Dry Below Decks Made Easy – Part 1: Trough vs. Top

They say there are two sides to every story, but when it comes to 2nd level decks acting as a roof for a patio below, you only need a one-sided solution – Duradek vinyl membranes. You don’t need the expense of an under deck drainage system if you have a deck surfaced with Duradek.

For an investment as large as residential properties, maximizing usable space is on the top of most home owners’ lists. It is certainly important to developers and designers who want to maximize the value of the homes for their clients. With the ever-growing demand for more outdoor living space it only makes sense to maximize space by turning an upper level deck into a roof for a lower level deck below.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes are the perfect solution as they serve as both the pedestrian deck surface and the roofing membrane in one single product application that completely considers protecting the building envelope. Under deck systems only serve as a water routing system (and sometimes a ceiling for the lower level deck) so you still have to consider the exposed surface(s) of the upper level deck separately.

An attractive upper deck CAN double as a roof
(see bottom image for lower level view).

Why Under Deck Drainage Systems May Not be the Best Roof Deck Solution for You

There are two basic types of under deck drainage systems.
1 – Trough systems
2 – Panel systems

Both of these systems function by allowing water to get through the upper level deck surface and then routing it between the joists to downspouts or gutters; neither system provides complete water-tight protection for the joists, fastening points, supporting beams or building envelope. Water is routed away, but moisture is still present and lack of air flow just traps that moisture between the surface of the upper deck and the roof of the lower deck. While some installation methods will rely on caulking or butyl tape to seal seams, you are unable to inspect if those seals remain intact as they are inaccessible once the deck is complete.

A Closer Look at Dry Below Deck Trough Systems

The under deck drainage trough systems are only a realistic option for a new build decks as the troughs must be installed between the joists before the deck surface is complete. It is not a good option for existing decks as the upper level deck surface would have to be removed for it to be installed.

When the trough systems are installed, the material is usually not run up the siding of the house which means the building envelope is not completely protected and it is possible for moisture to find its way through, risking wood rot where the deck meets the house.

Another issue with the trough systems is that it is dependent on the area between the joists to allow the proper slope to route the water away. With a ceiling on a lower level deck, most people will run some sort of piping or conduit for electrical purposes and the placement of those may form damming or tenting causing an interruption of water flow and trap moisture.



A trough style under deck drainage system can not be installed
on an existing deck without disassembling it.

The water flow of a trough system is routed to a downspout at each trough, but where the trough meets the downspout it is (again) not sealed. A simple, small cut where the trough terminates at the downspout is all that is performed to prevent wicking and keeping the water from getting below the trough. If the width of the water flow exceeds that of the cut, it can easily wick up below the trough.

A soffit system to serve as the ceiling on the lower level deck would have to be installed to conceal the troughs and joists. If any moisture has gotten past the trough it can become trapped within the joists and soffit system below with little airflow.

Finally, once a dry below trough system is completely finished, the upper level deck surface needs to be installed. At this point the fasteners puncture the trough membrane from above and may allow moisture into the joist area…but you will never know about it until you have a leak because it is completely buried between surface and soffit.

Why Duradek is the Best Choice to Keep it Dry Below

Duradek is a PVC membrane system and has been waterproofing decks since 1974. Duradek is CAN/CGSB, CCMC and ICC approved as a pedestrian traffic coating and a roofing membrane. It is installed in a single application providing warrantied waterproof protection for 10 years, while its traditional service life reportedly averages 20+ years.

Duradek’s installation methods consider the critical details required for secure waterproof protection of the building envelope. Since those waterproofing details are so important in protecting the home, Duradek is only installed by trained and authorized installers.

Duradek is adhered directly to the plywood or concrete deck surface and all seams are heat-welded to ensure no water can ever penetrate. The membrane is run up the inside perimeter of the deck (recommended 6 inches) against the exterior of the building before the flashing details are added.

The professional installers of Duradek vinyl deck membranes
are skilled in the details needed for reliable waterproofing.

