California Roofers in Top Demand with El Nino Preparation

Moisture management is one of those things that people often do not think about until there is an issue, but that is not the case this year as west coast home owners are scrambling to prepare for what is anticipated to be the strongest El Nino on record and that could deliver historic levels of rain this winter.

If you are on the wait list for a roofing contractor or gutter installer, you are not alone. Many companies in California are reporting a backlog of weeks, sometimes months despite adding additional people to their crews and extending the work week.

While past El Ninos have doubled normal rainfall recorded in southern California, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is warning that this winter’s weather could be the strongest on record with intense rain expected between January and March of 2016.

Wild weather can
wreak havoc and
keep roofers busy.

For homeowners and property managers, this means that any past water leak issues or delayed repairs are now an immediate concern, which not addressed before the wild weather arrives could result in notable water damage and more significant, costly repairs.

Roofing demand is not limited to sloped, shingled roofs. Flat roofs, particularly flat roofs that act as decks situated over living space are of particular concern. Without proper drainage and reliable waterproofing details, these luxurious roof decks made to enjoy coastal vistas can be worrisome if water views are overshadowed by water infiltration.

Using a proven roofing product and a skilled contractor are a home owner’s best arsenal to defend a structure’s building envelope. Flat roof deck waterproofing is a specialty trade that requires the finest workmanship of roofing and decking contractors combined; as well as a product that is specifically made for that unique purpose.

That is where solutions like Duradek can be the most reliable, cost-effective solution for flat roof decks. Duradek vinyl decking provides a classified roofing membrane and pedestrian surface in one single product. While some contractors will turn to a more traditional torch-on system that would require an additional pedestrian surface for comfort and design to enjoy the pleasures of a roof deck, Duradek’s warrantied vinyl membrane and its superior waterproofing performance comes in a wide range of attractive, colors and patterns to combine the best of protection and style in a single product solution. Additionally, using an exposed waterproofing membrane like Duradek makes it exceptionally easy to inspect for any potential leaks which lets home owners perform inspections on their own without the need to hire a roofing contractor for that task.

Backed up by a 3rd party quality control program and multiple tests results, Duradek is building code approved, passes wind-uplift tests and has been ICC evaluated as meeting all requirements for:

• Section: 07 18 13 – Pedestrian Traffic Coatings
• Section: 07 54 00 – Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing
• Section: 07 54 19 – Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing

What is perhaps an even more important evaluation criterion in choosing a Duradek vinyl deck membrane for your roof deck is that Duradek is only available through authorized contractors that have been trained in the specific details unique to roof deck waterproofing.

For homeowners along the California coast that have used tile as the surface of their roof decks, Duradek has the ideal, custom-made solution for your waterproof protection. Duradek’s proven waterproofing membrane has been adapted with a textured surface specifically designed to best accept thin-set and the application of exterior tiles to create the Tiledek membrane. Duradek’s Tiledek has solved difficult and reoccurring issues from leaky tile decks for many home owners in California. Duradek dealer, Paul from Golden Gate Enterprises has created quite a collection of examples on his Golden Gate YouTube Channel where you can see first-hand, real-life examples of failed liquid coatings, failed torch-on systems and poor waterproof details that he was able to correct with Duradek and Tiledek. In this example below, Paul shows the results of a failed liquid coating waterproof system on a commercial flat roof deck.



This video shows a residential project with a failed torch-on modified bitumen waterproof system under tile, where Paul used Duradek to permanently solve ongoing leak issues, paying attention to details that ensure waterproof performance.



So if you are in the Bay Area, contact Golden Gate Enterprises for your roof deck needs. Outside of the Bay area, use Duradek’s Dealer locator to find a quality professional who can provide you with the reliable, low maintenance performance of Duradek vinyl membranes.

Vinyl Deck – Elasticity vs. Breaking Strength

A good roofing membrane has to be strong enough to withstand stresses and flexible enough to accommodate deck movement.

