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

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

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

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

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

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

Installation of Duradek vinyl deck membrane.

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

Trapped water on a thick 66 mil seam.

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

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

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


This deck in Halifax had 32 year old Duradek vinyl.

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

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

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

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

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

Vinyl Decking – Understanding the Difference in Backing Types

There are 3 different types of backing for vinyl decking…each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. If manufactured by a reputable company, each type can have roofing approval and each type is perfectly suitable for your deck.

What is actually more important than the type of backing on the vinyl is the quality of the contractor installing it.

As the saying goes … “A bad Contractor can screw up even the best of products.”

There is a woven cloth backing, a non-woven backing (referred to as fuzzy-backed), and a PVC backed product. A good contractor will be able to do a good job with any of these three backing types.

Characteristics of Each Backing Type

Download “Compare Membrane Backing Options” (296 KB .pdf) for an overview of the following information.

Woven Back – Type 3 (non-embedded fabric) Class B (exposed roofing) Membrane

Adhesion – Adhesive sticks well to woven backing and contact adhesives used allow for a wide window of application in all seasons (but be aware contact adhesives are product specific and not available “off the shelf”).

Heat Welding – Manufactured with a solid color throughout which helps create a solid “bleed out”. The fabric backing melts away to create a strong vinyl-to-vinyl weld. Welding results exceed industry standards, but requires more skill to master installation techniques.

Details – Fabric backing can be removed and vinyl easily manipulated for successful detailing. Standard details are easily attainable without extra preparation or expensive, pre-manufactured details.

Other – Easier to work with in hot weather with a good combination of strength and elasticity. Because skill for installation is mandatory, Duradek (followed by some other manufacturers of woven back vinyl) is only sold to trained contractors, and not available to the general public.

Non-Woven Back – Type 3 (non-embedded fabric) Class B (exposed roofing) Membrane

Adhesion – Adhesive sticks well to fibers, and while adhesive is typically less expensive, this backing can “suck up” the adhesive so will use more, and sometimes excessive glue will cause bubbles.

Heat Welding – Fibers on the backing can be melted off with the heat gun to allow a vinyl-to-vinyl weld and reasonable welds can be achieved by an experienced applicator. Involves a few more steps as the fuzz has to be “buzzed”, and can take a longer time to master the installation techniques.

Details – Without center reinforcement, it is an easier membrane to detail with, but because the fuzz wicks water, you have to remove it or saturate the cut exposed ends at flashings, drains, etc. with glue.

Other – It is usually a less expensive system, but if there is any waterproofing breach in the membrane, water can wick though the fibers (if not properly coated with adhesive) causing rot. Depending on the substrate, repositioning the membrane can be difficult as it will stick like Velcro to rough plywood, when without being glued. In hot weather, the vinyl will “creep” when being smoothed out during application. It is often sold as a “cash & carry” product so available to untrained individuals.

PVC Back – Type 4 (embedded fabric) Class B (exposed roofing) Membrane

Adhesive – Adhesive is typically expensive and there is no second chance if weld area is contaminated with glue. Contact adhesive has a short “working window” making it difficult to use in bad weather or off-season.

Heat Welding – The weld is strong as there is no fabric barrier and it is the easiest to master installation techniques; however different coloured ply makes for bad “bleed out” on welds.

Details – Center reinforced vinyl is more difficult to bend for detailing. Due to the difficulty to adopt to 90˚ bends, PVC metal and pre-made corner boots are required for proper waterproofing detailing.

Other – Because of its conventional “roofing” construction, it is the preferred membrane of some specifiers, but as a deck surface has some disadvantages such as a higher chance of delamination and it is difficult to hide sub-surface blemishes due to the hard surface. Additionally, UV/Mildew inhibitors are only on the top ply where in fabric backed membranes it goes all the way through the PVC.

“Compare Membrane Backing Options” (296 KB .pdf) for an easy-to-follow overview.
Download

To be referred to a Duradek vinyl decking expert in your area about your specific decking needs, contact us to request a free, no-obligation estimate.

Deck Building Products’ Testing Credentials – 3 Key Considerations

Duradek is proud to offer a building product for your decks that has proven to be reliable in both laboratory testing and actual decking applications in our 40 year history. During those 40 years in use, Duradek has met every single test we must meet to assure you that the products we are offering you meet the building code industry standards.

