California Roofers in Top Demand with El Nino Preparation

Moisture management is one of those things that people often do not think about until there is an issue, but that is not the case this year as west coast home owners are scrambling to prepare for what is anticipated to be the strongest El Nino on record and that could deliver historic levels of rain this winter.

If you are on the wait list for a roofing contractor or gutter installer, you are not alone. Many companies in California are reporting a backlog of weeks, sometimes months despite adding additional people to their crews and extending the work week.

While past El Ninos have doubled normal rainfall recorded in southern California, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is warning that this winter’s weather could be the strongest on record with intense rain expected between January and March of 2016.

Wild weather can
wreak havoc and
keep roofers busy.

For homeowners and property managers, this means that any past water leak issues or delayed repairs are now an immediate concern, which not addressed before the wild weather arrives could result in notable water damage and more significant, costly repairs.

Roofing demand is not limited to sloped, shingled roofs. Flat roofs, particularly flat roofs that act as decks situated over living space are of particular concern. Without proper drainage and reliable waterproofing details, these luxurious roof decks made to enjoy coastal vistas can be worrisome if water views are overshadowed by water infiltration.

Using a proven roofing product and a skilled contractor are a home owner’s best arsenal to defend a structure’s building envelope. Flat roof deck waterproofing is a specialty trade that requires the finest workmanship of roofing and decking contractors combined; as well as a product that is specifically made for that unique purpose.

That is where solutions like Duradek can be the most reliable, cost-effective solution for flat roof decks. Duradek vinyl decking provides a classified roofing membrane and pedestrian surface in one single product. While some contractors will turn to a more traditional torch-on system that would require an additional pedestrian surface for comfort and design to enjoy the pleasures of a roof deck, Duradek’s warrantied vinyl membrane and its superior waterproofing performance comes in a wide range of attractive, colors and patterns to combine the best of protection and style in a single product solution. Additionally, using an exposed waterproofing membrane like Duradek makes it exceptionally easy to inspect for any potential leaks which lets home owners perform inspections on their own without the need to hire a roofing contractor for that task.

Backed up by a 3rd party quality control program and multiple tests results, Duradek is building code approved, passes wind-uplift tests and has been ICC evaluated as meeting all requirements for:

• Section: 07 18 13 – Pedestrian Traffic Coatings
• Section: 07 54 00 – Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing
• Section: 07 54 19 – Polyvinyl Chloride Roofing

What is perhaps an even more important evaluation criterion in choosing a Duradek vinyl deck membrane for your roof deck is that Duradek is only available through authorized contractors that have been trained in the specific details unique to roof deck waterproofing.

For homeowners along the California coast that have used tile as the surface of their roof decks, Duradek has the ideal, custom-made solution for your waterproof protection. Duradek’s proven waterproofing membrane has been adapted with a textured surface specifically designed to best accept thin-set and the application of exterior tiles to create the Tiledek membrane. Duradek’s Tiledek has solved difficult and reoccurring issues from leaky tile decks for many home owners in California. Duradek dealer, Paul from Golden Gate Enterprises has created quite a collection of examples on his Golden Gate YouTube Channel where you can see first-hand, real-life examples of failed liquid coatings, failed torch-on systems and poor waterproof details that he was able to correct with Duradek and Tiledek. In this example below, Paul shows the results of a failed liquid coating waterproof system on a commercial flat roof deck.



This video shows a residential project with a failed torch-on modified bitumen waterproof system under tile, where Paul used Duradek to permanently solve ongoing leak issues, paying attention to details that ensure waterproof performance.



So if you are in the Bay Area, contact Golden Gate Enterprises for your roof deck needs. Outside of the Bay area, use Duradek’s Dealer locator to find a quality professional who can provide you with the reliable, low maintenance performance of Duradek vinyl membranes.

Deck Building Products’ Testing Credentials – 3 Key Considerations

Duradek is proud to offer a building product for your decks that has proven to be reliable in both laboratory testing and actual decking applications in our 40 year history. During those 40 years in use, Duradek has met every single test we must meet to assure you that the products we are offering you meet the building code industry standards.

Since Duradek is both a pedestrian traffic surface as well as a waterproofing membrane, it goes through more than double the testing requirements than either a traffic coating or roofing membrane must undergo independently. These rigorous testing requirements are in place to give you the peace-of-mind that a product as important as one that protects the building envelope of your home is one that you can rely on.

