Free Education for Building Professionals of Truckee & Tahoe

WALKABLE ROOF DECK MEMBRANES: Free for CATT Members | $10 for Non-Members

Duradek of Utah's Matt McClure will be presenting 'Walkable Roof Deck Membranes and Roofing Systems' on Tuesday, December 9th in Truckee, CA. This is a must-attend event for building professionals in the region to best understand the considerations and options to maximize the potential of the growing trend of increasing residential outdoor living space. Seating is limited so book now!

Course Details:

Class Date: Tuesday, December 9
Class Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, Q & A After, LUNCH PROVIDED
Class Location: CATT Office - 12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G, Truckee, CA
Class Description: This class is presented by NEW CATT Member Duradek. Students will be given an overview of walkable roof deck membranes and roofing systems, including a discussion of: Types of walkable roof decks, various waterproofing options, and their common problems; characteristics, advantages, and applications of walkable roof decks and outdoor flooring systems; important design concepts and considerations for walkable roof decks, balconies and walkways; walkable roof deck and outdoor flooring system common details and installation considerations; key specification issues related to roof deck membranes. This program will be extremely beneficial to architects and specifiers involved in single and multiple family homes.

Credits: 1.0 LU/HSW Hour (AIA CES)

Seating is Limited please RSVP by email or phone to
Amanda at 530-550-9999 or info@ca-tt.com

*Non-Members will be charged $10 to attend class

About the presenter: Matt McClure is the owner of Dekmax, based out of Salt Lake City, UT and was recently honored for Exceptional Performance at Duradek's 40th Anniversary Convention. Matt is the current president of the Salt Lake City Chapter of the Construction Specifiers Institute.

From left: Bob Ogilvie, Samantha McClure, Matt McClure,
John Ogilvie

For building and design professionals unable to take advantage of this excellent educational opportunity, you may be interested in Duradek's online education through the AEC Daily website - Walkable PVC Roof Deck Membranes.

Duradek is Helping Change the Landscape of Salt Lake City - One Roof Deck at a Time

The Broadway Park Lofts are a victorious triumph in architectural achievement and urban residential development perseverance. These luxurious loft-style condominium units are refining urban lifestyle preferences and changing the landscape in Salt Lake City.

After a rocky start with the first phase of the project, construction halted when the housing market took a dive in 2009 and the promising development was left sitting as an empty shell. After a three year stalemate and a maze of legalities, the developers at ClearWater Homes acquired the project through grit, determination and vision which have culminated into a one-of-a-kind modern urban living experience which is truly the first of its kind in Salt Lake City.

The Broadway Park Lofts. Photo by ClearWater Homes

Located at 360 W Broadway (300 South) in downtown Salt Lake City, the two towers of the Broadway Park Lofts, named ‘Parkview’ and ‘Lanai’, hold a total of 82 units housed over 3 levels. Each unit spans 2 floors and range in size from 424 sq. ft. to 1,100 + sq. ft. (excluding Penthouse units) and they are available in one or two bedroom floor plans. The main level has received R2 zoning to allow for market units; perfect for coffee shops, yoga studios, art galleries and other community enhancing enterprises. The second and third levels perfect a sleek, industrial design with lanai style balconies and modern, garage-door-style floor to ceiling windows that open up the urban lifestyle to an outdoor living experience. But it is the 3rd level that really benefits from one of the most luxurious features in urban living…a private roof-top deck.

Garage door style windows open up each unit to the outdoors.

Accessed by an additional spiral staircase from the top level units’ second floor to the roof, each private roof deck spans an area of 300 sq. ft. and provides the additional outdoor living space that is so desirable but quite often under-utilized in many urban centers. Real estate agent, Connor Southworth reported, “These units are really cool, but they also cost about $40,000 more than the middle floor units. Well worth it, though, in my opinion.”

Preparing the roof deck substrate for the application of Duradek vinyl.

According to the American Institute of Architects, 63% of architects cite outdoor living space as the most popular ‘special function room’ in housing construction, and Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost-Vs.-Value Report includes multiple deck addition options in the ‘biggest gainers’ category. There is no doubt that outdoor living space is growing in demand in residential construction in both single family homes and multi-residential developments.

