Deck Remodelling Inspiration on Houzz

From Inspiration to Source in a Few Clicks

Finding ideas for your deck remodelling projects is easier than ever with Houzz.com!

Houzz is a web site and online community about architecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design and home improvement. With almost 150,000 photos specific to decking and over 33,000 decking products you are guaranteed to find a great assortment of ideas to consider.

Read the full article Deck Remodelling Inspiration on Houzz

How to Clean Fungus and Mold off Duradek Vinyl Deck Membranes

Any permanent outdoor surface needs to be cleaned from time to time, and your vinyl deck is no exception. While the benefits of having a vinyl deck include no sanding, staining or re-coating of any kind, your deck will look its best with a seasonal cleaning (about 4 times a year).

Sometimes, however, there are contributing factors in your environment that may cause you to require more than a general cleaning on your deck's surface. One of these factors is mold and fungi which in some areas under certain conditions can be a troublesome maintenance issue like that experienced by some homeowners in Florida experiencing green and black growth on their metal roofs.

The bottom line is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to control all of the factors that contribute to mold growth and your best defense to keep your vinyl deck clear of fungus and mold is a general cleaning 4 times a year.

Step One - Start With a General Cleaning

Ideally, your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least four times per year (more often if acid rain or airborne pollution is a problem in your area) using Duradek vinyl cleaner which is available from your authorized Duradek contractor or directly from Duradek. Follow the directions on the label.

This cleaner is designed for vinyl and will NOT leave a harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt. Flush thoroughly with clean water.

Note: It is very important to remove all residue from cleaners used on your deck. While the cleaner itself may be gentle enough, it is when the sun 'bakes' the chemicals into the surface that your deck can experience discoloration.

Step Two - Mold and Fungi Removal Recommendations

Sooty Mold - Image from USDA Forest Service.

Both Artillery Fungus and Sooty Mold have similar cleaning procedures. For plastic and painted surfaces that might have sooty mold, the USDA recommends:

• 1/3 cup powdered household detergent
• 1 quart household liquid bleach
• 2/3 a cup of Trisodium phosphate
• 3 quarts of water
• (be sure to use rubber gloves when cleaning with this solution)

Clorox® recommends using their "Outdoor Bleach" product diluted at a rate of 1 part Outdoor Bleach to 6 parts water, as per their recommendations for cleaning vinyl surfaces. Apply early or late in the day when the membrane surface is cool to the touch. Apply solution with a garden sprayer and allow to sit on the surface for a minimum of 10 minutes. Re-apply the solution to areas that begin to dry during this period.

Use a soft bristle brush on a pole to scrub the membrane surface. Small remaining spots can be cleaned using a firmer bristle brush. Then rinse the entire area thoroughly with a garden hose.

Note: at the time of publishing this article, Clorox® Outdoor Bleach is not available in Canada. When using any cleaner, make sure the manufacturer recommends their product is suitable for outdoor vinyl products and their written instructions are followed.

Sooty Mold on vinyl deck - before cleaning.
Photo by Duradek MidAtlantic.

Duradek vinyl deck - after cleaning off sooty mold.
Photo by Duradek MidAtlantic.

Details on Common Mold and Fungus

Artillery Fungus are dark raised spots about the size of a pencil tip that do not melt into a larger circle. For further information on how to control established Artillery Fungus in ground cover, see this document from the Penn State University website.  

Sooty Mold is a dark fungi which leaves dark spots or darkish areas which look like, well, soot. For further information on how to control Sooty Mold, go to Virginia Tech website.  

If you are experiencing hard-to-remove mold on your deck, you may be interested in reading this excellent case study that was conducted by Duradek distributor, Duradek MidAtlantic which documents the diagnosis and removal of Sooty Mold.

Refer to Case Study - Diagnosing and Removing Mold From Duradek

See also, Duradek's Care & Cleaning Recommendations for your Duradek Vinyl Deck.

How to Remove Stains from a Vinyl Deck

How to Get Stains Out of a Well-Used Vinyl Deck

If your deck is protected with Duradek, you are probably already aware of how easy Duradek vinyl is to clean. On our post from September 19th - How to Clean and Care For Your Duradek Vinyl Deck, we discussed the care and cleaning of your Duradek vinyl deck and how inspecting your deck is a step that you should take to ensure all of your waterproofing details are intact. If during your seasonal cleaning or annual inspection you came across any stains on your vinyl from a full summer of use, we’ve got some tips for you on how to remove them.