Since Duradek is both a pedestrian traffic surface as well as a waterproofing membrane, it goes through more than double the testing requirements than either a traffic coating or roofing membrane must undergo independently. These rigorous testing requirements are in place to give you the peace-of-mind that a product as important as one that protects the building envelope of your home is one that you can rely on.

There are few very important factors for you to consider when evaluating a deck building product’s testing credentials:

1 – Is there a 3rd party quality control program in place?

We live in a changing world and what was true a few years ago is not necessarily true today. In some instances, a product has been tested and evaluated as having met building code requirements; but over time manufacturing procedures can change. Duradek is proud to retain the services of Quality Auditing Institute to maintain a 3rd party quality control program. With this quality control program in place, Duradek can confidently assure you that we continually meet the same high standards as we did when our product was tested to show we meet current building code requirements.

2 – Is the product merely listed with an evaluation service or actually tested by the evaluation service?

Some third-party evaluation services offer the option for a Product Listing which is different from a Product Evaluation. While these are presented in a very similar manner, they are quite different.

The major difference between an evaluation report and a listing is that a listing will cover an individual trait that requires compliance with a specific, existing individual standard; where an evaluation will show a review of the product and the multiple traits needed to meet or be an equivalent to what is required in the code; particularly in instances where no specific code exists.”

According to the National Research Council of Canada which governs the CCMC, “An evaluation report is CCMC’s technical opinion on the compliance of a product or system to a code, primarily the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). It applies mainly to innovative products for which there are no specific standards that have been referenced in the code. The product is evaluated as an “alternative” solution. An evaluation listing is a technical statement indicating that a product complies with a specific standard. This service is specific only to products that have standards.”

What is important for you to note in this case when evaluating vinyl deck membranes, is that there is no existing specific standard for 'walkable roofing membranes'. The National Building Codes only acknowledge roofing membranes...there is no sub-group for 'walkable' roofing membranes - yet.  So this is where the evaluation services come in to create criteria that addresses both
1 – a walkable deck membrane; and
2 - a roofing membrane.

Any vinyl deck membrane that offers a CCMC Listing has submitted testing criteria to show it meets requirements of only a roofing membrane which means it was not evaluated as a walkable roof deck membrane. Additionally, a product that is listed does not have to keep a 3rd party quality control program in place.

Duradek Ultra vinyl deck membrane holds a current CCMC Report (CCMC 13134-R) showing that we meet the requirements of BOTH a pedestrian traffic coating and a roofing membrane and is under a third-party Quality Control program.

3 – Is the product evaluation you are reviewing the results for the actual product you are purchasing?

One more thing to be aware of is a basic bait-and-switch tactic where you might be initially presented with product test evaluations for a brand’s premium product, but then you are quoted on a value brand that has not been held to the same high standards. Be sure to verify that the product you are actually getting is the one that has the product testing and evaluations to prove it meets building code requirements.

The Takeaway on Deck Building Products Testing Credentials

While testing and evaluation reports may not be a favorite source of reading material, be sure to carefully review the tests and evaluations when choosing a new building product. Know what the product is tested to meet and know that the test results you review apply to the product you are purchasing.

Most importantly, choose a product that incorporates a 3rd party quality control program to ensure that products tested, and their manufacturing process, maintain consistency for the measure of quality it was evaluated to comply with.

Useful Resources: (.pdf download links)

• The Anatomy of an ICC Report
• Time Tested and Approved – Testing and Approvals Checklist
• Techtalk #164 – Duradek Ultra Meets North America Building Code Standards as a Walkable Roofing Membrane
• ICC on Membrane Roof Decks - US
• CCMC on Membrane Roof Decks - Canada

Duradek's 2015 New Vinyl Decking and Railing Recognized by Top Industry Resources

Duradek vinyl decking products have been a favourite method of low maintenance deck waterproofing for decades and this summer's much anticipated new Legacy line is making it out into the marketplace in both Canada and the U.S. and is getting a fantastic response.

The Legacy line was an inspired endeavor to meet market demands for naturally inspired colours and textures. The three vinyl options initially offered in this line (Barnwood, Driftwood and Pebble Beach) present a unique look in this faux natural styling class and are getting noticed by some of the industry's leading product information resources.

Professional Remodeler Magazine online displays Duradek's Legacy line of vinyl in it's New & Notable Products for Roof Systems (Yes! Duradek vinyl deck membranes are actually a classified Roofing Membrane so it's the perfect product to choose for decks over living space!)

