Failed Tile Decks Don’t Use Tiledek Waterproof Membrane

Tile decks are beautiful, but have a reputation as a trouble project and many contractors will shy away from them all together. There are countless stories out there about failed tiled deck projects where a home owner's beautiful new tile deck started leaking after only a short time. But you don't have to be afraid to surface your deck with tiles, even on a roof deck over living space. You only need to be sure to use a contractor that does it right, with the right products.

If you want to fulfil your dream of having a tile deck, talk to a few contractors to ensure you are getting one that knows the special considerations for tile deck projects....and if you don't hear them mention waterproofing...run away immediately! 

Read the full article....Failed Tile Decks Don’t Use Tiledek Waterproof Membrane

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek: Part 4 – Stacking the Deck

originally published September 24, 2012

In this four-part series of detailed questions about Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes we first familiarized you with Tiledek, discussed the alternative methods of waterproofing under exterior tile and why Tiledek is the stand-out option for doing it right the first time and guaranteeing that your deck waterproofing performs as intended.

In this fourth and final part of our Tiledek series of articles we will discuss how to first prepare your deck surface to achieve waterproofing success.

How do you build a deck to make it is ready for tile?

A major cause of failure of tile over decks and balconies is that the structure to which it is applied allows too much deflection.  Tile has little tolerance for deflection.  Cracking grout lines or tile is the result of deflection. 

Deflection (the spring or give of the deck surface) is a product of the joist spacing and thickness of the flooring materials.  The Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) specification for flooring under tile or slate is as follows:
¾ inch plywood fastened with 2” #10 Exterior wood screws @6” oc @ perimeter and 8” oc @ joists covered with ½ inch cement board secured with thinset and fasteners. (The deck must have slope built in – suggested slope ¼” per foot)

The use of a cement board overlay is required/recommended by tile associations and manufacturers.  Cement board, unlike plywood, is not affected by varying levels of moisture.

We strongly recommend that decks be built to this specification.  For the money that is being invested in the whole system, it would seem unwise to scrimp on the subsurface.  In case of a failure (cracking), the first thing anyone will look at (and blame it on) is whether the floor was strong enough and provided the necessary deflection resistance.

Concrete decks and balconies are suitable for tile application but still require proper waterproofing or roofing protection.

We recommend you follow the local best practice guidelines as laid out by the Tile Contractors Association of TTMAC or the building code. There may be regional differences in the suggested use of cement board or a second layer of plywood. As with all the details involved with a tile deck over a wood structure, you should follow the tile and thinset mortar manufacturer’s specifications.

Can tile be applied over an existing vinyl deck?

Most existing deck surfaces (PVC membrane or liquid applied finishes) are applied to 5/8 inch or ¾ inch plywood and therefore are not suitable for a tile overlay without some stiffening to reduce the deflection.  The vinyl could be removed (possibly leaving the existing vinyl up the wall behind the siding and building paper), the floor stiffened with the appropriate thickness of cement board and the Tiledek installed over top (special details will be published for this).

There is another system that can be used to stiffen the existing structure.  Schluter’s ditra mat can be installed over top of Tiledek (with thinset) and then the tile can be installed over top of Ditra.  The Ditra mat stiffens the floor system to an appropriate level to provide for residential use of tile.  We have tested this system with the Robinson Floor test and achieved a “residential” result. 

Should you protect Tiledek until the tile is applied?

Like all products installed on a construction site, Tiledek is susceptible to damage from other trades, scaffolding, paint, stucco, materials or tools being dropped from above or other abuse.  Although Tiledek is very tough (as we know from Duradek) and can take a lot of abuse, it is always wise to protect it especially in heavy traffic areas or areas which are most likely to be damaged.  Covering it with a protection board (plywood, recovery board etc) will save time and effort cleaning the Tiledek to prepare it for accepting the tile overlay.  A layer of polyethylene under the panels will protect the membrane from liquids (paints etc). Another method of protection would be to trowel apply directly to the Tiledek a thin coating of the same thinset material that will be used to apply the tile or stone overlay. 

How do you clean Tiledek if necessary?

If Tiledek has been left exposed to traffic and construction debris and needs to be cleaned, it can be cleaned easily and effectively.  Pressure washing with a light (1500 psi) spray with the nozzle no closer than 6 inches from the surface will work well.  The surface can also be washed and lightly scrubbed with a bristle broom and hosed off.

