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

 

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.

Builders who Plan for IBS Plan For Success

The most successful builders don’t have a lot of extra time on their hands so it is important to make use of the most effective tools and opportunities to help build their businesses and stay competitive.

That’s why attending the International Builders Show (IBS) is an ideal investment for residential construction and design professionals; it is one of the most cost-effective, time-efficient ways to stay on top of what is going on in their trades with the latest product information and installation techniques.  (See below for a way to get an extra jump on what you can accomplish at IBS!)

IBS takes place January 20th – 22nd, 2015 during Design and Construction Week in Las Vegas and is one of 5 popular trade shows covering virtually all aspects of residential industry.   Duradek would like to offer you free exhibit hall admission for IBS, and this registration gives you access to all of the show floors in Design and Construction Week, including:

• The International Builders Show
• The Kitchen and Bath Show
• The International Surfaces Event
• The International Window Coverings Expo
• The Las Vegas Market (home décor & furnishings)

Get a Head Start on IBS – Product Previews

IBS is only a couple of weeks away now.  If you are planning to attend IBS, get a little head start by reviewing December’s digital issue of the NAHB Builder Magazine. This publication has featured a pre-show planner where you can check out a few of 2015’s new and notable products like Duradek’s all-new Legacy line (see page 66) to best plan you route through the exhibit hall floor.

If you are not attending IBS, be sure take a look through the digital issue of Builder Magazine to get a glimpse of the type of products that you would be able to see first-hand. It might just prompt you to take advantage of this free registration offer for IBS and spend a couple of days in Vegas this month after all!

Duradek at IBS

Duradek is proud to be a long-standing exhibitor at IBS and this year you will find us in booth # S1715 to share our specialized experience with flat roof waterproofing and long-lasting, low maintenance decks and balconies.

Be sure to stop by and get a preview of our latest designs in waterproof deck membranes. In honour of our 40th year in business, Duradek has recently introduced the Legacy line of vinyl membranes for deck waterproofing. The Legacy line’s premier offerings are Driftwood and Barnwood.

These two new designer patterns give your deck a comforting look similar to that of aged wood without sacrificing safety, security or waterproofing peace-of-mind.

Up close, you can recognize the characteristics of the vinyl membrane with its slip resistant, textured surface; but when laid out on a deck, the colour blends and pattern allow your eyes to pick up the traditional appearance of natural wood grains, but without the disadvantages of authentic aged wood.

  

Duradek Ultra Legacy Barnwood

In welcoming, brown hues, this faux wood finish brings a warm, retro look to your contemporary deck, but without any of the maintenance real wood requires.

Duradek Ultra Legacy Driftwood
In cooler grey tones, this vinyl finish emulates the appearance of natural driftwood, sun-bleached and weathered by the elements...but keeps your deck protected from them!

Download the Legacy introduction press release.


See more details on Free Admission to IBS |Design and Construction Week post from December 16th, or go directly to this link to Register for Free IBS Exhibit Hall Admission.

Duradek president John Ogilvie is often turned to for advice on deck waterproofing.

 

Since Duradek is the original sheet vinyl membrane used for deck waterproofing and John Ogilvie pioneered its use over habitable space as a true roofing membrane, it is no surprise that even the experts turn to Duradek for best practices and advice.

 

This fall's issue of Waterproof Magazine features an article titled, "Dealing with Moisture on Lightweight Decks" and is a good example of how often Duradek is used as a proven successful deck waterproofing solution, even when compared to similar waterproofing products.

 

Check out this .pdf download article of this fall's Waterproof Magazine, "Dealing with Moisture on Lightweight Decks".

 

   

 

To discuss your decking projects with a Duradek Professional, be sure to contact us to be referred to an authorized, professional Duradek installer in your area.

Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association Challenges – Duradek Accepts!

For the deck building industry, August is an exceptionally busy month, but it is not too busy to make time for our local Home Builders Association’s events and show some appreciation for our local building community. 

When a city like Vancouver is ranked the most livable city in North America (and 3rd in the world), you can guarantee that the local contractors like those in the Greater Vancouver Builders Association are some of the most skilled and experienced in their trades.

This month there were two notable, special events that the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA) hosted and Duradek was proud to take part in.

GVHBA Summer Social

Hosted along the Fraser River at the New Westminster Quay, Duradek was proud to be a sponsor of the GVHBA Summer Social. Not just another boring networking event, over 200 people enjoyed this social evening which included a wine bar and a very active Ping Pong table for which Duradek was co-sponsor.

Photo credit -  Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Who knew so many GVHBA members have such stellar ping pong talent!? The crossover footwork, blocks, counter-hits and rallies stirred up quite a scene. Duradek’s Winston Conyers was there to talk vinyl membrane waterproofing between ping-pong matches.