When you are comparing the properties of vinyl deck membrane options for your deck, you may encounter claims that one vinyl’s ‘Breaking Strength’ is greater than another, followed by claims that a higher rating on Breaking Strength makes it a better option.

Breaking Strength and Elasticity (also called Elongation to Break) are both measured by a tensile testing machine, which pulls a rectangular piece of the vinyl membrane at a constant rate. Breaking strength is the stress needed to break a sample. The elongation-to-break is the strain on a sample when it breaks.

We propose the more important of the 2 tests is Elasticity.

Duradek meets all Breaking Strength and Elongation requirements - it is this elasticity that allows Duradek to perform its waterproofing function for so long (we've seen evidence of our membrane still performing after more than 30 years!...see video below).

Elasticity in a vinyl deck membrane is extremely important.

Imagine your deck as it expands and contracts throughout the seasons as the temperatures change year after year. The deck will be moving and since the membrane is fully adhered, it needs to be able to move with the deck. That requires elasticity, not breaking strength.



So don’t be led to believe that just because one product’s ‘Breaking Strength’ is rated greater than another’s, that that means it is better suited for protecting your deck.

For a great demonstration of elasticity, we love this video from Duradek of Utah that was created to demonstrate Duradek vinyl’s excellent seam strength by towing a Ford F250 truck. This amazing visual shows not only the strength of Duradek’s heat welded seams, but also clearly shows the excellent degree of elasticity in the membrane which is far more than will ever be needed by climate expansion and contraction issues.



When you are selecting a vinyl deck membrane, trust the proven performance of Duradek. Installed only by trained contractors, Duradek makes sure your deck waterproofing performs as intended.

Look for a Duradek installer in your area to discuss your decking project.

Source: https://www.duradek.com/vinyl-deck-product-myths-3-elasticity-vs-breaking-strength/

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

Things to Plan for When Considering Tiles for Your Roof Deck

Flat roof decks are a great way to maximize outdoor living space. Outdoor tile is a popular choice as the finished pedestrian surface on roof decks, much to the dismay of some contractors who immediately consider tile roof decks a problem project. Unfortunately, many people who have either had a tile roof deck at their home or contractors who have installed a tile roof deck have had far too much experience with that nasty 4-letter word – LEAK.

This does not have to be the case!

There are several success stories with beautiful tile decks situated over living space where leaks are not (or are no longer) an issue.

 As Rich Bergman, decking professional and editor on DecksGo.com says, “Waterproof deck tiles can be installed in some (flat roof) cases but I would not recommend you try this unless you have started from the very beginning with this in mind and you are using reliable systems like this one by Duradek.”

Important Considerations for a Tile Roof Deck

If you are building a deck surface on an existing flat roof, you may have challenges that will dictate whether or not a tile deck is something you can realistically add.

#1 – Is the structure able to support the weight of a tile deck system?

Tiles are heavy. If the structure is not engineered to support the weight of the tile assembly you are better off using an exposed pedestrian membrane system like the original Duradek membrane which meets building code and provides both the waterproofing and the walking surface in one single-ply 60 mil membrane and adds very little weight overall.

#2 – Is there enough clearance between deck surface and door threshold?

If there is door access from the interior of the home to the roof deck, there must be adequate clearance from the door threshold to the deck surface to allow enough space for the built-up tile assembly. It is important to remember that it is not just the thickness of your tiles to consider. Before your tiles go down, there is a whole assembly to consider which can include substrate additions, anti-fracture membranes, waterproofing membranes and thin-set mortar. It is important to avoid having your door opening flush with your deck surface so ensure the right amount of clearance has been accounted for.

Using proper assembly and installation techniques make Tiledek
possibly THE most effective waterproofing for tile roof decks.

#3 – Is there adequate slope for water drainage?

