Watch HGTV to See How the Professionals Rely on Duradek Ultra Tiledek

Tomorrow, Thursday, November 7th, 2013, HGTV's lifestyle series 'Income Property' airs episode 'Nick and Karen' in which Duradek Ultra Tiledek is used to solve a difficult waterproofing problem. Airing on November 7th on HGTV Canada and Tuesday November 12th on HGTV U.S. (check your local listings) Income Property is all about bringing in revenue from your real estate. Protecting the structure of the home and your investment into it while avoiding costly repairs is a very important part of that.

Many HGTV programs show what can happen in a home where years of DIY projects or even the use of unqualified contractors can turn a simple project into a catastrophic rebuild, but perhaps no home renovation or maintenance project is as critical as waterproofing.

Once water has invaded a home, wood rot, mold and a number of undesirable consequences can turn even a mostly well built home into an ongoing maintenance project. That is why it is so important to use qualified tradesmen for the specialty skill of deck waterproofing. Not only is it important to have a structurally sound and waterproofed deck, but there is a direct relation to the water-tightness of the building envelope that can affect other areas of the home.

This is particularly important when a deck is situated over living space....and that is why even the professional builders call on Duradek for waterproofing decks over living space.

See how HGTV's Builder Boss used Tiledek in a unique roof deck application over a subterranean room in our article 'The Builder Boss Relies on Duradek Ultra Tiledek' or how Mike Holmes made it right with Duradek on episode 7081 Rocky Reno.



Stone, tile and pavers still require a method of waterproofing underneath.

On Income Property's 'Nick and Karen", Duradek Ultra Tiledek is used to waterproof a small back porch.

Tiledek is the ideal membrane waterproofing for use under outdoor tile. Many people are familiar with the original Duradek membranes that provide the waterproofing and walking surface in one, but Tiledek provides secure roof grade waterproof protection with a PVC membrane that was developed with a textured surface to best adhere thin set tiles. Used in conjunction with other elements of your outdoor tile assembly, Tiledek is able to provide relief from leaky tile decks where other systems fail.

In this particular project the overall square footage of the porch does not make it seem like a significant factor, but the fact that it is situated over living space which is intended to be the income generating part of the property makes it one of the most critical details in this project overall.

Income Property host, Scott McGillvary's hands on approach to renovation and real estate has enabled him to build his own real estate empire with dozens of properties and hundreds of tenants. Scott takes his knowledge and experience to help cash-strapped homeowners and teaches them how to generate income from their existing residence. A big part of that is starting with the right products for home renovations.

If you are interested in a free quote for waterproofing your tile deck with Duradek Ultra Tiledek, contact one of our authorized installers near you.

And remember, check you local listings and get that PVR ready for Income Property on November 7th or November 11th 2013!

The ‘What’ and the ‘Who’ of Your Outdoor Living Space

With summer upon us there has been a lot of discussion on deck makeovers and decking trends.

Recently ABC2 News’s Charlie Crowson featured “Look Before You Leap When Choosing Between a Deck or a Patio” (see video below).  With so many design and product options, giving consideration to terrain, weather and what you will be using your outdoor living space for will help you to choose what type of deck or patio is right for you.

Angie Hicks of Angie’s List says, “You also need to consider what the lifelong maintenance is as well. For instance, a wood deck is less expensive than a composite deck to install initially but requires more maintenance.”

This consideration is where Duradek really stands out from other decking options. Duradek is an ideal low-maintenance product. After its single-ply installation, Duradek can be used immediately and never needs any ongoing maintenance. A simple seasonal cleaning is all you need to do to keep your Duradek vinyl deck looking great.



While this report discusses the popular trends of larger size decks and incorporating multiple levels for distinction of separate areas, one of the most important points mentioned is that deck building is not a DIY project.

Ironically, a Duradek installation video demonstration was recently included on the DIY Factory website; however Duradek is not a do-it-yourself product. Deck building and the waterproofing aspect in particular are very much specialty skills and it is well worth your investment to hire a pro.

In fact, this is why Duradek is only available through a network of authorized installers who have been trained in the intricate details of deck waterproofing. And when it comes to hiring contractors, it is always a good idea to do your research. Angie’s List advice says it is critical to hire licensed contractors and never sign a contract until you read the small print. You definitely want to be sure you know exactly what you are getting.

