Vancouver Home & Design Show 2015 Starts Tomorrow

The much-anticipated annual Vancouver Home & Design Show begins tomorrow at a new home this year, leaving its former location of BC Place Stadium for the new location at the Vancouver Convention Center West from October 22 - 25, 2015.

Just in time for nesting season, the Vancouver Home & Design Show is packed full of ideas, inspiration and resources to make your home the perfect combination of comfort, style and functionality for whatever your lifestyle desires.

Transform your deck or patio with one of
Duradek's hot new colours like
Legacy Driftwood.

Many of us desire a really great deck or other outdoor living space that does not require a lot of work or expense to maintain, so that is why you should stop by the Duradek booth #122.

Duradek and its superior method of deck waterproofing by trained installers may be the most important exhibitor you visit if you've got a decking project in your future. Now is the perfect time to begin your research on your deck renovation. Duradek professional installers with their detailed waterproofing experience are in high demand, and many people who look for their expertise in the busy spring and summer months are disappointed with longer than anticipated wait times. Act now so that you can have your beautiful new deck built and ready for your enjoyment next spring...or even get that second level deck covered in Duradek this fall so through the rainy winter months you've got a dry, protected area below.

But there's a lot more to see at the Vancouver Home & Design Show than just finding your perfect decking solution...

Highlights at the 2014 Vancouver Home & Design Show

In addition to visiting Duradek at the Home and Design Show, here are some of the highlights you might want to include in your visit:

• Opening Night Soiree where you can win prizes and mingle with some of the top talent in Vancouver's design scene.
• HGTV Main Stage appearances with celebrity guests like W-Networks Jillian Harris & Todd Talbot.
• Junior Chef Challenge
• The BC Hydro Dream Home
• The Upcycling Challenge
• Ask a Designer
• ...and much more!

Show Hours

• Thursday, Oct. 22nd: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 23rd: noon - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24th: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 25th 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Did you Know...

• You can get a $3 discount if you purchase your ticket online.
• The Vancouver Home & Design Show offers 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' or your admission is free! (conditions apply)

Visit Duradek at Booth #122

You may not be focused on your decks and balconies as rainy season descends on the Greater Vancouver region, but now is the time you will start to discover if you've got any water leak issues.

Don't let avoiding your deck waterproofing turn into larger, more expensive renovations down the road. If you’ve got any questions about deck waterproofing, this could be the most important stop you make at the Vancouver Home & Design Show.

Duradek has been waterproofing decks, balconies and roof top decks for over 40 years and is proud to bring you the waterproofing expertise needed for your outdoor living space. Take a moment to discuss Duradek’s excellent warranty with one of our specially trained and authorized installers.

We hope to see you there!

Multicultural Waterproof Deck Education from Duradek

Many home owners have deck upkeep on their home maintenance list somewhere, but most do not fully understand the importance of deck waterproofing and how it affects the integrity of the building envelope, and therefore the entire structure of the home.

Duradek participates in many local home shows and takes pride in educating home owners in why their choice of deck waterproofing is so important, particularly when situated over living space. However, this detail specific home maintenance feature can become even more confusing when a language barrier is added to the equation.

Duradek's corporate headquarters are located in Greater Vancouver, BC which is a metropolis rich in cultural diversity. In particular, there is a very large Asian community in south-western BC and Duradek has extended its support in educating home owners in the Chinese community to understand the importance of deck waterproofing.

Home and Happiness on NTD TV 

New Tang Dynasty Television is an independent, non-profit Chinese language TV network head-quartered in New York with correspondents in over 70 cities globally. NDT is the world's largest independent Chinese TV network with a wide variety of content, which includes a new weekly show, Home and Happiness.

Home and Happiness intends to share the knowledge and experience on buying, selling, maintaining and renting a house with the Chinese community. Duradek is featured to bring expert waterproofing advise to home owners with decks or roof deck to ensure they have the waterproof protection they need.

Seeing the advantages Duradek brings by reducing your deck maintenance and providing security with waterproofing peace-of-mind, you may want to talk to your own local Duradek expert. Feel free to contact a Duradek installer near you for a no-obligation, free estimate on your decking project.

Home Improvement Expert Shell Busey Forged the Trail

Before Mike Holmes was showing us how to 'Make it Right', before we were learning how to make 'Income Property' from Scott MacGillivray, and even before Bryan Baeumler had us 'Leaving it' to him; - there was Shell Busey and his House Smart Network.

