Top 6 Deck Building Design Features of 2015

Deck building design demands for 2015 highlighted a consistent preference of features for new decks and deck remodels. The most noteworthy deck building products at the 2015 International Builders Show and Deck Expo included features to meet those demands and deck building professionals have no shortage of products to choose from.

In many cases, it takes 2 or 3 different products to meet these design objectives, but Duradek is proud to be able to meet these decking demands in one single product solution.

Colorful
A full range of color options is a desirable feature with many new deck building products releasing a selection of earth tones that harmoniously blend outdoor living space with the surrounding environment.

Duradek has over 26 colors with a range of natural hues from subtle neutral tones to sunset and seaside inspired shades. With a range of patterns, this slip-resistant deck surface brings style to virtually any exterior design scheme.

LIGHTness
Lightweight products have been recognized as environmentally advantageous at the latest builders shows, but not at the expense of durability.

Per square foot coverage of Duradek vinyl decking is a very light weight option, needing just the basic structural load bearing requirements (though extra load-bearing considerations should always be taken into account for deck add-ons like fire or water features, planters and hot tubs).

Duradek has an option to compliment virtually
any outdoor design scheme.

 

Keep it COOL
Thermally treated deck building products are making an appearance with new technologies promising higher fire resistance and temperature insulation; but with all new technologies the practical application has yet to be proven and cost may make some of those options a little prohibitive when compared to alternatives.

Deck surfaces that stay cool on the feet can be achieved with Duradek’s lighter color options. When used on 2nd level decks, Duradek provides roof grade protection and a shaded area below. Sun-lovers can enjoy the upper level deck to bask in the rays, while those less tolerant to UV exposure can enjoy the shaded lower level and still enjoy the outdoors, even in the peak of the afternoon sun.
 

NATURALLY Inspired
Subtle, earthy and aged looks are very popular with low-maintenance, decking products. Beyond simply color tones, the naturally inspired looks for manufactured deck building products imitate their natural counterparts in texture as well with faux wood and stone taking popularity polls.

Duradek was a trend setter early on in these faux-natural favorites with the popular 'Cork' pattern that takes on the texture of real cork, and the unique ‘Forest Floor’ pattern taking on the appearance of fossilized leaves. The latest introductions follow this trend with the ‘Legacy’ line that offers a dynamic aggregate pebble option “Pebble Beach”, or the wood grain looks of ‘Barnwood’ and ‘Driftwood’ that emulate the appearance of aged wood - but without any of the maintenance that real wood requires (see the Pebble Beach press release).

The LEGACY line of vinyl featuring: Pebble Beach,
Barnwood and Driftwood

 

MOISTURE Management
One of the most critical features of deck building is moisture management and there are a variety of options available to incorporate into your deck design. Drip-through deck boards can be enhanced with complex spacer-flange systems or trough systems that route water to gutters; and under deck systems can channel water to gutters, sometimes requiring special joists or underlayment. All of those options include many seams, joins or exposed deck elements that may encounter trapped water. This may provide a dry area below, but is not the best method of ensuring the building envelope or structure of the deck is protected from water infiltration and subsequent wood rot. (see Dry Below Decks Made Easy Part 1 - Trough vs Top | Part 2 - Below vs Above)

Duradek ‘Cork Natural’ vinyl is a low maintenance deck
surface as well as a roofing membrane to keep it dry below.

Duradek is primarily a waterproofing membrane and moisture management system. In fact, Duradek is a classified roofing membrane in addition to being a pedestrian surface. With 40 years of proven waterproofing details and techniques afforded by the quality pvc membrane and pioneering the vinyl decking industry, Duradek provides a dry area below the deck. It protects the critical junctions between deck and structure and eliminates trapped water, deflecting it away from the structure’s points of vulnerability. Duradek allows the water management and attractive walking surface to be addressed in one single product while many other options require 2 or 3 stages of installation.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes provide roof-grade waterproof
protection for a lower patio and dry storage for outdoor items.

 

On the down LOW MAINTENANCE
Homeowners want to do less maintenance on their decks, leaving more time to enjoy it; thus the popularity of manufactured deck building products like composite decking. While composite decking has come a long way in the last decade, it has not been without a myriad of growing pains. Builders and home owners have had to absorb the majority of the cost on failed products as they mature (see When Choosing a Building Product, "New" Does Not Always Mean Better).

Duradek forged the way for low-maintenance manufactured deck building products with its sheet vinyl for waterproofing decks and balconies over 40 years ago. The durable pvc never needs any maintenance or reapplication and will continue to perform its waterproofing function for decades. And unlike many composite products or other vinyl products, Duradek is the only vinyl manufacturer to offer a written appearance warranty to protect home owners from excessive discoloration. While UV exposure will always eventually cause fading over time, Duradek stands up to UV exposure exponentially better than other comparable products and its 5 year appearance warranty backs it up.
 

TRIED and TRUE
After more than 40 years leading the vinyl decking industry, Duradek knows waterproofing details. Because waterproofing details are so critical to the longevity of your deck, Duradek is available only through a network of trained and authorized dealers.

To request a free estimate on your decking project, contact a Duradek Installer in your area and trust the proven performance of Duradek vinyl decking for your deck building projects.

