Top 6 Deck Building Design Features of 2015

Deck building design demands for 2015 highlighted a consistent preference of features for new decks and deck remodels. The most noteworthy deck building products at the 2015 International Builders Show and Deck Expo included features to meet those demands and deck building professionals have no shortage of products to choose from.

In many cases, it takes 2 or 3 different products to meet these design objectives, but Duradek is proud to be able to meet these decking demands in one single product solution.

Colorful
A full range of color options is a desirable feature with many new deck building products releasing a selection of earth tones that harmoniously blend outdoor living space with the surrounding environment.

Duradek has over 26 colors with a range of natural hues from subtle neutral tones to sunset and seaside inspired shades. With a range of patterns, this slip-resistant deck surface brings style to virtually any exterior design scheme.

LIGHTness
Lightweight products have been recognized as environmentally advantageous at the latest builders shows, but not at the expense of durability.

Per square foot coverage of Duradek vinyl decking is a very light weight option, needing just the basic structural load bearing requirements (though extra load-bearing considerations should always be taken into account for deck add-ons like fire or water features, planters and hot tubs).

Duradek has an option to compliment virtually
any outdoor design scheme.

 

Keep it COOL
Thermally treated deck building products are making an appearance with new technologies promising higher fire resistance and temperature insulation; but with all new technologies the practical application has yet to be proven and cost may make some of those options a little prohibitive when compared to alternatives.

Deck surfaces that stay cool on the feet can be achieved with Duradek’s lighter color options. When used on 2nd level decks, Duradek provides roof grade protection and a shaded area below. Sun-lovers can enjoy the upper level deck to bask in the rays, while those less tolerant to UV exposure can enjoy the shaded lower level and still enjoy the outdoors, even in the peak of the afternoon sun.
 

NATURALLY Inspired
Subtle, earthy and aged looks are very popular with low-maintenance, decking products. Beyond simply color tones, the naturally inspired looks for manufactured deck building products imitate their natural counterparts in texture as well with faux wood and stone taking popularity polls.

Duradek was a trend setter early on in these faux-natural favorites with the popular 'Cork' pattern that takes on the texture of real cork, and the unique ‘Forest Floor’ pattern taking on the appearance of fossilized leaves. The latest introductions follow this trend with the ‘Legacy’ line that offers a dynamic aggregate pebble option “Pebble Beach”, or the wood grain looks of ‘Barnwood’ and ‘Driftwood’ that emulate the appearance of aged wood - but without any of the maintenance that real wood requires (see the Pebble Beach press release).

The LEGACY line of vinyl featuring: Pebble Beach,
Barnwood and Driftwood

 

MOISTURE Management
One of the most critical features of deck building is moisture management and there are a variety of options available to incorporate into your deck design. Drip-through deck boards can be enhanced with complex spacer-flange systems or trough systems that route water to gutters; and under deck systems can channel water to gutters, sometimes requiring special joists or underlayment. All of those options include many seams, joins or exposed deck elements that may encounter trapped water. This may provide a dry area below, but is not the best method of ensuring the building envelope or structure of the deck is protected from water infiltration and subsequent wood rot. (see Dry Below Decks Made Easy Part 1 - Trough vs Top | Part 2 - Below vs Above)

Duradek ‘Cork Natural’ vinyl is a low maintenance deck
surface as well as a roofing membrane to keep it dry below.

Duradek is primarily a waterproofing membrane and moisture management system. In fact, Duradek is a classified roofing membrane in addition to being a pedestrian surface. With 40 years of proven waterproofing details and techniques afforded by the quality pvc membrane and pioneering the vinyl decking industry, Duradek provides a dry area below the deck. It protects the critical junctions between deck and structure and eliminates trapped water, deflecting it away from the structure’s points of vulnerability. Duradek allows the water management and attractive walking surface to be addressed in one single product while many other options require 2 or 3 stages of installation.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes provide roof-grade waterproof
protection for a lower patio and dry storage for outdoor items.

