Housing Market Influences Growth of Plastics in Building Materials

Plastics News recently broke down how plastic products have pushed the envelope when it comes to changes in the building industry over the last quarter century. Duradek is proud to have been a trailblazer with the use of PVC in deck construction that began 40 years ago and still today continues to be one of the most effective ways of protecting the building envelope.

Plastics News reported that putting a proper seal on the building envelope is one of plastic’s biggest contributions to construction in the last 25 years, according to Edward Hudson, director of the market research division for home Innovation Research Lads, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders.

While this includes products like flash tape around doors and windows to wraps around entire exterior shells, material science experts have improved building performance with plastic. Duradek may have helped lead the way as Duradek sheet vinyl and sealing techniques developed in the first half of the company’s history certainly influenced the use of vinyl as a superior waterproofing option.

The inside perimeter where deck meets wall and door threshold
is a critical junction for building envelope protection.

While originally established as a deck waterproof surface for its ability to provide a water-tight seal as well as a pedestrian traffic coating, Duradek PVC membrane was first tested and approved for use as a roofing membrane in 1990. 

Related .pdf: The Duradek Story

Graphic Timeline: Duradek – A Legacy of Leadership

Since that time, Duradek vinyl membranes and sealing techniques have been imitated by multiple competing brands that simply do not have the longevity of experience that Duradek offers in the niche market of deck and flat roof pedestrian deck waterproofing.

Related Post: New Does Not Always Mean Better

Decking, as a category, is one of the biggest contributors to the growth of plastics use in the building industry. This growth is mostly attributed to composite decking products which have grown from virtually non-existent 25 years ago to being an estimated 25-35% of the market. 

Since composite decking products are a relatively immature product in the market, there have been many growing pains along the way including several class action suits due to product failure and multiple trademarked brands coming, going and changing hands. 

Related Post: Vinyl Decking Vs. Composite Decking – Is the Price Worth the Cost?

Another influence that is driving the increase of plastics in the building industry is the growing preference for green housing. McGraw Hill Construction estimates that the green market was 2 percent of residential starts in 2005 but increased to 6 to 10 percent in 2008 and was at least 12 percent in 2013. 

While a green build may not be the primary influencer of home buyers, it has become an increasingly notable feature that green builders have been pulling people along into. Duradek vinyl is a green product and contributes to LEED points for green build projects.

PVC membrane for waterproof surface combined with composite
bench makes best use of plastics for low maintenance decking.
Project and image by Windeck Ltd.

As decks continue to gravitate from humble wooden platforms to sprawling multi-level extensions of the home, Duradek PVC membranes continue to protect decks, roof decks and the building envelope for the costly damage that can arise from water infiltration and wood rot and mold. All this, while also providing an attractive, low-maintenance surface that can last for decades.

For detailed drawings, specifications and other architectural information on Duradek, visit our Architectural Overview page.

Duradek Recommended Across the Building Industry

Leading publications for the light construction and remodeling industries consistently include Duradek and Durarail as products you can depend on for your decking material needs. These valuable resources for light construction and remodeling professionals allow builders to arm themselves with the knowledge of the best deck building materials and most reliable waterproofing membrane system in the specialty trade of deck building with Duradek.

Duradek Included in Qualified Remodeler

Qualified Remodeler magazine prides itself on helping independent remodeling firms to stay competitive and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

Qualified Remodeler includes Duradek in their online platform, ForResidentialPros.com where archives of the magazine’s previous issues can be accessed. From the categories of Flooring, Decks & Patios and Outdoor Living, Duradek has been highlighted in this trusted resource.

Duradek Highlighted by The Journal of Light Construction

Panorama Post makes railing
installations on curved decks easy!
Photo by Duradek of New England.

The Journal of Light Construction Magazine and its online counterpart JLConline.com are reliable building industry publications brought to you by Hanley Wood and are often referred to for product information and building knowledge best practices.

JLC is familiar with Duradek and some time ago published quite a comprehensive article titled “Waterproofing a Rooftop Deck” which details PVC membrane deck waterproofing. More recently this November, JLC included Durarail’s Panorama Post as a notable product with its beautiful ability to virtually ‘bend’ around corners and provide design flexibility for outdoor living space. No other topless glass railing makes defining the perimeter of a curved deck so easy.

Watch for Highlights, Call for Details

While winter has us in the downslope of demand for deck building, be sure to keep an eye on these publications this spring for updates on Duradek and other recommended building products from the industry publications you can rely on.

When spring comes around, many builders are bound to have projects that require some form of decking, roof decks or outdoor living space. You can simplify the project by relying on a trained Duradek installer for your deck building needs, specifically the highly important detail of deck waterproofing. Deck building is a specialty trade, and waterproofing decks an even more detailed specialty.

Duradek is NOT available as a retail product available to all contractors and do-it-yourselfers. With Duradek, you are guaranteed to have an installer who has been instructed in deck waterproofing best practices along with the resources of technical support from Duradek behind them no matter what specific challenges your project may have.

To ensure your deck building projects are completed professionally with an ICC approved product, get to know the Duradek Installer in your area.