Photo credit -  Martin Knowles Photo/Media

 

GVHBA 3rd Annual Grouse Grind Challenge

Presented by the association’s Under 40 Committee, the GVHBA's 3rd annual Grouse Grind Challenge was a huge success. Members conquered the grueling trail and then enjoyed themselves at the summit with food, beverages, mingling and amazing views.

Recognized in the GVHBA weekly newsletter, Duradek’s Winston Conyers and Dave Giesbrecht were the notable newbie members beating the GVHBA newbie challenge with admirable times of 0:53:48 and 0:44:34, respectively.

Winston, a recent addition to the Duradek family and did his team proud. Dave, who is an authorized Duradek installer and owner of North Vancouver Sundecks proved himself as adept on the trails as he is on the decks he installs. Way to go, guys!
 

Winston (left) and Dave (right) did Duradek proud!
Photo credit -  Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Although relatively new members of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA), Duradek has a deep appreciation for the local building community that helped Duradek grow from a small regional company to an internationally recognized brand over the last 40 years.

When Duradek is at home building or home improvement shows in the local Vancouver market, we are thrilled with how often we hear of people wanting to freshen up the look of their deck that has had Duradek reliably protecting it over the last 20 – 30 years.

These Duradek customers know that the level of Duradek’s waterproof performance combined with no maintenance requirements is the most cost-effective way to protect their decks over the lifetime of the product. More often than not, homeowners want to re-do their decks purely to freshen up the look with one of our fantastic new colours, like Cork Graphite.

If you are in the Vancouver area, be sure to visit Duradek at booth #1755 at the Vancouver Home & Design Show October 16 – 19th at BC Place Stadium.  We can show you why waterproofing your deck with Duradek vinyl will bring you the most enjoyment from your deck for the long term…and allow you the most leisure time to enjoy it!

Duradek Sponsors GVHBA Summer Social this Week

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association is hosting a Summer Social at the Hyack Ballroom at the Inn at the Quay in New Westminster this Wednesday, August 13th, 2014 and Duradek is proud to take part as one of the sponsors of this fun networking event.

This free event is open to all Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association members, guests of GVHBA members and invited non-members; and will take place between 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm.


Duradek and Durarail provide low-maintenance
waterproof performance.

There will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and a lively ping-ping table co-sponsored by Duradek. For GVHBA members, there will be some speed-networking opportunities to take part in as well.


Protect the investment of your decking projects with the
long-lasting performance of Duradek and Durarail.

As new members of the GVHBA, Duradek is very proud to take part in this event to get reacquainted with old friends and to create new relationships with the local building community that helped to establish Duradek as a widely recognized brand that has become synonymous with PVC sheet waterproofing. (See the Duradek Story)

If you are in the Greater Vancouver area, be sure to stop in to mingle and enjoy a little networking on the waterfront wrap around patio next to the Fraser River. Duradek’s Winston Conyers will be there representing Duradek and to answer your questions on Duradek PVC membrane and how its superior roof grade waterproofing can be the best long-term solution for your balcony or roof deck projects; particularly when also including Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing systems. These products are designed to withstand the elements for long-lasting performance and are installed by trained contractors who are familiar with the intricacies of waterproofing details to protect the building envelope.

If you are not a member of the GVHBA and would like to attend what promises to be a fun social networking event (the old-fashioned, real live kind!), consider this your invitation to come as a guest of Duradek.

GVHBA Summer Social
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Place: Inn at the Quay (900 Quayside Drive New Westminster, BC)
Plenty of parking is available with flat rate fees being at 5:00 pm.

The Summer Social is brought to you by the Suppliers Council and the Membership Committee of the GVHBA and participating sponsors including Duradek.

Detailed directions:

From the Trans-Canada Highway (westbound)

• Travel West on Highway #1 across the Port Mann Bridge
• Take Brunette Exit South
• Follow Brunette Avenue onto Columbia Street, passing under the Patullo Bridge
• Turn left onto Begbie Street and go over the train tracks
• Follow the road past the Public Market
• The hotel is on your left

From the Trans-Canada Highway (eastbound)

• Travel east on Highway #1 and take Brunette Exit South
• Follow Brunette Avenue onto Columbia Street, passing under the Patullo Bridge
• Turn left onto Begbie Street and go over the train tracks
• Follow the road past the Public Market
• The hotel is on your left

New Mega-Show for Residential Construction Professionals Anticipated by Duradek

Building industry professionals now have a new mega-show to benefit from this fall as JLC Live joins the co-located Remodeling Show | Deck Expo for the first ever R | D | J Show for Residential Construction Professionals. With these top shows combined in this industry only event, builders can be confident that their time invested into attending will be time well spent.

