Duradek Ultra Plazadek - Waterproofing Under Pavers and Duck Boards

Since 1974, Duradek PVC membranes have been used to waterproof decks, balconies and roof decks. Well over a hundred million square feet of Duradek has been installed all over North America and it has proven itself to be a durable, attractive and relatively maintenance free waterproofing system.


Duradek has developed significant expertise in the waterproofing of surfaces designed for leisure living and pedestrian traffic over that period of time. Applying walkable roofing membranes requires details and a skill set beyond just keeping the water out. It involves accomplishing the work with appearance in mind. And deck/balcony details are far more complicated than basic roofing. It requires finishing around doors, drains, pillars, railings, stairs and many different types of siding and tie ins to other roofing products.

There seems to be a trend towards many of the higher priced houses using pavers or duck boards as the deck finish over living space. The walking surface provides the visual part but the real important work is done by the waterproof membrane. Duradek’s Plazadek is the ideal choice to protect the building owner’s investment.

Roofing Approved Membrane

Duradek Ultra is a 60 mil, PVC membrane, with CCMC and ICC evaluation reports covering its use in Canada and the US as a roof membrane capable of pedestrian traffic. Plazadek is a “model” of Duradek Ultra designed specifically for a paver or duck board overlay. The 60 mil product is 25% (48 vs. 60 mil) thicker than what is required for roofing commercial buildings and therefore capable of handling almost any abuse it would be subjected to over its lifetime.

Installed by Trained Applicators

The primary benefit of Duradek Ultra Plazadek is the trained applicators who install the material. Duradek will not sell waterproofing products to any company who’s installers have not been trained. The typical details those installers work with every day on decks and balconies are just as important for decks covered with pavers or duckboards.

Railings

Your decision on railing also plays a major role in good waterproofing. Duradek is a manufacturer of powder coated aluminum railings and has great expertise in making sure that the safety provided by the guard rail does not compromise the waterproofing integrity of the roof membrane.

Perimeter Trims and Waterproofing Details

Regardless of what surface you walk on, the perimeter finish of the waterproofing membrane is of great importance to the appearance and waterproofing function over the long term. Duradek has many options of perimeter finish details, depending upon the desire to remove the water with a gutter or drain and scupper system and depending upon how you want the visible portion of the membrane to show.

Plazadek's details also include the recommendation of a drainage mat between the paver and the membrane to allow water to drain while keeping the dirt and other contaminants from building up underneath or between the pavers. In anticipation of potential damage during the placement and subsequent movement (vibration) of the heavy pavers, Duradek’s Plazadek detail calls for extra protection to be built in at the junction of the deck and wall. And for duckboard systems, Duradek has a detail for bonding the sleepers to the membrane without risk of penetration or movement. It easily allows the boards that are walked on to be safely restrained in place.

Warranty

Duradek Plazadek is covered with a written ten year guarantee and the peace of mind of knowing it is backed by a company with over 35 years of expertise in roofing of surfaces intended to be walked on.