Ask a Pro How to Build and Waterproof Your Deck

When it comes to renovating and maintaining your deck, there are so many options out there it can be a bit of a challenge to know what type of deck is best for your needs; but even once you do have an idea of what type of deck you want, it is worthwhile to seek the advice of a ‘pro’ on proper waterproofing to ensure you get the most longevity and good overall value from your deck as well as protect the building envelope of your home.

Celebrity builders like HGTV’s Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray  and Jim Caruk are well known building experts and they can be an incredibly valuable source for information on building products and the techniques used to properly install them. While these celebrity builders often offer advice on do-it-yourself projects, when it comes to deck waterproofing even these experts know that specialty trades like deck building are not the place to save money to try to do it yourself. Deck waterproofing is best left to the experts.

Rolling out Duradek's Tiledek membrane on 'Income Property'.

While many at-home do-it-yourselfer’s have been captivated by programs like Deck Wars, it is HGTV’s Disaster Decks with Paul LeFrance that shows all too vividly the problems that can occur when your deck was not constructed by a professional deck builder.  It’s enough to make a building envelope consultant cringe!  Many at-home builders unknowingly ignore critical sequencing, drainage and other deck building details that will leave their brand new, beautiful deck vulnerable to the elements and therefore a much shorter life span.

Duradek installer attending to the critical inside perimeter details on Tiledek installation.

For your deck to be constructed properly, choose a professional deck builder. And for the longest lasting deck, trust your waterproofing to the professional installers of Duradek vinyl membranes.

Duradek has 40 years of proven performance history and will extend the life of your deck by providing exceptional waterproof protection without the need for regular maintenance or re-application. Just the one time installation by one of our trained and authorized Duradek installers will keep your deck protected for many years.

The finished porch...all water-tight!

Duradek comes with a 10-year waterproofing warranty so you can be confident that your investment is doing the job it is intended for…protecting your deck and your home from the detrimental results of water infiltration. This is an investment that will reward you with safe, outdoor living space for your family…and more time to actually ENJOY that outdoor living space with your family since you will not need to lose any time to annual maintenance. So do yourself a favour and don't do-it-yourself....do it with Duradek.

HGTV’s Income Property Called on Duradek for a Waterproofing Solution

Popular HGTV home renovation show 'Income Property' urgently needed a waterproofing solution and they knew the waterproofing professionals of Duradek could help them solve it.

Host, Scott McGillivray and his team were working on a complete basement renovation to create a rentable income suite so the new owners could afford their new home, and with a new baby coming there was no time to waste and no money to spare.

Everybody was excited about the plans and even the electrical upgrades and asbestos removal wasn’t cause for concern. It was when they were removing the ceiling panels that enthusiasm was dampened. And dampened was exactly what had happened to the framework of the home.


"I have to tell you, I've never seen anything like this." - Scott McGillivray

Initially, the source of the moisture was unknown, but at some point a corner-cutting contractor had cut a tubing pipe in half to act as a channel to route accumulated water from its unknown source through the ceiling and down the wall to a drainage pipe. You don’t have to be a building expert to know that method is not an ideal water management solution, but the real concern now was that until the source of the water infiltration was found, any and all efforts they invested into the basement renovation would be wasted. The affordability of the house without the income suite was not realistic and having taken on a huge mortgage, the owners were in a very vulnerable position.

Scott McGillivray knew this critical element must be solved before proceeding. Through testing by applying water to the suspected points of entry, Scott determined that the water was entering the home through the flagstone back porch entryway that was situated over the suite. This is an unfortunately common problem when builders who are not waterproofing specialists mistakenly assume the stone and mortar will be enough to stop water infiltration, but over time water will always make its way through.

One of Scott’s team members recalled using Duradek on a previous project and knew it was a reliable method of waterproofing, so they decided to try using a Duradek vinyl membrane and then laying the flagstone pavers on top of it. When the show contacted Duradek to help supply this important building material for episode 8, Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan was able to offer something even better suited for their project - Duradek Ultra Tiledek.


Rolling out the Tiledek membrane.

Tiledek was the perfect solution for this problem and a better option than laying the flagstone pavers over top of the original walkable Duradek vinyl membrane. Tiledek is made with the same quality PVC and is applied with the same professional waterproofing details as the original Duradek membrane. It even comes with a 10 year waterproofing warranty like the original Duradek and Tiledek has been tested and approved as a roofing membrane. The feature that made Tiledek the superior solution for this project is that Tiledek is manufactured with a fabric-embedded surface intended to accept a thin set mortar to adhere a final walking surface like tile or the flagstone pavers. So on this project, Tiledek was the best solution for providing a 100% waterproof system.

The Duradek Ultra Tiledek was installed by HTR Duradek in Ontario; one of Duradek’s leading authorized installers. All Duradek waterproofing systems are available only through authorized installers that have been trained in the intricate details involved in the specialty trade of deck waterproofing.


Duradek installer attending to critical inside
 perimeter details on Tiledek installation.

Duradek installer heat welding Tiledek to pvc coated
flashing on outside perimeter details on Tiledek installation.