Duradek invites you to register for free exhibit hall admission using promo code EVITE1. This is your chance to come by and discover the latest in education and product availability for this trade-only event at the Baltimore Convention Center from October 22nd – 24th.
The exhibit hall floor is open:

• Oct 23: 9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
• Oct. 24: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Duradek will be there at our booth #3313, represented by exclusive distributor Duradek MidAtlantic who is celebrating their 20th year in business this year along with Duradek celebrating our 40th anniversary.

What to Expect at Remodeling Show, Deck Expo, JLC Live (R | D | J )

At Deck Expo, Remodeling Show and JLC Live, professional remodelers can expect to find: hundreds of exhibitors, installation clinics, interactive workshops and a variety of instructional presentations…all held in conjunction with 4 days of educational conferences that begins on October 22nd. There are a variety of clinics to choose from this year including:

• Creative Elevation
• Deck Builders Workshop
• Durable Exterior Details
• Engineered Siding & Trim
• Remodelers Workshop
• Residential Drywall
• Weathering the Building Envelope

R | D | J Educational Conferences

As always, there is an excellent selection of education opportunities to allow you to earn education credits. There are education tracks in the following categories:

• Business
• Construction Materials and Technology
• Construction Safety
• Deck
• Design
• Legal
• Marketing
• Production
• Replacement Contractor
• Sales
• Technical Updates
• Technology
• Universal Design Build

In addition, you can take courses that are a part of the Master Deck Professional – Codes and Standards, a four-part series offered by NADRA. More information can be found on the NADRA Website.

R | D | J Social Events

A great way to unwind with your fellow remodeling professionals, the show offers a variety of fun events to enjoy some social networking the old fashioned way. There is still a bunch in the works, so be sure to check back on what you want to register for, but you can start by counting on these annual social events (pre-registration required):

• Dinner with New Friends
• R|D|J 2014 Welcome Party
• R|D|J Haunted Fells Point Pub Crawl
• NAHB Remodelers Gala
• NADRA 2014 Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner

Deck Expo Co-located with Remodeling Show’s History

Deck Expo is a trade only event focusing exclusively on the deck, porch and railing industry. Sponsored by NADRA and Professional Deck Builders Magazine, Deck Expo began in 2003, and co-located with Remodeling Show in 2009.

Remodeling Show is owned and produced by Hanley Wood and sponsored by the National Association of Homebuilders, NAHB Remodelers and Remodeling Magazine, Remodeling Show. It has been an anticipated industry event since its inception in 1991, and since that time has seen many ups and downs in the industry, several technological advances and an increased breadth and scope of building products on the market. One thing has remained consistent over the years - manufacturers continue to innovate and allow residential construction professionals to work smart and efficiently.

JLC Live is another of Hanley Wood’s excellent construction brands as the Journal of Light Construction sponsors this part of the show. The Journal of Light Construction and JLC online are excellent resources for residential construction pros and while JLC has two annual shows with JLC Live Northwest and JLC Live New England, this is the first year JLC Live participates along with the co-located Remodeling Show and Deck Expo.

Official Show Sponsors

NAHB Remodelers, Remodeling Show Sponsor
NAHB, National Association of Home Builders, is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association that helps promote the policies that make housing a national priority. Since 1942, NAHB has been serving its members, the housing industry, and the public at large. Founded in 1982, NAHB Remodelers serves the interests of more than 14,000 remodeling industry members.

NAHB Remodelers is committed to improved management and technical competency of remodeler members, excellence in service to the consumer, and effective government representation of remodelers' interests at the federal, state, and local levels. Working in partnership with locally-organized Remodelers Councils at more than 150 NAHB-affiliated state and local builders' associations, NAHB Remodelers provides information, certification, education, and recognition programs geared to keeping remodeler members competitive.

NADRA, DeckExpo Sponsor

Duradek is proud to be a member of NADRA, the Official Sponsor of DeckExpo. Their core purpose is to be the voice of the deck & railing industry by promoting national Deck Safety Month, helping guide code writing and regulations with ICC and sponsoring DeckExpo, the premiere trade event for the deck, dock, and railing industry.

The mission of the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the Deck and Railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of their customers.

Register for complementary exhibit hall passes for R | D | J Show using promo code EVITE1 and be sure to visit us at booth #3313. Be sure to check back for updates on events at the show as it gets closer. We look forward to seeing you there!

Decking Snapshot – Past, Predicted and Performance

Homeowners love their outdoor living space and they are increasingly utilizing that space as functional additions to their homes. This has allowed the decking industry to experience some modest, yet significant growth. The preference for more outdoor living space, along with the resurgence in new construction, has specialists anticipating this trend of growth in the decking industry to continue.