Water is managed by a 1” in 12” surface slope to the outside edge. Depending on the type of deck, waterproofing details such as edge flashing, drains, scuppers and a gutter system is included if required. All of these waterproofing details are heat-welded to be completely sealed. The perimeter edges can be caulked as they are accessible for annual visual inspections. There is no room for water infiltration with a Duradek system.

Once installed, Duradek reliably provides you a roof for the lower deck below and the walking surface for the upper level deck. On the lower level, the joists are still exposed but with open air flow they are not vulnerable to static water and any moisture will naturally evaporate. If you would like an enclosed ceiling and lighting installed for your lower level deck, the area between joists is completely dry and clear of obstruction for the addition of conduits and a soffit system.

Of the many reasons you might want to create a dry area below your upper level deck, choosing one of Duradek’s beautiful designer finishes offers the best choice for low maintenance decking that doubles your usable outdoor living space.

The roof-grade waterproof protection of Duradek vinyl above
helps to double usable outdoor living space.

Check back next week when we take a close look at the second type of under-deck drainage systems – Panel Systems.

Join Duradek at Buildex Vancouver 2015 Starting Today

Professionals who need to know about residential construction and management in Vancouver, BC can invest in their businesses by taking a little break from their day-to-day operations and investing in a little education at Buildex Vancouver 2015, taking place at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre West on February 25th and 26th, 2015.

Duradek is proud to be a participating exhibitor at Buildex Vancouver 2015, one of the largest trade shows in Western Canada for Design, Construction and Real Estate Management professionals.
With over 13,000 attendees expected to visit the 600+ exhibitors and over 100 speakers at more than 50 educational seminars, Buildex keeps professional builders, designers and property managers up-to-date on the latest in construction and design trends, and how it affects your place in the building industry.
For any professional in a competitive industry, it is important to be on top of your game, no matter what your specialty may be. That is what makes the Buildex Vancouver 2015 show such an valuable opportunity. Offering the latest and greatest products and information for 3 distinct professional markets, Buildex covers the most relevant topics for Real Estate Design, Building and Management professionals over 2 days.

In addition to the excellent selection of seminars, the presentations to be found throughout the show at the Passive House Pavilion on the show floor are a great source of information. There are also some excellent opportunities for networking as you wander through the exhibit hall or attend the networking reception on Wednesday, February 25th between 4 - 5 pm.

You will find Duradek at booth #307  (near the Construct Cafe) where we can introduce you to our latest selection of PVC Waterproof membranes such as our 'Legacy' line which was recently introduced in honor of Duradek's  landmark 40 years in business. As the pioneers of the sheet vinyl method of waterproofing, Duradek is very happy to introduce this new line that emulates the appearance of aged wood and  provides a stylish outdoor design scheme -  while still providing the superior level of waterproof protection you've come to trust from Duradek.

Duradek has been produced by the same North American manufacturer throughout our entire 40 year history. Having gone through several warranty cycles, we are very confident in our product and that it can provide the high level of waterproof protection you need whether for a single family residence or a large multi-family development.

Multi-residential projects are well protected
with a trained and authorized Duradek installer
and the most reliable vinyl waterproofing.

Duradek provides a reliable source of waterproofing and is a member of several participating associations such as the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA), Canadian Home Builders Association of BC (CHBABC) Condominium Home Owners Association (CHOA), Landlord BC, and the BC Building Envelope Council (BCBEC). Membership in these associations is advantageous to help share up-to-date information to ensure best practices in residential construction, and you can access a lot of  the information gathered by the professional Vancouver builders market while you explore Buildex 2015.

Duradek invites you to come visit us at booth #307 and ask us anything you'd like to know about outdoor waterproofing projects and what makes Duradek the leader in waterproof roofing membranes you can walk on.

You can talk with Duradek's Regional Sales Representative Winston Conyers who you may recognize from various association events to inquire about how Duradek may be the product solution you are looking for when it comes to reliable roof deck, sun deck or balcony waterproof surfaces....and in Vancouver we know how valuable reliable waterproofing is for protecting the building envelope and saving you from costly repairs in the future!

Duradek's Winston Conyers and Duradek Dealer Dave Geisbrecht
of  North Vancouver Sundecks at a G.V.H.B.A. Grouse Grind Challenge.