Vinyl Deck Stains from a Busy Summer of Fun

Your deck doesn't need
to keep the condiment drips!

If you are a lucky homeowner who was able to enjoy a summer season full of barbecues and sunbathing, you might come across the occasional ‘oops’ of a spilled condiment that was not addressed right away. Don’t be disheartened if wiping it off leaves you with a stain…there are a few tricks we can suggest to help you remove these blemishes from your deck surface.

Vinyl Deck Ketchup Stains  – For a ketchup stain, first try using some diluted Duradek vinyl cleaner and scrub the stain with a soft brush and water; then rinse well and dry. If that does not get the stain out, try using FANTASTIK spray cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. Let it sit on the stain for just a few minutes, give it a scrub with a soft brush and then thoroughly rinse and dry.

Vinyl Deck Mustard Stains – For a mustard stain, follow the same steps as above for ketchup stains. If the stain is very stubborn, and is still there after that, try using one (1) tablespoon ammonia to one (1) quart of water, scrub with a soft brush, then thoroughly rinse and dry.

Vinyl Deck Suntan Lotion Stains – For this type of stain, follow the same first two steps with Duradek vinyl cleaner and/or Fantastic Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. If those methods do not work for you, contact the product manufacturer for their recommendations. Surprisingly, suntan lotion is a product that may contains dyes that can sometimes permanently stain.

If your barbecue left stains,
there are some solutions to try.

Vinyl Deck Grease Stains – If your barbecue was on overdrive this summer and the grease made its way to settle on your deck, the first step is to wipe or gently scrape off any excess grease that has settled on the surface. Next, use FANTASTIK spray cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. Let it sit on the stain for just a few minutes, give it a scrub with a soft brush and then thoroughly rinse and dry. If staining remains and you know the type of grease it is, follow instructions recommended by the product manufacturer.

 

Vinyl Deck Rust Stains – If your barbecue or other items sitting on your deck have left rust stains on your deck, apply a little Navel Jelly and watch the rust dissolve. Navel Jelly is basically a gel solution that has been infused with phosphoric acid. When placed on a rust stain, the phosphoric acid interacts with the iron oxide in rust. The interaction transforms it into iron phosphate, a substance that can be easily removed. Once the rust has been loosened, simply wipe and rinse thoroughly. The use of gloves is recommended when using any chemical treatment. After rinsing, we recommend you clean the surface with diluted Duradek Cleaner using a soft brush, and again provide a thorough rinse.

 

Vinyl Deck Stains from a Busy Summer of Projects

Maybe you spent your summer working on some maintenance or creative projects around the house, and what better place to do so than on your beautiful deck.  Few people can pull of a home project without some type of spill, but don’t worry. We’ve got some suggestions for you if you had some project mishaps this summer that left a stain on your deck.

Painting mishaps on your deck may be able to be resolved!

Vinyl Decks Stained with Latex Paint – If you find any latex paint has stained your Duradek, it is not necessarily there permanently. The methods of scrubbing with diluted Duradek vinyl cleaner and/or Fantastic Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent may work for you. If not, this is an instance to contact the product manufacturer for their recommendations.

Vinyl Decks Stained with Oil Based Paint – If any oil based paint has gotten on the surface of your Duradek vinyl, first you should try to remove as much as you can by wiping it off (or lightly scraping it off if already dry). Then you can follow the same directions as for the removal of latex paint stains.

Vinyl Decks Stained with Permanent Marker – the key word here is permanent, and many ink stains from permanent markers may permanently stain or discolor the vinyl surface. In this instance, Duradek vinyl cleaner will not remove the stain; however you may have some success with Fantastic Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. If that is not successful, contact the manufacturer of the marker for their suggestions.

Be Prepared to Protect Your Vinyl Deck from Stains

Your vinyl deck surface is quite durable but care must still be paid when attempting to remove stains. Sharp or scraping type of objects should be avoided as this method of removing stains will damage the finish of your vinyl surface and if you are not careful, you may puncture the membrane and compromise the reliability of its waterproofing function. When at all possible, deal with spills right away. If a stain has made its way onto your deck, refer to Duradek’s Cleaning Recommendations. You can find it on the back of your Duradek Warranty card, or you can access cleaning recommendations on the Duradek website.