Does the surface need to be sloped?

Yes!  Sound roofing/waterproofing practice needs to be employed even when tile is applied over top.  We operate on the expectation of water getting through the tile installation.  Our membrane will be applied to a surface sloped towards drains, scuppers or an outside edge which allows the water to escape. 

Moisture will still run downhill, even under tile applications.  This can happen without negatively affecting the bond of the thinset mortar to the tile or the membrane.

We recommend the seams of the Tiledek run parallel to the slope to avoid any water puddling up behind the bump.

Can a flat waterproof surface be re-sloped with a thickset application technique?

While it is possible to provide a slope with the thickset mortar, there are other problems to consider.  If the waterproof membrane is flat or allows water to puddle on it, providing a sloped mortar bed will NOT remove all the water from the deck.  Although most of the moisture will drain off the top surface, water WILL enter under the tile through cracks in the grout joints, cracks in the tile or on perimeters.  The water that enters will follow the slope of the waterproofing membrane.  If it puddles before the thickset mortar goes on, it will still puddle after the tile job is completed.  The water will then just sit in a puddle and stagnate, potentially causing mould and an unpleasant odor to occur.
If you want to take a belly or depression out of the deck surface, it must be done prior to the Tiledek being installed. Since water will not penetrate Tiledek, if the depression has been eliminated any water reaching it will be shed away.

Water testing before the Overlay is Applied

We recommend a water test be done after the Tiledek is installed and prior to the overlay being applied.

Conclusion

If you have read all four parts of this series of articles on Tiledek and waterproofing methods for exterior tile projects, you are well equipped to ask all of the right questions to all parties involved in the construction of a reliable and long-lasting outdoor tile deck.

At Duradek we believe that your deck should be a source of pleasure, not stress, and we encourage all home owners and builders to ensure they do it right the first time….do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

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

originally published on September 17, 2012

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”.

What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 2 – The Alternatives

originally published on September 9, 2012

In part one of this four-part series of detailed questions about Duradek Ultra Tiledek membranes we explained what Tiledek is, why waterproofing is essential in outdoor tile applications, specific details on evaluations and testing results on Tiledek as a roofing membrane, and the typical methods of installing outdoor tile.

This week, we will discuss the alternative methods of waterproofing under exterior tile, and why Tiledek is the superior choice.

What does Tiledek compete with?

The answer to this question depends upon the deck being over living quarters or not.  Obviously if it is over living quarters, then the membrane must be a roofing membrane and more importantly, it must be installed with roofing principles in mind.  Should the deck not be over living quarters, there might be no building code requirement that the membrane is a roofing product but the installation details should be no less stringent considering the consequences of leaks.  Water intrusion can cause very expensive damage to the structure and we believe all waterproofing jobs demand the attention of a professional.

For the purposes of this discussion, we will separately deal with roofing and non-roofing applications.

For Roofing purposes:

Torch applied or self-adhering modified bitumen roofing materials:  
Modified Bitumen (MB) is asphalt that has had modifiers added to it to give it plastic or rubber-like properties. The most common types of modifiers being used are APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene).

Methods of applying modified bitumen.

Rolls of modified bitumen membrane come in widths of 36" (0.9 m) to approximately 39" (1 m) and cover an area of approximately 100 square feet to 112 square feet.

Modified Bitumen roof systems consist of one, two, or three ply systems. (Base sheets with no cosmetic finish and cap sheets) The cap sheet membranes may be applied using a torch (the back of the sheet has extra asphalt on it which, when heated, bonds to the substrate) or be self adhered (removing a release paper on the back exposes a sticky surface which adheres to the substrate).

Modified bitumen
asphalt Effluence

To the best of our knowledge, none of the manufacturers of Modified Bitumen materials supports tile installations over top of the roof membrane and therefore provide no promise that it works and certainly no guarantee.  In addition, the asphalt in these products is not compatible with the mortar in the thinset or the grout lines and may bleed through causing a discoloration.

More importantly, when the MB softens as it heats up it can be compressed and may allow the tile or the grouting to crack from the movement from traffic on top.  Any product that is designed to have tile installed overtop will have test results from the Robinson test (ASTM C627) to verify it is capable of supporting weight of people and equipment.