There are few very important factors for you to consider when evaluating a deck building product’s testing credentials:

1 – Is there a 3rd party quality control program in place?

We live in a changing world and what was true a few years ago is not necessarily true today. In some instances, a product has been tested and evaluated as having met building code requirements; but over time manufacturing procedures can change. Duradek is proud to retain the services of Quality Auditing Institute to maintain a 3rd party quality control program. With this quality control program in place, Duradek can confidently assure you that we continually meet the same high standards as we did when our product was tested to show we meet current building code requirements.

2 – Is the product merely listed with an evaluation service or actually tested by the evaluation service?

Some third-party evaluation services offer the option for a Product Listing which is different from a Product Evaluation. While these are presented in a very similar manner, they are quite different.

The major difference between an evaluation report and a listing is that a listing will cover an individual trait that requires compliance with a specific, existing individual standard; where an evaluation will show a review of the product and the multiple traits needed to meet or be an equivalent to what is required in the code; particularly in instances where no specific code exists.”

According to the National Research Council of Canada which governs the CCMC, “An evaluation report is CCMC’s technical opinion on the compliance of a product or system to a code, primarily the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). It applies mainly to innovative products for which there are no specific standards that have been referenced in the code. The product is evaluated as an “alternative” solution. An evaluation listing is a technical statement indicating that a product complies with a specific standard. This service is specific only to products that have standards.”

What is important for you to note in this case when evaluating vinyl deck membranes, is that there is no existing specific standard for 'walkable roofing membranes'. The National Building Codes only acknowledge roofing membranes...there is no sub-group for 'walkable' roofing membranes - yet.  So this is where the evaluation services come in to create criteria that addresses both
1 – a walkable deck membrane; and
2 - a roofing membrane.

Any vinyl deck membrane that offers a CCMC Listing has submitted testing criteria to show it meets requirements of only a roofing membrane which means it was not evaluated as a walkable roof deck membrane. Additionally, a product that is listed does not have to keep a 3rd party quality control program in place.

Duradek Ultra vinyl deck membrane holds a current CCMC Report (CCMC 13134-R) showing that we meet the requirements of BOTH a pedestrian traffic coating and a roofing membrane and is under a third-party Quality Control program.

3 – Is the product evaluation you are reviewing the results for the actual product you are purchasing?

One more thing to be aware of is a basic bait-and-switch tactic where you might be initially presented with product test evaluations for a brand’s premium product, but then you are quoted on a value brand that has not been held to the same high standards. Be sure to verify that the product you are actually getting is the one that has the product testing and evaluations to prove it meets building code requirements.

The Takeaway on Deck Building Products Testing Credentials

While testing and evaluation reports may not be a favorite source of reading material, be sure to carefully review the tests and evaluations when choosing a new building product. Know what the product is tested to meet and know that the test results you review apply to the product you are purchasing.

Most importantly, choose a product that incorporates a 3rd party quality control program to ensure that products tested, and their manufacturing process, maintain consistency for the measure of quality it was evaluated to comply with.

Useful Resources: (.pdf download links)

• The Anatomy of an ICC Report
• Time Tested and Approved – Testing and Approvals Checklist
• Techtalk #164 – Duradek Ultra Meets North America Building Code Standards as a Walkable Roofing Membrane
• ICC on Membrane Roof Decks - US
• CCMC on Membrane Roof Decks - Canada

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/

10 Things the Experts Learned about Waterproofing at IBS with Duradek

10 Things Home Improvement Experts Learned About Waterproofing with Duradek at IBS

Professional trade shows in the design and construction industry can be invaluable resources for trade professional who want to maintain a competitive edge by staying informed on the best product solutions for practical building applications.

Shows like the International Builders Show (IBS) that took place last week in Las Vegas as part of Design and Construction Week allow building product manufacturers to showcase their best products so construction professionals know what resources they can rely on for their residential construction projects…and that’s not always just a good product. It’s a good product backed by experience.

Even the ‘experts’ that we turn to for our home improvement advice attend shows like IBS to stay informed on what is going on in the building industry as far as best practices, new techniques and the latest innovations. Whether it is home improvement radio personalities or HGTV celebrity home improvement hosts, the experts go to shows like IBS to find the best solutions.