For example, when you choose Duradek vinyl for your deck because of its 10-year warranty and nearly 40 years of successful deck waterproofing all across North America….make sure it is really Duradek that your contractor is providing. As the pioneer in PVC waterproofing, the “Duradek” brand is often synonymous with vinyl membranes the same way “Kleenex” is often used as the generic term for disposable tissues. If you are going to choose a vinyl deck, it is important to remember to choose a vinyl that you know has reliably performed through several warranty cycles.

To help you navigate your way through your selection process, we’ve put together some helpful checklists on key considerations when it comes time to build or renovate your deck or patio.

• Vinyl Purchase Checklist
• Railing Purchase Checklist
• Contractor Selection Checklist

Trends in Outdoor Living Reveal Duradek as a Top Decking Product Solution

Spring home improvement puts outdoor living space on the top of many homeowners' lists. Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine identifies the top Trends in Patios, Porches and Decks this May to assist you in choosing what upgrades will bring you the most satisfaction from your outdoor living space.

Duradek has been in the decking industry for nearly 40 years, and many of the same benefits Duradek vinyl has brought to homeowners through the decades are the same solutions that can make outdoor living a great experience today.

Top Trends in Patios, Porches and Decks

1. Outdoor Kitchens

From simple grill and prep area to complete outdoor kitchen with refrigerator and sink, outdoor kitchens are a feature many grill-masters want to invest in. According to HBPA, 62% of grill owners cook outside all year round.

Duradek vinyl is a great option for outdoor kitchen areas with it's easy to clean surface.

2. Year Round Use

Enjoying your deck year-round is not limited to residents of states like Georgia or Florida. For cooler climates with shorter summer seasons, outdoor living space can be comfortably enjoyed year round with the addition of fire features or heaters. Additionally, multi-level outdoor living space allows the flexibility of enjoying an open deck or a covered patio.

Duradek is a roofing approved pedestrian membrane so the same walking surface that protects your top deck also provides your lower-level deck with roof grade waterproof protection. No need for the occasional spring shower to keep you from enjoying your outdoor living space!

Open area, covered area and fire feature - ready for year round use!
(photo provided by Duradek of Georgia)

3. Chameleon Lighting

Clever placement of outdoor lighting fixtures as part of structural elements gives a sophisticated look to any deck or patio. This feature also means electrical wiring is hidden within those structures and not posing a safety risk laying out on the usable area of the deck.

Posts and columns may make a great structure to disguise your lighting in, but remember to make sure they are waterproofed correctly. If you are using wood posts, they are just as vulnerable to water infiltration as any vertical perimeter wall around your deck.

4. View Decks

Roof top decks are identified as a top trend for 2013. Whether due to landscape elevation or restricted space, more and more people are enjoying the benefits that come with roof top decks and the amazing views that often accompany them. When it's all about the view, the added advantage of view-through railing systems give residential roof decks a sense of high class luxury right at home.

Rooftop decks are the feature that Duradek is perfectly made for. With ICC approved roof grade waterproof protection and a 10-year waterproofing warranty, Duradek brings peace of mind that when you are enjoying your outdoor living space, the indoor living space below is properly protected.

Duradek's vinyl membranes are a truly low-maintenance product, requiring only seasonal cleaning and do not have to be re-coated...ever! Combined with Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing systems, such as the beautiful and sophisticated topless glass Panorama Post, you get the best in low maintenance outdoor living space for your home.



Gorgeous, low maintenance view deck!
(photo provided by Duradek of Georgia)

Transform Your Deck

If you'd like to see how Duradek can help transform your deck or balcony into a low maintenance outdoor living space, you can contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free estimate.
Enjoy your outdoor living this spring!

Decks in Demand for 2013 Residential Landscaping

Terraces, Patios and Decks were identified as the top outdoor living trends for 2013 according to results of the 2013 Residential Landscape Architect Trends survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects. The survey polled landscape architects who specialize in residential design and asked them to rate the expected popularity of various residential outdoor design elements for 2013. In addition to Terraces/ Patios/ Decks topping the expected demand at 97.6%, the results also show demand for low maintenance design and sustainability.

ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA says, “In this uncertain economy, homeowners want to get more enjoyment out of their yards. They want attractive outdoor spaces that are both easy to take care of and sustainable”.