Duradek Highlighted by Professional Deck Builder Magazine

Duradek is highlighted as a "Hot Product" for the hot summer season in Professional Deck Builder Magazine. While in the midst of peak season for decking professionals, we are happy that these skilled specialty tradesmen are learning that Duradek is the ideal solution for many decking projects from ground level patios to flat roof decks over living space.

Professional Deck Builder Magazine distributed a newsletter this month that highlighted Duradek as one of the best products to choose from in a marketplace crowded with new products.


Duradek - A "Hot Product" in Professional Deck Builder

Additionally, Professional Deck Builder online currently has Duradek featured in the Product | Material category with Duradek Ultra PVC Membranes; and in the Design and Construction category Duradek is included twice in Decking Moisture Management. Once for Duradek Ultra and once for Ultra Tiledek, both recognized as superior solutions for moisture management for decking projects alongside an article link entitled "Keeping Water Out of Decks". This is the perfect spot for building professionals to locate information on Duradek and discover what makes Duradek stand out from other comparable products. As the article states, good details are "paramount to the longevity of decks and the houses they are attached to."

Duradek professionals often see how a quality deck could have had a much longer life and unnecessary repairs could have been avoided had proper flashing details been given the attention they really need. This is one small example of why Duradek is only available through a network of professionals who have been trained in the intricacies of deck waterproofing. No matter how great a product is, if it has not been installed properly it will not be guaranteed to perform as intended. With these trained installers, Duradek is confident in offering a 10 year warranty on their waterproofing membrane (while contractor workmanship warranties remain as a separate warranty).

For a specialty skill like deck building and waterproofing it is important to turn to both a product and a professional you can trust. If you are a decking professional, you may want to considered adding Duradek and its strong 40 year performance history to your product offerings. Or if you have a decking project that includes a roof deck, you may want to contact a Duradek Dealer in your area to take care of the moisture management aspect of your decking projects.  

Top 10 Questions to Ask About Your Deck Building Product Warranty

When choosing a deck building product, the warranty is something that most people will at least consider as an element in their decision making process. Most respected manufacturers stand behind their product and are willing to provide a warranty with new purchases. But what does that warranty really guarantee?

Here are a few key questions you should be asking about warranties when you are selecting your decking products:

#1 – How long is the warranty valid?

This is a no-brainer for most people and the automatic first question, however depending on your circumstances; you might want to get a few more details. Is the warranty valid from purchase date or installation date? While usually there is not much of a difference, in some large projects where a missing permit can delay completion by months, this may be something to be aware of.

Duradek’s warranty on our Ultra PVC Membranes is 10 years for leaking due to a manufacturing defect and is valid from the date of installation (reportedly, many homeowners are enjoying the product for twice as long).

#2 – What does the warranty cover?

With building products, it is not unusual for the function of an item and its appearance to be considered separately. It is important to be aware if your warranty covers the integrity of the product only, or if it covers appearance (see item #3) and how well the product performs (see item #4).

Duradek’s warranty offers independent terms for appearance and workmanship.

#3 – Does the product have a separate appearance warranty; and if so, does it have the same terms as the product’s performance warranty?

Often with building products, the warranty does not include aesthetics and only honors performance. If there is an appearance warranty, it is not necessarily for the same duration as the performance guarantee. For example, the image below shows the result of accelerated weather testing of a decking membrane that has been promoting their new coating tested side by side with Duradek Ultra Cork.

Obviously, if this deck material had been installed on your home and turned this dark over time from natural sunlight as the testing emulated, you would want it to be replaced. As far as our research shows, this particular manufacturer does not offer an appearance warranty at all, and you may find yourself in a long debate or simply replacing the product entirely at your cost.

Duradek’s warranty terms include a 5-year warranty on the product’s appearance for our 60 mil Ultra vinyl.

#4 – Is there a separate workmanship warranty?

While a product can be tested for performance in a number of ways, the truest test of all is its success in its intended application. When it comes to waterproofing, no matter how great a product is, if it is not installed with consideration to all of the intricate details involved in proper waterproofing techniques, it is very difficult to guarantee performance.

Duradek is installed only by trained and authorized installers who have completed Duradek’s training in proper waterproofing details and have access to Duradek’s technical staff for support if needed. In addition to the product and appearance warranty offered by the Manufacturer, Duradek installers offer their own separate Workmanship Warranty .While Duradek ensures all installers are skilled in the proper application of PVC membranes, it is still important to check references and past projects when selecting your contractor.

#5 – Is the warranty transferable?

Whether new home developments or renovations in existing homes, often the owner of a property is not the same individual who purchased the building product used if and when it comes time to inquire about a warranty claim.

Duradek warranties are transferable when ownership of the property changes.

#6 – How long has the manufacturer been in business? Has the product or manufacturer been around long enough to have gone through a warranty cycle?

This is a surprisingly important question to ask. Sometimes if the manufacturer of a product has had a change in ownership, the warranty terms offered through the previous owner is not legally binding to the new owner, even if the product in question retains the same brand name. This issue of manufacturer warranties far exceeding proven lifecycles has come up with new product innovations that have not fully matured through their infancy stage such as some composite decking products.

Duradek has been waterproofing decks and balconies since 1974 which is several warranty cycles, and our PVC membranes have been produced consistently by the same North American manufacturer.

