Enjoying Outdoor Living Space with Waterproof Peace of Mind on Many (Deck) Levels

The style of your deck, balcony, patio or any outdoor living space is as much of a personal decision as it is for any other room in your home.  While some homeowners bask in the glory of gardening, some prefer playing in the pool, and others desire a more leisurely lifestyle and simply prefer a place to relax and enjoy a good view. Whatever purpose your deck serves to you, Duradek can ensure that your deck is protected so you can have waterproofing peace of mind.

Celebrity Builder Jim Caruk
Chooses Duradek

In this inaugural season of, Jim Caruk’s “Builder Boss” on HGTV, Jim chose Duradek for waterproofing decks on two of his projects. The first project to feature Duradek was episode 6, entitled ‘The Bunker’ (see our blog from July 23rd) and the second project was episode 7, entitled ‘Porch and Garden’.

In ‘Porch and Garden’, the home owner was a lover of green space and gardening, and also valued unique architectural design. Considered a ‘problematic outdoor project’, Duradek was able to handle one of the issues with ease! The home’s back yard required major renovations for landscaping, and the house itself required the addition of rear decking.

Adhering the Duradek vinyl to the plywood substrate.

Built completely from scratch, a two-level deck was added to the home to provide an outdoor lounging area to enjoy the view of the new landscaping. As the second level deck provides roofing for the first level deck, Duradek Ultra vinyl was the perfect solution.

The second level deck provides roof-grade
waterproof protection for the deck below.

Not only does the roofing approved membrane keep the first level deck dry, but the low maintenance durability of Duradek vinyl membrane ensures the homeowner only has to clean it seasonally, and does not have to labor on maintaining the waterproofing or finishing details. Check out how the Builder Boss team transformed this back yard and watch for the installation of Duradek vinyl at about 19:32 into the episode. While only featured for a few seconds, you can see how the expertly trained Duradek installers easily lay the Duradek vinyl and do not at all contribute to the problematic factors on the job site.

Many Levels of Luxurious Lounging on the Deck

Whether for a ground level patio, a pool deck or an elevated roof deck, Duradek membranes provide a guarantee of waterproof protection. Take this beautiful home for example….a ground level pool deck, an elevated deck and a deck over living space are all different ways that Duradek outperforms many of the alternative waterproof solutions; particularly because the homeowner of these decks preferred the surface to be finished with exterior tile. 

Three different styles of deck surfaces - one perfect under-tile
waterproofing solution...Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

Outdoor tile projects can be a troublesome task for tile layers, but Duradek Ultra Tiledek provides an assurance that is very hard to find. Tiledek offers a 10-year waterproofing guarantee and is specifically designed to be used as an under-tile roofing membrane. That allowed the builders to finish the top of pool house deck with beautiful tiles while feeling confident that the outdoor kitchen below is completely protected from water damage.

What Level of Waterproof Protection Would You Choose?

Remember, there is a difference between a waterproof membrane and a roofing membrane. Duradek Ultra vinyl membrane and Duradek Ultra Tiledek under-tile membrane are both roofing approved and will provide secure, guaranteed waterproofing….even when your deck is above living space. And when you compliment your deck surface with Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing, you have the best of aesthetics and functionality with a durable and low maintenance outdoor living space.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek Meets North American Building and Industry Standards

While many specifiers and builders are still learning about the incredible waterproofing advantages that Duradek Ultra Tiledek can bring to outdoor tile projects, the technical department at Duradek has been busy with testing through various agencies to provide the documentation that proves that Duradek Ultra Tiledek meets North American building and industry standards as a roofing and waterproofing membrane which can accept direct application of outdoor tile.

Duradek has been working with tile industry associations to ensure that Ultra Tiledek’s superior waterproofing performance meets the needs of the tile installers and stonemasons all over North America and provides the highest level comfort and assurance that when tiles are laid over a Tiledek membrane, they will never have to be removed for waterproofing repairs.

Finally, the ability to have a rooftop deck with a beautiful tile surface is no longer a waterproofing issue waiting to happen! Duradek Ultra Tiledek is approved for use in both roofing and pedestrian applications.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek and the Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada
Duradek is a proud member of the Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) that is the “Voice of the Hardsurface Industry”. 

TTMAC has a long standing reputation for providing the industry with the most up to date resources available and operates with a strict adherence to a code of ethics that supports quality and professionalism.