Just as Duradek pioneered the use of PVC membranes for waterproof deck surfacing, Shell Busey forged the trail for the industry of home improvement experts that have become a new breed of the North American celebrity. And what is it that makes these celebrity builders and home improvement experts attract our attention and earn our trust? It is their knowledge and experience with a topic common to the most of us...our homes.

The home improvement experts take our basic need for shelter and show us how to maximize space, value and personal enjoyment from our homes which is one of the most important investments we make for both practical value and quality of life.

Shell Busey has been in the home improvement industry for more than 50 years and while his notoriety is mostly renowned in his home base of south western B.C., he has national recognition throughout Canada and is known in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. as a reliable source of home improvement information. Everything from fundamental building products to the care and maintenance of specific features of your home, Shell Busey's website, www.askshell.com is a fantastic resource for your home improvement questions.

Shell has a long-standing relationship with Duradek and has been sharing the advantages of the Duradek waterproofing systems with homeowners for many years. Starting with our original Duradek waterproof, walkable membrane to our uniquely reliable Tiledek membrane for exterior tile projects, Shell knows a good product!

When your whole business is about referring people to the right resources for their home improvement projects, you must be very confident in the products you recommend and Shell has been recommending Duradek for decades!

Check out this House Smart video clip from our archives.

 

Remember, if you need decking advice, call on a Duradek dealer in your area...and if you need other home improvement advice, you can ask Shell Busey at www.askshell.com.    

Successful Additions with Specialty Decking Contractors

When home owners wish for an addition to their home the difference between a dream-come-true and a nightmare lies in the hands of the general contractor and the speciality tradesmen that are called upon.
In the case of this sun-room addition in Bethesda, MD that was featured in Professional Remodeler this couldn't be truer!

From Professional Remodeler Online

The home owner had a desire to connect his indoor and outdoor living space harmoniously with the existing features of the home and the property’s. He also wanted to add some significant features like a screened-in porch that would provide a large, enclosed space and allow an abundance of natural sunlight.

The contractor on the project (Smiley Renovations) suggested a sun-room with a 9 ft. bi-fold door, built-in screen system and numerous windows. While the screened in porch was still proposed as the client wished, the client eventually agreed that a sun-room would provide the space, natural sunlight and flow from indoor living to outdoor living that he desired. The addition of the sun-room would also allow for a roof top deck that could be accessed from the home’s master suite which was a renovated attic.

Early in the design phase the client expressed concern regarding the outdoor living area above the sun-room. He wanted it to emulate a patio and reflect the exterior finishes used in his landscaping as opposed to looking like a flat metal roof with chairs on top.

The contractor considered several options for a roof top patio, but found standard roofing products lacked the integrity to withstand foot traffic. He also reasoned that building a separate deck over top of the roof would be a waste of money because it would have to be removed whenever replacement or repairs were required. After careful consideration, the contractor chose to use a Duradek vinyl membrane that is a roofing membrane designed for foot traffic.

Smiley Renovations very wisely called on Duradek dealer John Lynch from Lynch Contracting who has been installing Duradek since 1994. John was the perfect speciality tradesman to call for two very important reasons.

1 – Because he works with Duradek, a vinyl membrane product that has successfully performed over a 40-year history, and
2 – Like all Duradek installers, John is skilled in the intricate details of PVC waterproofing and the importance of doing it right the first time for guaranteed waterproof protection…especially when it is on a deck over living space.

John Lynch of Lynch Contracting
A Duradek specialist in Maryland.

While Duradek is available in over 20 stylish colors and patterns, the look would not meet the client’s expectation for the roof deck to have the same look as the rest of his outdoor space, so stone pavers were installed on adjustable pedestals providing the finished look he wanted with the waterproofing integrity that he needed. With water routing to the gutter systems and layered PVC trim, the team could be confident in watertight integrity for the home with this beautiful sun-room / roof deck addition.

While in this project, the contractor chose to use the Duradek membrane designed for pedestrian traffic, Duradek has developed two additional membrane products for waterproofing under protected systems:

1 – Tiledek, a roofing membrane designed specifically for use under exterior tile. Its cloth textured surface provides an excellent bond for thinset mortar.
2 – Plazadek, a roofing membrane designed specifically for use under pavers or other floating systems. It has the same dependable waterproof protection as the traditional Duradek membrane, but without the designer colors and textured surface for slip resistance. It is the perfect product for this type of project.