 We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it down to Buildex, you can always contact a Duradek dealer in your area for more information on this most reliable method of waterproofing your outdoor living space.

Buildex Vancouver 2015 - Vancouver Trade and Convention Center West
Wednesday, February 25th: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Thursday, February 26th: 9:30 am - 4 pm

Free Roofing Expo in Hamilton, ON This Week!

AMA Roofing Supplies out of Hamilton, Ontario is hosting a FREE Roofing Expo on Friday, February 27th at their location on Hempstead Drive.

Building professionals, property managers and home owners with a roofing upgrade in their future can check out the latest and greatest in roofing products, siding, eaves troughs and more. Not just a dry supplier event, AMA Roofing Supplies is making it a party. The event will be catered and there are a variety of fantastic door prizes to be won.

Throughout the day, a great selection of manufacturer representatives will be on hand conduction product demonstrations and information sessions so you can get a jump on the busy spring/summer building season by being well educated on the tools and products that are available for you to work with.

Meet Duradek Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan

Duradek's Kevin MacMillan will be at AMA Roofing Expo to answer any questions about Duradek vinyl membrane waterproofing. Kevin attends the largest building events in North America educating builders, architects, specifiers and home improvement experts on the advantages of waterproofing with one of Duradek's 3 distinct membrane systems:

1 - Duradek Ultra - the original walkable roofing membrane. The exposed vinyl surface acts as the waterproofing membrane and pedestrian surface in one single product. Textured for slip resistance and manufactured with UV inhibitors and mold inhibitors, Duradek is available in over 2 dozen colours so there is something for virtually every outdoor design scheme.

2 - Tiledek - the waterproofing membrane developed specifically for use under outdoor tiles. This protected vinyl membrane is manufactured with a fabric embedded top layer for best adhesion of thin-set mortar when installing a tile or stone assembly on flat roof decks.

3 - Plazadek - the waterproofing membrane for floating systems. This protected membrane is intended for use with sleeper systems or floating systems where a different pedestrian surface such as pavers or duck boards  is desired in addition to reliable membrane waterproofing on a flat roof deck.
Discover why a Duradek membrane is a much better choice than an EPDM roof deck for residential leisure space.

Meet Durarail/Excell Railing Systems Sales Manager Blair Holliday

Durarail's Sales Manager  is Blair Holiday from Excell Railing Systems and Blair is the authority on any railing information that you may need. Blair has a ton of experience with railing projects specifically related to roof decks and how to best incorporate railing design into an attractive, waterproof and low-maintenance outdoor living space.

Durarail's powder coated aluminum railing systems are designed to stay looking attractive by withstanding he elements with the advantages of no sanding, staining or recoating ever required. Available in picket, glass and cable systems, Durarail is proud to offer the exceptional Panorama Post topless glass system and is letting AMA Roofing Expo attendees get a sneak peak at the new Panorama Post Plus....a topless glass post that offers exceptional versatility and makes installation a breeze for even dynamically designed decking projects.

Meet local TV Personality from the Weather Network

You can also meet Kim MacDonald from the Weather Network who will be making an appearance at the event as MC and introducing you to the great selection of product representatives.
Visit the AMA event web page to reserve your free spot now!

AMA Roofing Supplies

 To learn more about AMA Roofing, check out: Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Supplies Sells Service, Dec. 17, 2012

Free Admission to IBS From Duradek

T'is the season of giving and Duradek wants to give you the gift of the biggest event in the world for light construction professionals - Free IBS admission!

The NAHB International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas takes place from January 20th to 22nd, 2015 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and is poised to start off year right with the best tips, tools and new product ideas for building professionals. Duradek invites you to register for free exhibit hall access and come see us at booth #S1715.

IBS has combined with 4 other great shows to create Design and Construction Week and you won't find a larger or more complete gathering of light construction and building professionals in one place.