#7 – What are your maintenance responsibilities?

If there is an element of product maintenance required, as a homeowner you may inadvertently nullify your warranty if you have not performed the maintenance recommendations as instructed by the product manufacturer. If there are maintenance requirements, most times they will be indicated on your products’ written warranty.

Duradek is a low maintenance product, but does require care and cleaning. We recommend 4 times a year which makes for an easy-to-remember seasonal schedule. The only other responsibility from the homeowner is an annual inspection to ensure all caulking around posts, pillars, vents and drains is intact and maintaining your deck’s waterproof seal.

#8 – Are there limitations or restrictions to the product’s warranty?

Does the manufacturer limit the warranty to everything imaginable so that you aren’t really getting a warranty worth the paper it is printed on? Phrases that include “subject to”, “with the exception of”, “when used with” or “in the event of” should be read very carefully as you might find yourself in a circle of restrictions that make a warranty claim virtually impossible. Sometimes you may even see the same warranty present contradictory phrases where the “limited to” and “including but not limited to” clauses leave you scratching your head on what the manufacturer is willing to guarantee. While most warranties will not cover damages resulting from improper maintenance or Acts of God, make sure you are getting one that actually backs up the product’s performance.

Duradek Ultra is a proven, reliable product and the Duradek warranty backs that up. While there are certainly realistic limitations as with any warranty, Duradek lays them out in a straight forward manner so that homeowners with a Duradek vinyl deck know what the product expectations are, what the installing contractor is responsible for and what the homeowner’s responsibilities are.

#9– Do you need to provide proof of purchase?

For the most expedient service when initiating a warranty claim on any purchase, it is very helpful to have your original purchase receipt and hard copy of your written warranty, and in some cases this is the only way to proceed with a warranty claim should you experience issues with the product. As a homeowner, you should be asking for your warranty and purchase receipt when the project is completed to your satisfaction and you are providing payment.

If there happened to be an instance where you would want to submit a warranty claim on your Duradek vinyl, you would be required to show proof of purchase. Be sure to get your warranty record and receipt from your contractor.

#10 – Did you get the product you were quoted on?

While we like to think we are all being treated fairly, occasionally it happens, whether from misunderstanding or deceit, that you do not always get what you are ask for. With products like Duradek, the brand name is often used synonymously for any PVC membrane, but all vinyl is not created equal.

 

If you have requested Duradek because of its sound reputation and performance history, be sure that is what your contractor is actually installing. There are some contractors out there that will quote ‘Duradek’ on your initial estimate, but may install an alternate vinyl product. Make sure you look for the “Duradek’ stamp on the product you choose, and the best way to ensure this is to select one of Duradek’s authorized dealers.

We hope that you find these warranty insights helpful, but that you never have to go through the process of your right to demand that product performance promises are honored. And with a product that frequently lasts at least twice as long as its warranty terms, you are very unlikely to ever have to pull your warranty card and receipt for your Duradek.

Duradek Featured on Home Improvement Call-in Show with Mr. Fix-it in Chicago

Home improvement expert, Lou Manfredini, better known as Mr. Fix-it on Radio 720 WGN in Chicago featured an interview with Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan on Saturday, June 1st.

The Mr. Fix-it show is a popular call-in radio show that airs weekly on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. EST with a loyal following of listeners who keep the phone lines busy, hoping for some home improvement pearls of wisdom from Mr. Fix-it.
 

Listeners this week were able to hear Lou interview Duradek’s Kevin MacMillan and hear some specific questions about Duradek vinyl waterproofing membrane. As a home improvement expert, Lou had some pointed questions right off the start about the make-up of the actual product and installation details. Some of the points covered in the radio interview included:

• Best uses for Duradek – ideal use as a walkable roofing membrane for use on decks over living space.

Whether directly over living space, or as a second level deck
requiring dry space below, Duradek guarantees
waterproof peace-of mind.

• Warranty and lifecycle – 10 year waterproofing warranty with a 15-25 year lifecycle.
• Substrate requirements – over plywood or concrete, Duradek can be used for nearly any deck surface that has been prepared with adequate slope.
• Slip resistant properties – rain and snow are not to be feared. Duradek’s slip resistance also makes it an ideal use for pool and hot tub surrounds as well as deck surfaces.
• Manufacturer location and history – Produced by the same North American manufacturer for nearly 40 years.
• Where Duradek can be used / climate conditions – Duradek has been used in all North American climates from Arizona to Alaska.

 Duradek can handle the sun or the snow, and still look beautiful.

In only a few minutes, Kevin was able to address these questions and more about the Duradek system of waterproofing decks and roof decks over living space. You can listen to this interview online at the Radio 720 WGN website.

---

Lou Manfredini, aka Mr. Fix-it.

The Mr. Fix-it Show has been a call-in favorite in the Chicagoland area since 1995 and has developed a following with its entertaining mix of practical, useful and valuable home improvement advice. Host, Lou Manfredini, is a regular contributor to NBC’S Today Show, makes regular appearances on NBC5’s morning news and host of ‘House Smarts’, and is a contributing editor to USA Weekend Magazine’s column ‘House Smart’.