To see details of this project, the addition of the roof deck and a myriad of other renovation challenges and impressive results, view the project spotlight on Professional Remodeler.

If you've got a similar project and would like to discuss your waterproofing options, contact a Duradek installer in your area for professional waterproofing advice.

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.

Remodeling Cost vs. Value in Decking: Composite, Vinyl or Wood

Remodeling Magazine has recently published its Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2013 and it indicates that outdoor living space is among the most cost-effective improvements a homeowner can make.

The National Data for this report comes from 81 U.S. cities and compares the average cost for 35 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale. This year’s report is a positive sign for the remodeling industry as the 2013 National average cost-value ratio rose to 60.6%, ending a 6-year decline.

The South Atlantic region ranked as the 3rd highest for cost recouped on home improvement projects, mostly attributed to low construction costs, along with the West South Central region who ranked 2nd. Ranking 1st was the Pacific region where despite having the highest construction costs, high resale values kept the cost-value ratio as the best in the country.

Outdoor living space was highlighted in the top value projects with decking ranked 3rd.  Stemming from this report, the Florida-Times-Union’s  Jacksonville.com website featured an article ‘Expanded outdoor spaces make area homes more marketable’ comparing wood decks made with pressure treated wood and decks made from composite decking in that region.  However, a third alternative, decking with Duradek vinyl membranes makes a cost-effective option for the most efficient use of your deck remodelling dollars.

General Estimate Comparison for a 16 x 20 Foot Deck

* Estimates based on Jacksonville, FL market. Wood and Composite estimate from Pratt Custom Services; Vinyl deck estimate from Rowe Roofing.

16 x 20 ft. Wood Deck (with pressure treated wood): $7,900

While a wood deck has the lowest initial construction investment, wood decks require regular maintenance to maintain structural integrity. Pressure treated or not, all wood rots if not properly waterproofed. If not regularly maintained, these decks can often become water damaged and need to be replaced which means all that pressure treated wood ends up in the landfills leeching harmful chemicals into the environment. (See Case History #134 for an example).

Wood Rot on Pressure Treated Wood Deck

16 x 20 ft. Composite Deck: $13,900

A higher initial investment, composite decks do not require regular maintenance for waterproofing. However composite decking is still a relatively young product and can yield unpredictable results. For a more detailed look some of the concerns about composite decking, refer to Composite Decking Vs. Vinyl Decking articles on:

• Price,
• Appearance, and
• Performance.

Composite Deck Boards Showing Signs of Flaking.

16 x 20 ft. Duradek Vinyl Deck (with non-treated wood): $11,700

Duradek vinyl decking is a low maintenance decking product requiring only seasonal cleaning to stay looking great. Duradek is also an economical and environmentally responsible choice. Duradek is applied to non-treated wood and has a very long life expectancy if properly cared for. While the waterproofing warranty is for 10-years, Duradek’s longevity often exceeds double that, being replaced more for updating the look of your outdoor living space than for waterproofing integrity.

Duradek Vinyl provides roof grade waterproof protection
for use over living space or simply dry storage below.

Check for Yourself

When investigating costs for any home renovation project, it is always a good idea to get a few different estimates. In addition to a quality product, you also need a qualified contractor for the job.

Duradek vinyl membranes are only available through a network of trained and authorized dealers who are skilled in the specialty of deck waterproofing. If you’d like to consider Duradek for your outdoor living space, you can contact Rowe Roofing in the Jacksonville area, or find a dealer in your area for a free estimate.

Duradek vinyl membranes have been protecting decks for nearly 40 years. Its performance is proven with over 125 million square feet of decking in all North American climates.

Additional Resource

For another perspective on the value of outdoor living space, see Creating Value in Real Estate and Quality of Life.

Nothing Lasts Forever, But Duradek Outlasts the Rest

Recently, Duradek released the results of some Accelerated Weather Testing putting Duradek and another vinyl brand to the test (ASTM G90). The testing continues and shows that over time, the vinyl brand that features a coating layer that is intended to protect the vinyl from scuffs and marks actually works against the overall appearance by excessive darkening from UV exposure.