See Tiledek Techtalk #106 – 10 Reasons Not to Use Modified Bitumen

Roof membrane plus a thickbed mortar system:

Adhering Duradek Ultra Tiledek

The traditional method of providing roofing protection under tile would be to install a suitable roofing product like PVC, epdm, tpo, modified bitumen or liquid applied urethanes, etc. with a thickbed mortar system on top to which the tile is attached.  (It is important to know whether or not the manufacturer supports the use of their product in an application like this.)  The tile may be “uncoupled” from the mortar bed or the mortar bed uncoupled from the roofing membrane or both.  There may be a drainage layer above the roofing membrane to allow any moisture that gets in to escape along the drainage plane.

This system is very expensive and quite thick (at least 1-½ inches above the membrane).  There may be as many as 7 or 8 layers involved in the system.   For examples of what they may look like, go to www.schluter.com and see their balcony details.

Either Tiledek or Duradek Ultra would make for suitable roofing membranes under this type of system.  Duradek does warranty its product for this application.

Note:  In Canada, on wood framed structures (part 9 of the National Building Code) all decks and balconies are required to use an approved roofing membrane.  

Non-roofing applications
(referred to as “waterproofing” membranes)

The first thing you will notice when researching the products that are available for waterproofing decks and balconies to which tile will be applied is the lack of the word “roofing”.  Most manufacturers of these systems want nothing to do with the details, the headaches and the liabilities involved in roofing.  You will notice details that we would not even consider using in a non-roofing application (such as finishing a membrane on the flat horizontal surface without turning it over the edge and then caulking the leading edge).  Most of the details you see are for concrete decks and balconies, not for the wood frame construction, which we are most likely to be dealing with.

 

Why is Tiledek superior to the alternatives?

As you can tell from the extensive list of other products that are available for “waterproof” applications under tile, there are very few who claim to be roofing products.  Most of the details on the websites of the products are meant for waterproofing concrete balconies and ARE NOT an “apples to apples” comparison to the kind of waterproofing we do with our materials. 

Cap welding the membrane as step 3 of
the triple heat-welded system.

We treat each and every deck as if it was a roof and we detail accordingly.  It doesn’t take much of a study to see how superior our details are.  But the most significant reason why Tiledek is superior to all the other alternatives is the network of professional applicators that install the product.  Duradek (and therefore Tiledek) is only sold through a network of businesses that have been trained.  There is no other way to get the product installed.  That means huge protection for the building owner.  THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS IS THE CONTRACTOR WHO CARES ABOUT DOING IT RIGHT.

Our primary responsibility is to protect the building from water finding its way in.  Regardless of the success or possible failure of the tile overlay, we can GUARANTEE our customers that their home will be protected from water damage.

As far as the product is concerned, you can clearly see the superiority of a 60-mil layer of the same PVC we use for walking roof decks to provide the waterproofing protection needed.  Many of the systems we’ve identified are very thin layers of liquid (20 mils).  Some of the sheet systems are only 20 mils or less and even the thickest are only 40 mils.  The seams of the sheet materials are done with liquid seam sealers and we know how ineffective that has been over the years.  Some of the thicker “solutions” are very soft rubber that could allow too much movement of the tile and may promote cracks in the grout or the tile.  Clearly, Tiledek is to be considered as the superior system of waterproofing for exterior decks or balconies overlaid with tile.

If you have an outdoor tile project and would like to speak to a Tiledek professional, contact a Duradek Dealer near you.

See Tiledek Techtalk #107 – 10 Reasons to use Duradek Ultra Tiledek  and check back next week for “What You Need to Know to Avoid Leaky Tile Decks with Tiledek Waterproof Membrane: Part 3 – Installation”.

Duradek Expert Shares Exterior Tile Deck Advice with the Construction Specifier

Exterior tile decks can be a tricky subject for even experienced contractors, but for anyone who desires insights on the subject of exterior tile decks, there is a great resource included in the February 2013 issue of the Construction Specifier magazine.