With the desire for outdoor living space on the rise, Duradek is the ideal product choice to fill the need of many of these anticipated outdoor living space design trends with our single-ply, low maintenance walkable roof membrane and the inherit green features with PVC membranes longevity. Duradek provides homeowners with an attractive walking surface that waterproofs their balcony or roof deck in one step, without the need for annual maintenance which presents an economic advantage measured in both time and money over a simple wooden deck or liquid coating system that would require regular upkeep or reapplication.

Check out some of the survey results below and how Duradek is an optimal product choice to meet the needs of these expected demands.

Outdoor Design Elements
(Overall rating for 2013)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Outdoor living spaces
(kitchens, entertainment spaces) – 94.5%

Duradek provides an attractive and easy to clean surface
for your outdoor living space with slip resistance and
UV and mold inhibitors built into the material.

Outdoor recreation amenities
(pools, spas, tennis courts) – 76.3%

Duradek also makes an attractive and easy to
maintain surface for pool and hot tub surrounds.



Sustainable design practices – 74.8%

PVC’s one-step application and longevity compare
favourably  to the multiple application and
reapplication requirements of liquid applied systems,
and unlike pressure treated wood, no harmful chemicals
are eventually leeched into the landfills.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Structures
(Overall rating for 2013)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Terraces/patios/decks – 97.6%

Whether it a ground level patio or a roof deck
over living space, Duradek membranes provide
waterproof protection with a 10-year warranty.

 

Fencing (includes gates) – 89.6%

Durarail powder coated aluminum railing and
fencing systems are the perfect complement
to Duradek to match its durability and low
maintenance performance.
No rust, no sanding, no staining…ever!

 

To view the complete published survey results, visit the American Society of Landscape Architects News.

If you’d like to discuss how Duradek can benefit your home or project, one of our specially trained Duradek installers in your area would be happy to answer your questions.

Home Improvement Expert Calls On Deck Waterproofing Expert

Recently, Home Improvement Expert Gary Sullivan invited Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan for a chat on his nationally broadcast home improvement radio show to talk about deck waterproofing. Gary started by asking the fundamental question...What is Duradek?

Well, if you are reading this blog, perhaps you are already aware that Duradek is a single-ply vinyl sheet waterproofing membrane that is walkable directly after the point of installation. Perhaps you are already aware that Duradek Ultra membranes are roofing approved and can guarantee waterproof protection on roof decks over living space.

But are you aware of some of the details to look at when comparing decking options? There is a lot more to consider than just the finished look and the installation price. Waterproofing performance and required deck maintenance can vary greatly from product to product, so it is very important to do your homework before you invest your valuable time and money into a home improvement project.

Perhaps, like Gary Sullivan, you may be surprised to learn that Duradek is not just about a vinyl waterproof membrane, but rather a complete provider of waterproofing solutions. Listen to Gary's interview with Duradek Sales Manager, Kevin MacMillan and hear why he is so excited to have discovered Duradek.

Duradek offers not only a walkable, waterproof membrane to protect and beautify your balconies, patios and decks, but a whole range of waterproofing solutions for your outdoor living space. Duradek's superior waterproofing expertise also presents:

• Tiledek: waterproof membrane to perform as an exterior tile underlayment
• Plazadek: waterproof membrane for use under concrete pavers and other composite decking products
• Durarail: exclusive line of powder-coated aluminum deck railing and fencing systems

Remember, it is not only important to get the look you want at the price you want...when it comes to waterproofing, the performance is the true measure of value for investment.

Let the (Safe) Patio Season Begin!

The long-awaited and much anticipated first long-weekend of the summer season is nearly upon us - and not a moment too soon!

Those of us that have decks and patios have been excitedly preparing our favorite outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

Having installed over a million square feet of vinyl decking, Duradek wants to be sure that your deck is still the best it can be. While the obvious task of cleaning any organic debris, dirt and soil from the deck surface is usually the first step for many homeowners, be sure to include the critical step of inspecting the waterproofing details such as the caulking around posts and drains.

May is Deck Safety Month ®  

The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is the decking industry's most visible association, and they have a very strong consumer focus. Deck safety is a critical issue to NADRA, and the organization has a mandate of increasing public awareness of the necessity of regular inspections and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks. This initiative prompted NADRA to declare May as Deck Safety Month ® in 2006.