These pictures show the progression of equally controlled accelerated weather testing, conducted during the course of the last year by third-party material testing provider, Atlas Material Testing in Phoenix, Arizona. The images on the left are Duradek, the original vinyl membrane and the samples on the right are another vinyl brand.



Accelerated Weather Testing Comparison.

ASTM G90 is a widely used outdoor accelerated weathering test method. It concentrates natural sunlight via 10 highly reflective, specially coated mirrors onto the specimen target area with an intensity of approximately eight suns. The device tracks the sun and exposes specimens to the full spectrum of sunlight, making it one of the most realistic accelerated tests available.

While the Duradek samples on the left show a small amount of fading that you would expect from constant UV exposure of the course of several years*, the vinyl on the right that features a clear-coat surface shows some very disturbing and excessive darkening. While this likely would not affect the membrane’s waterproofing performance, it is most certainly not the look most homeowners would choose for their outdoor living space.

* exact real-time equivalent of accelerated weathering measured in MJ UV will vary from region to region.

Looks Aren’t Everything, But…

The peace of mind gained from a waterproof deck surface should not be lost to disappointing
appearance results. When you invest in a product that is meant to last, we want you to enjoy it
throughout its lifetime.

While any item vulnerable to constant UV exposure and other environmental elements will experience weathering effects over time, you have every right to be satisfied that your decking product will not undergo dramatic appearance changes. When a product (or a new product feature) has only been in use for a fraction of its promised warranty, how can you really be sure that the product will perform as intended?

For your peace of mind and best investment for your home renovation dollar, choose building products that have a solid history. Duradek has been produced by the same manufacturer since 1974, which means Duradek has performed successfully for 4 complete warranty cycles. There is no guess-work involved. The performance has been proven on over 125 million square feet of deck surfaces in all North American climates.

With a proven history, an industry leading warranty that covers 10-years of waterproof protection AND a 5-year appearance warranty to protect you from excessive discoloration, Duradek is the clear choice for a beautifully finished waterproof deck surface.

Download Accelerated Weathering Progression (.pdf)

What is the Cost of Duradek Vinyl Decking?

One of the first questions asked about Duradek vinyl decking is “What does Duradek cost?” Like many home renovation projects, the cost of installing Duradek is dependent on several factors.

The overall cost depends on:

Your location: While Duradek is housed in multiple warehouse locations in Canada and the United States, the distance and thus the shipping costs for each Duradek Dealer will be slightly different and will affect the material cost.

Your local labour rates: Duradek is installed only by trained contractors and each contractor’s labor costs can vary based on a variety of factors.

Your local insurance rates: This highly fluctuating pricing factor will vary by region as well.

Your project needs: Each project must be looked at individually to provide a relevant estimate. For a new building project where the deck has been built specifically for the application of Duradek and is prepared as recommended, the labor will be much less than if previous deck material needs to be removed or if the substrate needs to be prepared before Duradek can be applied. All project details need to be looked at such as posts, penetrations, perimeter trims, drains and any other job specific details.

For a realistic estimate, your local installer can provide a free quote. Follow this link to find a dealer in your area.

What You Get For the Cost

The real cost should provide a job that is complete, including a solid structure and substrate, and a walkable, waterproof surface.

The benefits in that cost include:

Warranty: When you choose Duradek Ultra, your PVC membrane is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects that could compromise your waterproofing. You can trust that the product will perform its function for at least 10 years. Your installer will also offer an independent workmanship warranty.

Life Expectancy: While Duradek is warrantied for 10 years, its life expectancy exceeds that significantly. You can expect your Duradek to perform 15 to 20 years and beyond. Many homeowners who have decks protected with Duradek choose to replace it at the 15 to 20 year age more to update the look of their home than for any waterproofing performance issues.



Duradek Training Session.

Trained Applicators: With Duradek being available only through trained and authorized applicators, you can be confident that your vinyl installer has been instructed in the specific details involved in PVC application and waterproofing. In addition, if your particular decking project has unique factors or details that do not allow recommended installation methods, Duradek trained installers have access to Duradek’s technical support for specific inquiries and recommendations.




Hidden water damage makes
for costly repairs.