Your complimentary admission to the IBS Exhibit Hall gives you access to the show floors of all 5 shows that make up Design and Construction Week which include:

• The International Builders Show
• The Kitchen and Bath Show
• The International Surfaces Event
• The International Window Coverings Expo
• The Las Vegas Market (home décor & furnishings)

The International Builders Show

In 2014, 95% of attendees said they discovered new products at IBS, and with over 1,300 exhibitors there is something for every building discipline. Besides great product information, IBS offers an excellent array of educational opportunities with 100+ education sessions in 10 tracks that cover the breadth of the industry.

Building industry professionals are learning that IBS is the ideal venue to learn about the latest trends, newest techniques and most forward thinking business strategies. The success of the education sessions is evident with a 40% increase in full education registrations in the last two years. Other education highlights to look forward to at IBS 2015 are the Tech Hub, Building Knowledge and Spotlight Sessions (intense, one hour sessions)and Master Sessions (fully explore a topic with smaller class sizes).

Be sure to visit the waterproofing experts of Duradek.

Of particular interest to our deck building friends, the codes and Safety education track offers "Beyond Compliance: Fall Protection Saves Lives". With an 82% increase in deaths from falls in the construction industry between 2011-2012 and recent news of a worker who suffered a fatal fall from a 3-story porch in a Boston Community last month, this particular course may be an important one for deck builders to consider.

In addition to all of the structured education opportunities, IBS also features the Centrals for a more relaxed learning environment. Part lounge, part classroom, the Centrals is a place for workshops, demonstrations and networking while grabbing a bite.

If you don't make time for the Centrals, there are plenty other fun, networking opportunities to be had. Events such as the IBS House Party, the Young Professionals After Hours Party are a couple of your options. Plus, this year's IBS Spike Concert features rock legends ZZ Top and tickets are only $35.

For all builders, general contractors, remodelers, designers and product specifiers, the IBS is an event not to miss! Register now for free exhibit hall pass and we hope to see you there.

Be sure to come by booth #S1715 to make sure your visit includes the detailed information you need of effective deck waterproofing and roof deck waterproofing solutions.

You may just find that Duradek is the product you have been looking for to provide reliable waterproof flooring for outdoor living space.  

Housing Market Influences Growth of Plastics in Building Materials

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

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

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

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

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

Related .pdf: The Duradek Story

Graphic Timeline: Duradek – A Legacy of Leadership

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

Related Post: New Does Not Always Mean Better

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building Envelope Professionals Gather in Vancouver

In just one week on Wednesday, September 24th, 2014 the British Columbia Building Envelope Council (BCBEC) holds its annual one-day conference in Vancouver and Duradek will be there.

The main theme of this event is the performance of the building envelope. The event will be held at the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel and registration and breakfast takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. before a full day of presentations.

Be sure to be there early because between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. during breakfast is your best opportunity to visit the exhibiting sponsors of the event who are all important contributors to the building envelope community.

If you miss the chance during breakfast, you also have opportunity during the morning break to browse the selection of exhibitors in a well-defined table top show focused on products related to building envelope protection. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Duradek’s technical manager, Len Viegener and representative, Winston Conyers to discuss how deck waterproofing plays a critical role in building envelope protection.

Duradek vinyl membranes are the original, walkable roofing membrane. Whether used on roof deck applications over living space or on adjacent deck or balcony applications, Duradek is applied only by trained and authorized installers to ensure that the necessary waterproofing details required to protect the structure are professionally assessed and installed.

Whether for construction professionals or property management professionals, the importance of reliable waterproofing solutions cannot be underestimated. In beautiful British Columbia, the use of outdoor living space has been common practice for many years so it makes sense that it is where vinyl waterproof membranes for decks was first created and used. Duradek has helped to extend the home’s living space outwards, and in doing so, has also played a critical role in how deck waterproofing has evolved and how it integrates into the proper sequencing of professional building envelope protection.

At the BC BEC Annual General Meeting and Conference attendees can expect to be a part of the conversation for practical expertise, new technologies and research results.

You can register at bcbec.com or email info@bcbec.com for more information.

BC BEC Annual General Meeting and Conference 2014 Program

Related Article:

Understanding Balcony to Wall Interface Rehabilitation

Related White Paper:

The Ds of Decking: Waterproofing Flat Roof Decks