Principia Residential Decking & Railing 2013 Marketing Report that predicts the decking industry will experience in excess of 4% growth to reach 4.1 billion by 2015. This follows a 4.8% growth from 2012 to 2013 with a decking and railing factory gate value of $3.75 billion in 2013.
The increased desire for functional outdoor living space is shown in the recently released

According to the American Institute of Architects, 63% of architects cite outdoor living space as the most popular “special function room” in housing construction. But today’s homeowners aren’t satisfied with the traditional 10’ x 20’ rectangular, drip-through wood deck.

Before considering the accessories like lighting, furniture and fire features that customize the look of a deck, today’s homeowners want a deck that is high performing, low maintenance and environmentally friendly. This makes choosing deck building products one of the most important choices for developers and contractors who are juggling the cost vs. value with long-term customer satisfaction.

Considering Composite?

The popularity of composite decking products for their environmental benefits coupled with no maintenance requirements has been jaded by multiple product issues with several different suppliers. While claims of developmental improvements in the new ‘capped’ composite deck boards have promised to resolve the negative issues experienced with composite decking; only time will tell if these ‘improved’ products will perform as promised. Several recognized brands including Azek have been faced with legal proceedings stemming from product degradation. In the past several years, customers of Trex composite decking experienced such significant issues with their composite deck products that Trex settled their class action suit, followed most recently by a similar experience with Fiberon. So while composite deck products in theory meet some of the needs of ‘green’ building practices, in reality a lot of composite deck boards have ended up in the landfills.

Prefer PVC?

Alternately, a product that does not immediately conjure perceptions of environmental benefits, PVC membrane waterproofing is actually a wise choice environmentally for its longevity of performance. As a waterproof roof or deck, compared to the alternatives, Duradek vinyl membranes are the greener choice and can be considered for LEED points in green construction projects.

Duradek, the pioneers of PVC membrane waterproofing are celebrating their 40th year in business this year. Having gone through multiple warranty cycles, Duradek knows that their product performs as intended.

Duradek was recently featured in the Canadian Business Journal and is very proud to have been the leader in their niche of deck waterproofing by developing a single-ply pedestrian coating that also acts as a roofing membrane. This ability to provide long lasting, roof grade waterproof protection is made even more appealing due to the fact that the product requires virtually no maintenance. With only an occasional cleaning (seasonal to annual) and an annual inspection at perimeters, seams and posts, a deck protected with a Duradek vinyl membrane will regularly exceed their warrantied lifetime and last for decades.

Wood You Prefer…?

Drip through wood decks can
be a high maintenance burden.

Traditional wood decks require comparatively high maintenance with sanding, staining and sealing, and over time, can be a costly option. Decks built with pressure treated wood might last a little longer, but will eventually leach harmful chemicals into the environment while still requiring significant maintenance for longevity and waterproof integrity. When a wood deck is not maintained and its waterproof integrity is compromised, it is often the softened, water damaged wood that can be traced as a contributing factor to where supporting hardware has failed and led to dangerous deck collapse incidents.

Builders, Compare Your Options

Deck builders must carefully consider their options since they have a much broader choice of materials than they did 40 years ago. When choosing a building product, the best route is often choosing a product that has a proven performance backed up by a sound warranty and can meet the needs of the end user…in this case the homeowner who wants attractive, low maintenance, long-lasting outdoor living space.

If you'd like to discuss your decking needs with a waterproofing professional, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no obligation estimate.

JLC Live and Duradek Bring Important Info to Builders in New England this Week

JLC Live New England takes place this week at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI with education sessions starting on Wednesday, March 19, through to Saturday, March 22,2014; and Exhibit Hall on March 21st and 22nd only.

JLC Live New England is the most anticipated regional industry event for residential construction professionals and offers real world construction education with a conference program that highlights the fundamental skills that can help you elevate your proficiency and differentiate your company from the competition.

JLC Live makes it easy for you to get the most out of this event by providing extremely flexible registration options to allow you to participate as much or as little as works for you. You can register for exhibit hall access only or sign up for a full 4-day education conference pass choosing the courses that most benefit your niche in the residential construction industry...or any level in between that works best for you!
Visit JLCLive.com to register.

Access Decking Solutions at JLC Live 

Anyone who is in the business of deck building or sub-contracting deck builders knows that decking is a speciality trade of its own and comes with its own unique challenges that can affect the overall integrity of the home; particularly in instances where the deck is on a roof deck over living space.

Information on this specialty trade is easily accessed at JLC Live from two excellent sources.

1. Register for Bill Leys' education session "Construction and Waterproofing Methods for Walking Decks and Tile Covered Decks" which takes place on March 20th from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
2. Visit Duradek booth #1314 and talk to Duradek expert Steve McTaggart. Steve, who is the owner of Railing Pro, is Duradek's authorized distributor in New England and the only local source of Duradek, the original vinyl deck membrane. 