Water Protection: You can be confident your deck is totally waterproofed and protected, and it is important to be aware of how your deck waterproofing affects the whole building envelope of your home. In the case of multi-residential buildings, one improperly waterproofed deck can affect multiple residences. When faced with this situation, the minimal savings from choosing an alternate, less reliable method of waterproofing is certainly not worth the cost of repairs due to water damage.
While the importance of roof grade waterproofing is obvious for roof top decks, all decks and balconies if improperly waterproofed can allow water to seep into your home, subtly and silently weakening the structure with wood rot.

Graphite is the latest color
in the Duradek 'Cork' line.

Style: Deck vinyl comes in all sorts of colors and patterns and Duradek is proud to offer a great
selection. From traditional favorites to hot, new contemporary patterns and colors, Duradek has a vinyl that will complement the exterior design of any home.

Lifestyle: PVCs one-time application allows you to spend your time enjoying your deck, not laboring on it. A truly low-maintenance product, there is no sanding, staining or reapplication required. Just a seasonal cleaning and annual inspection is all that you will need to do to keep your deck in top shape.

A happy Duradek customer
who's waterproofing problems
were solved once and for all.

Peace of mind: Besides the fact that Duradek is a ‘green’ product, knowing that your deck is finished with a beautiful, easy to clean surface that is warrantied for waterproofing performance year after year is the kind of benefit that is hard to put a price on! Just ask the homeowners who have repeatedly tried other options before turning to Duradek to solve their deck waterproofing problems for good.

Check out this happy homeowner’s story and see why it makes sense to do it right the first time – do it with Duradek.

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!

Deck Waterproofing Details Require Skill

Deck building is sometimes overlooked as a specialty trade, so if you are building or remodeling a deck it is well worth your time to research a contractor who specializes in deck construction and waterproofing. In fact, the waterproofing element of decks, particularly flat roof decks, is an even further specialized skill within the deck building community. Many general contractors throughout North America are grateful to have a local Duradek installer that they can call for balcony or roof deck projects.

Duradek insists all installers complete a 2-day training.

Vinyl Decking Waterproofing Details

Duradek vinyl membranes have been used to successfully waterproof decks and balconies for nearly 40 years, so you can be quite confident in its strength and durability. However, even the best building products can not perform as intended if not installed correctly. That is why Duradek vinyl membranes are only available to contractors who have successfully completed Duradek's two-day hands-on training.

Water diverters, perimeter details, corner details and vulnerable areas like doorways are given special attention in a Duradek training. With proven installation techniques and ongoing research, Duradek is the true leader in walkable membrane waterproofing. Not only will your deck be protected from water infiltration and freeze/thaw cycles, but you will also have an attractive surface that truly defines your outdoor living space.

Specialized Deck Waterproofing with Duradek of Utah

Like all Duradek distributors, Duradek of Utah knows the decking business very well and are experts in the field. When local builders want to offer Duradek vinyl directly to their customers, they are required to successfully complete the two-day training before they are able to purchase the material.

Each aspect of installing the vinyl membrane is covered, and students are required to get some hands on experience in the classroom setting before taking their installation skills to their real-world projects. This far surpasses the the one-page installation instructions provided to some do-it-yourselfers! Check out some of the training details from Duradek of Utah's training sessions....

Duradek Vinyl Membrane Installation Guide

The Importance of Using a Pro

Waterproofing a deck with a vinyl membrane is a long lasting and low maintenance option when compared to many deck waterproofing alternatives; however it is the installation that truly tests the performance of any vinyl product.

After nearly 40 years of waterproofing decks and balconies all over North America, the folks at Duradek know waterproofing. Duradek professionals know that no matter how strong and reliable the vinyl product may be, it is the method of installation that makes the difference of a deck being successfully waterproofed for well over a decade or having annual leaking issues to resolve. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a professional builder, we know that you want the most performance value for your money and your time. When it is a permanent investment in protecting your home from invasive water damage, it is not wise to take chances with trial and error methods. Deck waterproofing can have many tricky details that even qualified builders are not familiar with, and this is why Duradek is only installed by specially trained dealers that have been educated on the intricacies of deck waterproofing.

Vinyl Membrane Installation Details

Duradek Professinals know the
intricate details of waterproofing
- from begining to end.

For example, if you are gluing a vinyl membrane to the deck surface, are you confident the surface will accept the adhesive without any adverse reactions to compromise its performance? Are you able to confidently heat-weld a membrane or would you take a chance with using only glue? Have you considered and installed water diverters below the membrane to deflect water away from critical details? What do you do to best protect your home from water damage where deck meets wall?
These are just a few of the many questions and details a Duradek installer considers when working on any waterproofing project. So for the most success in installing waterproof vinyl on your deck, follow the installation recommendations by Duradek…simply call your Duradek dealer.