 

On the down LOW MAINTENANCE
Homeowners want to do less maintenance on their decks, leaving more time to enjoy it; thus the popularity of manufactured deck building products like composite decking. While composite decking has come a long way in the last decade, it has not been without a myriad of growing pains. Builders and home owners have had to absorb the majority of the cost on failed products as they mature (see When Choosing a Building Product, "New" Does Not Always Mean Better).

Duradek forged the way for low-maintenance manufactured deck building products with its sheet vinyl for waterproofing decks and balconies over 40 years ago. The durable pvc never needs any maintenance or reapplication and will continue to perform its waterproofing function for decades. And unlike many composite products or other vinyl products, Duradek is the only vinyl manufacturer to offer a written appearance warranty to protect home owners from excessive discoloration. While UV exposure will always eventually cause fading over time, Duradek stands up to UV exposure exponentially better than other comparable products and its 5 year appearance warranty backs it up.
 

TRIED and TRUE
After more than 40 years leading the vinyl decking industry, Duradek knows waterproofing details. Because waterproofing details are so critical to the longevity of your deck, Duradek is available only through a network of trained and authorized dealers.

To request a free estimate on your decking project, contact a Duradek Installer in your area and trust the proven performance of Duradek vinyl decking for your deck building projects.

Happy Vinyl Decking Customer Shares Story with Duradek

There is nothing more important to any business than a happy customer.

At Duradek, we take pride in the excellent quality of our deck vinyl; and that we have built a brand reputation so reliable that “Duradek” is often used synonymously to describe all vinyl decking.

We also know that no matter how good a vinyl decking product is manufactured, it must be installed with the expertise of a skilled professional trained in the specific details required for effective deck waterproofing to be completely reliable. A unique combination of deck building, roofing and floor laying skills all contribute to the professional installation techniques of a Duradek installer.

It is this combination of a superior product and professional installation that keeps Duradek the leading brand of vinyl decking in North America.

Below is an unedited letter from a recent Duradek customer that details how an unsatisfactory past experience with his deck was able to be turned around when he contacted Duradek. It is summed up nicely with the statement, “The deck is finished and it looks really awesome and I am extremely happy.”, but his story below will tell you why….

Letter to Duradek - September 14, 2015

Good Day and to whom it concerns;

Back in 2014 I contacted your head office and asked for a dealer or installer in my area. I reside in North Bay ON. I was given the name of a Mr. Jim Simpson (at Raildek in Ontario), and this raildekoffice@gmail.com as his e-mail address. I then contacted Mr. Simpson, who sent me to a Mr. Pete Larocque of Deck World North.

Short history, I had a really nice deck built or so I thought, less than 2 years and it was leaking and ruining my house. The other company would not honour their warranty because it was not installed by one of their people, but I bought the product from a store that they sell it at and installed by a person highly recommended by that store. The deck project, which he promised, would be 3 weeks took 15 weeks to finish. First spring it leaked worse than a sieve. So I am somewhat jaded towards contractors. So I called the head office in BC to get a local contractor and that is how I ended up dealing with Mr. Larocque.

When a deck is situated over living space, leaks are unacceptable.

My next and natural question is where do you find these people that you employ and take the time to train into representing your company, they wear your logo on their clothing, they have the logo on their vehicles.

I knew things were not the same as with the other contractor when your people showed up on the correct day, at the correct time and with all their supplies. They also put in a very full long day of work. They did not let a sudden and cold shower slow them down. The second day once again at the correct time and they did a full days work. Third day dawned and they were once more on time, I was impressed. The third day was actually a short day. The deck is finished and it looks really awesome and I am extremely happy.

Duradek Forest Floor vinyl deck installed by Deck World North.

I was somewhat not happy that Mr. Larocque would not let me help and he kept me sitting down. I was not even allowed to tidy up my own deck. He and his partner, Marcel did everything. They both kept telling me to go and watch TV. They left and there was no clean up to do, all the trash and such were removed from the site.

People are quick to call to complain but few are willing to take the time to send a note and say how happy they are with the results of the people employed by anyone, but you folks at Dura Deck should be extremely proud of the way they represent your company by doing an exceptional job, which they did and this will do nothing short to ensure that the reputation of Dura Deck is maintained and broadened. I want to thank Pete and Marcel for going above and beyond the scope of their work and making my deck another room in the house and for their prompt and excellent work. Even if they did not let me do anything.