It is imperative that water routing be considered in your roof deck plans. Whether that means the slope runs to the edge of the building to drain off of the roof and away from the building or that the slope runs to a central spot on the roof to a drainage system, the water must go somewhere. If there is no slope and no drainage, there is going to be pooling water which can be a problem no matter what type of waterproofing products you choose to use. Even a preferred product like Tiledek roof membrane for under outdoor tiles needs slope built into the plans. If you are starting with a non-sloped flat roof surface, you can still install a tile roof deck if the first two points (structural load and door threshold clearance) are addressed and by using a system that utilizes tapered sleepers which can provide the slope you need for water drainage.

#4 – Do you have a reliable waterproofing membrane?

As mentioned in the introduction, unless you have a reliable waterproofing system you should be very cautious about outdoor tile decks over living space. Waterproof roofing membranes are essential and the unique Tiledek roofing membrane is designed specifically for best use with thin-set mortar for laying outdoor tiles. In addition, third-party evaluations and meeting building code requirements along with a solid product warranty are important factors in a product’s reliability.

Tile roof decks can be worry free with the right waterproofing
solutions like Duradek's Tiledek membrane.

Keeping these points in mind will go a long way in helping you with your roof deck plans. No matter what type of roof deck system you choose to go with, Duradek has the waterproofing solution for you.

Duradek – Exposed roofing membrane for pedestrian traffic

Tiledek – Under tile roofing membrane

Plazadek – Roofing membrane for floating systems

To learn more about Duradek for your project, you can find an authorized Duradek installer in your area.

Roof Deck Rescue by Heroes at PG Builders

Originally posted November 11, 2014

When you've got issues with a leaky flat roof deck, a good contractor with a good product is a like a real life superhero that can come to your rescue to save your home from water damage, save your bank account from repeated repairs and maintenance costs and save your sanity from leaky roof frustrations.

The heroes at PG Builders have rescued many home owners in the Washington DC area from the evils of leaky roof decks. PG Builders are the protectors of building envelopes, defeating water infiltration and dry rot. They are the fighters for justice in home renovation investment by doing the job right the first time. They are the champions of lifestyle giving home owners back the freedom to enjoy one of the most cherished parts of their home without the need for ongoing maintenance. Like most superheroes, PG Builders has a secret (or not-so-secret) weapon against water damage - Duradek vinyl membranes.

How PG Builders Rescues Roof Decks with Duradek

It is an unfortunately common story where a product presented as a lower priced solution failed. In this case it was a concrete substance over two layers of plywood and a coating over top of that. After being buried under snow for the winter, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause coatings and concrete to crack resulting in leaks.

Wood rot due to water infiltration.

Now the owner had to decide if they were going to keep spending money on Band-Aid solutions, never really solving the problem or if they were going to have to absorb the cost of a full retro-fit. These home owners chose wisely. They understood that Duradek was a reliable pedestrian roofing membrane and with the help of Duradek MidAtlantic, they were introduced to PG Builders who made sure the job was done right.

In this excellent, informative video below, you will hear from actual home owners in their own words how PG Builders came through for them by resolving their leaking roof deck issues with Duradek. Then Mike from PG Builders will explain a little bit about the project. A must-view for anyone who has a roof deck or a pedestrian roof project on their horizon!

Duradek was chosen because:

• Building code approved as both a pedestrian membrane and a roofing membrane.
• Ability to withstand extreme climate variations.
• One-time application with no re-coating required.
• 10-year waterproofing warranty.
• Attractive surface with no need for ongoing maintenance.

If you have a roof deck project in Montgomery County, PG County or the Washington D.C. area, one of the best decisions you can make is to talk to the roof deck experts at PG Builders before you spend any money on product choices that will eventually fail and cost you more in the long run. PG Builders know the specific waterproofing details required to make sure the job is done right.

Mike from PG Builders on the finished retro-fit roof deck.

In all other regions, be sure to seek out your local authorized Duradek dealer who is the only source of Duradek, the original waterproofing membrane. Selecting the right product is the right place to start and Duradek is only available through installers who have been trained in the specific details of roof deck waterproofing to make sure you get it done right the first time.