Only after the membrane was securely installed with all of the proper attention to the perimeter and drainage details could the stone layers come in to finish the job. Fortunately, with Tiledek membranes, once it is installed there is no drying or curing time required and the stone layers could start their part of the project immediately with no time delays to keep the project on track.


With the Tiledek waterproofing installation complete, the
stone layers can get to work right away to finish the job.

With the water infiltration resolved, the rest of the renovation was completed and the owners could proceed with finding a tenant for their beautiful new suite to help them afford the home where they can raise their family.


The finished porch...all water-tight!



To view this Income Property episode, visit HGTV Canada online and watch Season 8, episode 8 ‘Nick and Karen’. For HGTV US, watch for airing of this episode on Tuesday, November 12th, 2013.

If there’s any information you take away from this episode, remember that out of all the renovation items on your wish list, the most critical one to deal with is proper waterproofing. If you’ve got questions about your own waterproofing issues or decking projects, contact a Duradek Dealer near you for a free estimate.

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!

Duradek Hits the Airwaves withNew TV Commercials for 2012

Duradek has been making a presence in the Canadian market with a series of commercials, and this July they introduce two new 15 second commercial spots. These two colourful clips vividly demonstrate in only a few seconds how Duradek is the perfect waterproofing solution for decks and patios.

The first of Duradek's new commercials highlights that Duradek comes in a great selection of colours and patterns. It also focuses on the fact that Duradek is installed only by professional contractors and is backed up by the Duradek guarantee.



The second new commercial demonstrates how Duradek vinyl waterproofing is ideal for home owners who want to enjoy their outdoor lifestyle without having to labour to maintain it. Low maintenance Duradek waterproof vinyl offers home owners the benefit of extending their living space to their decks with style.



Duradek Commercials are Aired on
Four Major Canadian Specialty Networks

The National Geographic Channel
This hugely popular network has had the largest increase in audience in the last year in specialty T.V. with an excess of 6 million subscribers.

The Do It Yourself Network
The Do It Yourself Network is all programming showing renovations by contractors and home owners. With just over 2 million subscribers, it is viewed by people who wish to find ideas on renovation (with many shows featuring sundecks being built!)

HGTV
The Home and Garden network was selected to use for concentration on reality shows on building decks...all kinds of decks. The viewer here is often looking for ideas on decks to pass on to their contractor.

The History Channel
This is the largest viewed specialty T.V. station in Canada with a cross section of new programming.

Duradek Makes an Impression
With presence like this and the professional reputation Duradek has built since protecting decks since 1974, it is no wonder that many consumers often consider 'Duradek' as synonymous with 'waterproof vinyl'. But remember, not all vinyl is created equal! Like Duradek president, John Ogilvie states in the commercial, "For a true seal of quality, look for the Duradek logo - before you buy!"

To view these fun new commercials, informational clips, installation sequences and more, visit 'The Duradek Channel' on YouTube.

Builder Boss Uses Duradek Vinyl - PVR Alert!

See Duradek Vinyl Perform on HGTV's Builder Boss - Thursday at 10:00 p.m.
Tomorrow, July 12th, 2012, Duradek is used by the experts on The Builder Boss show on HGTV featuring Jim Caruk, one of Canada's most respected building celebrity experts. This brand new series that premiered on Thursday, June 21st with back-to-back episodes has the master contractor providing his expert renovation advise while overseeing a multi-million dollar roster of some very diverse projects.

The Experts Do it With Duradek on Builder Boss
Each episode of the series documents a real-life Caruk Group job from the early days of the build right through to the finishing touches with impressive reveals of the completed spaces. This week's back-to-back Builder Boss episodes include the use of Duradek vinyl on two different projects.

Duradek on Builder Boss "The Bunker"
The first episode of Builder Boss to feature Duradek is entitled 'The Bunker', and is a unique project for even a builder like Jim who has done it all. Watch as Jim and his team take on this subterranean playroom housed underneath an elaborate outdoor living space. This episode airs on HGTV on Thursday, July 11th at 3:00 p.m. EST and 10:00 p.m. EST; on Friday, July 13th at 1:00 a.m. EST and 4:00 p.m. EST; and on Sunday, July 15th at 1:00 a.m. EST. For more on this episode, visit HGTV's Builder Boss - 'The Bunker' episode listing.

Duradek on Builder Boss "Porch and Garden"
The second episode of Builder Boss to feature Duradek is entitled 'Porch and Garden' has Jim's team taking on a problematic outdoor project. This Charleston style two-story porch and landscaped garden provide about every problem imaginable for Jim's team and Duradek is proud to have provided at least one solution for them! This episode airs on HGTV on Thursday, July 11th at 3:30 p.m. EST and 13:00 p.m. EST; on Friday, July 13th at 1:30 a.m. EST and 4:30 p.m. EST; and on Sunday, July 15th at 1:30 a.m. EST. For more on this episode, visit HGTV's Builder Boss - 'Porch and Garden' episode listing.

For more information on the Builder Boss show on HGTV, read The Duradek Way blog from June 19th, or check out the Builder Boss website. This new building reality show promises to be both informative and entertaining for anyone interested in the real world of custom home building and renovations.