The Duradek Installation Guide

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 3- Installation

In part one of this four-part series of detailed questions about Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes we first familiarized you with Tiledek and the necessity of having a reliable waterproof system under your outdoor tile decks and the typical methods of installing outdoor tile.

In part two, we discussed the alternative methods of waterproofing under exterior tile, and why Tiledek is the superior choice.

In this third part of this series we will expand on why Tiledek is the stand-out option for doing it right the first time and guaranteeing that your deck waterproofing performs as intended.

How is Tiledek installed?

Tiledek is installed using almost identical techniques to the installation of Duradek. We use the same adhesives, heat welded seams, and waterproofing details. There are a few finish details that differ due to the tile that will be installed after we are done. Here are the areas that require different techniques:

Tile Deck with Custom Flashing Details

Outside perimeters: As with regular Duradek, there are many ways to finish the outside perimeter of a tile deck. As water proofers, we need to establish what “look” the owner wants to be able to advise them properly. You should consult with both the builder and the tile setter to discuss the perimeter finish details. Depending upon their desired finish, we can alter our detailing. This is an area where we can offer our customers excellent service and help them make good waterproofing decisions while taking all the future steps they will go through into consideration. Our attention to these details contributes to the overall success of the job.

Drains: Should drains be necessary, we cannot use our regular WDD1 system. We recommend a special cast drain with a square top to make it easier and more attractive for the tile applicator to finish to.

Rail attachments: We strongly recommend attaching rails to the fascia instead of the surface of the deck. DO NOT INSTALL RAILS OVER TOP OF TILE AS IT WILL CAUSE THE OVERLAY TO CRACK. We have special details for surface mounted rails if there is no other alternative.

Proper installation required running the membrane
up the wall and "cut-in" to the brick.

Inside perimeter: If the owner wants the tile to return up the wall as part of their finished look, appropriate flashings are needed. If not, then consideration must be given to the visibility of the part of the membrane that returns up the wall and hiding the gap that must be left on the inside of the tile application.

Surface preparation: Apart from a thorough inspection for a properly fastened substrate, there is little prep work necessary. A light sanding of the joints of the cement board or a scraping of the entire surface to take care of any bumps will suffice. No filling is required.

Who installs Tiledek?

Tiledek can only be installed by a qualified Duradek applicator who has gone through our training program and who works for an authorized Duradek applicating contractor. That is how we can give our customers superior protection in making sure it is done right.

Do we recommend tile installations in cold climates?

We do not profess to be tile experts. Manufacturers of the tile and the installation accessories must answer this question. We are waterproofing professionals. We can protect the structure from water damage no matter how hot or cold or wet the climate is. And we can provide a membrane to which thinset mortars will tenaciously adhere. We cannot (and do not) guarantee tiles will not erupt as a result of freezing temperatures but we can (and do) guarantee the water that gets under the tile will not get into the building.

There are currently countless decks and balconies in cold climates being overlaid with tile. People like the look and are going to continue to use it regardless of if it is a good idea. Our part is to make sure they don’t suffer water damage.

Is Tiledek an Anti Fracture Membrane?

Example of Tiledek Assembly Build Up

Tiledek will add a very small amount of fracture resistance to the system but should not be purchased as an anti-fracture membrane. Because it is glued to the subsurface, movement beneath the Tiledek membrane may transfer through into the tile.

Will an anti-fracture membrane eliminate the need for a control joint?

It is a frequent misconception that anti-fracture membranes allow you to eliminate expansion joints - they do not. There always must be soft joints in the tile work to allow for expansion and contraction. Guidelines for expansion joint placement are given in the Tile Council of North America Handbook. The exact placement of expansion joints is a function of many items including exposure to sunlight and the range of high to low temperature, moisture, aging of the concrete (where relevant), structural movement, expected loading, and other design criteria. It is a common recommendation that there be expansion joints every 8 - 10 feet in any direction. The manufacturer's recommendations should also be consulted and followed.

On ¾ inch plywood covered with Tiledek plus a layer of Schluter’s Ditra Mat, we achieved a residential rating.