Roof decks sometimes bring hesitancy to developers as there are so many considerations to constructing them properly. When any outdoor pedestrian surface is situated over living space, a reliable walkable, waterproof surface is critical. ClearWater Homes boldly and confidently set precedence for roof top decks in Salt Lake City with this project by utilizing the specialized roof deck waterproofing provided by Duradek vinyl membranes. Not only was Duradek a proven, reliable, warrantiedsolution for waterproofing the roof decks, but it also provided a low maintenance surface for the owners of the units since Duradek vinyl does not require any maintenance to continue performing…just an occasional cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Broadway Park Lofts garner some inspiration from its namesake and brings New York style luxury to Utah where roof decks are gifted with the amazing views found in the Salt Lake City skyline and amazing Utah sky. This developer has recognized that roof decks do not need to be restricted to harbour cities where they are traditionally found in greater numbers, and they can take advantage of the views and maximize space in any community.

ClearWater Homes’ V.P. of Strategy and Development, Matt Kidd says, “The value of having the rooftop deck is returned in spades for the home owner. Not only are they able to enjoy an extra 300 square feet, but it comes with panoramic views of the Wasatch front extending from the capital building north all the way to Thanksgiving Point and all parts west! Imagine enjoying an evening alone or with friends watching the sunset and city night life unfold before you while relaxing on your rooftop.”

The roof decks at the Broadway Park Lofts bring the ultimate urban advantage giving these Salt Lake City residents the ability to enjoy the sights of the Saturday Farmer’s Market, the 4th of July fireworks or the Twilight Concert Series right from the comfort of their own home. After all, lifestyle is really what this development is all about. With a Walk Score of 89 out of 100, residents can walk or bike to work, enjoy the local parks and enjoy gastronomic favorites right on the same block like Tony Caputo’s Market, Carlucci’s Bakery, Bruges Waffles and Frites; even Gateway Mall is mere walking distance away. Plus, when traveling, residents can enjoy leaving their car in the secure garage and walk to TRAX to hop the train to the airport and never have to rely on paying for parking.

If you are in the market for a condo purchase in Salt Lake City and want to snap up one of the penthouse units with a roof top deck you may be disappointed because those rooftop units currently support a long waiting list of potential buyers waiting to hear of the next release date for availability. However there are still some of the first and second level units available for affordable urban luxury. Currently there are 12 new residents (with a dozen more in the purchase process)already enjoying their new lofts and surrounding Warehouse District neighbours and local businesses.

ClearWater Homes of Utah has a mandate of building functional, beautiful and energy-efficient homes and this urban masterpiece in the heart of Salt Lake City is an incredible example of functionality meeting luxury. Now, with the cautiously optimistic resurgence in new build construction, ClearWater Homes has made The Broadway Park Lofts a shining example of the best in urban living by maximizing space in a desirable urban center and by meeting the growing demand for extending residential living space to the outdoors.

Matt Kidd from ClearWater Homes adds, “Knowing that our rooftop decks not only provide a unique experience for our residents but a long lasting waterproof protection for their investments gives us the peace of mind to continue this development model for all of our communities going forward.”

CSI Tour of Broadway Park Lofts

Join Duradek of Utah's (Dekmax) Matt McClure to get a sneak peak at these gorgeous rooftop decks and take advantage of making your inquiries on the unique features of roof deck waterproofing. Design professionals can get a detailed look inside the Broadway Park Lofts when the Salt Lake City chapter of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI-SLC) will conduct a tour on May 21st, 2014. The tour will cover the layout of the buildings and discuss the obstacles, successes and future of the final development which is expected to be completed mid to late summer 2014.

Download this article (1.43 MB .pdf), "Changing the Landscape in Salt Lake City One Roof Deck at a Time".

Waterproof Deck Details

Waterproofing details for your deck or flat roof, no matter how small they may seem, make the critical difference between a successful waterproofing job and an expensive lesson. There is nothing quite as disheartening as discovering that the money and time invested in your deck renovations was ineffective and resulted in the need to replace water damaged sections of your home. When your deck is not built or waterproofed correctly, all of the surrounding area of your home is at risk of water infiltration.

The professional installers of Duradek vinyl waterproof membranes have been in the decking business for decades. For nearly 40 years, Duradek has been waterproofing decks in all North American climates and one thing is consistent no matter what the region or type of decking material used…if you cut corners on waterproofing details, it will cost you more in the long run.