Duradek is also proud of Durarail's Panorama Universal Post (manufactured by Excell Railing Systems) which is highlighted in Professional Builder Magazine online in decking products and in Architectural West summer 2015 issue.

The Panorama Universal Post is the most versatile post available for topless glass systems allowing one single, multi-function post to serve as an inline, corner or end post with up to a 60 degree angle variance in each glass channel and the option to adjust glass types and heights to achieve virtually limitless design options.

Both of these great new decking products presented by Duradek are featured in the Home Builder Magazine 14th Annual New Products Showcase featured in their summer issue. You can view the magazine feature online or download the New Product Showcase here.

Having received "Best New Product" recognition in 2014 from Professional Builder magazine for its Cork Graphite vinyl and "Best New Product" acknowledgements in 2013 from both Professional Builder (Cork line) and Professional Remodeler (Forest Floor line) magazines, we are very excited to see further favourable feedback on the new Legacy line of vinyl with its naturally inspired textures and colours and the new Panorama Universal Post.

If you've got comments on these or other Duradek products, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us through any of the regular channels or feel free to use our Customer Feedback form.  

Debunking the Vinyl Decking 'Rip Test'

You may encounter some competing vinyl manufacturers performing some demonstrative parlor tricks intended to lead you to believe that one vinyl product is better than another, but we encourage you to see past the flim-flam and look at what is actually important in evaluating a deck vinyl.

Vinyl decking is FULLY adhered to a solid surface, so to be able to take a loose piece off of your deck and tear it is just not realistic at all.

Would that mean it makes sense to show that the thin layers of wood veneer that make up plywood can be torn in half independently, and then claim that makes plywood a product that does not pass the ‘rip test’?

Or does a fabric bandage that can be torn before being applied mean that it does not pass the ‘rip test’ and therefore not suitable to cover a paper cut?

What about latex paint? If you’ve ever had an old can of unused latex paint, you know that when it goes unused and dries to a plasticy, rubbery solid, it can be ripped. Does that mean you have to be worried that when the paint is on your wall, you should be concerned about it ripping?

Of course not. That is ridiculous.

If you are comparing pros and cons on a product, look at factors of its actual use that has some pertinence.



Elasticity is a far more relevant and realistic requirement to address environmental expansion and contraction.

We recommend you look at the Actual test requirements for these products from various building code testing agencies (such as meeting roofing membrane and pedestrian surface requirements), not evaluating based on theatrical demonstrations.

To view the testing results of Duradek for its actual use, visit www.duradek.com/testing-approvals/.

Originally posted at https://www.duradek.com/vinyl-deck-product-choice-myths-2/

Vinyl Decking Product Myths

Debunking the 'Acetone Test' Myth

Duradek, the original vinyl deck membrane, was the only product of its type back when it was first introduced in 1974.

Today there is a large variety of vinyl manufacturers presenting vinyl deck membranes of various widths, thicknesses and styles. And as most of us will agree, Not All Vinyl is Created Equal.

In this competitive environment, there is unfortunately a lot of flim-flam and parlour tricks being presented by some manufacturers to attempt to make their product appear to perform better than the others. When you are building a deck, be sure to chose products that are proven to perform as intended, not just touted to do things unrelated to its actual intended use.

Look at this short video clip where Duradek president, John Ogilvie discusses one of the claims being made in the Acetone Test.



So, how often do you have big containers of Acetone on your deck? The most common household use of acetone is nail polish remover, and as any woman who paints her nails knows, you always put the cap back on your nail polish remover right away to avoid spilling and discolouring any material.

Is withstanding discolouration from an acetone spill really a valid factor in choosing your vinyl deck product?

Is it reasonable to be running around on a deck with a can of acetone? Obviously, not. We feel it's about as 'reasonable' as evaluating your vinyl decking to how it stands up against an Ice Pick Test or a Blow Torch Test...all of which have very little relevance to real-life, day-to-day use of a sundeck. In over 40 years of business, Duradek has never once had an acetone warranty claim.

So don't be persuaded by irrelevant tests. Check the tests that really matter.

The take-away here is that you need to evaluate what is actually important. What really matters in selecting your vinyl decking are these four key points:

• Company Reputation and History
• Quality of Trained Contractors
• A product that withstands what it is actually exposed to...water and UV rays.
• A Warranty that includes both the performance of the material AND appearance

Remember, vinyl decking brands come from different sources which are all produced to their own unique specifications and standards. Some sheet vinyl deck products available are produced in North America (like Duradek) and others come from off-shore manufacturers, but all have their own unique 'recipes' to create their unique product.