 

Vinyl Decking Seam Strength Test with Duradek

Vinyl Decking is the ideal choice for low maintenance decking, but some folks may question the reliability of the seams where the vinyl sheets are joined. With the results seen from some vinyl suppliers, this concern is valid as evidenced in the image below.


This other vinyl was installed with a 'butt-joint'
and sealed with a liquid sealer.

Duradek vinyl is worry-free and the seam strength is stronger than what you will ever need for your deck or balcony. Check out this video where Duradek of Utah uses the power of a Ford 250 to put the strength of Duradek's heat welded seams to the test.



Duradek's heat welded seams performed by trained and authorized installers give you complete peace of mind that:

• your vinyl waterproofing remains intact
• your home remains protected
• your outdoor living space remains beautiful

Duradek's heat welded seam includes a 3/4 inch overlap.

For a flush surface, the Duradek 3/4 inch heat welded

seam can be installed with a recessed channel routered

into the deck surface for a nearly invisible look.

Selecting a Waterproof Membrane for Your Deck

PVC membranes have earned the reputation of being a reliable, low-maintenance deck waterproofing solution. Duradek, the industry’s leader in PVC waterproofing introduced the popular use of this single-ply, walkable waterproof membrane nearly 40 years ago and still today continues to perform ongoing product testing to ensure performance and compatibility with other building products.

When professionally installed, PVC’s waterproofing performance extends well beyond most manufacturers’ warranties. Yet the quest for a "better, longer-lasting, newer" topcoat or film continues. While the concept is great, so far the end results on this pursuit have not been very successful.

Duradek has considered this innovation, but initial production with available technology was never able to provide the desired results; therefore Duradek chose not to offer a product they could not be completely confident in. Others manufacturers may have gotten carried away with pushing a great idea forward before the manufacturing technology was able to support their exciting new product innovation with the performance results they desired. When these great ‘new and improved’ products are released into the market before being properly tested for long term results, it is the homeowner who pays the price of research and development. (see our post from May 8th "When Choosing a Building Product, 'New' Does Not Always Mean Better")

Deck Surfaces - Keeping Up Appearances

Not all products require the same kind of research and development. Deck building products are continually exposed to things like UV rays and moisture – two things that all new decking products are expected to withstand and should be tested to.

1999 – New Product Innovation: Clear Coat on PVC Membrane

This PVC membrane manufacturer may have not considered long-term testing, but Duradek did. They decided to put this ‘new’ vinyl to the test along with Duradek’s vinyl and the results are pretty evident in the images below. These images show the result of the ASTM G90 Accelerated Weather Test Method which is a widely used accelerated weathering test method.

This company was forced to remove vinyl from their product offerings and to the best of our knowledge, no warranty claims were honored.

2013 – New Product Innovation: Clear Coat on PVC Membrane

Once again a PVC membrane manufacturer who was excited to offer their customers a durable product by incorporating a clear top coat may have been too eager to get this ‘new’ innovation into the marketplace. Duradek took a single random sample of this competitor’s vinyl and put it to the test against Duradek’s vinyl membrane. Accelerated weathering tests were performed by a third-party testing agency, Atlas Material Testing in Phoenix, Arizona. The testing was performed to the ASTM G90 (Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Non-Metallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight).

Tested side-by-side in the same conditions over a 9 month period, the results show a dramatic difference in how the two products stood up to the extended UV exposure.

While Duradek agrees that the concept of a clear top coat over PVC vinyl to extend the esthetic longevity is a great idea in theory, until the technology to produce this feature can be PROVEN to have lasting, long-term performance results, Duradek will not risk introducing an inferior product into the market and will continue to provide the same reliable product that has been successfully installed on over 100 million square feet of decks throughout North America.

When Choosing a Decking Product, ‘New’ Does Not Mean Better

Would you risk investing in a building product that may or may not perform successfully? In our fast-paced North American culture, we are often seduced by the magic words ‘new and improved’ and will line up in droves for the latest consumer gadgets. But when it comes to building products, we have to be careful not to let this attraction to ‘new’ and exciting seduce us away from trusted materials that have proven to be reliable. (Read our post "7 Critical Questions to Ask When Investigating New Decking Material Products")

New products continue to fail at a disturbing rate and one source estimates that more than 90 percent of all new products fail within two years; and another study suggested that the failure rate for new industrial products may be as high as 30%.

New Product Failure Rates infographic

Decking Product
Innovation vs. Performance

There have been plenty of advances in manufacturing technology and even more impressive and innovative ideas, but until the resulting new products have been around for a while, how is a home builder or home owner to know if the product will really live up to its performance claims?

Here are a couple of examples of decking products that have been introduced to the market place a little prematurely, essentially turning their initial customers into a low-cost alternative to long-term product testing.

Composite Decking – But it was so Good in the Beginning

Still the ‘new’ kid on the decking block, composite decking hit the marketplace with enthusiasm and charm. The appeal of a low maintenance decking product that looks good and is manufactured in part with recycled materials is enough to instill warm and fuzzy feelings to a product selection decision.

But one look at the YouTube video from this composite deck home owner shows that the initial thrill of his new deck was replaced with frustration and disappointment, an all-too-familiar story with many composite deck home owners’ experiences.