‘Avoiding Leaky Exterior Tile Decks’ written by Duradek president, John Ogilvie, is a detailed article that discusses the waterproofing details that can make the difference between a successful and a failed tile deck project.  Having spent nearly 40 years in the deck waterproofing industry mastering the use of PVC membranes for roof deck waterproofing, John knows a thing or two about waterproofing details and the critical elements that are required to protect a home from the constant influence of moisture or water penetration.



A beutiful tile deck waterproofed with Tiledek,
installed by Duradek of Utah

In fact, it was John’s decades of experience with deck and flat roof waterproofing combined with the exterior tile industry’s need for a better waterproofing solution that inspired the creation of Duradek Ultra Tiledek, the under-tile waterproofing membrane. Particularly when used on decks built over living space, Tiledek provides significant peace of mind as it is a true roofing membrane, designed specifically for use with outdoor tile.

Here are some of the vital components to exterior tile decking projects that Duradek president, John Ogilvie discusses in this article:

Installing Tile on Decks and Balconies

• Thick-set Method
• Thin-set Method

Causes for Tile Failure

• Building the Deck
• Waterproofing
• Thin –set Bonding Adhesive
• Choosing the Tile or Stone
• Tile Installation Techniques
• Details
• Waterproofing or Roofing
• Railings
• Maintenance

Preventing Failures

• Sloping the Surface

Waterproofing Options for Under Exterior Tile

Critical Installation Details

• Outside Perimeters
• Drains
• Rail Attachments
• Inside Perimeter
• Surface Preparation
• Installation Qualifications

View the .pdf of “Avoiding Leaky Exterior Tile Decks” or view online at the Construction Specifier.

 

If you’ve had issues with tile decks in the past, or are even considering building an exterior tile deck, this article is well worth taking the time to read to become aware of the details that can save you hundreds of dollars and plenty of time by avoiding a leaky tile deck.



Exterior Tile Waterproofing for Roof Decks with Tiledek.

Tile Decks: Robinson Testing for Performance

Tiledek Under-Tile Membrane

Ceramic tile floor assembly testing is a valuable way of determining and measuring a (flooring) system’s performance prior to installation. While outdoor tile decks, particularly when over living space, have no specific testing criteria, testing the flooring assembly provides the peace of mind that the system is going to perform as intended in its real-world application. Duradek Ultra Tiledek under-tile membrane has been thoroughly tested in a ceramic tile floor assembly and can confidently offer a 10-year waterproofing guarantee.

Tile Floor Testing History

Robinson Floor Tester

During the development of the thin-set method for installing ceramic tile back in 1958, Donald Robinson, the head of engineering research at the Tile Council Research Center, designed a testing machine to evaluate the performance of such a method on floors. Adopted as ASTM test method C-627 in 1970, the apparatus is commonly known as “The Robinson Floor Tester” and the ASTM C-627 is still used today as the benchmark for performance of all types of flooring products.

Some technical consultants agree that the only problem with the Robinson Floor Tester is that it doesn’t necessarily give you the full picture since it is only a 4’ x 4’ pad the assembly is placed on, which may hinder the system from mimicking an entire floor installation.

Recognizing this, the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) developed a more modern and advanced testing machine that can perform the ASTM C-627 for both conventional size test formats (4’ x 4’) or more real-life longer spans (up to 20’). Developed about nine years ago, the Universal Floor Tester tests assemblies following ASTM C-627 criterion and designates five levels of performance:

• Residential (three cycles)
• Light Commercial (six cycles)
• Moderate Commercial (ten cycles)
• Heavy Commercial (twelve cycles)
• Extra-Heavy Duty (fourteen cycles)

Robinson-Type Universal Floor Tester

How Tile Floor Testing is Performed

The test requires a carriage with three wheels that rotate over the same path consistently with specific weights and a specific type of wheel designated for each cycle performed. Testing criteria is determined by being aware of what type of conditions under which the flooring will be used and then simulating those conditions.

The test assembly is placed under the carriage of the machine, and the first set of wheels, which are made of soft rubber, are installed along with steel plates weighing a total of 300 lbs. The cycle takes approximately one hour to complete 900 revolutions, and the load is continually increased by 150 lbs. for each cycle up to 900 lbs.

After each cycle the technician inspects the assembly to see if any cracks, chips, loose tiles, etc. exist. If the assembly (the whole assembly system is observed for each cycle) is unaffected after four cycles, the wheels are changed to hard rubber and the process is repeated until there is evidence of failure or the eighth cycle is complete.