Dry Below Decks Made Easy – Part 2: Below vs. Above

When a 2nd level deck needs to serve as a roof for a lower level deck or patio below, you can save time and money by using a SINGLE product that is approved as BOTH a traffic coating and roofing membrane in one. If you have an upper level deck surfaced with Duradek vinyl membranes, you don’t need the expense of an under deck drainage system to keep the area below it dry.

Whether for investment properties or your own residence, getting the most from your outdoor living space includes maximizing the usable space. By turning an upper level deck into a roof for a lower level deck below you gain the advantage of dry outdoor storage or a place to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather conditions are less than perfect.

Using a Duradek vinyl deck membrane is the ideal solution as it provides an attractive pedestrian deck surface while simultaneously acting as an approved roofing membrane with all of the waterproofing details that need to be considered with roof-grade waterproofing. Under deck systems only serve as a water routing system (and sometimes a ceiling for the lower level deck) but your exposed walking surface of the upper level deck would have to be addressed separately.

When you need it to stay dry below an upper level deck. a
walkable roofing membrane like Duradek is the best option.
View Case History #157 on YouTube

A Look at Under Deck Drainage Systems and Why They Might Not be the Best Water Management Solution

There are two basic types of under deck drainage systems; both of which function by allowing water to get through the upper level deck surface and route it between the joists to downspouts and gutters. Theoretically, both of these systems have advantages but realistically neither of these systems provides complete water-tight protection for the building envelope. Water is routed away from the structure, but moisture is still present and trapped with little to no air flow. In addition, since the water routing systems are enclosed, you are unable to visually inspect if all seams or seals remain intact, and only discover those points of vulnerability AFTER there is a leak.

Last week we took a closer look a Trough Systems, which manage the water by routing it between the joists and is completely enclosed by upper deck above and soffit system below. This week we will take a closer look at Panel Systems which routes water below the joists and also often serves as the finished ceiling for the lower deck.

A Closer Look at Dry Below Deck Panel Systems

While a dry below panel system acts as the water routing system and ceiling for a lower level deck simultaneously, it also has its own set of challenges. Advantage - It can be used on an existing deck. Disadvantage - It is labour intensive as it relies on a sloped sleeper system to provide the slope needed to route the water. An elaborate spacer system is attached to the underside of the joists to provide a pitch of ½ inch every 4 feet.

Installation of the actual system begins with attaching a wall trim around the perimeter to create a frame. This includes drilling into the outside of the house and any penetration is a point of vulnerability to be caulked and checked periodically to protect the building envelope.

Installation of a below deck panel system.

All of the other pieces of the system just snap into the frame. In most cases a supporting beam(s) would be used to provide strength for the system. Basic panels serve as the decorative surface and are installed side by side to enclose the joists above. The panels are often PVC and they are flexible enough to install in the frame, but rigid enough to crack or snap when cutting to the appropriate size. The panels snap into the frame system and provide multiple non-permanent seals as they snap into each other to enclose the ceiling.

A gutter is installed on the outside perimeter to catch the water from the slope provided by the panels on the spacers. Water wicking or splash back can occur here so careful installation of the gutter is very important.

Like the trough system, panel systems still require the upper deck surface to be treated or installed separately.

Why Duradek is the Best Choice to Keep it Dry Below

Duradek vinyl deck membranes have been waterproofing decks for over 40 years. Duradek is CAN/CGSB, CCMC and ICC approved as a pedestrian traffic coating and a roofing membrane. It includes warrantied waterproof protection for 10 years, while its traditional service life reportedly averages 20+ years. Unlike many other vinyl deck products, Duradek also offers a written appearance warranty.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes are installed in a single application with methods that consider the details required for secure waterproof protection of the building envelope. Since those critical waterproofing details are so important in protecting the home, Duradek is installed by authorized contractors that have been specifically trained in Duradek’s installation methods.

How Duradek Vinyl Deck Membranes Work

Duradek is adhered directly to the deck surface. The ideal substrate is ¾” T&G Untreated Plywood, however Duradek can also be applied to concrete surfaces. All seams are heat-welded to ensure no water can ever penetrate. The membrane is run up the inside perimeter of the deck against the exterior of the building before the flashing details are added. Particular attention is paid to any areas of vulnerability like door openings.

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 or caulked to be completely sealed. The seals are accessible for annual visual inspections. There is less of a chance of surprising leaks with Duradek.

Duradek 'Cork Natural' vinyl is a low maintenance deck surface
as well as a roofing membrane to keep it dry below.

Get the Upper Hand on Your Upper Level Deck

There are several advantages with designing your second level deck to provide cover in order to create dry, usable space below. Sometimes you need dry outdoor storage space for bikes, lawnmowers, sporting equipment or other seasonal items. Maybe you like to spend time outdoors all year round and that protected area provides shelter from the rainy days, or alternately in peak summer season you can get a little shade when you just have to get out of the sun for a while.

Whatever motivates you for creating a dry area below your upper level deck, choosing Duradek and one of its 24 attractive colour options is the best choice for low maintenance decking that doubles your usable outdoor living space.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes provide roof-grade waterproof
protection for a lower patio and dry storage for outdoor items.

You can contact an authorized Duradek Installer in your area for a free estimate on your next decking project or to answer any questions you might have on deck waterproofing.

Check out last week’s article where we compare Duradek to the Trough style of under-deck drainage systems in “Dry Below Decks Made Easy – part 1”.