When you are choosing your vinyl deck membrane, be sure to select one that has a proven history and a warranty that actually provides some reasonable recourse should the product not perform as promised. With Duradek you can be confident that your deck and your home are protected with style.

To speak to a trained and authorized Duradek installer in your area about your decking needs, visit our Find a Dealer page.

Be cautious of competitors using parlour tricks that are used to distract from real issues and meaningful tests, such as Weather Testing  (such as accelerated weathering ASTM G-90 shown below).

40 Years in Business and not once, ever have we seen, heard about or handled a complaint about acetone!

Building a Deck that Meets Code

While building a deck for your home may seem like a fun, do-it-yourself project, the truth of the matter is that deck construction is a specialty trade. Even general contractors with plenty of building experience may not have the specific knowledge and experience required to construct a structurally safe and attractive deck that meets building code.

There are a number of International Residential Code requirements that are specific to building a safe deck that are not required for most other areas of a home. Decks have two very distinctive and significant contributors to make them such a unique feature requiring special consideration:

1 – The density of occupants on a deck are often far greater than in any other part of the home.

2 – The deck is the only a load-bearing pedestrian surface of a home that is under constant exposure to the elements.

These two factors combined make building codes critical to ensuring the safety of a deck’s future occupants – not just in how the deck is constructed, but also in what materials are used. Whether you are motivated by protecting your family or by reducing potential liability, the following information is critical in building a deck.

The Two Most Important Code Resources for Deck Builders

1 – ICC Approved International Building Code Resource Book

2 – ICC Approved Product Evaluation Reports

International Residential Code (IRC) Reference Book for Deck Building

While the 2015 IRC is complete, many jurisdictions still rely on the 2009 IRC as their standard. Deck builders have the distinct advantage of the availability of a specific Deck Construction Code Book written by one of the industry’s key players, Glenn Mathewson. Glenn Mathewson is an active North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) member and is one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the decking industry. He produced the Deck Construction Code Book in partnership with the North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) and the International Code Council (ICC).



This specialty reference book takes all decking related code out of the cumbersome 2009 IRC (an 868 page book with decking references in multiple sections) and reduces it down to a concise 270 page decking reference that is much easier for decking professionals to understand. It includes photos and commentary from Mr. Mathewson as well as exact printed reference of the 2009 IRC codes.

International Code Council (ICC) Product Evaluation Reports

Using the right products for your deck building projects is just as important as the construction methods used to ensure a safe and reliable deck. When you are planning your projects and selecting the products to be used, be sure to review a copy of the product’s ICC-ES Report.

When a product has an ICC-ES Report you can see first-hand what specific use(s) for which the product has been evaluated, as well as any products it is used in conjunction with, its installation requirements and what kind of 3rd party testing was conducted to prove its suitability for a particular use.

It is important to note the distinction between an ICC-ES Listed product vs. an ICC-ES Evaluated product which goes through a much more rigorous testing procedure.

Duradek, another industry leader and proud NADRA member, has been around long enough to know the importance of having the performance based ICC-ES Evaluation Report. Duradek’s evaluation (ICC-ES ESR-2151) proves the effectiveness of Duradek’s performance as both a roofing membrane and a pedestrian traffic coating to give our customers the peace-of-mind to know the product will perform as it is intended.

To help our customers and future customers understand and use ICC-ES Reports to their full advantage, Duradek Technical Manager, Len Viegener has produced a couple of easy-to-follow pieces to educate even the most non-technical minded individuals on the value of these reports and how to read them. With a unique product like vinyl deck membranes that does not have its own specific evaluation criteria but instead relies on two distinctly separate evaluated features (in this case, traffic coating and roofing membrane) it is even more important to understand what to look for and why.

The latest document, “Why is an Evaluation Report so Important” breaks down what material standards apply, which building code authority has jurisdiction over those standards and how that leads to the final evaluation report.