TTMAC has a mandate to develop a method of standardizing terrazzo, tile and marble installation techniques as well as being a technical resource and liaison for the industry. ASTM C627 Standard Test Method for Evaluating Ceramic Floor Tile Installation performed by TTMAC’s  Universal/Robinson Type Floor Tester provides verification of suitability of a flooring system for a particular type of installation. TTMAC has determined that Duradek Ultra Tiledek meets the North American building standards for the ASTM C627 requirements.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek and the Tile Council of North America

Duradek is also proud to be a member of The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) which is an international trade association dedicated to expanding the market for ceramic tile manufactured in North America. TCNA is recognized for its leadership in promoting the use of ceramic tile and developing North American and International industry standards. With a goal of expanding the ceramic tile market in North America,

TCNA conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade and other government agencies, offers training and publishes installation guidelines.

Testing provided by the TCNA for Tiledek was the ANSI specification (ANSI A118.10) for load bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installations.

The Experts Trust Duradek Ultra Tiledek

While many builders and architects are still discovering Tiledek, celebrity builder Jim Caruk already knows the advantages that Tiledek brings to a project.  As discussed in the Duradek blog on July 23rd, Tiledek was recently featured on ‘The Bunker’ (episode 6) of Jim’s new reality series ‘Builder Boss’. This episode gives you a quick look at how Tiledek handles one of the most important details of outdoor tile projects in a real-life construction scenario.

The Builder Boss Relies on Duradek Ultra Tiledek

Jim Caruk, the Builder Boss, recognizes Duradek Ultra Tiledek as a superior and reliable waterproofing product. On his Builder Boss programme, ‘The Bunker’ episode, Jim and his crew were faced with one of the most unique and challenging projects they have ever taken on…and Duradek Ultra Tiledek was there!

The project entailed an addition to a home for a playroom and a games room to house a golf simulator. In most cases, an addition is not a big head scratcher for builders, but in this case the addition was to the basement. This meant that the ground had to be dug up, new foundation poured, and reinforcement to the foundation of the original structure had to be added before they could even start with construction of the new rooms of the home.

Drawing Plans for the underground addition
and new patio on Builder Boss.

Once the challenge of the initial construction of the subterranean addition to the home was complete, the second phase of the project could begin. In this part of the project, the crew was building a gorgeous outdoor living space with a cooking area and lounging area, all to be covered with beautiful outdoor tile…and all of this is directly over top of the basement addition.

Jim Caruk, carefully reviewing plans for the project.

The Builder Boss Chooses Tiledek for Waterproofing

So for all appearances from the outside, the home just gained the addition of a new patio area. But in this case, the patio acts as a roof over the new addition of the home which means that the waterproofing is a critical feature for protecting the entire project. There is no room for guesswork and no margin for error. The success of the entire project and the investment put into this home is dependent on the performance of the waterproofing system to ensure the new construction is protected from the elements and protected from the many risks to a structure with inadequate waterproofing.

Concrete poured...next step, waterproofing

When there are projects with unique factors that challenge even the most experienced contractors, builders know that they need a product that will perform as intended. When Jim Caruk chose to use Duradek Ultra Tiledek for his waterproofing needs, it was not by chance. It was a very thought-out decision based on Tiledek’s performance as an effective waterproofing membrane underneath outdoor tile.

James, Duradek Distributor in Ontario
with Jim Caruk, the Builder Boss

Knowing that Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a superior waterproofing membrane from the reliable Duradek family of products that has been providing exterior waterproofing on decks and balconies for nearly 40 years may have helped make the decision to use it on this project. However, the most critical detail that made Duradek Ultra Tiledek the best product for this project is the fact that the Tiledek vinyl membrane is roofing approved as a pedestrian waterproof membrane in North American building codes. The fact that Duradek Ultra Tiledek also comes with a 10-year waterproofing guarantee may have made this the easiest product choice ever for Jim Caruk on this project. Installed by authorized Duradek installer Mike McGowan of HTR Duradek, ‘the Bunker’ episode of Builder Boss gives viewers a glimpse of how easy a professional installer can make laying a waterproof vinyl look.

Laying the vinyl and applying the adhesive.

Heat welding the Tiledek membrane.

Laying tile over the Tiledek membrane.

