Showing posts with label #DeckLove. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #DeckLove. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The 20 Best Vinyl Decks of 2015
The best decks from 2015 have a balance of fantastic appearance with minimal maintenance. After starting the new year with a little reflection on 2015, Duradek has a lot to choose from to pick our favorites!
With vinyl installed from coast-to-coast throughout North America, there were hundreds of fantastic decks finished by our skilled network of Duradek dealers in the last year.
Here we take a look at 20 of our favorite vinyl decks and why we love them...
See the full article "The 20 Best Vinyl Decks of 2015" on the Duradek website...
www.duradek.com/the-20-best-vinyl-decks-of-2015
Friday, July 31, 2015
Deck Love in the Summer Leads to Makeover Plans
Ah, the bliss of summer deck love! We are right in the middle of the Dog Days of Summer (marked by the Old Farmer’s Almanac as the 40 days beginning July 3rd through August 11th) and for many of us, there is no place we'd rather be than on our decks; or the deck of our favourite restaurants, pubs, or friends.
As you are circulating decks this season, take note of what you like about the decks you visit. There are more decking options, furniture and accessories available today than ever, so what a great time for a deck makeover!
Deck Love is a Long Term Commitment – Outdoor living space has become a favorite part of the home for many North Americans. The old style of constructing decks to a 10 foot by 20 foot single surface has been replaced by a growing number of expansive decks.
The best way to increase your outdoor living space is 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 useable space with a protected lower level deck below.
This gives you the advantages of catching as much sun as you can on the top level AND protecting you with some shaded area below when you need it. Plus, let's face it, your deck is not a summer romance. You LOVE your deck and want to use it all year, and when you have protection from above that is possible.
Get Creative With Railings – There are many styles of railings available for defining your outdoor living space. There are traditional picket railings made with powder coated aluminum that can provide the classic look of wrought iron without the need for maintenance, or you can choose glass railings, topless glass railings or stainless steel cable railings in some areas.
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.
The Shape of Things to Come – 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 new railing products like Durarail’s Panorama Universal Post that allows you to define a curved deck with a topless glass railing system that virtually “bends” around corners gives you almost limitless design options!
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.
Want to show your deck a little love? Contact one of our Duradek installers to discuss your deck make-over options.
As you are circulating decks this season, take note of what you like about the decks you visit. There are more decking options, furniture and accessories available today than ever, so what a great time for a deck makeover!
Ideas for a Deck Makeover
 |
| Your deck space doubles with two level decks. |
Deck Love is a Long Term Commitment – Outdoor living space has become a favorite part of the home for many North Americans. 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.
The best way to increase your outdoor living space is 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 useable space with a protected lower level deck below.
This gives you the advantages of catching as much sun as you can on the top level AND protecting you with some shaded area below when you need it. Plus, let's face it, your deck is not a summer romance. You LOVE your deck and want to use it all year, and when you have protection from above that is possible.
 |
| A combination of topless glass railing and picket railing were used on this deck |
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.
 |
| Panorama Universal Post gives you nearly limitless design options |
Innovative new railing products like Durarail’s Panorama Universal Post that allows you to define a curved deck with a topless glass railing system that virtually “bends” around corners gives you almost limitless design options!
 |
| Muli-level decks create distinct outdoor 'rooms'. |
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.
Want to show your deck a little love? Contact one of our Duradek installers to discuss your deck make-over options.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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...
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.
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?
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.
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.
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. |
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.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
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:
* 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!
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!
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