Mr. Andy R

Thank you, Andy, for sharing your Duradek experience. We hope you enjoy your low-maintenance deck for decades!

For those of you with decking projects on the horizon, before you make your final decision, be sure to talk to a Duradek installer in your area to discover the Duradek difference.

Duradek vinyl decking provides low-maintenance waterproof protection.

The Most Professional Advantages Under One Roof for Deck Builders and Remodelers

Remodeling Show | Deck Expo | JLC Live (R|D|J) 2015 – Oct. 1 -2

Known as the event that raises the bar for remodeling and deck building professionals, R|D|J is an annual trade-only residential construction mega-event that provides remodelers, deck builders and other industry professionals with all the resources they need to be the leaders in their trade.

This year the show takes place in Chicago at Navy Pier with education sessions running from September 28th to October 2nd and a lively Exhibit Hall on October 1st & 2nd. In addition to the hundreds of exhibitors, the exhibit hall features LIVE installation clinics presented by leading industry professionals, interactive, hands-on workshops and instructional exhibitor-led product demonstrations.

You will find Duradek at booth #2218 where you can talk with Duradek sales manager, Kevin MacMillan about the superior waterproofing performance of Duradek vinyl decking membranes. Be sure to take a look at the latest vinyl colors offered in the new Legacy line and ask about the revolutionary Panorama Universal Post – the most versatile topless glass railing system available. You may also get to speak with Duradek president John Ogilvie who pioneered the vinyl decking industry and has dedicated the last 4 decades to mastering the nuances professional installation techniques of this unique, multi-functional deck building product solution.

John Ogilvie is not the only decking industry professional to learn from at the 2015 R|D|J show. This year, the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is presenting a fantastic education session for Deck Evaluation and Inspection. After a year of multiple deck collapses that resulted in a range of minor to fatal injuries, the evaluation course is a must-attend for home inspectors and a huge advantage for deck builders conducting initial estimates on job sites for deck renovation or remodeling projects.

ND12 - Deck Evaluation/ Inspection Certification Class for Home Inspectors
Thursday, October 1 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Deck Evaluation / Inspection Certification program will allow the home inspector the opportunity to employ the ability to safely inspect a deck using the NADRA Deck Evaluation checklist. The NADRA Deck Evaluation checklist has been developed specifically for home inspectors as a comprehensive tool to be used to properly assess the safety issues of a deck. After the program the home inspector will understand how to analyze the following deck components and issues and more;

• Stairs Footings and Posts Joists
• Joist Connections
• Girders Ledger Connections
• Deck Boards
• Handrail Assemblies and Guards
• Recognize proper and improper fasteners
• Assess hardware or material corrosion
• Review of the safety standards of all (decks, stairs, guards) structures
• 4-hour Presentation For Home Inspectors

The course will be presented by Jim Mailey who is the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic market training manager for Simpson Strong-Tie—a company that manufactures structural connectors, prefabricated shearwall panels and other fastening products that reinforce the frame of homes and decks. Jim has given hundreds of presentations to more than 15,000 design professionals, building officials, builders, contractors and dealers. He has developed numerous programs designed to educate building inspectors, builders and contractors on how to install Simpson Strong-Tie products as well as how these products meet various building code requirements. Jim is considered an expert in safe, outdoor wood deck construction and provides economical product solutions to satisfy structural code requirements for wood decks.

Not All Work…

Remodeling Show, Deck Expo, JLC Live is packed full of professional advantages for construction industry professionals, but its not all work… R|D|J offers some fantastic social networking opportunities as well. Events like the Welcome Party, NAHB Event, Pub Crawl and other fun events take place throughout the week.

Your Invitation to Deck Expo | Remodeling Show | JLC Live

Don’t miss your chance to visit the windy city to attend the ultimate platform for face-to-face networking with manufacturers, distributors and representatives of all sizes displaying products, services and equipment for the remodeling and deck building industries.