As many decks remain that were installed prior to today's building codes, deck safety is an issue that is important to address and NADRA provides a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders. This is a fantastic free tool for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference  when getting estimates or discussing project options.

Duradek takes deck safety very serious too. Whether you are located in Canada or the United States, there are building requirements t o consider in constructing your deck surface and preparing the substrate. Right from the initial construction of the deck to the condition of the substrate, the installation of the vinyl waterproof membrane and the installation of the railings, each stage requires its own detailed expertise and is a major factor for Duradek recommending that you do not do the job yourself.

Duradek Helps the Rivercrossing Townhome Community Bring Rooftop Decks to Utah

The Rivercrossing Townhome Community is making a big debut in Utah...

...and Duradek is very proud to be a part of this exciting project!

Listen to what you can discover at their Open House on Saturday, April 28th.

 

New real estate developments need to offer something special to appeal to the potential homeowner, and The Rivercrossing Townhome Community has done just that.


Rivercrossing Townhomes (in a larger map)

Surrounded on three sides by the Logan River Golf Course and the Logan River, the Rivercrossing Townhome Community combines the best of luxurious living with the tranquility of natural surroundings. What better way to fully appreciate this delightful combination than with a rooftop deck?

While rooftop decks may be a relatively new concept in Utah, this innovative community has embraced the concept of maximizing living space and getting the most out of the natural environment by providing roof top decks. As a premium upgrade, the rooftop decks allow home owners to fully appreciate their excellent location with a private place to enjoy the view around them and relax in their own space.

For more information on the Rivercrossing Townhomes, listen to this clip and hear some details of what this luxurious community offers, or plan to attend their open house. Taking place on Saturday, April 28th, you can speak in person with Matt McClure of Dek Max who is a fantastic source of information regarding your rooftop decks.

You may also be interested in the article, "Creating Value in Real Estate and Quality of Life" to discover the advantages and growing trend of rooftop decks and how Rivercrossing Townhomes are bringing this value-added feature to residents of their new community.

Duradek Has Presence on HGTV

The Home and Garden Television Network is a top channel for Canadian homeowners and a favorite source of information for home improvement solutions. While Duradek has been an industry leader in waterproofing solutions for over 35 years, they have taken a moment to remind you with a selection of 30-second national commercials on HGTV.

While viewers may see these short clips on HGTV featuring Duradek president John Ogilvie they may think, "Duradek...I've heard of them." But occasionally while people are familiar with the Duradek name, they may not have a full understanding of what exactly Duradek is - the premier vinyl waterproofing membrane for decks and rooftop patios.

Duradek is not just a waterproofing membrane; it is a waterproofing system with decades of performance and experience behind its knowledgeable experts. Complemented by its partner product, Durarail, Duradek can provide the best protection for your outdoor living space.

Duradek and Durarail are extremely durable and low-maintenance products. To learn more, this YouTube clip is a great way to compare decking and railing systems and will give you some fantastic insight on renovating your deck or patio.

Keep your eyes open for action from Duradek and HGTV!

Premium Wood Grain Finish For Your Deck Railings

This new premium finish from Durarail is fantastic...it is like Martha Stewart meets Iron Man!
This authentic looking wood finish presents an elegant and sophisticated look, but with the strength and durability of aluminum.

Applied to our strong and long-lasting powder-coated aluminum railings, this wood finish does not require the constant upkeep of sanding, re-staining or re-painting. There are no concerns about wood rotting or fading as the product is extremely durable and UV resistant.

Now you can enjoy the rich, beautiful look of real wood with the low maintenance and durability of aluminum. Available in an excellent variety of wood grain options and all 5 of our top rail profiles, you can be enjoying your deck while your neighbors are slaving away on theirs!

Home Improvement Expert Gary Sullivan Talks Duradek at IBS

Home improvement expert Gary Sullivan brings his renovation advice to a huge audience in 120 different markets with his syndicated radio show every Saturday and Sunday, and in early February Gary took his programme on the road to attend the International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida. With such a huge variety of excellent building products all under one roof, Duradek was proud to be on Gary's radar. Duradek Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan had a chat with Gary on the air to answer a few questions about deck renovations and the performance-proven Duradek Walkable Roofing Membrane.