Understanding Evaluation Reports from Duradek (PDFs):

CCMC on Membrane Roof Decks Evaluation Reports

• Why is an Evaluation Report so Important | in Canada/CCMC (2 page .pdf)
• Duradek’s CCMC Evaluation Report 13134-R (4 page .pdf)

ICC on Membrane Roof Decks Evaluation Reports

• Why is an Evaluation Report So Important | in U.S./ICC-ES (2 page .pdf)
• Duradek’s ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2151 (3 page .pdf)

• The Anatomy of an ICC-ES Report (2 page .pdf/tri-fold style brochure)

Deck Building Code Resources from Glenn Mathewson, MCP:

• Deck Construction Based on the 2009 IRC
• Building Code College – Building Code for Building Decks (4 Courses)

Duradek Expert Talks Decks with Home Improvement Trailblazer Shell Busey

Celebrity builders like Mike Holmes, Bryan Baeumler and Scott MacGillivray offer their high-profile building advice on the airwaves to a very appreciative audience, but these cutting edge T.V. personality builders had the road to their home renovation audience paved by pioneer Shell Busey and his House Smart Network.

Shell is probably one of the most knowledgeable men in North America regarding building products and he knows the value of doing it right the first time.

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.

So 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.
Check out this House Smart Coffee Break video clip featuring a recent interview with Shell and Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan.

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

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!

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.

Duradek Cautions on Unproven Deck Building Products Technology

Duradek is very vocal about the truth that ‘new’ isn’t always better…especially when it comes to building products; and now Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation has discovered that basic truth the hard way.

The group built 104 energy-efficient homes in the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. Dozens of those homes built from 2008 to 2010 included decks and stairs made from TimberSIL, a supposedly glass-infused wood that claimed to provide “an effective barrier in lumber to rot, decay and common wood problems” without using toxic ingredients.

New Product Failure Rates infographic

This ‘new’ product’s lack of chemicals appealed to the Make It Right foundation because of its dedication to “green” building features, but the product performance fell short when premature reports of rot and decay started appearing in 2013...nowhere near the 40 year product guarantee.

As expressed in the New Orleans Advocate, “some local home builders and other non-profit executives said they saw the episode as a cautionary example of the problems facing many in their industry in trying to balance new, cutting-edge technology with time-tested construction techniques.”

The professionals at Duradek couldn’t agree more! We are cautioning builders about a potential similar issue in the niche vinyl decking industry with some manufacturers releasing highly suspect, unproven products into the market. (See Vinyl Deck Membranes Appearance Promises vs. Appearance Warranty).

It is unfortunate that Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation had not chosen the time proven Duradek vinyl deck membranes for these projects. Duradek has a proven 40 year history and has gone through several warranty cycles to be absolutely confident in the Duradek product and installation techniques.

Furthermore, Duradek is also a “green” product and is installed on untreated plywood to avoid the use of harmful chemicals.

Innovation is a great thing, but if you don’t want to gamble on your project and money invested, be sure to use a product that has a proven performance history. To speak to a Duradek professional in your area to bring Duradek’s 40 years of performance to your projects, contact a Duradek dealer in your area.

Useful Resources:

• Time, Tested and Approved (.pdf)
• Before You Buy, Consider This (.pdf)

Related Posts:

• When Choosing a Building Product, “New” Does Not Always Mean Better
• Vinyl Deck Membranes Appearance Promises vs. Appearance Warranty

 

Appearance Promises of Vinyl Membranes vs. Long Term Protection with a Duradek Warranty

Be cautious when evaluating vinyl deck membrane choices…

Some companies offer a “Scuff Resistant” clear top coat, with No Appearance Warranty!! That's a pretty bold promise with nothing to back it up.

But really, the chance of light scuffing on a well-used deck is the least of your worries if you want a waterproof membrane that will last for decades.

Clear top coats have historically been a problem on plastics under constant UV exposure, but how do you determine how well a product will stand up in 10 years when it has only been on the market half that time?

Accredited testing agencies like Atlas Material Testing Services perform accelerated UV exposure tests to help answer that question.

These unaltered test results below show actual results of UV exposure testing (ASTM G90) of two brands of vinyl deck membranes. The product on top is a vinyl product with a clear top coat.  The vinyl on the bottom is the ‘tried and true’ Duradek membrane with a 40 year history.

Pretty shocking, right?

Almost unbelievable, so the product was not just tested once, but twice…

The 2nd test included multiple product comparisons, and all those with a clear top coat exhibited the same failed results.

All vinyl scuffs to some degree under certain conditions…as does wood, composite deck boards, even concrete. In fact almost everything we walk on scuffs, marks or fades over time. This is the inevitable, realistic result of a ‘wear surface’; particularly with decks under constant exposure to the elements.

However, long term results should be taken into consideration. Be careful not to forgo the long term protection of a proven product with an appearance warranty for short term promises of “scuff resistance” that may have unexpected and unwelcome appearance issues over time.