A lot of Duradek homeowners report being happy with their deck for upwards of 20 years. If you would like to find out about installing Duradek at your home, or it’s time to replace your Duradek vinyl deck with one of our new colors or patterns, contact your local Duradek dealer.

How to Clean and Care For Your Duradek Vinyl Deck

If you are a homeowner with a deck protected with a Duradek vinyl membrane, you are fortunate that you were able to enjoy your outdoor living space this summer without the necessity of having labor intensive maintenance to ensure your deck performs as intended.  With Duradek vinyl, there is very little required to keep the appearance of your deck looking good. All your deck needs is some simple seasonal cleaning and your Duradek protected deck will look great for many years.

Care for Your Duradek Deck

As summer winds down and we approach the autumn weather, now is a perfect time to review the details of inspecting that the superior installation of your Duradek protected deck is still performing as guaranteed.
When inspecting your deck, remember to:

• Check the caulking seals around posts and pillars
• Check corner details
• Check the caulking seals around vents and drains

Over time, the structure your Duradek membrane is adhered to may crack, shrink or shift and these inspections will uncover any potential problems with broken seals. If you discover some caulking has pulled away from the wood or a seal has cracked, contact your Duradek dealer who will recommend the proper sealant to correct it.

Cleaning Your Duradek Deck

Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least 4 times a year with the Duradek vinyl cleaner available from your local Duradek dealer. This cleaner is designed specifically for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Then simply spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt and flush thoroughly with clean water.

 

If you choose to use a household cleaning product, we would recommend Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent as a reasonable option, however we do not recommend the use of household cleaners in general as certain types of cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration. Dry cleaning fluids should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and glass. Waxes should not be used as they may contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating. While all cleaning methods require a thorough rinse with water, using any household product dramatically increases the need to flush the deck thoroughly with clean water to ensure all residue is removed.  The residue may not be obviously visible to the eye, but if any remains, the sun can bake the harmful chemicals into your vinyl and it may affect the appearance of your vinyl.

If your vinyl pattern is one of the more textured surfaces that offers a more effective non-slip characteristic, it will likely require a little more cleaning effort than a vinyl pattern with a smoother surface.  Power washing is an effective method of removing dirt and debris, although it is not intended for removing embedded stains (which we will address next week!). Set your power washer at 1500 psi (max.) and hold nozzle 12 inches from the surface and be careful to avoid seams, railing attachments, caulking or house trims.

Cleaned and Cared For…Now Enjoy!

Though no exterior surface is completely impervious to the elements, by taking the small amount of time required to properly clean your deck at the change of the seasons, you will help to ensure that your deck appearance lasts as long as the guaranteed waterproofing performance of your Duradek vinyl deck. No matter what the season, Duradek protects your outdoor living space all year, every year.

To find a local Duradek Dealer, visit the Duradek website’s Dealer Locator.

Duradek Interviews with Gary Sullivan, Home Improvement Expert

This Sunday, June 3rd (10 a.m. EST) Duradek Sales Manger, Kevin MacMillan will be chatting with Gary Sullivan on America's #1 call-in home improvement radio show- At Home with Gary Sullivan.

If you are thinking of building a deck or renovating a deck, this is a great opportunity to hear about your options and what sets Duradek waterproof vinyl membranes apart from other waterproofing surfaces.

Kevin will address questions about the Duradek vinyl membrane and provide excellent professional advise on waterproofing your outdoor living space.

Kevin MacMillan is a great source for waterproofing expertise!

Tune in to the At Home With Gary Sullivan program on Sunday around 7:00 a.m. Pacific and 10:00 a.m. Eastern.

Remember, you can listen live online through the iheart radio network.

Duradek President Hosts Live Chat on Gary Sullivan's Website

Saturday, April 28th, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. EST, Duradek president John Ogilvie will host a live chat during the 'At Home With Gary Sullivan' radio talk show to answer any and all questions about low-maintenance waterproofing for decks and patios.

Don't miss this opportunity to chat with John who is an expert in outdoor waterproofing.

And the timing couldn't be better! Thousands of people are looking at installing, renovating or reviving their outdoor living space as spring is upon us. Whether you are planning on building a new deck, renovating an existing deck or simply looking at deck maintenance considerations, John can give you some invaluable tips and insights.