Summary

Now that you know some of the installation details to consider, check back next week for the final article in our 4-part series, “What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 4 – Stacking the Deck”.

Duradek Displays Beautiful Decks on the NADRA Gallery

Duradek, the leader in waterproof vinyl decking, became a proud member of NADRA, the North America Deck and Railing Association this spring. (For detailed information, read the Duradek Way Blog from April 30th, 2012 "Duradek Proud Member of NADRA"

NADRA is the voice of the Deck and Railing industry and while it offers many resources for industry members, NADRA has a strong consumer focus and has a great selection of decking information for homeowners. Information on building materials, locating deck builders, and information on deck safety are all available at the click of your mouse. There is also access to a variety of decking news such as new products or styles like the announcement of the new Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Alder that was released this summer.

A Duradek Picture is
Worth a Thousand Words

One of the best features of NADRA's website is their excellent photo gallery which presents decking images in a variety of categories. Duradek has representation in several of the deck and railing sections since Duradek vinyl can be used for so many outdoor living applications and Durarail powder coated aluminum railing systems have the design flexibility to match your particular style preferences. If you are looking for deck and railing ideas, you can view Duradek and Durarail images via NADRA's online photo albums in the following categories:

Deck Categories

• Multi-Level Decks
• Ground Level Decks
• Second Story Decks
• Curved/Shaped
• Spa/Pools
• Front Entries
• Vinyl

Railings Categories

• Aluminum
• Cable
• Glass

Before you build or renovate your deck, do your homework on the NADRA website to ensure you are armed with all the information you need on deck safety and options before your start.

Duradek Vinyl and Durarail Railings can make your
outdoor living space your own little oasis

Duradek's professional waterproofing installations are not restricted to the Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes. You can enjoy the look of outdoor tile or concrete pavers while still benefiting from the superior waterproofing performance of Duradek by using Tiledek as an under tile waterproof membrane or Plazadek as a waterproof membrane under concrete pavers or duck boards. Nearly any type of deck you desire can be waterproofed by Duradek. If you have decided on the low maintenance advantages of waterproofing your deck with a PVC membrane, remember that all vinyl is not created equal, and that when it comes to waterproofing, it is all in the details. Trust your waterproofing projects to the waterproofing experts like the trained professional installers of Duradek vinyl membranes.

"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.

When Balconies Go Bad - Waterproofing Details and Professional Installation Are Critical to Avoid Dangerous Situations

While balconies and decks are the most pleasurable areas of many residences, these desirable home features can be a dangerous liability if proper waterproofing details are overlooked at installation by contractors who are not waterproofing professionals.


Take for example, this 7-year old home in California. Relatively new by construction standards, this home's two cantilevered balconies caused an experience that would make any homeowner or builder cringe.


This shocking video clip provided by Duradek Dealer, Paul at Golden Gate Enterprises is a vivid example of why waterproofing details are so important, and why it is so critical to use a qualified waterproofing professional like the trained and authorized Duradek installers.

We will keep you posted on this project and the Duradek solution provided by Golden Gate Enterprises!

Decking Product Advice From Home Improvement Expert

When your professional reputation is dependant on the advice you give, you don't give it lightly.

Gary Sullivan, host of America's #1 call-in Home Improvement radio show, 'At Home With Gary Sullivan' offers his professional advice and opinions on a wide variety of products in the home renovation market, including decking products.

For someone like Gary to get excited about a product, you can be certain that the product has many advantages, and Gary has extended his excitement of discovering Duradek vinyl waterproof membranes to his coast-to-coast audience. As far as decking materials go, Gary loves the low maintenance aspect of Duradek in addition to the waterproofing performance.

Listen to Gary Sullivan Online: audio blog posting on Duradek.

Gary's website is a treasure trove of practical information and tips for do-it-your-selfers and professional builders alike. Check out Gary's blog to hear some of the features that Gary loves about Duradek products and his professional decking advice.

Home Improvement Expert Keeps Asking Waterproofing Questions

Gary Sullivan, host of 'At Home With Gary Sullivan', America's #1 call-in home improvement radio program is a true home improvement expert, but even the experts know that you can't know everything and sometimes you have to be asking the questions.

Gary Sullivan Interviewing Duradek's Sales Manager
Kevin MacMillan at the 2012 IBS.