Make sure you are using a proven product so
you don't get surprises like this.
This deck was originally a light grey and reached a point
where UV rays darkened it completely and quickly.

Read here about the History of Clear Top Coats in the Pedestrian Vinyl Membrane industry. With deck surfaces, clear coats on vinyl have not traditionally been met with a lot of success…in fact most have failed miserably!

Duradek Solves 2 Big Deck Remodel Problems on Cottage TV

Decks, Docks and Gazebos program on Cottage Life T.V. specializes in creating the ideal outdoor living space for cottage locations with amazing views. Host Jason Lake takes on cottage upgrades from rough planning to final construction and in a recent episode, "Rob and Nancy's Gazebo Sun Porch" (Season 2, episode 6), he demonstrates how two big problems are solved with one design solution by using Duradek vinyl deck membrane.

Visit Cottage Life T.V. to view full episode (22:06 minutes)

The Scenario - Deck to Dock
Rob and Nancy's cottage has a gorgeous waterfront location with the front corner of the house only 10 ft. from the waterline. When looking out the window, they look at lake. It is a perfect place for entertaining and since so many people enjoy going down to the dock regularly, most times people gather on the lower patio instead of the upper level deck. Like most people with cottage properties, they just want a hassle-free getaway.

A high maintenance drip-through deck was too much
work and not enough protection.

Problem #1 - Tired of Maintenance
Although the 10 x 40 ft. deck provides excellent lounging area with the fantastic lake view, Rob and Nancy are tired of the maintenance the typical drip-through deck requires. The staining and sanding every two years is too much work when they would much rather be enjoying the leisure time on their deck. As they put it, "The less staining we have to do, the better".

This high maintenance wood deck required re-staining every 2 years.

Problem #2 - Need Protection from the Elements
Rob and Nancy like to spend most of their time on the shaded, lower level deck but it is still open to the elements which can cause discomfort. They have to deal with the insects on the very hot days and on the days where there is rain, the drip through deck above does nothing to protect them and keep them dry when they would prefer to still be outside enjoying the view.

The lower level deck was ideal for lounging...unless it rained.

Host Jason Lake (who gained his celebrity builder experience with 'The Builder Boss - Jim Caruck') knew that he could solve both problems with one easy design solution using Duradek Vinyl Decking.

Deck Remodel Solution with Duradek

The solution was an easy one if you know the right products to work with and Jason Lake knew Duradek was the answer. He was ready to solve 2 big problems with 1 design.

He could easily provide Rob and Nancy everything they wanted by incorporating a lower level sunroom into the design which is made possible with Duradek which has been tested and evaluated to meet building code for use as a both a pedestrian coating AND a roofing membrane.




Jason called on the expertise of John Kellett from Kellett Sales
and Contracting.

The First Phase of the Deck Remodel

Solution Step #1 - Create a Waterproof Ceiling for the Sun Porch

Duradek, a brand of vinyl deck surfaces so trusted that it has become synonymous with vinyl decking is actually also a classified roofing membrane and provides a completely watertight seal. Authorized Duradek dealer, John Kellett from Kellett Sales and Contracting was on location to lend his vinyl deck installation expertise and to ensure the deck had the proper slope and that the substrate was prepared correctly for the application of the Duradek vinyl membrane.

Substrate preparation is the first step of a
successful Duradek application.

Rob and Nancy selected Duradek Forest Floor Alder (one of 24 Duradek colour options)and John Kellett and his assistant laid the Duradek with best installation practices to guarantee roof-grade protection for their new sun room below.

Duradek Forest Floor Alder was a perfect choice for the
deck surface to blend harmoniously with the
home and its surroundings.

Duradek installers ensure all perimeter details are handled
with waterproofing best practices.

Solution Step #2 - Provide a Maintenance Free Surface for the Upper Level Deck

See Solution Step #1.

The installation of the Duradek Membrane also solved the problem of ever having to re-stain the deck again. This was very important to Rob and Nancy as they found the labour required to re-stain the deck every couple of years was just too much for them.

Voila! Duradek provides a deck surface that NEVER requires
re-staining or re-coating of any kind.

With Duradek, they will never have to sand, stain or seal their deck again and they can just relax and enjoy it. The only maintenance Duradek vinyl deck surfaces require is the occasion cleaning which can be easily done with a scrub brush or power washer.

The attractive, slip-resistant surface requires only
occasional cleaning to stay looking great.