PVC Decking – Not All Vinyl is Created Equal

PVC membranes have been a reliable deck waterproofing solution for decades. Duradek, the industry’s leader in PVC waterproofing pioneered the use of this single-ply, walkable waterproof membrane nearly 40 years ago and it is the most tested vinyl membrane on the market today.
While other vinyl manufacturers who have entered the supply chain are eager to differentiate themselves with ‘new’ and improved features, these innovations have yet to be proven to be successful over time.

The image below shows the results of a side-by-side accelerated weathering test conducted by Atlas Material Testing in Phoenix, Arizona over a 9 month period. The test procedure emulates a time span of UV exposure using natural concentrated sunlight. The sample on the left is from a vinyl manufacturer who has been emphasizing their tough, scuff-resistant top coat; the sample on the right is Duradek Ultra.

PVC Vinyl Accelerated Weather Testing Results

When choosing a vinyl membrane, these results are critically important because if you were to experience the eventual darkening of the vinyl surface on your deck, there is little recourse for you to take to be compensated for replacement. Often, the warranty for appearance on a pedestrian surface is much less than that of the waterproofing warranty, and home owners could be potentially stuck with a very unattractive, although still waterproofed deck.

Side Note – this particular company does not even offer an Appearance Warranty on their product at all.

Don’t take chances with your deck. Duradek is the Time, Tested and Approved decking membrane that you can rely on.

Contact a Duradek Dealer in your area for a free quote and do some comparisons for yourself!

Duradek Confirms Superior Performance with Competitive Weather Testing

Duradek, the most tested vinyl membrane on the market, extended its dedication to performance testing by contracting the services of a 3rd-party testing agency to conduct accelerated weather tests with Duradek vinyl and the vinyl of an alternate supplier that has been emphasizing their tough, scuff resistant clear topcoat/film. The results speak for themselves...  

The pictures above show the results of equally controlled accelerated weather testing, with one randomly chosen sample of each product. This test was conducted side-by-side over a 9 month period by third-party material testing provider, Atlas Material Testing in Phoenix, Arizona.

(ASTM G90 - Standard Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Non-Metallic Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight)

For more information on this comparison testing, see details on this Accelerated Weathering Comparison PDF.

In the lab and on over a 100 million square feet of decks from coast-to-coast...

Duradek Vinyl Membranes Stand the Test of Time.

Providing reliable waterproofing for nearly 40 years, Duradek has proven time and time again that its performance surpasses its warranty terms for long-lasting decking solutions.

Walkable - Waterproof - Roofing Approved

AND - the performance you can count on!

Trained and Authorized Installers - 10-Year Waterproofing Warranty

PLUS... Duradek and Durarail products are virtually maintenance free so you can spend more time enjoying your deck and less time laboring on it this spring!

Duradek - Waterproofing Decks Since 1974.

Decks in Demand for 2013 Residential Landscaping

Terraces, Patios and Decks were identified as the top outdoor living trends for 2013 according to results of the 2013 Residential Landscape Architect Trends survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects. The survey polled landscape architects who specialize in residential design and asked them to rate the expected popularity of various residential outdoor design elements for 2013. In addition to Terraces/ Patios/ Decks topping the expected demand at 97.6%, the results also show demand for low maintenance design and sustainability.

ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA says, “In this uncertain economy, homeowners want to get more enjoyment out of their yards. They want attractive outdoor spaces that are both easy to take care of and sustainable”.

With the desire for outdoor living space on the rise, Duradek is the ideal product choice to fill the need of many of these anticipated outdoor living space design trends with our single-ply, low maintenance walkable roof membrane and the inherit green features with PVC membranes longevity. Duradek provides homeowners with an attractive walking surface that waterproofs their balcony or roof deck in one step, without the need for annual maintenance which presents an economic advantage measured in both time and money over a simple wooden deck or liquid coating system that would require regular upkeep or reapplication.

Check out some of the survey results below and how Duradek is an optimal product choice to meet the needs of these expected demands.

Outdoor Design Elements
(Overall rating for 2013)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Outdoor living spaces
(kitchens, entertainment spaces) – 94.5%

Duradek provides an attractive and easy to clean surface
for your outdoor living space with slip resistance and
UV and mold inhibitors built into the material.

Outdoor recreation amenities
(pools, spas, tennis courts) – 76.3%

Duradek also makes an attractive and easy to
maintain surface for pool and hot tub surrounds.



Sustainable design practices – 74.8%

PVC’s one-step application and longevity compare
favourably  to the multiple application and
reapplication requirements of liquid applied systems,
and unlike pressure treated wood, no harmful chemicals
are eventually leeched into the landfills.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Structures
(Overall rating for 2013)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Terraces/patios/decks – 97.6%

Whether it a ground level patio or a roof deck
over living space, Duradek membranes provide
waterproof protection with a 10-year warranty.

 

Fencing (includes gates) – 89.6%

Durarail powder coated aluminum railing and
fencing systems are the perfect complement
to Duradek to match its durability and low
maintenance performance.
No rust, no sanding, no staining…ever!

 

To view the complete published survey results, visit the American Society of Landscape Architects News.

If you’d like to discuss how Duradek can benefit your home or project, one of our specially trained Duradek installers in your area would be happy to answer your questions.