Duradek Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan
(far right) during his interview with Gary

Gary, who has dedicated his entire adult life to the home improvement industry, had a variety of questions for Kevin from the renovation perspective. To resolve what Gary refers to as a 'nightmare scenario' of unsightly aged and weathered decks and patios, Duradek can often be the best option with its intrinsic ability to protect and beautify in one step. Gary had some excellent questions specifically regarding the condition of the existing patio or substrate, what substances Duradek can safely be applied to, and the variety of outdoor living spaces to which Duradek can be applied.

Gary admiring the waterfall of
Duradek colors and patterns

Like all Duradek professionals, Kevin is extremely knowledgeable on the time-tested Duradek product and its standard best-practices of application. He was able to address every question from this home improvement guru and by all indication; the Duradek product has really raised Gary Sullivan's eyebrows to take a closer look. We invite you to take a closer look too.

To hear the interview yourself, please check out the program online. Gary and Kevin provide a whole lot of information and considerations for renovating your deck or rooftop patio in a mere 4 minutes.

Gary, who began his career as a stock boy in a hardware store at the age of 16 worked his way up the ladder of hardware retail until eventually becoming president and part owner of an 18 store chain in the 90's. This must have made Gary a very busy man because in 1996 he created and hosted a T.V. Show on HGTV called 'The Hardware Store' which aired for 4 years. Now Gary continues with his media career by hosting his nationally syndicated radio show and also holds public appearances such as free 'new home seminars' for Habitat for Humanity. To learn more about Gary Sullivan, visit his website and you will quickly see why Gary Sullivan has earned his expert status in the home improvement industry.

Home Improvement Expert Shell Busy Knows The Value Of Duradek

For over 35 years, Duradek has been the leader in Patio and Rooftop Deck Waterproofing and during that time, Canadian home improvement expert and TV personality Shell Busey was busy collecting the knowledge and experience that make him one of the most informed renovation experts in the country.

From beginnings as a stock boy at Beaver Lumber in 1961, Shell Busey spent decades managing building supply stores including his own 'Build-It Centres' which opened in 1983. but Shell's claim to fame that earned him 'expert' status in home improvement stems from the 1983 launch of his first radio show, 'The Build It Show' which aired on CJOR radio in Vancouver. In 1985 CKO broadcast the show nationally and Shell Busey soon became a Canadian household name. When BC Hydro enlisted Shell's expertise in 1988 to host BC Hydro Home Ideas Show, Shell toured BC and visited hundreds of homes in need of renovation advice. After 10 years, Shell found a new sponsor for his show with Cloverdale Paint and the newly titled Home Discovery Show was hosted by Shell until 2011. Today Shell is still busy and in demand with radio shows, public appearances and his own TheHouseSmart.com Show where he continues to provide his expert renovation advice.

Through decades of visiting renovation projects, speaking with homeowners and hearing countless renovation horror stories, Shell saw time and time again that cut corners and shoddy workmanship repeatedly cost home owners more in the long run. The is what prompted him to launch his House Smart Referral Network. Designed to assist homeowners in finding qualified contractors and products, Shell's House Smart Referral Network consists of 170 different trades, services and products that homeowners can rely on. For any product or service to be included in Shell's referrals, it must first undergo an intense screening process to ensure hat they meet Shell's high standards. Duradek is very proud to be included as one of the superior products that homeowners can rely on with Shell Busey's endorsement.

You can trust the experts...

To hear what T.V. personality and home building specialist Shell Busey has to say about Duradek, check out a 2:24 minute clip with Shell on Shaw TV discussing Duradek Ultra Tiledek and a full 8:28 minute clip where Shell Busey discusses the "HouseSmart Waterproofing System" with Duradek president John Ogilvie.

With just a few minutes of listening to what the experts have to say, you will be surprised at how much you have learned about waterproofing your deck or patio and how important it is to do it right the first time.

Duradek Extends An Invite For Exceptional Professionals To Attend Buildex Vancouver

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 2012 Show such an exceptional 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.

Taking place at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre on February 8th and 9th, Buildex welcomes over 13,000 professionals to visit over 600 exhibits and participate in over 50 educational seminars over the course of the show. Duradek is a proud participating exhibitor and is excited to introduce you to our latest selection of PVC Waterproof membranes such as our Duradek Cork Macchiato or Duradek Ultra Cork Espresso and the unique and stylish Duradek Ultra Forest Floor Birch.