For further insights into Jim and his views on his new Builder Boss show, check out this interview on monstersandcritics.com.

"Builder Boss" Premiere Season Has Jim Caruk Choosing Duradek - Premieres Thursday, June 21st on HGTV

Jim Caruk, one of Canada's most respected home renovation celebrity experts is back with a brand new series on HGTV - "Builder Boss".


Premiering on Thursday, June 21st at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with back-to-back episodes, this exciting new series has the master contractor providing his expert renovation advise while overseeing a multi-million dollar roster of projects which include the use of Duradek vinyl membrane products on 2 of this season's episodes.

HGTVs success with Jim's inaugural reality television program "Real Renos" that hit the airwaves 8 years ago gave viewers an inside look at the home-building business. Now Jim is back with his all-new series, "Builder Boss" where the realities of a working contractor and the demands of the job-site, the board room and the road collide for an entertaining and inspiring look at the building industry. This new building reality show promises to be both informative and entertaining for for anyone interested in the real world of custom home building and renovations.

Each episode documents a real-life Caruk Group job from the early days of the build right through to the finishing touches with impressive reveals of the completed spaces. Projects on this season's roster include a 6,000 square foot Georgian mansion, a re-purposed old Victorian home and an underground bunker created to house a golf simulator and features the use of Duradek Ultra vinyl membrane!

Be sure to catch this exciting new reality series on HGTV and see some real life examples of why Duradek is the best choice for your exterior waterproofing needs on Jim Caruk's new "Builder Boss" program.

For some insights into Jim and his views on this new "Builder Boss" show, check out this interview on monstersandcritics.com.

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!

Get To Know Duradek On YouTube & HGTV

Duradek has been the leader in patio and rooftop deck waterproofing for over 35 years, and with that kind of experience it is no wonder that Duradek has become known as the 'Decking Experts'. A popular product amongst industry leaders, Duradek's reputation and performance speaks for itself, but we thought you might want to hear what Duradek president John Ogilvie has to say on YouTube.

If you've only got a few seconds....
Duradek president, John Ogilvie speaks on Duradek with a few brief words with the HGTV 15-second commercials, provides a brief overview on Duradek Waterproofing Solutions, and provides an installation sequence from start to finish in one brief minute.

If you've got a few minutes...
For a little more detailed information on Duradek, you can view a full history of the company and the product in a little over 5 minutes and learn how Duradek became the leader in waterproofing solutions for walkable rooftop decks, and then added the perfect partner product - Durarail, the powder-coated aluminum railing system. Two incredibly durable, low-maintenance products to beautify and protect your outdoor living space makes one simple choice when it comes to choosing products that will last.


In only a few minutes you can discover and appreciate the amount of detail that goes into properly waterproofing your outdoor living space and how protecting and beautifying your deck or rooftop patio can be taken care of in one easy step by the network of specially trained Duradek professionals.

Duradek Invites You To The BC Home & Garden Show

At BC Place Stadium on February 22, 2012 on of British Columbia's most anticipated consumer trade shows returns, and Duradek is happy to be a part of it. Running through until Saturday, February 26th, the BC Home & Garden Show offers the latest and greatest home renovation tips, tools and products from a huge selection of vendors and several acclaimed home renovation celebrity experts. Be one of the thousands of attendees discovering the best in home renovation and beautification at one of the biggest, most rewarding consumer trade shows of the year. Duradek will be at Booth #539 and joins hundreds of suppliers over 5 days of exhibits.

There is so much going on at this show, one day might not be enough to see it all. The fun starts right away on Wednesday the 22nd with an Opening Night Housewarming Party where ROCK 101 provides the music for a Pulled Pork Cook-Off on the Outdoor Entertaining Stage. Other highlights such as checking out HGTV celebrity Bryan Baeulmer taking the main stage, or visiting 'The Ultimate Man's Back Yard' are on many attendees' 'must-see' list. Check out the show highlights to make sure you plan to visit what is most important to you. Even if you only want to walk the exhibit floor, there is going to be lot to see and discover at the BC Home and Garden Show.

We hope that you will stop by the Duradek Booth #539 to say hello to some of our exceptional professional installers. You can take advantage of their expertise and ask them everything you ever wanted to know about waterproofing your patios, balconies or rooftop decks. You may be surprised to learn what makes Duradek's impressive line of vinyl products and aluminum railings such an excellent choice for beautifying and protecting your home in one easy process, and how it provides one of the lowest maintenance outdoor living solutions in the market today.

The BC Home and Garden Show is a Vancouver event you don't want to miss. To register online and save $3 (20%) off of your admission, just follow this link and you are on your way! See you at the show!

Duradek on 'Holmes on Homes'

Yes, it's true! Mike Holmes has chosen to use Duradek to solve some of his tough waterproofing problems!
Duradek was featured in Season 7, on Episode EP7081: Rocky Reno. This was filmed in Canmore, Alberta near the Rocky Mountains.

Holmes on Homes Episode: Rocky Reno

We have a link on our website News Page to the Episode...

We are listed as one of his Approved Contractors on the 'Make It Right' website.