Vinyl Decking Vs. Composite Decking

Is the Price Worth the Cost?

Vinyl decking has long been a reliable, low maintenance solution for waterproofing decks and outdoor living space but in the last few years there has been quite a buzz about WPC decking, or wood plastic composite decking – the new kid on the block for low maintenance decking options. Information and images are showing up from sources like the article, “Some Issues with Composite Decking” from home inspector, Jason Horn that raise more questions, and possibly some doubt about composite decking.

If you are comparing options for building or renovating a deck, doing a little homework will save you a lot in the long run for getting the most value for your investment.

Duradek and Durarail bring protection and style
to your outdoor living space.

The Price You Pay for Your Deck

While actual costs will vary greatly from project to project, composite decking has shown costs of 2 to 5 times more than decks built from pressure treated wood, and nearly twice as much as a deck protected with PVC Vinyl. While the cost of material contributes to this difference, a lot of the extra cost is attributed to labor. The composite decking boards have less strength than regular wood and have a tendency to sag or bow, so the supporting joists must be placed closer together. Additionally, each board must be pre-drilled prior to installation during the fastening process.



Composite boards bowing and sagging
- image from GardenStructure.com

While waterproofing your deck with a vinyl membrane will contribute to the overall cost of the material for your decking project, the installation is handled by expertly trained installers and the vinyl can be installed and walked on within the same day. Additionally, the primary substrate of the deck is still a solid wood foundation, which protected by Duradek vinyl, can last for decades.

Duradek and Durarail provide long lasting results.

The Performance of Your Deck

Like many other decking materials, composite decking boards need room to expand and contract. There have been many instances of composite boards cracking and splitting along the edges, and even some occurrences of deterioration along the primary surface of the boards. View for yourself some of the unwelcome results with composite decking. Some composite decking manufacturers have attempted to resolve this issue by ‘capping’ the boards with a protective coating,  however some of these composite deck boards are showing swelling at the ends where there is nothing to keep moisture from getting into the wood fibers.

Composite boards showing signs of flaking.

But beyond the deck surface, it is the deterioration of the wood joists underneath the composite that must be considered. The drying qualities of composite decking on the surface can be counterproductive to the actual structure of the deck. While wood decking will absorb some moisture and eventually release it to the air around it, composite decking does not absorb water. Any moisture that gets trapped underneath the composite decking and on top of the wood joists would tend to stay there and keep the joist from drying properly, making the joists more susceptible to rot and decay. For some interesting comments and images, check out “Lots of Noise About Composite Decks” on the Business of Building Decks and Fences blog.

Duradek vinyl membranes virtually eliminate the issue of wood rot. The vinyl completely seals the deck with a water-tight surface and provides roofing grade protection for the structure underneath. The water is not absorbed by the deck, but drains with a natural slope and water routers and diverters that keep the structure protected.

If you are interested in discussing deck waterproofing options with a Duradek professional installer, find a Duradek dealer near you for a personal consultation on your decking project.

For All Appearances, Vinyl Decking is More Reliable Than Composite Decking

For homeowners seeking low maintenance decking solutions, Duradek vinyl has been a proven method of providing complete waterproof protection without the need to perform labor intensive maintenance. While this appeals to many homeowners, the introduction of composite decking products has enticed the homeowner who desires low maintenance decking with the promise of a natural wood-look for their deck.

However with composite decking being such a relatively new building product, does the performance and appearance really provide the long term results that homeowners desire? Articles from trusted sources like ProSales.com, ExtremeHowTo.com and GardenStructure.com provide a lot of valuable information and we’ve attempted to summarize some of it here, and let you decide for yourself how vinyl decking may be a much more reliable product to choose for your renovation or construction dollars.

The Appearance of Your Deck

At the point of installation, many homeowners swell with pride at how beautiful their deck looks with their shiny new composite deck boards. The smile does not last long though, as composite deck boards reportedly do not age well and tend to take on a plastic-like or artificial appearance that opposes the natural wood look the homeowner had been seeking. While most materials will show signs of aging and fading when exposed to the elements, composite deck boards have excessive issues with uneven color fading. The material can reportedly be easily scratched and cannot be resurfaced (there are some claims it is possible to resurface, but the process is surrounded by uncertainty).

Scratches in Composite Deck
Photo from GardenStructure.com

Stain on Composite Deck
Photo from GardenStructure.com

Staining is another common complaint with composite decking, particularly with mould. While a wood deck can also grow mould, mildew and algae, the solution is to clean and resurface. Cleaning the composite decking requires the use of a special cleaning chemical that will kill mould, but will also remove some of the finish, making the surface more porous and therefore even more susceptible to future mould growth.

Mould on Composite Deck
Photo from GardenStructure.com

Duradek vinyl is manufactured with UV screens and stabilizers as well as mould and mildew inhibitors allowing its appearance to stand up to the elements better than other options. While direct sun may cause any exterior surface to fade over time, Duradek incorporates UV stabilizers to resist cracking and discoloration of the vinyl. Duradek vinyl is easy to clean and care for, and does not require the use of harsh chemicals.



Duradek vinyl waterproofing is a great
low-maintenance option for your deck.