The Second Phase of the Deck Remodel
The addition of a gazebo sun room allows Nancy to get the feeling of being outdoors while still being protected from the elements, and this is made possible with the roof grade protection of Duradek above.

The lower deck before the addition of the sunroom gazebo.

Once the challenging task of framing the sunroom utilizing the existing posts was completed with consideration for the screen door, the team was able to install the ceiling. Since the Duradek membrane on the upper deck provided the warrantied waterproof roofing, the ceiling below in the sunroom was purely to make it look good and cover the joists and the wiring. Rob and Nancy chose a tongue and groove pine with a white wash and Jason installed directionally away from the house, which requires a little more material and more labour but provides a clean, seamless look.

Once the framing and ceiling were complete, the last step was to install the screening and door to keep the gazebo sun room shaded and bug-free.

Duradek above allowed them to keep it dry below.

Homeowners Happy with Duradek and their Sun Porch Deck Remodel

With their two most important criteria met on their new deck, Rob and Nancy couldn't be happier and are certain to use their new sun porch gazebo room very frequently...particularly since they have all that extra time with an upper level deck that no longer needs maintenance.

Before Duradek, this deck was a high maintenance chore.

After Duradek, this deck is a low maintenance pleasure!

Home Improvement Experts Trust Duradek

This is all thanks to host Jason Lake who was familiar with Duradek as the product to solve both of their problems. This is Jason's first year hosting Decks, Docks & Gazebos but he is no stranger to home improvement television. For three years, Jason worked as a sidekick to Jim Caruk on HGTVs Real Renos.

Duradek is also no stranger to home improvement television as several celebrity builders have turned to Duradek over the years to solve the specific problems of roof deck waterproofing.

• Scott McGillivray - Income Property: Episode Nick and Karen (HGTV)
• Jim Caruk - Builder Boss: The Bunker (episode 6) | Porch and Garden (episode 7) (HGTV)
• Ty Pennington - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: 100th Episode, Swenson-Lee Family, Minneapolis, MN (ABC)
• Mike Holmes - Holmes on Homes: Rocky Reno, AB (HGTV Canada/USA)

For YOUR Decking Needs

To find a Duradek Dealer in your area for a free consultation on your decking project, visit our 'Find a Dealer' locator or contact Duradek directly to be referred to an authorized installer near you.  

All of us at Duradek are thrilled to help you create more time for leisure on your decks!

Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association 10th Annual Members Expo at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA) Member's Expo takes place in less than two weeks on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Theatre in Coquitlam, BC.

There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required (see details below).

This free, drop-in event offers:

• complimentary food and beverages
• free parking
• great door prizes
• amazing grand prizes

...and some of the best networking opportunities available for builders in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.

This is the 10th year for this annual event that has supplier members of the GVHBA gather to exhibit for the benefit of its members and industry guests. It is an ideal location and atmosphere to learn about the latest building technologies and materials and see new products.

Duradek is a proud GVHBA member and will be on location exhibiting. We invite you to come by to talk to Duradek's Winston Conyers about your decking needs, challenges and goals. Winston can help you to understand the exponential advantages of using Duradek vinyl decking over other options to waterproof your decks and balconies while keeping them attractive and contributing to your outdoor design and curb appeal.

Be sure to ask about Duradek's latest patterns of vinyl being introduced this spring in the all-new LEGACY line of 60 mil sheet-applied pvc membranes. (see Press Release)

• Legacy Barnwood
• Legacy Driftwood
• Legacy Pebble Beach

Duradek Legacy Driftwood

In addition to discovering new products, the GVHBA Member's Expo is a fantastic way to discover professional, reliable suppliers and sub trades while networking with industry leaders and colleagues. Attendees can take advantage of special discounts and promotions  by GVHBA supplier members at this unique event.

The newly renovated and updated lobby adds to the great atmosphere of the venue. Be sure to pre-register to qualify for Grand Prizes and to give GVHBA and idea of how much food and beverages to have for this fun industry event!

GVHBA Members Expo 2015

When:		Wednesday, May 6, 2015 - 3:30 - 8:00 p.m. (Drop In)
Where:		Hard Rock Casino Vancouver Theatre 2080 United Boulevard Coquitlam, BC
Cost:		Free!

Register now! Click Here.

Or copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.gvhba.org/EventCalendar#id=563&cid=120&wid=901

This event is a not-to-miss networking and product education opportunity for:

• Builders
• Renovators
• Specifiers
• Estimators
• Trades
• Designers
• Architects
• Developers
• Project Managers

Download the .pdf flyer or share this link with your friends....we look forward to seeing you there!