Details Matter…Especially in Waterproofing Decks and Flat Roofs

Duradek is the leader in waterproof decking and has the most tested and approved PVC vinyl on the market for use on walkable rooftop applications. Although Duradek is confident that our vinyl is the most superior product of its type available, it is the installation details that really count for how well the product performs. That is why Duradek is installed only by trained and authorized contractors that are well-versed in the intricate details of waterproofing. Many do-it-yourselfers, and many professional builders for that matter, do not have the specific knowledge and experience required to ensure all of the waterproofing considerations have been carefully addressed.


Duradek of Utah / Dek Max transformed this damaged deck.

Take a look at this video clip presented by Matt at Duradek of Utah / Dek Max. Matt reviews just a few of the waterproofing details to consider with installing a waterproof vinyl membrane and highlights a couple of the details that make the Duradek difference.

Waterproofing Details You Need To Know

When you are building or renovating your deck, be sure to rely on a waterproofing professional to ensure your waterproofing will stand the test of time. Using an authorized Duradek installer is the only way to ensure you get the Duradek warranty and be secure in the knowledge that your deck has guaranteed waterproofing performance for at least 10 years.

Sure there are ways to save money on any home improvement project, but if you want the performance of your deck waterproofing project to last, make sure you do it right the first time. Some homeowners discover this through trial and error. Take a look at this example where a homeowner went through various attempts with other contractors before calling in the Duradek experts.

Outdoor Tile - A Step-By-Step Process For Pedestrian Tile Surfaces

If you are considering installing outdoor tile at your home or business, there are many factors to consider in ensuring it is the right material for your needs. That being said, the methods employed today to install exterior tile are far superior to those of the past and exterior tile is much more accessible to the average homeowner.

Proper application of outdoor tile surfaces requires not just the skills of the tile layer. One of the most critical phases of an outdoor tile installation is the waterproofing phase. A vinyl membrane is one of the most effective ways to provide exterior waterproofing as part of a tile assembly, and Duradek Ultra Tiledek is gaining a reputation as one of the best methods of fulfilling this need. Not only does it provide waterproof protection for the substrate of the tile assembly, it is also a roofing-approved membrane and will guarantee waterproof protection over habitable space allowing tiles to be used with confidence on roof top decks. In addition, its structure provides a durable and flexible surface that the tiles stay adhered to over years of freeze and thaw cycles.

Matt McClure of Duradek of Utah / Dek Max is a bona fide expert in waterproofing balconies, patios and roof top decks. As a specially trained Duradek Distributor, Matt is a well-respected voice of authority in the decking industry and is often turned to for advice on best practices in waterproofing.

While you can see a summary of the entire process and many stages of installing outdoor tile in our blog article "Exterior Tile Decks - A Big Job One Step at a Time", below you will find a series of video clips covering the waterproofing stage of the tile installation assembly.

Stage 1 - Laying Out the Vinyl






Stage 2 - Applying Latex Adhesive to Cement Board






Stage 3 - Applying Contact Cement to the Edge of the Deck






Stage 4 - First Weld of Tiledek






Stage 5 - Second Weld of Tiledek






Stage 6 - Third and Final Cap Weld of Tiledek





The popular decking resource, Ideas for Deck Designs approached Matt to share his expertise and you can  benefit from his experience by reading his interview and reviewing a step-by-step sequence of a new tile deck installation on their website.

If you would like to look into the benefits of Tiledek for your particular project, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate and get one step closer to making your dreams of a tile deck a reality.

Exterior Tile Decks - A Big Job One Step At A Time

Though cherished by homeowners, outdoor tile decks have traditionally been a source of frustration for many deck builders. Now, that is a thing of the past with the advantages gained by using the Duradek Ultra Tiledek waterproofing membrane and the recommended installation sequence for superior performance of the waterproofing system underneath exterior tile.

The team of decking professionals in the Duradek network have shown time and time again that "it is all in the details".  Duradek installer Matt McClure of Dekmax in Salt Lake City, Utah is a perfect example of how top performing waterproofing requires not only an excellent product, but also a professionally trained installer that is an expert in the intricate details critical to successful waterproofing.