About Bill Leys 

An authoritative voice in the deck building industry and a regular presenter at JLC Live events, Bill is a big enthusiast and promoter of encouraging best practices. Bill is a licensed contractor in California and owner of DeckExpert.com. Since waterproof decks and/or tile-covered waterproof decks rate high on the list of components claimed to have construction defects, Bill's session is an incredibly valuable 3 hours for any construction professional who takes on decking projects.

"I am most looking forward to returning to Rhode Island (Newport is my hometown) and making New England contractors aware of the benefits that pedestrian traffic coatings offer over other methods in building and waterproofing roof decks." says Bill in the weeks leading up to the show.

About Duradek 

Duradek celebrates its 40th year in business this year and is very proud to have pioneered the use of sheet vinyl membranes as a deck waterproof surface and further developing it for building code approved use as a roofing membrane. Whether your project requires an attractive, waterproof pedestrian surface on a deck or a waterproof membrane for use under tile or stone pavers, Duradek has the reliable waterproofing methods you need to protect the living area below.

If you are in the New England area and are interested in waterproofing and railing solutions for your decking projects, you can rely on Steve at Duradek of New England / Railing Pro who is Duradek's own decking and waterproofing expert in New England. One of the main factors that makes Duradek a superior choice for decking projects is that Duradek professionals understand the critical details involved in waterproofing projects which can be a huge advantage over less specialized building professionals.

Moisture is the Enemy

Duradek is a reliable method of resisting the elements and protecting a home from water damage and this is partly due to an excellent membrane product that has proven itself over a 40 year history, but is also due to the skill of its applicators who are familiar with the details involved in professional waterproofing.

To keep informed on this critical topic, you might want to check out two other sessions on the JLC Live education track:

• Moisture and Leak Investigations - Friday, March 21st 

• Keeping Moisture Out: Flashing Details to Prevent Water Intrusion - Saturday, March 22th 

The Fun Stuff from JLC Live New England 

JLC Live New England has an app available for download from both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store to help you get the most out of your JLC Live experience.

When you are scheduling your JLC activities, don't forget about the networking events - the Opening Day Welcome Party and the Conference Happy Hour.

Have a great, rewarding time at JLC Live and we hope you stop by Duradek's booth #1314 to say hello and ask us whatever you wanted to know about finishing your decking projects with a reliable and low maintenance Duradek vinyl membrane and Durarail aluminium railing systems.

Find Duradek at Buildex 2014 in Vancouver this Week

Duradek is excited to participate in Buildex Vancouver 2014, 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 19th and 20th, 2014.

With about 13,000 attendees, 600 exhibitors and over 50 educational seminars, Buildex keeps you 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 2014 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.

Duradek is a proud participating exhibitor and is excited to introduce you to our latest selection of PVC Waterproof membranes such as our 'Cork' line which now includes 4 colour options - Natural, Espresso, Macchiato, and our latest addition - Graphite. This popular line provides a stylish outdoor design scheme while providing the superior level of waterproof protection you've come to trust from Duradek.

While 2014 marks the 25th year for Buildex, it is a landmark 40 years in business for Duradek and we couldn't be prouder to have pioneered this method of waterproofing. 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.

Duradek would like to invite you to come visit us at booth #307 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.

If you can't make it down to Buildex, you can always contact a Duradek dealer in your area for more information.    

Duradek is at Surfaces This Week

It's time for the International Surfaces Event and Duradek is there! The event kicks off tomorrow and building professionals will find Duradek at Surfaces, one of three distinct branded shows that are now united to create the ultimate industry event – The International Surfaces Event.

Taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from January 28-30, 2014, this show brings you everything you want to discover about all things stone, tile and floor coverings for both indoor and outdoor living space.

Duradek invites you to register for complimentary Exhibits admission ($60 value) and come visit us at booth #B2339.



We said 'Forest Floor' vinyl blends
well with the natural environment...
some builders took us very literally!

The International Surfaces Event keeps you in the know on virtually any type of surfacing in construction or remodeling projects. With the trends of expanding outdoor living space, it is wise for architects and builders to have a good arsenal of reliable outdoor flooring products and Duradek is proud to highlight our waterproof flooring solutions for decks and roof decks.

As seen in the ISSUU New Products Lookbook, Duradek's latest offerings include the stylish and unique Forest Floor line of vinyl in the versatile shade of 'Ash' for this year's new floor covering options.

The International Surfaces Event is a comprehensive event encompassing industry resources, trademark events and a wealth of education, featuring:

SURFACES Show Floor – with thousands of square feet of exhibits, the show floor is where you’ll find the most innovative floor covering products and supplies in every major category. America’s largest event for the floor covering industry, SURFACES is held annually in Las Vegas, NV and offers an unrivaled education program. Duradek will be there at booth #B2339 to take care of your outdoor flooring needs with our Duradek Ultra walkable, waterproof PVC membranes. A great solution for any outdoor pedestrian surfaces, Duradek Ultra is ideal for decks situated over living space where professional waterproofing is critical.

StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas Show Floor – from everyone and everything stone and stone related. Interested in stone pavers for your outdoor living space? Here is where you will find them…and remember to check with Duradek over at the SURFACES show floor to find out about Plazadek, our roof-grade waterproofing membrane for use under paver systems.

TileExpo Show Floor – here you will find a wide collection of exotic, innovative and distinctive tile products from all around the world. Building and design professionals who are interested in the elegant beauty of tiles on outdoor surfaces likes patios or decks are well served by visiting the SURFACES show floor to stop by the Duradek booth and discover the advantages of the Tiledek system of waterproofing under exterior tiles. With the same roof-grade protection of our original vinyl membrane, Tiledek has been manufactured with a special fabric surface to provide the best adhesion of thin-set in outdoor tile applications. Installed by trained and authorized dealers, Tiledek is part of a superior assembly system that can accept the thin-set tile application immediately after installation.

Stop by the Duradek booth #B2339 to say hello and ask us anything you want to know about deck waterproof surfaces…we hope to see you there!

Duradek Offers Free Registration for 2 Great Industry Shows in Vegas

Builders and remodelers  have two great industry events to chose from in the coming weeks and both are great excuses to book yourself a ticket to Las Vegas.

You may still be checking off your Christmas list, but if you are in the light construction industry you might want to put one of these great building industry shows on the list for yourself. The beauty of this kind of business trip is that you can get a lot of exposure to product information and some solid networking accomplished with virtually no cost...you just have to get yourself there!

Duradek invites you to register for free exhibit hall admission to The International Surfaces Event or The International Builders Show in Las Vegas in early 2014.

Whether you are looking for a fantastic waterproof decking solution or an excellent business opportunity to expand your contracting services, you will benefit from coming down and talking with Duradek president John Ogilvie or sales manager Kevin MacMillan.

The International Surfaces Event

Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas

January 28 - 30, 2014

Visit Duradek at Surfaces - Booth #B2339

Register for free exhibit hall admission!

The International Builders Show

Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas

February 4 - 6, 2014

Visit Duradek at IBS - Booth #S1919

Register for free exhibit hall admission!

Duradek Recommended Across the Building Industry

Leading publications for the light construction and remodeling industries consistently include Duradek and Durarail as products you can depend on for your decking material needs. These valuable resources for light construction and remodeling professionals allow builders to arm themselves with the knowledge of the best deck building materials and most reliable waterproofing membrane system in the specialty trade of deck building with Duradek.

Duradek Included in Qualified Remodeler

Qualified Remodeler magazine prides itself on helping independent remodeling firms to stay competitive and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

Qualified Remodeler includes Duradek in their online platform, ForResidentialPros.com where archives of the magazine’s previous issues can be accessed. From the categories of Flooring, Decks & Patios and Outdoor Living, Duradek has been highlighted in this trusted resource.

Duradek Highlighted by The Journal of Light Construction

Panorama Post makes railing
installations on curved decks easy!
Photo by Duradek of New England.

The Journal of Light Construction Magazine and its online counterpart JLConline.com are reliable building industry publications brought to you by Hanley Wood and are often referred to for product information and building knowledge best practices.

JLC is familiar with Duradek and some time ago published quite a comprehensive article titled “Waterproofing a Rooftop Deck” which details PVC membrane deck waterproofing. More recently this November, JLC included Durarail’s Panorama Post as a notable product with its beautiful ability to virtually ‘bend’ around corners and provide design flexibility for outdoor living space. No other topless glass railing makes defining the perimeter of a curved deck so easy.

Watch for Highlights, Call for Details

While winter has us in the downslope of demand for deck building, be sure to keep an eye on these publications this spring for updates on Duradek and other recommended building products from the industry publications you can rely on.

When spring comes around, many builders are bound to have projects that require some form of decking, roof decks or outdoor living space. You can simplify the project by relying on a trained Duradek installer for your deck building needs, specifically the highly important detail of deck waterproofing. Deck building is a specialty trade, and waterproofing decks an even more detailed specialty.

Duradek is NOT available as a retail product available to all contractors and do-it-yourselfers. With Duradek, you are guaranteed to have an installer who has been instructed in deck waterproofing best practices along with the resources of technical support from Duradek behind them no matter what specific challenges your project may have.

To ensure your deck building projects are completed professionally with an ICC approved product, get to know the Duradek Installer in your area.