Duradek invites you to Register with promo code X52 for complimentary Exhibit Hall Pass ($35 value) and 20% off All-Access Conference Pass. We hope to see you there at booth #2218.

Vinyl Deck – Elasticity vs. Breaking Strength

A good roofing membrane has to be strong enough to withstand stresses and flexible enough to accommodate deck movement.

When you are comparing the properties of vinyl deck membrane options for your deck, you may encounter claims that one vinyl’s ‘Breaking Strength’ is greater than another, followed by claims that a higher rating on Breaking Strength makes it a better option.

Breaking Strength and Elasticity (also called Elongation to Break) are both measured by a tensile testing machine, which pulls a rectangular piece of the vinyl membrane at a constant rate. Breaking strength is the stress needed to break a sample. The elongation-to-break is the strain on a sample when it breaks.

We propose the more important of the 2 tests is Elasticity.

Duradek meets all Breaking Strength and Elongation requirements - it is this elasticity that allows Duradek to perform its waterproofing function for so long (we've seen evidence of our membrane still performing after more than 30 years!...see video below).

Elasticity in a vinyl deck membrane is extremely important.

Imagine your deck as it expands and contracts throughout the seasons as the temperatures change year after year. The deck will be moving and since the membrane is fully adhered, it needs to be able to move with the deck. That requires elasticity, not breaking strength.



So don’t be led to believe that just because one product’s ‘Breaking Strength’ is rated greater than another’s, that that means it is better suited for protecting your deck.

For a great demonstration of elasticity, we love this video from Duradek of Utah that was created to demonstrate Duradek vinyl’s excellent seam strength by towing a Ford F250 truck. This amazing visual shows not only the strength of Duradek’s heat welded seams, but also clearly shows the excellent degree of elasticity in the membrane which is far more than will ever be needed by climate expansion and contraction issues.



When you are selecting a vinyl deck membrane, trust the proven performance of Duradek. Installed only by trained contractors, Duradek makes sure your deck waterproofing performs as intended.

Look for a Duradek installer in your area to discuss your decking project.

Source: https://www.duradek.com/vinyl-deck-product-myths-3-elasticity-vs-breaking-strength/

Membrane Roof Covering for Walking Decks - Building Code Requirements

Clarifying the Building Code Specifics for a Walkable Vinyl Roof Deck Membrane

Outdoor living areas have become a popular part of the design of both single family and multi-residential projects. Buyers are a mix of younger families or downsizing empty-nesters – both groups of which are choosing to live in modern designs with little or no maintenance requirements so they have more time to enjoy living. These types of homes often have no space for entertaining friends or family so architects and designers are exploring cost effective ways to open up the home by offering outdoor living spaces like roof decks.

But the IBC has no area that specifically addresses walkable roofing. This can put building officials in a tough spot; code requires a roofing approved product. But when these creative designs come into play and the roof will be used for pedestrian traffic, furniture, hot tubs and the like what should be done? This is the grey area.

Membrane roof coverings are designed, manufactured and tested to withstand direct “service” foot traffic. Slip resistance, and abrasion resistance from sustained loads are not part of a roofing membrane standard’s criteria, but are essential to pedestrian traffic membrane.

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

It is not mandatory that the AHJ use evaluation reports, but rather evaluation reports are there to facilitate a product’s acceptance by an AHJ. ICC-ES evaluation reports remove the burden of determining a product’s proof of Code compliance for its intended use.

ICC-ES Evaluation Report requirements for a membrane roof covering suitable for pedestrian traffic:

The International Code Council (ICC) developed and administers the International Building Code (IBC). ICC Evaluation Services (ICC-ES), a subsidiary of ICC, is an approved agency which provides evaluation reports that can be used to determine if a unique product is suitable for its intended use.

ICC-ES creates acceptance criteria (AC) for products with a similar usage. In the case of Duradek Ultra Roof and Walking Deck membrane it is AC 39 for Walking Decks and AC 75 for Membrane Roof Covering Systems.

Acceptance Criteria (AC) are scrutinized and updated to meet the ever-evolving International Codes.