Gary Sullivan's program is America's #1 call-in home improvement program with over 195 affiliate stations broadcasting from coast-to-coast each weekend from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. EST. Find your local station or listen online with the iheart radio network.

Each week, Gary invites a different industry expert to host the live chat on his website and provide their professional advice by answering questions from Gary's audience and providing real-life practical answers in their areas of expertise.

For anyone who has questions about PVC Waterproof Membranes, there is no better opportunity than to ask John Ogilvie directly. John has been working with waterproof vinyl membranes for decades and there are few people that know more about waterproofing balconies, patios and roof top decks than John! In addition, it is a great opportunity to inquire about the benefits of low-maintenance railing solutions like Durarail's powder-coated aluminum railings.

Be sure to log on to GarySullivanOnline.com this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. EST to chat with John and listen to Gary's show online. If you are unable to join the discussion live and ask your questions directly, you can still view the archived conversation following the actual show on Gary's Website.

Spring Cleaning Your Deck Is Easy With Duradek

The days are indeed getting longer and from coast-to-coast home owners are coming out of hibernation and preparing their outdoor leisure areas for a satisfying season of sun and fun. The first priority....getting your deck or patio ready to enjoy.

While many people cringe at the thought of deck maintenance and the hours of sanding and staining their deck needs before it can be fully enjoyed, Duradek customers smile calmly, kick back and start planning their barbecues.

Cleaning a deck that is protected with a Duradek Vinyl Membrane is easy.

1. Make sure there is no organic debris laying on the deck surface
2. Clean with Duradek Vinyl Cleaner by following the directions on the label (this cleaner will not leave harmful residue like many household cleaners may)
3. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion
4. Spray with a pressure washer or garden hose (under pressure)
5. Flush thoroughly with clean water

Certain household and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration and are not recommended.

Avoid the use of:

• Powered Abrasives
• Steel Wool
• Dry Cleaning Fluids
• Lacquer Thinner Solvents

And you can rest assured that you can spend the rest of the sunny season simply enjoying your outdoor living space.

Deck Renovations: Why Not Do-It-Yourself

Spring is here, the days are getting longer and you are anticipating the singular pleasure that comes from relaxing on your deck after the work day is done.

If you have deck repairs or maintenance to take care of before you can really kick back and enjoy the leisure of your outdoor living space this summer, you may find it challenging to compare your options to ensure you get the most out of your hard earned dollars.

The option of doing the project yourself may be a tempting consideration for many home repairs and renovations, but when it comes to waterproofing you are much more likely to come out ahead when you leave the job to the professionals.

Besides the fact that Duradek installers are trained specifically in best practices for vinyl waterproofing, they are the only installers autorized to install Duradek(tm) Ultra vinyl membrane. And while there are similar vinyl waterproof membranes on the market, not all vinyl is created equal. Duradek (tm) Ultra vinyl is manufactured in North Amercia and goes through regular quality control testing to ensure the product maintains its stringent performance value.


John Ogilvie, president of Duradek has decades of experience with waterproofing outdoor living space and he has seen time and time again how saving a few dollars in the short term has cost home owners thousands in the long run. Let John explain why...




Your home is valuable and your time is priceless. So why not take a few minutes to let an authorized Duradek installer provide you with a no-obligation estimate. Duradek vinyl membrane both waterproofs and beautifies so when the sun is out you can enjoy your deck rather than labor on it. 

Duradek Winter Deck Care And Maintenance Tips

Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. Duradek patterns and colors are beautiful all year round, but how does a homeowner ensure that they are going to get the most longevity in their deck’s appearance when the wicked winter weather attempts to cover our decks with ice and snow. Luckily, for the Duradek homeowner, Duradek’s superior vinyl strength and durability is no match for Mother Nature.

All you have to do to ensure your deck is unaffected by brutal winter conditions is to remember a couple of simple tips:

#1 – Only use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck surface.

#2 – Clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse before the spring and summer sunshine returns.

That’s all there is to it!

Duradek vinyl is very strong and you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern.

·         Rock Salt  -  OK!

·         Kitty Litter (for non-slip traction)  -  OK!

·         Snow Melting Chemicals  -  OK!

As long as you clean your deck thoroughly before the sun can bake any chemicals into your deck surface, rest assured that you can take all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the cold winter months.

Deck Care For The Fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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