Duradek would like to invite you to register through this special invitational link where you can save $25 on your Buildex registration and open up hundreds of potential ideas, solutions and networking opportunities throughout this two day event. Be sure to come visit us at booth #1914 and take advantage of talking with our technical expert Len Viegener about outdoor waterproofing projects and what makes Duradek the leader in waterproof roofing membranes.

Duradek Brings Your Deck Practical Products In Colors That Comfort

Update - In late 2011, Duradek, the original Walkable Roofing Membrane introduced two new colors in its Ultra Cork line of 60 mil vinyl that caught on faster than any other color in the company's 37 year history. The decks finished with these vinyls have an immediate contemporary feel and blend well with other outdoor furnature and accessories, and so far the reviews have been fabulous!

Joining the initial, organic-looking Ultra Cork Natural that launched this popular pattern, the Ultra Cork Macchiato and Ultra Cork Espresso offer deeper, richer color options to the earthy texture of the Ultra Cork Line.

Ultra Cork Espresso
Photo courtesy of Matt McClure at Dek Max

Ultra Cork Macchiato
Photo Courtesy of Paul Gordon at Golden Gate Enterprises

With the market demonstrating a desire for naturally inspired colors and textures, Duradek also introduced its newest product line with Ultra Forest Floor. The flagship color for this line is Birch, which offers a distinctive blend of subtle earthy, neutral tones with a gentle fossilized leaf pattern throughout , reminiscent of an actual forest floor.

Ultra Forest Floor Birch
Photo courtesy of Royce Hayes at Duradek of Georgia

This unique product is an innovative example of Duradek's leadership in outdoor flooring. For the best balcony on the block, protect your deck with a stylish Duradek membrane.

Exclusively installed by specially trained professionals, Duradek has been the leader in waterproof roofing membranes for over 35 years and provides low maintenance, stylish solutions for outdoor living space.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek - Deck Repairs for a Beautiful Tile Balcony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deck Care For The Fall

After several months of enjoying your outdoor deck, there is no more denying that patio season is over.  Autumn deck care may not be the first thing on your mind, but if you are the proud owner of a Duradek, your PVC Vinyl Membrane Waterproofing Solution, you are more likely to enjoy your patio year round with its durable and slip-resistant finish. Duradek treated surfaces have a proven history in maintaining their functionality and often enjoy a life span of up 20-25 years. Like anything that is made to last, proper care and maintenance is important in keeping your Duradek’s appearance looking like new.

While Duradek membranes are manufactured in such a way that they discourage the growth of mildew, moss and algae, it is the organic debris (such as leaves, cedar planters, etc.) that can settle on your deck surface and that may cause some discoloration. Leaves in particular are a nasty culprit, and are best dealt with sooner rather than later. In addition to being a breeding ground for moss and mildew, wet leaves contain dyes that can permanently stain the surface of your beautiful Duradek finish.

For best results in your fall deck care, follow these steps:

·         It is always best to clean your Duradek surface with a diluted amount of our carefully formulated Duradek Cleaner. First clear any residue from your deck, and with warm water diluted Duradek Cleaner solution and a stiff broom, scrub in a circular motion to loosen the dirt and follow with a good rinse.

·         If leaves have stained an area, you may also wish to try applying a bit of Fantastik Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent for just a few minutes, scrub in a circular motion with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. 

·         Another option would be to use a dilution of 1 tablespoon ammonia with 1 quart of water. 

·         Regardless of which method you use, be sure to rinse off the area thoroughly with lots of fresh water to ensure no cleaning residue remains, and the performance of your Duradek vinyl membrane will continue to serve you well.

We recommend a proper cleaning of your deck surface at least 4 times a year, with best results provided by Duradek Cleaner - specifically formulated for vinyl, it will not leave harmful chemicals like many household cleaners may. This is very important as any chemical residue left on your deck can bake into the vinyl deck surface and cause it to age prematurely or cause discoloration.

It is also a good idea to inspect the caulking at all junctions and joints to ensure your protective membrane is still water-tight and no shifting has taken place under the surface. Remember to check:

·         Posts, Pillars, Corners, Vents, Drains etc.

Once you are satisfied that your vinyl deck has been properly cared for, remember to schedule another routine maintenance cleaning and inspection in the next 3 months, and continue to enjoy your Duradek! 