The final last two levels of performance require the use of steel wheels and to once again run the test through the increasing weights for each cycle. Once the test is completed or a failure is observed, the test is stopped and observations, readings and pictures are taken. The final test classification is then determined and the testing technician provides a written report.

This test is extremely useful because it allows a simulated representation of what will occur at the installation site. In addition, you are able test many types of material to demonstrate whether or not certain materials are able to work together.

Does Tiledek pass the Robinson Floor test?

Tiledek was tested to ASTM C627 (the Robinson Floor Test) on TTMAC’s Universal Floor Tester to see how suitable our system was for application under tile.  Tile has very little tolerance for any deflection or movement of the surface to which it is installed.  Too much deflection or if the membrane beneath is too soft may cause cracking of the grout lines or the tile.

Tested over ¾ inch plywood and ½ inch cement board, Porcelain tile on Tiledek achieved a “Heavy” rating with no cracking of tile or grout lines after 9000 revolutions with 600 pounds on steel wheels (on the twelfth cycle).  This is much more than would ever be necessary for residential traffic on a roof deck.

On the same subsurface assembly, Tiledek achieved a “residential” rating on slate.  There were no signs of cracking on the slate or the grout lines.  The failure was in the slate itself which showed signs of the surface deteriorating where the steel wheels made contact.

Builders and contractors may disagree on many things but there is one thing that most would agree on:  Exterior tile projects are often ‘problem’ jobs. Duradek Ultra Tiledek hopes to change that perspective with the performance value of Tiledek under-tile roof membranes.

To learn more about Duradek Ultra Tiledek, check our blog each Monday in September as we publish a 4-part series detailing the specifics of Tiledek and tile installation methods.

Beautiful Tile Deck Waterproofed with Tiledek Membrane

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.

Outdoor Tile - An Age-Old Problem with a 21st Century Solution

For hundreds and hundreds of years, tiles have been used for pedestrian surfaces. When beautifying your outdoor living space, there are few surfaces that can match the aesthetic pleasure and long-lasting durability of porcelain or slate tiles...if they are installed correctly. However, many installers avoid exterior tile projects because they are unfamiliar with the new and innovative installation systems and methods now available.

Historically, exterior tile jobs have had repeated issues of tiles cracking or lifting; and exterior tile and grout provide absolutely zero waterproofing protection. While this may be something you would be willing to accept on a ground-level walkway, it certainly could pose a problem for deck surfaces, particularly when over living space.

Doing it right the first time saves time and money.
Demolition and rebuild of a leaky tile deck is a homeowners nightmare.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek has changed the playing field for exterior tile applications and allows a performance-proven system of under-tile assembly to far surpass the methods and products used in the past. Duradek Ultra Tiledek brings solutions to the 3 primary environmental stresses that make exterior tiling a challenge.

#1 - Freeze / Thaw Cycles: When water that infiltrates the tile, grout and substrate is allowed to freeze, it expands and can cause high internal pressure. The localized damage caused by the expansion can allow even more water to infiltrate the materials during the thaw. As the cycle repeats, deterioration of the assembly will occur over time.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is able to withstand freeze/thaw cycles while many other materials cannot. As a waterproofing membrane specifically designed to best adhere exterior tile on rooftop applications, no moisture is able to penetrate through to the substrate.

#2 - Thermal Stress: When the temperature increases, the materials used in the assembly can expand. Since the sun heats the tile assembly from the top, a gradient of higher temperature in the tile layer and a lower temperature in the substrate is created which causes significant stresses at the tile/bond coat/substrate interfaces in direct bond applications which can result in cracking.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a strong and durable vinyl membrane which provides just enough flexibility in the assembly to allow for subtle movement due to thermal stress and allows the complete tile assembly build-up to shift with the temperature without losing integrity in the adhesion.

#3 - Moisture Exposure: Since tile and grout are not waterproof, moisture can enter the assembly and cause substantial damage to any moisture sensitive substructure.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek is a roofing-approved waterproof membrane, so you are guaranteed that if your exterior tile is installed over habitable space, the area below is properly protected.