One of Matt's Tiledek installations was for a very challenging deck project in Salt Lake City, and was featured on Ideas For Deck Designs website. This article is an excellent explanation of the details involved in adding an exterior tile deck and is presented in an easy to understand step-by-step sequence.

We've listed the steps involved for you here, but highly recommend you get the full details of the specifics if you'd like to educate yourself on the best practices of installing an outdoor tile deck.

Step #1 - Build the New Balcony Decks
Not always as simple as throwing down some plywood. All sorts of considerations such as soil conditions, imposed loads and of course, proper slope must be factored into the plans. Read more....




Step #2 - Prepare the Surface
3/4" tongue and groove plywood is the recommended deck surface and although it is possible to install the Tiledek waterproof membrane to plywood it would first require a lot of filling preparation. Duradek recommends use of a cement board on top of the plywood as an excellent substrate. Read more....


Step #3 - Install Cement Board
A bed of thinset mortar must be applied to set the cement boards properly, and should be allowed to cure properly before application of the membrane.
Read more...



Step #4 - Prepare Wall Flashing
Keeping your waterproofing intact where deck meets wall takes precision and accuracy. Read more....



Step #5 - Lay Out Duradek Ultra Tiledek
The material is heavy and cut in economical lengths and it must be laid out before applying the adhesive. But first the deck surface must be checked for cleanliness and be free of any obstructions. Check out the video...




Step #6 - Apply the Adhesive
The easiest method of applying adhesive to the deck surface is to fold the Tiledek membrane in half along the length of the roll and apply latex adhesive using a thick roller. Contact adhesive is used around the perimeter edges. Check out the video...

Step #7 - Wall Flash Detail
A very important detail to pay attention to, proper wall flashing details include ensuring the Tiledek is glued down flat and smooth right up to the transition point at the wall, leaving plenty of material to flash up the wall. Read more....


Step #8 - Triple Weld the Seams
The most important step of all, this is not something for the amateurs to try.  Duradek ensures that all of their applicators are professionally trained on this critical step. Watch the video...




Step #9 - Weld Column Patches
Corner patching details are an important step to finish the waterproofing details. With accuracy critical to performance and appearance, this is one more step where you would appreciate the skills of the trained professionals. Read More....




Step #10 - Applying The Bond Coat
Now that the waterproofing is professionally installed, the tile can be laid traditionally which includes the application of a bond coat. Read More....

Step #11 - Install The Tiles
The tiles are applied over the bond coat, and with Duradek's tested methodology this is not just a tile deck job, but an entire waterproofing system for your outdoor living space. Read more...

Step #12 - Install Expansion Joints
While installing the tiles, you  must ensure to install expansion joints every 8 or 10 feet. This is particularly important in environments that are subject to extreme temperatures. If the tile has room to expand, they won't crack or lift. Read more...





Step #13 - Grout the Tiles
One of the final steps to completing your outdoor tile deck is to grout the tiles and allow time to cure. Read more.....



And at the end of all the laborious and detail specific stages of an outdoor tile deck installation, the result is a beautifully finished tile deck, just waiting for its railings to be installed.

Matt from Dekmax and the good folks at Ideas For Deck Designs online have provided an incredibly easy to follow sequence that clearly illustrates the importance of details and how the Duradek Ultra Tiledek and the recommended system can provide far superior results in waterproofing under exterior tile than we have seen in the past.

Duradek featured on Ideas For Deck Designs

Ideas for Deck Design is a website that was created by Richard Bergman. He has a huge amount of information regarding Decking Materials of all types, Projects, Tips and Advice, Design and Planning Information, etc.

According to Richard, "Vinyl is Where the Future is Heading."

Recently Matt McClure, owner of Dekmax, in Salt Lake City, Utah was working on a Tiledek Project and Richard thought it was the perfect one to showcase in a feature project on his website here.

In perusing the site, we also noticed another one of our Duradek Distributors, Matt Whale, owner of Duradek Northwest who was a guest speaker with Richard in the Innovators section of his website - here is the Podcast Interview of Matt Whale with Richard regarding Duradek. And here is the condensed written version of that same interview.

Here is Richard Bergman's story...

By the way - perhaps like me, you may not be sure what "SBI" stood for - so
here it is... "Site Build It!" Which, according to Richard is all about starting
and building your own business online.