For a comprehensive overview of the criteria required for AC 39 for Walking Decks and AC 75 for Membrane Roof Covering Systems, here are some great resources put together by Duradek’s technical manager, Len Viegener for your reference:

Understanding Evaluation Reports from Duradek (PDFs):

	CCMC on Membrane Roof Decks Evaluation Reports Why is an Evaluation Report so Important | in Canada/CCMC (2 page .pdf) Duradek’s CCMC Evaluation Report 13134-R (4 page .pdf)
	ICC on Membrane Roof Decks Evaluation Reports Why is an Evaluation Report So Important | in U.S./ICC-ES (2 page .pdf) Duradek’s ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2151 (3 page .pdf)
	The Anatomy of an ICC-ES Report (2 page .pdf/tri-fold style brochure)

 For more product test and evaluation results, visit Duradek’s Testing and Approvals page or email our office to request further information.

Source: https://www.duradek.com/membrane-roof-covering-for-walking-decks-building-code-requirements/

Debunking the Vinyl Decking 'Rip Test'

You may encounter some competing vinyl manufacturers performing some demonstrative parlor tricks intended to lead you to believe that one vinyl product is better than another, but we encourage you to see past the flim-flam and look at what is actually important in evaluating a deck vinyl.

Vinyl decking is FULLY adhered to a solid surface, so to be able to take a loose piece off of your deck and tear it is just not realistic at all.

Would that mean it makes sense to show that the thin layers of wood veneer that make up plywood can be torn in half independently, and then claim that makes plywood a product that does not pass the ‘rip test’?

Or does a fabric bandage that can be torn before being applied mean that it does not pass the ‘rip test’ and therefore not suitable to cover a paper cut?

What about latex paint? If you’ve ever had an old can of unused latex paint, you know that when it goes unused and dries to a plasticy, rubbery solid, it can be ripped. Does that mean you have to be worried that when the paint is on your wall, you should be concerned about it ripping?

Of course not. That is ridiculous.

If you are comparing pros and cons on a product, look at factors of its actual use that has some pertinence.



Elasticity is a far more relevant and realistic requirement to address environmental expansion and contraction.

We recommend you look at the Actual test requirements for these products from various building code testing agencies (such as meeting roofing membrane and pedestrian surface requirements), not evaluating based on theatrical demonstrations.

To view the testing results of Duradek for its actual use, visit www.duradek.com/testing-approvals/.

Originally posted at https://www.duradek.com/vinyl-deck-product-choice-myths-2/

Demand for Outdoor Living Space Creates Development Trend in Vancouver

The increasing demand for outdoor living space is seen all over North America, but cities like Vancouver help drive this trend with its mild climate, gorgeous views and abundance of talented designers, developers and products created specifically to best build a deck.

Local specialty building products like Duradek vinyl deck membranes help to accomplish the ideal outdoor living space with the fundamental of reliable waterproof protection to take care of the practical implications of decks and balconies, but the cascading business effect of this trend reaches landscape architects, builders, designers and artisan craftsmen working with decking, fencing, masonry and retailers with décor.

According to the Vancouver Sun article “Vancouver Home Buyers Fuel Outdoor Living Trend”, one condo developer is even favouring large balconies over space for a dining table and a second bathroom. They key is to make outdoor space livable, regardless of whether it is a single family home or a large multi-residential condo.

“We are seeing the trend affect the architecture in neighbourhoods as well,” said interior designer and project manager Benjamin Simpson, who works largely with west-side Vancouver’s $2 million-plus single-family homes.

“Modern, flat roof construction allows for large rooftop patios that have been a huge selling feature for the spec homes we have designed.” said Simpson, co-owner of Blank Canvas Interiors. Simpson claims that clients used to spend half as much on their exterior budget than indoors but “now it’s almost par,”. Sixty percent of Simpson’s clients now ask for exterior design – five years ago it would have been half that.

Duradek is the foundation of enjoyable outdoor living space.

A product like Duradek vinyl decking is the most fundamental investment for accomplishing this design trend with its roof grade waterproof protection. Duradek is a roofing membrane and walking surface in one, and provides reliable waterproof protection without the need for ongoing maintenance, which is a huge advantage to home owners to save them the cost and time involved in higher maintenance waterproofing systems and deck surfaces.