Free Registration for International Builders Show - February 2014

The NAHB International Builders Show (IBS) is only a couple of months away so if you are a building industry professional now is the time to start making your plans to attend.  Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center February 4th - 6th, 2014, IBS is the largest annual light construction show in the world and now is even bigger as it co-locates with the Kitchen & Bath industry show.

Duradek invites you to attend with free exhibit hall registration and come by to visit us at booth #S1919 to discuss your deck building challenges and waterproofing needs.

Expected to attract over 75,000 builders, remodelers, developers, architects and other industry professionals from over 100 countries, The International Builders Show will house over 1,500 exhibitors to demonstrate the latest product innovations and building solutions for virtually all of your construction needs.

In addition to co-locating with the Kitchen & Bath show, this year’s IBS offers a few more changes as well, specifically within their Education Programs. The 2014 education enhancements focus both on content and delivery with new session formats, technology upgrades, a variety of interactive architectural and design plan reviews and more hands-on demonstrations both on and off the show floor.

The Building Knowledge Sessions have been revamped for 2014 with approximately 100 sessions available being reduced from 90 minutes to 60 minutes to allow for a more focused, in-depth discussion.

For example, Building Knowledge Session – Utilizing More Trade Contractors is a great stop for remodelers and small volume builders who have to balance the cost and value of maintaining a dedicated staff versus utilizing trade contractors. In some cases it may make much more sense to develop loyalty with trade contractors, particularly in specialty trades like deck waterproofing.  If you are a small volume builder or remodeler, developing a relationship with your local Duradek contractor who has been specially trained and have access to Duradek’s impressive technical support and proven techniques can be a huge asset to your business when your projects require decking expertise!

Additional education programs include Spotlight Sessions where experts discuss emerging trends and expanded Master Sessions to cover even more important topics in building.

Not Only About Building Knowledge

While the exhibit hall and the education sessions will pack your mind with insight and ideas, IBS is not just about education. There are a variety of networking and social events to help you balance out the show with a little fun.

• IBS Opening Ceremonies (Tuesday, Feb. 4th, 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.) - 4-star general and former leader of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), General Stan McChrystal headlines the opening ceremonies and few others can speak with such authority on leadership and teamwork.  Additional inspiration comes from the performances of Cirque Fantastic with awe-inspiring and breathtaking feats with their distinctive, elegant acrobatics well suited for a Las Vegas stage. Limited seating – first come-first served.

• The Official IBS House Party (Tuesday, Feb. 4th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) – a laid back way to kick off the show the right way with great music and food at the Hard Rock Café on the strip. Tickets Required.

• IBS Spike Concert (Thursday, Feb. 6th, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.) – 4 time Grammy winner Pat Benatar performs with Neil Giraldo at the South Hall S4. Tickets Required.

• Young Professionals After Hours Party (Wednesday, Feb. 5th, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.) – For the under 40 crowd, a networking social event with live band, open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets Required.

Register for Free Exhibit Hall Admission for IBS 2014

Duradek wants to invite you to register for free IBS Exhibit Hall admission. Remember, we are at booth S1919 and we will be showcasing the latest designs in our proven system of waterproof vinyl deck membranes and our innovative railing solutions by Durarail.

Duradek Highlighted by Professional Deck Builder Magazine

Duradek is highlighted as a "Hot Product" for the hot summer season in Professional Deck Builder Magazine. While in the midst of peak season for decking professionals, we are happy that these skilled specialty tradesmen are learning that Duradek is the ideal solution for many decking projects from ground level patios to flat roof decks over living space.

Professional Deck Builder Magazine distributed a newsletter this month that highlighted Duradek as one of the best products to choose from in a marketplace crowded with new products.


Duradek - A "Hot Product" in Professional Deck Builder

Additionally, Professional Deck Builder online currently has Duradek featured in the Product | Material category with Duradek Ultra PVC Membranes; and in the Design and Construction category Duradek is included twice in Decking Moisture Management. Once for Duradek Ultra and once for Ultra Tiledek, both recognized as superior solutions for moisture management for decking projects alongside an article link entitled "Keeping Water Out of Decks". This is the perfect spot for building professionals to locate information on Duradek and discover what makes Duradek stand out from other comparable products. As the article states, good details are "paramount to the longevity of decks and the houses they are attached to."

Duradek professionals often see how a quality deck could have had a much longer life and unnecessary repairs could have been avoided had proper flashing details been given the attention they really need. This is one small example of why Duradek is only available through a network of professionals who have been trained in the intricacies of deck waterproofing. No matter how great a product is, if it has not been installed properly it will not be guaranteed to perform as intended. With these trained installers, Duradek is confident in offering a 10 year warranty on their waterproofing membrane (while contractor workmanship warranties remain as a separate warranty).