On Sunday, June 4th Gary Sullivan spoke with Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan to ask the questions that he has been hearing about Duradek vinyl waterproofing systems. Gary discovered Duradek at last year's International Builders Show and has been quite intrigued with the product and the guaranteed waterproofing performance that Duradek offers. While Duradek is a recent discovery for Gary, Duradek has been waterproofing and beautifying decks and balconies across North America for nearly 40 years.

Listen to this Informative Interview!

Find out why a home improvement expert like Gary Sullivan thinks Duradek can really "Jazz up a ho-hum deck". Listen to the interview and discover the Duradek advantages.

Outdoor Tile - A Step-By-Step Process For Pedestrian Tile Surfaces

If you are considering installing outdoor tile at your home or business, there are many factors to consider in ensuring it is the right material for your needs. That being said, the methods employed today to install exterior tile are far superior to those of the past and exterior tile is much more accessible to the average homeowner.

Proper application of outdoor tile surfaces requires not just the skills of the tile layer. One of the most critical phases of an outdoor tile installation is the waterproofing phase. A vinyl membrane is one of the most effective ways to provide exterior waterproofing as part of a tile assembly, and Duradek Ultra Tiledek is gaining a reputation as one of the best methods of fulfilling this need. Not only does it provide waterproof protection for the substrate of the tile assembly, it is also a roofing-approved membrane and will guarantee waterproof protection over habitable space allowing tiles to be used with confidence on roof top decks. In addition, its structure provides a durable and flexible surface that the tiles stay adhered to over years of freeze and thaw cycles.

Matt McClure of Duradek of Utah / Dek Max is a bona fide expert in waterproofing balconies, patios and roof top decks. As a specially trained Duradek Distributor, Matt is a well-respected voice of authority in the decking industry and is often turned to for advice on best practices in waterproofing.

While you can see a summary of the entire process and many stages of installing outdoor tile in our blog article "Exterior Tile Decks - A Big Job One Step at a Time", below you will find a series of video clips covering the waterproofing stage of the tile installation assembly.

Stage 1 - Laying Out the Vinyl






Stage 2 - Applying Latex Adhesive to Cement Board






Stage 3 - Applying Contact Cement to the Edge of the Deck






Stage 4 - First Weld of Tiledek






Stage 5 - Second Weld of Tiledek






Stage 6 - Third and Final Cap Weld of Tiledek





The popular decking resource, Ideas for Deck Designs approached Matt to share his expertise and you can  benefit from his experience by reading his interview and reviewing a step-by-step sequence of a new tile deck installation on their website.

If you would like to look into the benefits of Tiledek for your particular project, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate and get one step closer to making your dreams of a tile deck a reality.

Your Opinion on Deck Renovations is What Matters Most

For professionals in nearly any business, word-of-mouth is a very valuable advertising resource. While many dollars can be spent on advertising, the direct feedback from customers that have used the product or service often carries more weight than any advertising medium. At Duradek, we value our customer's feedback and strive to ensure our network of installers is always performing to the highest standards.

For the first time in history, individual consumers have more information at their fingertips than ever before when comparing purchasing options. Wikipedia reports that by the year 2014, the number of household computers world-wide will have doubled to reach 2 billion. While the old-school methods of seeking a business through monthly magazine reviews or time-consuming phone call sourced through the Yellow Pages is becoming obsolete, the immediate results of Internet research gives consumers' access to compare products and services directly. More so, the use of online review sites is growing daily and can be a great resource when selecting a contractor.

There are several online review sites that range from national reviews covering all types of products, to smaller regional review sites covering a specific type of product. Angie's List is one of the more recognizable online national review sites covering nearly any product category. While Angie's List does require a modest membership fee, some would argue that fact may make it a more reliable source for testimonials versus a free review site. Many other review sites are available that do not require a fee, but do require a membership log-in to post reviews.

When researching for your next renovation project, here is a sampling of some review sites to browse.

• Review Centre
• Home Stars
  (Duradek has a 10/10 review on this site)
• Handy Directory
• Handy American
• Kudzo
  (Duradek of Georgia has a 5-star rating and
  18 reviews on this site)
• N49
  (HTR Duradek has a 5-star rating and
  11 reviews on this site)

Watch for upcoming blogs featuring review details on some of our Duradek dealers and installers like Royce Hayes from Duradek of Georgia and Mike McGowan of HTR Duradek.