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

10 Things the Experts Learned about Waterproofing at IBS with Duradek

10 Things Home Improvement Experts Learned About Waterproofing with Duradek at IBS

Professional trade shows in the design and construction industry can be invaluable resources for trade professional who want to maintain a competitive edge by staying informed on the best product solutions for practical building applications.

Shows like the International Builders Show (IBS) that took place last week in Las Vegas as part of Design and Construction Week allow building product manufacturers to showcase their best products so construction professionals know what resources they can rely on for their residential construction projects…and that’s not always just a good product. It’s a good product backed by experience.

Even the ‘experts’ that we turn to for our home improvement advice attend shows like IBS to stay informed on what is going on in the building industry as far as best practices, new techniques and the latest innovations. Whether it is home improvement radio personalities or HGTV celebrity home improvement hosts, the experts go to shows like IBS to find the best solutions.

The team at the Duradek booth at IBS 2015.

Home Improvement Radio Celebrities Discover 10 Things About Duradek Waterproofing

At IBS 2015, home improvement radio hosts James and Morris Carey, the Carey brothers, recorded their live broadcast “On the House” from IBS where they were able to talk to a great selection of building product experts including John Ogilvie, president of Duradek.

John Ogilvie from Duradek being interviewed by the Carey Bros.
 for 'On the House' radio show with HGTVs Scott McGillivray
in the background.

Even though Duradek has been successfully waterproofing decks and flat roofs for 40 years, many builders are not yet aware of the advantages of Duradek’s pedestrian roofing membrane. John was able to provide some very straight forward points about Duradek for buildings or designers who might want to incorporate the desirable feature of a pedestrian flat roof deck.

1. Duradek is the solution for decks above living space.
2. Duradek is a sheet vinyl membrane glued down to a plywood or concrete substrate.
3. Duradek is the waterproofing and the pedestrian surface in one product; different from liquid applied or torch-down roofing with something over-top to walk on.
4. Duradek is like a flooring product.
5. Duradek is applied with a glue and a heat-weld with a lap.
6. Duradek is a waterproofing product first. Duradek is a roofing company with a good looking product.
7. Duradek is unique in that you walk right on the membrane; no further protection is required because Duradek has an attractive, slip-resistant surface.
8. Duradek has a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
9. Duradek is not a do-it-yourself product. Waterproofing is too important for D-I-Y.
10. Duradek has no climate restrictions in North America.

You can check out the Carey Brothers’ highlights from the IBS 2015 show or “On the House” radio show online in its podcast archives, or listen here for the 2 minute segment where you can hear the interview with Duradek's John Ogilvie.



James and Morris Carey are award-winning, 3rd generation contractors with 70+ combined experience and host their weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column “On the House” that offers hands-on advice from coast-to-coast. The Carey brothers are always looking for the latest and greatest in building product technology to improve efficiency and lasting quality. During their full 4-hour program, the Carey brothers mention that the best brands are continually investing in research and development. Duradek is proud to have a 3-party quality control program and be ICC approved product as both a roofing membrane and pedestrian traffic coating; and  to continually be testing and evaluating our products to ensure Duradek offers the most reliable walkable waterproof membrane on the market.

Free Registration to Buildex Vancouver Before February 5th, 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, taking place at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre West on February 25th and 26th, 2015.

You can take advantage of free registration for the trade-show floor and discounted seminar prices if you register before February 5th (see link below).

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.

Duradek, the suppliers of the original waterproof roofing membrane believe in being on the 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, you will find presentations throughout the show at the Passive House Pavilion on the show floor. 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.

Duradek is a proud participating exhibitor and you can find us at booth#307 - near the Construct Café. We are excited to 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; and we couldn't be prouder to have pioneered the sheet vinyl method of waterproofing. This new line emulates the appearance of aged wood and provides an attractive outdoor design scheme while still providing the superior level of waterproof protection you've come to trust from Duradek.

Produced by the same manufacturer over our 40 year history and having gone through several warranty cycles we are very confident in our product and that it can provide the level of waterproof protection you need whether for a single family residence or a large multi-family development.

Buildex has the support of several sponsor associations, several of which Duradek is a current participating member. Associations like 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) and its members help to share 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 would like to invite 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 register online before February 5th for free admission to the show floor and lower seminar prices.

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