enter Duradek's "Show Off Your Deck" Contest Starting Today

If you'd like to enter to win a FREE TABLET, all you have to do is take a picture of your Duradek deck and post it on Duradek's Facebook page with a few words about your deck. It's that easy to enter!

Even if you don't want a tablet, and it is purely the pride of having attractive, low maintenance outdoor living space to enjoy (while some of your neighbors have dilapidated decks or decks they spend more time maintaining than enjoying), this is a great way to show off your deck and your wise decision to choose Duradek!

The contest is open today (April 1, 2015) and closes at 3:00 p.m. PST on July 15, 2015. The winner will be announced on the Duradek Facebook page on July 16th, 2015.

All you need to do is visit the Duradek Facebook page and post at least one image of your Duradek deck along with a small testimonial (50 word approx.) about your deck, balcony, patio or pool surround  and why you love it (#DeckLove). For example:

• Why your deck is better than it was before (include a before pic for comparison if possible)
• How much fun your family has on your deck (include a pic of your friends and family on your deck)
• How much value your deck has added to your house, your quality time, your outdoor living or entertaining
• Your favourite moment on your Duradek deck

* By entering this contest, you consent that Duradek may use your picture or testimonial for future marketing purposes by Duradek.

Good Luck to All, and may you enjoy the next 15 weeks of capturing your best #DeckLove Moments!