When it Comes to Vinyl Decking, Does Thicker Mean Better?

If you are considering the reliable, low maintenance advantages of sheet vinyl for your deck waterproofing solution, you may be presented with the idea that a thicker vinyl is better waterproof protection for your deck; but that is not necessarily accurate.

With vinyl decking, it is best to refer to building code requirements as your guideline because thicker does not mean better.

When Duradek first started waterproofing decks and balconies, the thickness of the PVC membrane used was only 20 mil, and those decks lasted for several years. Today, the requirement for a vinyl sheet membrane for waterproofing decks and balconies is more than double that at 45 mil.

Pedestrian roof decks however, have a Building Code requirement of 60 mils. That is already 25% thicker than a large commercial grade roofing requirement (48 mils thick). Anything over and above the required 60 mil thickness on decks situated over rated or habitable space does not give you any further waterproof protection. The real difference lies in the installation. In fact, a thicker vinyl can come with disadvantages.

Sheet vinyl comes in rolls, typically between 60-72 inches wide. It is rolled out the length of the deck and installed by adhesion to the deck substrate and by heat-welding the seams where the edges of vinyl meet. The seams are usually ¾” to an inch wide, and it this area of overlap for heat-welding the vinyl seams that an increase in thickness can really be a disadvantage.

Installation of Duradek vinyl deck membrane.

Even a 10% difference can be noticeable and make your deck susceptible to things like trapped, ponding water which is something to be avoided with vinyl deck surfaces. Some commercial projects prefer to use an 80 mil vinyl, which is far above building code requirements, but does not give any real added advantage. In fact, that 20 mil difference doubled up at the seam makes a 40 mil difference which is quite noticeable visually as well as by unexpected disadvantages.

Trapped water on a thick 66 mil seam.

Some consideration should be paid to the disadvantages that come with a deck vinyl that exceeds building code thickness.

• Trapped, ponded water.
• Potential tripping hazard.
• Easier to catch seam on snow shovel.
• Difficulties at installation with the fine detailing and handling.

There are actually a number of existing vinyl installations on sundecks from over 30 years ago using 24-32 mil vinyl that are still performing the waterproofing function today. Just a couple of years ago, we pulled up the vinyl from a 32 year old deck that had 32 mil Duradek on it. The plywood, after 32 years, was in perfect shape and was used again as the substrate under a new Duradek vinyl membrane.


This deck in Halifax had 32 year old Duradek vinyl.

When the old Duradek vinyl was lifted,
the plywood underneath was in great shape.

The new Duradek was able to go down over the
existing plywood.

So remember for your project, if you want the advantages of a low-maintenance deck vinyl on an elevated deck, balcony or roof deck, remember that exceeding the building code requirements above 60 mil only provides a thicker seam and no additional waterproof protection.

The reliable protection of vinyl decking is due in large part to the skilled installation techniques of your contractor, and thicker vinyl makes it more difficult to perform the critical details for water-tight protection.

Since these installation skills are so critical, Duradek is available only through one of our trained and authorized Duradek dealers. To talk to an experienced Duradek expert near you, visit our Find A Dealer page or contact us directly for a referral at duradek@duradek.com.

The Building Show 2015 - So Big for Construction Pros that Duradek is there Twice!

The Building Show, one of the largest construction industry events in North America, takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Center this week from December 2nd to 4th.

Anybody involved in the construction industry, architectural communities or property management professions will benefit from the latest in product information, industry education and networking potential, all packed into 3 exciting days.

This event has taken form of the latest trend of mega-events where top industry trade shows combine to offer attendees the absolute most value for the time and investment to attend, no matter where in North America they might be traveling from. The Building Show is comprised of:

• Construct Canada (south building)
• PM Expo (south building)
• Home Builders & Renovators Expo (south building)
• World of Concrete Pavilion (south building)
• IIDEX Canada (north building)

Registration into any of these shows gives you admission to ALL of these shows, and Duradek is proud to have representation at two locations at this year. You can find Duradek distributor, Raildek at the Home Builders & Renovators Expo (booth #326); and the flat roof waterproofing experts of Triumph Roofing at the PM Expo (booth #1447).

Look for Triumph Roofing at PM Expo 2015 - booth #1447

For anyone who deals with decking, roofing, design or property management and wants a reliable product with professional installation techniques that always considers protection of the building envelope of primary importance, a visit to a Duradek professional can give you just the solutions you need.

Since Duradek is not a retail product and only available through trained installers, Ontario designers or builders may want to start by contacting Raildek Distribution to be referred to an authorized Duradek installation company.

Established, specialized professionals like those at Triumph Inc. know the nuances of the Duradek membrane and all of the intricate details involved in waterproofing and protecting the building envelope. If you have a commercial or multi-residential property or project in Ontario that has balconies or roof decks, be sure to make Triumph your fist stop.

A History of Excellence for Triumph Inc. - Duradek Dealer Specializing in Commercial and Multi-Residential Projects

In 1989, Triumph Inc. was founded on the principle that quality always comes first. For over 25 years, Triumph has served Southern Ontario and Alberta as the leading roofing contractor for new building construction, repair, renovation, and maintenance services.

Their mission is to provide each and every customer with quality products, and superior workmanship with the support of our highly trained crew and dedicated team. This made Duradek an ideal product offering for Triumph since Duradek has a proven, superior product, but acknowledges that no matter how good a waterproofing membrane is manufactured, it is the skills of the installers with precise waterproofing details that make the product’s performance surpass all expectations.

Triumph’s reputation is built on the notion that their clients’ needs remain at the forefront of each service offering. Put simply, they guarantee that your Triumph experience will be a seamless one…except with Duradek, where the only seams are incredibly strong, heat-welded seams that prevent water from infiltrating your building!

Commercial Roof Deck by Triumph with Duradek vinyl.

Whether it is a commercial, industrial, institutional or residential project, the team of experts at Triumph are committed to providing you with the solutions to any roofing, cladding or waterproofing job.

For more information on how Triumph can help you with your low maintenance flat roof deck solutions, visit www.triumphinc.ca.
Email Inquiries: info@triumphinc.ca
Phone Inquiries: 416-534-8877.

You can find more information on Duradek sheet applied pvc membrane at ConstructionCanada.net and search by MasterFormat number 07 54 00 – Thermal and Moisture Protection / Membrane Roofing.

To contact an authorized Duradek installer in your area, see our Find a Dealer page.