Successful Additions with Specialty Decking Contractors

When home owners wish for an addition to their home the difference between a dream-come-true and a nightmare lies in the hands of the general contractor and the speciality tradesmen that are called upon.
In the case of this sun-room addition in Bethesda, MD that was featured in Professional Remodeler this couldn't be truer!

From Professional Remodeler Online

The home owner had a desire to connect his indoor and outdoor living space harmoniously with the existing features of the home and the property’s. He also wanted to add some significant features like a screened-in porch that would provide a large, enclosed space and allow an abundance of natural sunlight.

The contractor on the project (Smiley Renovations) suggested a sun-room with a 9 ft. bi-fold door, built-in screen system and numerous windows. While the screened in porch was still proposed as the client wished, the client eventually agreed that a sun-room would provide the space, natural sunlight and flow from indoor living to outdoor living that he desired. The addition of the sun-room would also allow for a roof top deck that could be accessed from the home’s master suite which was a renovated attic.

Early in the design phase the client expressed concern regarding the outdoor living area above the sun-room. He wanted it to emulate a patio and reflect the exterior finishes used in his landscaping as opposed to looking like a flat metal roof with chairs on top.

The contractor considered several options for a roof top patio, but found standard roofing products lacked the integrity to withstand foot traffic. He also reasoned that building a separate deck over top of the roof would be a waste of money because it would have to be removed whenever replacement or repairs were required. After careful consideration, the contractor chose to use a Duradek vinyl membrane that is a roofing membrane designed for foot traffic.

Smiley Renovations very wisely called on Duradek dealer John Lynch from Lynch Contracting who has been installing Duradek since 1994. John was the perfect speciality tradesman to call for two very important reasons.

1 – Because he works with Duradek, a vinyl membrane product that has successfully performed over a 40-year history, and
2 – Like all Duradek installers, John is skilled in the intricate details of PVC waterproofing and the importance of doing it right the first time for guaranteed waterproof protection…especially when it is on a deck over living space.

John Lynch of Lynch Contracting
A Duradek specialist in Maryland.

While Duradek is available in over 20 stylish colors and patterns, the look would not meet the client’s expectation for the roof deck to have the same look as the rest of his outdoor space, so stone pavers were installed on adjustable pedestals providing the finished look he wanted with the waterproofing integrity that he needed. With water routing to the gutter systems and layered PVC trim, the team could be confident in watertight integrity for the home with this beautiful sun-room / roof deck addition.

While in this project, the contractor chose to use the Duradek membrane designed for pedestrian traffic, Duradek has developed two additional membrane products for waterproofing under protected systems:

1 – Tiledek, a roofing membrane designed specifically for use under exterior tile. Its cloth textured surface provides an excellent bond for thinset mortar.
2 – Plazadek, a roofing membrane designed specifically for use under pavers or other floating systems. It has the same dependable waterproof protection as the traditional Duradek membrane, but without the designer colors and textured surface for slip resistance. It is the perfect product for this type of project.

To see details of this project, the addition of the roof deck and a myriad of other renovation challenges and impressive results, view the project spotlight on Professional Remodeler.

If you've got a similar project and would like to discuss your waterproofing options, contact a Duradek installer in your area for professional waterproofing advice.

Three Shows, Three Days – One Incredible Surfacing Event for Free

Three distinct branded shows are now united to create the ultimate industry event – The International Surfaces Event. Taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from January 28-30, 2014, this show brings you everything you want to discover about all things stone, tile and floor coverings for both indoor and outdoor living space.

Duradek invites you to register for complimentary Exhibits admission ($60 value) and if you register before November 29th you can receive free Education Admission ($250 value) in addition to your Exhibits admission .