To view the full video of ‘The Bunker’, visit HGTV’s Builder Boss episodes online and enjoy the insight into a builder’s challenges on this unique and interesting project. Watch for Duradek Ultra Tiledek installation at 15:08 into the episode and see why Jim Caruk offers thanks to the installers of Duradek. In only a few seconds you can get some insight into how Tiledek is laid and what Jim Caruk has to say with Duradek Distributor Jim Simpson of Raildek in Ontario.

Builder Boss - The Bunker, final reveal of patio

Builder Boss Uses Duradek Vinyl - PVR Alert!

See Duradek Vinyl Perform on HGTV's Builder Boss - Thursday at 10:00 p.m.
Tomorrow, July 12th, 2012, Duradek is used by the experts on The Builder Boss show on HGTV featuring Jim Caruk, one of Canada's most respected building celebrity experts. This brand new series that premiered on Thursday, June 21st with back-to-back episodes has the master contractor providing his expert renovation advise while overseeing a multi-million dollar roster of some very diverse projects.

The Experts Do it With Duradek on Builder Boss
Each episode of the series documents a real-life Caruk Group job from the early days of the build right through to the finishing touches with impressive reveals of the completed spaces. This week's back-to-back Builder Boss episodes include the use of Duradek vinyl on two different projects.

Duradek on Builder Boss "The Bunker"
The first episode of Builder Boss to feature Duradek is entitled 'The Bunker', and is a unique project for even a builder like Jim who has done it all. Watch as Jim and his team take on this subterranean playroom housed underneath an elaborate outdoor living space. This episode airs on HGTV on Thursday, July 11th at 3:00 p.m. EST and 10:00 p.m. EST; on Friday, July 13th at 1:00 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. EST; and on Sunday, July 15th at 1:00 a.m. EST. For more on this episode, visit HGTV's Builder Boss - 'The Bunker' episode listing.

Duradek on Builder Boss "Porch and Garden"
The second episode of Builder Boss to feature Duradek is entitled 'Porch and Garden' has Jim's team taking on a problematic outdoor project. This Charleston style two-story porch and landscaped garden provide about every problem imaginable for Jim's team and Duradek is proud to have provided at least one solution for them! This episode airs on HGTV on Thursday, July 11th at 3:30 p.m. EST and 13:00 p.m. EST; on Friday, July 13th at 1:30 a.m. EST and 4:30 p.m. EST; and on Sunday, July 15th at 1:30 a.m. EST. For more on this episode, visit HGTV's Builder Boss - 'Porch and Garden' episode listing.

For more information on the Builder Boss show on HGTV, read The Duradek Way blog from June 19th, or check out the Builder Boss website. This new building reality show promises to be both informative and entertaining for anyone interested in the real world of custom home building and renovations.

For further insights into Jim and his views on his new Builder Boss show, check out this interview on monstersandcritics.com.

"Builder Boss" Premiere Season Has Jim Caruk Choosing Duradek - Premieres Thursday, June 21st on HGTV

Jim Caruk, one of Canada's most respected home renovation celebrity experts is back with a brand new series on HGTV - "Builder Boss".


Premiering on Thursday, June 21st at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with back-to-back episodes, this exciting new series has the master contractor providing his expert renovation advise while overseeing a multi-million dollar roster of projects which include the use of Duradek vinyl membrane products on 2 of this season's episodes.

HGTVs success with Jim's inaugural reality television program "Real Renos" that hit the airwaves 8 years ago gave viewers an inside look at the home-building business. Now Jim is back with his all-new series, "Builder Boss" where the realities of a working contractor and the demands of the job-site, the board room and the road collide for an entertaining and inspiring look at the building industry. This new building reality show promises to be both informative and entertaining for for anyone interested in the real world of custom home building and renovations.

Each episode documents a real-life Caruk Group job from the early days of the build right through to the finishing touches with impressive reveals of the completed spaces. Projects on this season's roster include a 6,000 square foot Georgian mansion, a re-purposed old Victorian home and an underground bunker created to house a golf simulator and features the use of Duradek Ultra vinyl membrane!

Be sure to catch this exciting new reality series on HGTV and see some real life examples of why Duradek is the best choice for your exterior waterproofing needs on Jim Caruk's new "Builder Boss" program.

For some insights into Jim and his views on this new "Builder Boss" show, check out this interview on monstersandcritics.com.