Duradek also comes in an excellent selection of colors and patterns to choose from. While the vinyl patterns do not emulate the appearance of natural wood, there are many options that blend well with earthy or natural tones around your home. Unlike the composite products that will eventually tend to look like a plastic product rather than the wood it was intended to emulate, vinyl surfaces when taken care of properly with seasonal cleaning will maintain an attractive finish for many years.

For the best in authentic wood appearance in low maintenance decking solutions, Durarail, the powder-coated aluminum railing systems is now available with a rich looking wood grain finish. The powder coated aluminum railings stand up incredibly well to the elements and the wood grain finish provided by Mayne Coatings maintains an authentic wood look over time.

Durarail Authentic Wood Finish Aluminum Railing
provided by Mayne Coatings

To learn more about Durarail powder-coated aluminum railings and Duradek vinyl membranes, a specially trained Duradek installer near you will be happy to answer your questions. When it comes to waterproofing decks, Duradek’s got you covered!

Waterproof Deck Details

Waterproofing details for your deck or flat roof, no matter how small they may seem, make the critical difference between a successful waterproofing job and an expensive lesson. There is nothing quite as disheartening as discovering that the money and time invested in your deck renovations was ineffective and resulted in the need to replace water damaged sections of your home. When your deck is not built or waterproofed correctly, all of the surrounding area of your home is at risk of water infiltration.

The professional installers of Duradek vinyl waterproof membranes have been in the decking business for decades. For nearly 40 years, Duradek has been waterproofing decks in all North American climates and one thing is consistent no matter what the region or type of decking material used…if you cut corners on waterproofing details, it will cost you more in the long run.

Details Matter…Especially in Waterproofing Decks and Flat Roofs

Duradek is the leader in waterproof decking and has the most tested and approved PVC vinyl on the market for use on walkable rooftop applications. Although Duradek is confident that our vinyl is the most superior product of its type available, it is the installation details that really count for how well the product performs. That is why Duradek is installed only by trained and authorized contractors that are well-versed in the intricate details of waterproofing. Many do-it-yourselfers, and many professional builders for that matter, do not have the specific knowledge and experience required to ensure all of the waterproofing considerations have been carefully addressed.


Duradek of Utah / Dek Max transformed this damaged deck.

Take a look at this video clip presented by Matt at Duradek of Utah / Dek Max. Matt reviews just a few of the waterproofing details to consider with installing a waterproof vinyl membrane and highlights a couple of the details that make the Duradek difference.

Waterproofing Details You Need To Know

When you are building or renovating your deck, be sure to rely on a waterproofing professional to ensure your waterproofing will stand the test of time. Using an authorized Duradek installer is the only way to ensure you get the Duradek warranty and be secure in the knowledge that your deck has guaranteed waterproofing performance for at least 10 years.

Sure there are ways to save money on any home improvement project, but if you want the performance of your deck waterproofing project to last, make sure you do it right the first time. Some homeowners discover this through trial and error. Take a look at this example where a homeowner went through various attempts with other contractors before calling in the Duradek experts.

How to Remove Stains from a Vinyl Deck

How to Get Stains Out of a Well-Used Vinyl Deck

If your deck is protected with Duradek, you are probably already aware of how easy Duradek vinyl is to clean. On our post from September 19th - How to Clean and Care For Your Duradek Vinyl Deck, we discussed the care and cleaning of your Duradek vinyl deck and how inspecting your deck is a step that you should take to ensure all of your waterproofing details are intact. If during your seasonal cleaning or annual inspection you came across any stains on your vinyl from a full summer of use, we’ve got some tips for you on how to remove them.

Vinyl Deck Stains from a Busy Summer of Fun

Your deck doesn't need
to keep the condiment drips!

If you are a lucky homeowner who was able to enjoy a summer season full of barbecues and sunbathing, you might come across the occasional ‘oops’ of a spilled condiment that was not addressed right away. Don’t be disheartened if wiping it off leaves you with a stain…there are a few tricks we can suggest to help you remove these blemishes from your deck surface.

Vinyl Deck Ketchup Stains  – For a ketchup stain, first try using some diluted Duradek vinyl cleaner and scrub the stain with a soft brush and water; then rinse well and dry. If that does not get the stain out, try using FANTASTIK spray cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. Let it sit on the stain for just a few minutes, give it a scrub with a soft brush and then thoroughly rinse and dry.

Vinyl Deck Mustard Stains – For a mustard stain, follow the same steps as above for ketchup stains. If the stain is very stubborn, and is still there after that, try using one (1) tablespoon ammonia to one (1) quart of water, scrub with a soft brush, then thoroughly rinse and dry.

Vinyl Deck Suntan Lotion Stains – For this type of stain, follow the same first two steps with Duradek vinyl cleaner and/or Fantastic Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. If those methods do not work for you, contact the product manufacturer for their recommendations. Surprisingly, suntan lotion is a product that may contains dyes that can sometimes permanently stain.

If your barbecue left stains,
there are some solutions to try.

Vinyl Deck Grease Stains – If your barbecue was on overdrive this summer and the grease made its way to settle on your deck, the first step is to wipe or gently scrape off any excess grease that has settled on the surface. Next, use FANTASTIK spray cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. Let it sit on the stain for just a few minutes, give it a scrub with a soft brush and then thoroughly rinse and dry. If staining remains and you know the type of grease it is, follow instructions recommended by the product manufacturer.