 

 

This comprehensive event encompasses industry resources, trademark events and a wealth of education, featuring:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Other Features of the International Surfaces Event

In addition to the three exhibiting shows, some of the show floor features are:

• Business Enrichment Center – popular area on the show flow that that features an on-floor education stage with seating, Social Lounge, WFCA member lounge, a charging station and free Wi-Fi.
• The Event Main Stage – your hands-on destination for learning new techniques and solutions from industry experts. This centrally located stage will feature education and installation demonstrations that are free with your exhibits admission.
• Cleaning and Restoration Pavilion – get answers to your toughest care and maintenance questions.
• Artisan Avenue – unique products that demonstrate true craftsmanship, artistry and imagination.
• International Pavilions - products from India, China, Italy, New Zealand, Mexico, Pakistan and Turkey.
• Tool Alley – drills down to the core of tools and equipment.
• New Products Marketplace – browse the hottest new product all at once before visiting the manufacturer or suppliers booth for more information.
• Trends Hub – get inspired by the hottest color and texture trends forecasted for 2014.

Remember, register before November 29th, 2013 to take advantage of free education admission!

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

 

 

 

Duradek Ultra Plazadek - Waterproofing Under Pavers and Duck Boards

Since 1974, Duradek PVC membranes have been used to waterproof decks, balconies and roof decks. Well over a hundred million square feet of Duradek has been installed all over North America and it has proven itself to be a durable, attractive and relatively maintenance free waterproofing system.


Duradek has developed significant expertise in the waterproofing of surfaces designed for leisure living and pedestrian traffic over that period of time. Applying walkable roofing membranes requires details and a skill set beyond just keeping the water out. It involves accomplishing the work with appearance in mind. And deck/balcony details are far more complicated than basic roofing. It requires finishing around doors, drains, pillars, railings, stairs and many different types of siding and tie ins to other roofing products.

There seems to be a trend towards many of the higher priced houses using pavers or duck boards as the deck finish over living space. The walking surface provides the visual part but the real important work is done by the waterproof membrane. Duradek’s Plazadek is the ideal choice to protect the building owner’s investment.

Roofing Approved Membrane

Duradek Ultra is a 60 mil, PVC membrane, with CCMC and ICC evaluation reports covering its use in Canada and the US as a roof membrane capable of pedestrian traffic. Plazadek is a “model” of Duradek Ultra designed specifically for a paver or duck board overlay. The 60 mil product is 25% (48 vs. 60 mil) thicker than what is required for roofing commercial buildings and therefore capable of handling almost any abuse it would be subjected to over its lifetime.

Installed by Trained Applicators

The primary benefit of Duradek Ultra Plazadek is the trained applicators who install the material. Duradek will not sell waterproofing products to any company who’s installers have not been trained. The typical details those installers work with every day on decks and balconies are just as important for decks covered with pavers or duckboards.

Railings

Your decision on railing also plays a major role in good waterproofing. Duradek is a manufacturer of powder coated aluminum railings and has great expertise in making sure that the safety provided by the guard rail does not compromise the waterproofing integrity of the roof membrane.

Perimeter Trims and Waterproofing Details

Regardless of what surface you walk on, the perimeter finish of the waterproofing membrane is of great importance to the appearance and waterproofing function over the long term. Duradek has many options of perimeter finish details, depending upon the desire to remove the water with a gutter or drain and scupper system and depending upon how you want the visible portion of the membrane to show.

Plazadek's details also include the recommendation of a drainage mat between the paver and the membrane to allow water to drain while keeping the dirt and other contaminants from building up underneath or between the pavers. In anticipation of potential damage during the placement and subsequent movement (vibration) of the heavy pavers, Duradek’s Plazadek detail calls for extra protection to be built in at the junction of the deck and wall. And for duckboard systems, Duradek has a detail for bonding the sleepers to the membrane without risk of penetration or movement. It easily allows the boards that are walked on to be safely restrained in place.

Warranty

Duradek Plazadek is covered with a written ten year guarantee and the peace of mind of knowing it is backed by a company with over 35 years of expertise in roofing of surfaces intended to be walked on.