For a specialty skill like deck building and waterproofing it is important to turn to both a product and a professional you can trust. If you are a decking professional, you may want to considered adding Duradek and its strong 40 year performance history to your product offerings. Or if you have a decking project that includes a roof deck, you may want to contact a Duradek Dealer in your area to take care of the moisture management aspect of your decking projects.  

Duradek Makes Top 101 New Products List on Professional Builder

Professional Builder Magazine selected Duradek as one of the 101 Best New Products of the Year for 2013. Although Duradek has consistently been manufactured over a strong 40 year history, it is it's designer style Ultra Cork Macchiato vinyl that earned Duradek a spot on the top new products list in Professional Builder.

Cork Macchiato - a Top 101 New Products

Duradek Ultra Cork Vinyl Color Options

The Cork line launched in 2011 with the first color option, Natural, followed by Espresso and Macchiato. Since then it has been gaining popularity as a reliable option for waterproofing decks with unique style. With a contemporary look, the Cork line of vinyl has a blended texture that mimics natural cork and that adds a stylish element to outdoor design schemes. The most recent addition to the Cork line is the bold Graphite which has just become available and is now starting to roll out into the market place.

This best product recognition is given to the products that receive the most interest from Professional Builder readers, and with and with an audience reach of more than 112,000 home building professionals each month, all of whom have the authority to buy or specify building products. We are proud to stand out amongst the thousands of quality building products available.



Duradek Ultra Cork Macchiato

Professional Builder Magazine is part of the redesigned HousingZone.com which is an easy to use resource that retains more than a decade's worth of editorial archives. Professional Builder also distributes a weekly e-newsletter and you can visit HousingZone.com for a free subscription.

 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Product

Readers that showed interest in Duradek vinyl membranes could see that it offers:

• roof grade waterproof protection
• a stylish walking surface for decks
• a long lasting, low maintenance solution

What they may not have seen, is all of the testing and quality control that goes on behind the scenes to ensure Duradek remains the strongest performing vinyl membrane on the market.

Duradek is the original vinyl membrane having covered over 125 million square feet of decks and balconies all across North America over the last 40 years. Other product have come along, but compared to Duradek they simply do not have the proven performance. Take for example this Accelerated Weathering Test (ASTM G90) that had Duradek tested side-by-side with another vinyl brand. Would you want to risk this happening to your decking project?

Accelerated Weathering Test ASTM G90
with Duradek and another vinyl brand.

If you are a building professional and the quality of your projects matters to you, be sure to discuss deck waterproofing options with your local Duradek dealer. And remember, not all vinyl is created equal so be sure to ask the right questions when choosing a waterproofing membrane for your next decking project.

Why Duradek Trains Contractors and Educates Architects

by Duradek Northwest President, Matt Whale

Why does Duradek train contractors and provide education to architects and designers, and is that important?

It is my understanding that the greater percentage of all building related lawsuits are due to water intrusion. So, when entering into the field of roofing or waterproofing, one enters into a field wrought with legal liabilities. Because when decks and roof-decks leak they can cause simple water damage or catastrophic failure.



Duradek Technical Manager, Len Viegener
conducting a training at Duradek HQ.

Whether one has flooring, roofing, carpentry or waterproofing experience it is important to augment each trade's techniques with historical application performance procedures. Having said this, areas that need to be taught for proper PVC waterproof deck installations are proper seam welding and the "capping' of the seams, outside and inside "deck to wall" interface flashing installation, door pan, drain, scupper and overflow application, Deck preparation basics, where you are taught what are acceptable deck construction techniques, slopes and materials, based on successful deck history should also be taught. Now for you professionals, saying that you did not build the deck may not get you off the hook. It is understood that a professional knows what he is placing his product on and its suitability to perform (if you can see it or discover it, you accept it and are most likely liable for it).



Duradek installers in training.

One way to get around the problem is sell the product "over the counter" to anyone with the cash. This puts all the product performance liability onto the installer, or "Do It Yourselfer" and removes all of the installation and most of the product liability for the manufacturer or reseller. Add to the product a "Limited Material Warranty" that further limits the manufacturer's liability and specifies the remedy to supplying materials to only the affected area. Also exclude all aesthetics issues and put the claim criteria into a fee based inspection service call and if deemed out of the realm of material problem you can bill the consumer. Now you have a market program provided by many deck product manufacturers.

Please understand I am not a lawyer, so for a complete legal warranty evaluation, please contact such a person (my personal disclaimer). I write this to help, not discourage; to enlighten not mask; to help you make an informed and educated decision. So does Duradek educate and train? Yes they do. Is it important? Absolutely, because when you are committed to an industry and to your customers, it just seems like the right thing to do.

Duradek Northwest
Mathew Whale CSI, CDT

Download PDF version here.

If you are interested in becoming an authorized Duradek Dealer, check out some details on our Business Opportunities page.