Most experienced tile installers will agree that some of the most critical points to consider when planning exterior tile projects are:

• Waterproofing and Flashing Details
• Inclusion of Movement Joints
• A Suitable Surface

In fact, some installers refuse to take on outdoor tile jobs if the customer does not want to pay for the proper build-up assembly underneath, and waterproofing seems to be the most critical factor.



When the problem can't be avoided, Tiledek simplifies the solution.

One of the most common problems with exterior tile is experiencing tiles 'popping' or 'lifting'. When your outdoor tile assembly utilizes the Duradek Ultra Tiledek recommended application, this becomes a very minor issue. Because the Tiledek waterproof membrane is installed underneath the thin set mortar, tile and grout, even if a tile does lift it does not at all compromise the waterproofing protection and the tile can easily be adhered back in place. Without a proper waterproof membrane underneath the tiles, once one tile lifts you have no certainty whatsoever that the entire tiled surface has not been compromised.

Tile 'lifting' could be avoided when adhered to a Tiledek Membrane

With the costs involved in an outdoor tile job (just the tiles themselves can be expensive), you get heh most value out of your investment when you choose to do it right the first time...do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

To see an example of how Tiledek has outperformed its predecessors, read these real-life examples from Vancouver, BC, Centerville Bench, UT and the Bay Area, CA.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek - Deck Repairs for a Beautiful Tile Balcony

Imagine….a beautiful tile deck overlooking a stunning west coast view. It’s the icing on the cake of all your hard work and careful investment into your home. So what happens when this place of enjoyment and relaxation becomes a source of stress if you discover damaging water leaks?  If you are smart, you solve the problem with one simple stress-free solution – calling your local Duradek Dealer and discovering the wonders of Duradek Ultra Tiledek. 

Although you may be tempted to take the quickest and most inexpensive option you can find, such as patching or covering the affected area - THIS ALMOST NEVER SOLVES THE PROBLEM. You may notice an immediate improvement on the actual visual damage or path of the destructive H2O, but over time this method almost guarantees to cost you more in the long run.

Take for example, this beautiful Bay Area home. Only a couple of years old, its stunning tile deck became a problem area when water leaks were discovered, risking significant damage to the property. As responsible home owners, the issue was addressed immediately; however the problem of continual leaking persistently plagued them. After a number of contractors were hired to patch the leak, which accumulated in a significant investment of money and time, nothing seemed to work.

That’s when they called in the experts. Duradek has been providing vinyl decking and waterproofing solutions for over 35 years, and the experience and training required for any Duradek installer makes them a qualified waterproofing expert. Like the reliable team at Golden Gate Enterprises, Inc., a certified Duradek dealer and waterproofing professionals who took on this project.

Check out the YouTube link below to see how this problem deck was transformed with the Duradek Ultra Tiledek Waterproofing Membrane; and then read on to discover the 3 key issues that can unnecessarily inflate the cost of your deck repair project and what it really takes to have peace-of-mind if you ever have to deal with repairing a leak on your tile deck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LfIpSpB1js

Paul at Golden Gate offered this bit of expert advice when hiring for waterproofing projects:

1 – Generalization Can Be Costly. Most contractors are not waterproof experts. Although they are very capable professionals, they may not have the specialized knowledge required for waterproofing projects - particularly when outdoor decks are over top of living areas or storage space.

2 – Common Systems. When a contractor is not experienced in waterproofing projects, their choice of material may not best reflect what is really going to work best for the project’s actual needs. You may get a quote that is a couple of dollars a square foot less, but if the materials provided are not manufactured for the job you need it to do, it is simply throwing money away.

3 – Fundamental Foundation. If the original deck surface foundation is not constructed properly, no amount of sealing, covering, tiling, patching, etc. will ever stop the problems from occurring.

The cost of your tiles can add up, and you certainly don’t want to be pulling them up to repair leaks underneath. So if you have a deck repair project, do it right the first time…do it with Duradek Ultra Tiledek.

Tiledek in TileLetter Magazine

John Ogilvie's article - Common Sources of Failure of Tile Decks on Wood Frame Construction - was recently published in both TileLetter Canada (Winter/Spring 2011 Issue) and TileLetter US (March 2011 Issue). TileLetter is the premier publication and resource for tile and stone contractors worldwide.