Tiledek in TileLetter Magazine

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

Duradek's Continuing Education Program

Duradek is very proud to be an education provider and have recently added another online method for AEC Professionals to earn learning units.

Comparing Walkable Roof Deck Membranes

This course describes types of walkable roof decks, various waterproofing options, and common problems associated with deck waterproofing.

Walkable Roof Deck Membranes

This course provides an overview of walkable roof deck membranes and roofing systems, including a discussion of the key principles of deck design, design considerations, and how to install and specify roof deck membrane systems.

Click HERE for more information on Course Credits.

Also available is the following article, Enhancing Roof Deck Performance with PVC Waterproof
Membranes – AIA / Architectural Record Continuing Education Series, published in Architectural
Record, Dec.2005

For all courses and links, please go to www.duradek.com/DuradekContinuingEducation.html

Duradek Ultra Tiledek has made the Top 100 in Qualified Remodeler Magazine

Source: QUALIFIED REMODELER Magazine, published by Cygnus
Publication date: June 2010 Issue

The Remodelers’ Choice 100 list for 2010 indicates strong interest in the market for innovative bathroom solutions and products that support energy efficiency. Presented each year, this list is a great resource for remodelers looking for a way to stay abreast of hot products. By keeping up on what’s new in remodelling market, and especially what’s hot, remodelers can remain the expert in this business.

With showers becoming a bigger priority in the master suite, it’s no surprise that shower drainage products make up four of the top 10 spots on The Remodelers’ Choice 100. Peppered throughout the list are also products that help homes become more energy-efficient, including tankless water heaters, insulation and several thermal imagers indicating that your customers are looking to cash-in on rebates and take advantage of longer-term savings.

Yet the range of products on the list is very broad. Featuring the most requested products shown in Qualified Remodeler over the past 12 months, the list offers everything from creative lighting solutions to recycled synthetic roofing.

Products that have also been featured as a Remodelers’ Choice product of the month are designated with a blue ribbon. These are products that not only received many requests for more information in the month in which they were initially published, but also continued to generate enough interest many weeks later.



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To view Duradek’s #31 spot article, please click here.

Duradek Ultra Tiledek has made the Top 100 in Building Products Magazine

Source: BUILDING PRODUCTS MAGAZINE
Publication Date: 2010-06-20

Searching for something stylish for your latest project? Something innovative? A time-saver? A sustainable solution? Look no further. The 2010 Top 100, our annual ranking of the building products, materials, and tools readers wanted to know more about, showcases an array of product introductions for the home and the job site that can help you differentiate your projects while saving your crews time and your clients money.

As in past years, many of the products reaching the Top 100 are unique, with never-before-seen technologies and designs. Still other offer a more subtle twist--in style, functionality, or performance--that captures readers' attention. No matter the appeal, each honoree is worth a second look.

Among this years list are a number of trends, unsurprisingly dominated by the residential market's most popular buzzword--sustainability. In all seven of our coverage areas, including Windows, Kitchens, and Exteriors, green products are present and, in several cases, the No. 1 attention-getter. It's hard to deny not only the influence of green building on manufacturers' R&D, but also the overwhelming desire of contractors to learn more about the products that make up sustainable homes.

Rankings for the 2010 Top 100 are based on the number of clicks received by new products featured on ebuild New Products News, the twice-weekly e-mail newsletter from Building Products, as well as from our sister publications Builder, Remodeling, Custom Home, Tools of the Trade, and The Journal of Light Construction, and their web sites. Each Top 100 product is republished on the following pages within its designated category--Bath, Construction, Exterior, Interior, Kitchen, Tools & Equipment, or Windows & Doors.

To view the entire article online, please click here.
To view Duradek's #30 spot article, please click here.

Porcelain/Stone Tile On Outdoor Decks Over Living Space - White Paper

Porcelain or Stone Tile on outdoor decks provides a beautiful surface but the failure rate is high. This paper discusses the common pitfalls of a tile overlay from the construction of the deck throught the application of the top finish. It deals primarily with decks and balconies on wood frame buildings with a focus on protecting the structure with solid waterproofing (roofing) details. It also prepares the reader with the questions to ask when choosing tile, thinset mortars, decoupling and drainage mats and making decisions on slope and railing attachment. To view the White Paper, DOWLOAD HERE.