Vancouver building experts have known and trusted Duradek for decades. Local building celebrity Shell Busey has recommended Duradek vinyl decking from way back on his House Smart television segments, his House Smart Referral Network, and as recently as last month in a Vancouver Province column “Ask Shell”. In this instance, Shell was recommending Duradek’s Tiledek membrane above traditional torch-down products for waterproofing under a stamped concrete roof deck.

In a high-rainfall climate, Vancouver building professionals have to be confident that their waterproofing is handled expertly. That is where Duradek has earned the reputation for reliable waterproof protection. Originating in BC over 40 years ago, Duradek knows the waterproofing and aesthetic value of their decking product…but Duradek also knows that no matter how great a waterproofing product is, it has to be installed correctly to perform as intended. This is why Duradek is only available as an installed product through its network of trained, waterproofing professionals throughout North America.

If you are planning on creating new outdoor living space or renovating an existing deck or balcony, be sure to consult with a Duradek vinyl decking expert before you begin your project….and remember, Not All Vinyl is Created Equal.

NOTE TO THOSE IN THE VANCOUVER, BC AREA:

Be sure to plan to visit Duradek at the fall Vancouver Home & Design Show on October 22-25 in a new location this year at the Vancouver Convention Center West. You’ll find Duradek at booth #122 and it’s a great opportunity to see the latest Duradek patterns and colours first hand and talk to someone about your decking needs. Hope to see you there!

Vinyl Decking Product Myths

Debunking the 'Acetone Test' Myth

Duradek, the original vinyl deck membrane, was the only product of its type back when it was first introduced in 1974.

Today there is a large variety of vinyl manufacturers presenting vinyl deck membranes of various widths, thicknesses and styles. And as most of us will agree, Not All Vinyl is Created Equal.

In this competitive environment, there is unfortunately a lot of flim-flam and parlour tricks being presented by some manufacturers to attempt to make their product appear to perform better than the others. When you are building a deck, be sure to chose products that are proven to perform as intended, not just touted to do things unrelated to its actual intended use.

Look at this short video clip where Duradek president, John Ogilvie discusses one of the claims being made in the Acetone Test.



So, how often do you have big containers of Acetone on your deck? The most common household use of acetone is nail polish remover, and as any woman who paints her nails knows, you always put the cap back on your nail polish remover right away to avoid spilling and discolouring any material.

Is withstanding discolouration from an acetone spill really a valid factor in choosing your vinyl deck product?

Is it reasonable to be running around on a deck with a can of acetone? Obviously, not. We feel it's about as 'reasonable' as evaluating your vinyl decking to how it stands up against an Ice Pick Test or a Blow Torch Test...all of which have very little relevance to real-life, day-to-day use of a sundeck. In over 40 years of business, Duradek has never once had an acetone warranty claim.

So don't be persuaded by irrelevant tests. Check the tests that really matter.

The take-away here is that you need to evaluate what is actually important. What really matters in selecting your vinyl decking are these four key points:

• Company Reputation and History
• Quality of Trained Contractors
• A product that withstands what it is actually exposed to...water and UV rays.
• A Warranty that includes both the performance of the material AND appearance

Remember, vinyl decking brands come from different sources which are all produced to their own unique specifications and standards. Some sheet vinyl deck products available are produced in North America (like Duradek) and others come from off-shore manufacturers, but all have their own unique 'recipes' to create their unique product.

When you are choosing your vinyl deck membrane, be sure to select one that has a proven history and a warranty that actually provides some reasonable recourse should the product not perform as promised. With Duradek you can be confident that your deck and your home are protected with style.

To speak to a trained and authorized Duradek installer in your area about your decking needs, visit our Find a Dealer page.

Be cautious of competitors using parlour tricks that are used to distract from real issues and meaningful tests, such as Weather Testing  (such as accelerated weathering ASTM G-90 shown below).

40 Years in Business and not once, ever have we seen, heard about or handled a complaint about acetone!