 

Vinyl Deck Rust Stains – If your barbecue or other items sitting on your deck have left rust stains on your deck, apply a little Navel Jelly and watch the rust dissolve. Navel Jelly is basically a gel solution that has been infused with phosphoric acid. When placed on a rust stain, the phosphoric acid interacts with the iron oxide in rust. The interaction transforms it into iron phosphate, a substance that can be easily removed. Once the rust has been loosened, simply wipe and rinse thoroughly. The use of gloves is recommended when using any chemical treatment. After rinsing, we recommend you clean the surface with diluted Duradek Cleaner using a soft brush, and again provide a thorough rinse.

 

Vinyl Deck Stains from a Busy Summer of Projects

Maybe you spent your summer working on some maintenance or creative projects around the house, and what better place to do so than on your beautiful deck.  Few people can pull of a home project without some type of spill, but don’t worry. We’ve got some suggestions for you if you had some project mishaps this summer that left a stain on your deck.

Painting mishaps on your deck may be able to be resolved!

Vinyl Decks Stained with Latex Paint – If you find any latex paint has stained your Duradek, it is not necessarily there permanently. The methods of scrubbing with diluted Duradek vinyl cleaner and/or Fantastic Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent may work for you. If not, this is an instance to contact the product manufacturer for their recommendations.

Vinyl Decks Stained with Oil Based Paint – If any oil based paint has gotten on the surface of your Duradek vinyl, first you should try to remove as much as you can by wiping it off (or lightly scraping it off if already dry). Then you can follow the same directions as for the removal of latex paint stains.

Vinyl Decks Stained with Permanent Marker – the key word here is permanent, and many ink stains from permanent markers may permanently stain or discolor the vinyl surface. In this instance, Duradek vinyl cleaner will not remove the stain; however you may have some success with Fantastic Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. If that is not successful, contact the manufacturer of the marker for their suggestions.

Be Prepared to Protect Your Vinyl Deck from Stains

Your vinyl deck surface is quite durable but care must still be paid when attempting to remove stains. Sharp or scraping type of objects should be avoided as this method of removing stains will damage the finish of your vinyl surface and if you are not careful, you may puncture the membrane and compromise the reliability of its waterproofing function. When at all possible, deal with spills right away. If a stain has made its way onto your deck, refer to Duradek’s Cleaning Recommendations. You can find it on the back of your Duradek Warranty card, or you can access cleaning recommendations on the Duradek website.

A lot of Duradek homeowners report being happy with their deck for upwards of 20 years. If you would like to find out about installing Duradek at your home, or it’s time to replace your Duradek vinyl deck with one of our new colors or patterns, contact your local Duradek dealer.

How Sweet It Is to Find a Product Like Duradek

Duradek vinyl membranes are a fantastic waterproofing solution for decks, balconies and other outdoor living space; and professionals in the architectural, engineering and construction industries know the value of finding just the right product to specify for their projects.  That’s why so many A/E/C professionals turn to Sweets®, the online resource with the most reliable and comprehensive information from trusted manufacturers.

Sweets® is the largest online product information resource with more than 17,000 CAD Drawings, over 3,000 product catalogue listing and more than 7,000 specifications.  While search parameters are flexible, Sweets® offers convenient search by Master Format and allows users to search, select and specify more effectively and accurately.

Duradek Listings on Sweets®

Duradek is proud to be a part of this professional network and you can find an abundance of information on Duradek, Tiledek, Plazadek and Durarail through the Sweets® website.  Product information available includes a company overview and product listings, CAD and BIM models, product catalogues, product galleries, specification notes, continuing education opportunities (CEU), and Green information.

Duradek Updates on Sweets®

Duradek is continually reviewing its methods of best practice of application of their superior PVC membranes, taking into consideration any changes in building code requirements or changes in products used in conjunction with Duradek.  As such, Duradek has recently updated a few of their CAD drawings and added a few new ones, the majority of which apply to Outside Perimeter Details. These new drawings, along with the full selection of Duradek Detail Drawings, are all available on Sweets®.
Note: revised Duradek CAD drawings include – OS-09, OS-13, OS-14, OS-15, IS-05, and C-01.
Duradek Details on Sweets®

While browsing the Sweets® product listings requires nothing other than your computer, to view the detailed information you must be a registered user. The wonderful part of that is there is no fee and registration is a quick process that can be completed in just a minute or two. After that, you have full access to the Sweets® site.

In addition to the product listings, you also have access to the online education opportunities for CEUs and easy access to affiliate web sites such as ArchitecturalRecord.com, ENR.com, and GreenSource.construction.com.  Not to mention, you have access to 17 industry newsletters. That is a whole lot of information available at your fingertips from one location!

Sweets® Place in the Industry

Sweets® is brought to you by McGraw Hill Construction where people, projects and products are connected in the design and construction industry serving owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, building products manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, distributors and adjacent markets. It has earned its place as a reliable and trusted resource for more than a century and provides information for over 1 million customers. Through print and online information and events, McGraw Hill provides the information and intelligence to allow users to be more productive, successful and competitive.