The team at the Duradek booth at IBS 2015.

Home Improvement Radio Celebrities Discover 10 Things About Duradek Waterproofing

At IBS 2015, home improvement radio hosts James and Morris Carey, the Carey brothers, recorded their live broadcast “On the House” from IBS where they were able to talk to a great selection of building product experts including John Ogilvie, president of Duradek.

John Ogilvie from Duradek being interviewed by the Carey Bros.
 for 'On the House' radio show with HGTVs Scott McGillivray
in the background.

Even though Duradek has been successfully waterproofing decks and flat roofs for 40 years, many builders are not yet aware of the advantages of Duradek’s pedestrian roofing membrane. John was able to provide some very straight forward points about Duradek for buildings or designers who might want to incorporate the desirable feature of a pedestrian flat roof deck.

1. Duradek is the solution for decks above living space.
2. Duradek is a sheet vinyl membrane glued down to a plywood or concrete substrate.
3. Duradek is the waterproofing and the pedestrian surface in one product; different from liquid applied or torch-down roofing with something over-top to walk on.
4. Duradek is like a flooring product.
5. Duradek is applied with a glue and a heat-weld with a lap.
6. Duradek is a waterproofing product first. Duradek is a roofing company with a good looking product.
7. Duradek is unique in that you walk right on the membrane; no further protection is required because Duradek has an attractive, slip-resistant surface.
8. Duradek has a life expectancy of 15-20 years.
9. Duradek is not a do-it-yourself product. Waterproofing is too important for D-I-Y.
10. Duradek has no climate restrictions in North America.

You can check out the Carey Brothers’ highlights from the IBS 2015 show or “On the House” radio show online in its podcast archives, or listen here for the 2 minute segment where you can hear the interview with Duradek's John Ogilvie.



James and Morris Carey are award-winning, 3rd generation contractors with 70+ combined experience and host their weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column “On the House” that offers hands-on advice from coast-to-coast. The Carey brothers are always looking for the latest and greatest in building product technology to improve efficiency and lasting quality. During their full 4-hour program, the Carey brothers mention that the best brands are continually investing in research and development. Duradek is proud to have a 3-party quality control program and be ICC approved product as both a roofing membrane and pedestrian traffic coating; and  to continually be testing and evaluating our products to ensure Duradek offers the most reliable walkable waterproof membrane on the market.

Building Envelope Professionals Gather in Vancouver

In just one week on Wednesday, September 24th, 2014 the British Columbia Building Envelope Council (BCBEC) holds its annual one-day conference in Vancouver and Duradek will be there.

The main theme of this event is the performance of the building envelope. The event will be held at the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel and registration and breakfast takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. before a full day of presentations.

Be sure to be there early because between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. during breakfast is your best opportunity to visit the exhibiting sponsors of the event who are all important contributors to the building envelope community.

If you miss the chance during breakfast, you also have opportunity during the morning break to browse the selection of exhibitors in a well-defined table top show focused on products related to building envelope protection. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Duradek’s technical manager, Len Viegener and representative, Winston Conyers to discuss how deck waterproofing plays a critical role in building envelope protection.

Duradek vinyl membranes are the original, walkable roofing membrane. Whether used on roof deck applications over living space or on adjacent deck or balcony applications, Duradek is applied only by trained and authorized installers to ensure that the necessary waterproofing details required to protect the structure are professionally assessed and installed.

Whether for construction professionals or property management professionals, the importance of reliable waterproofing solutions cannot be underestimated. In beautiful British Columbia, the use of outdoor living space has been common practice for many years so it makes sense that it is where vinyl waterproof membranes for decks was first created and used. Duradek has helped to extend the home’s living space outwards, and in doing so, has also played a critical role in how deck waterproofing has evolved and how it integrates into the proper sequencing of professional building envelope protection.

At the BC BEC Annual General Meeting and Conference attendees can expect to be a part of the conversation for practical expertise, new technologies and research results.

You can register at bcbec.com or email info@bcbec.com for more information.

BC BEC Annual General Meeting and Conference 2014 Program

Related Article:

Understanding Balcony to Wall Interface Rehabilitation

Related White Paper:

The Ds of Decking: Waterproofing Flat Roof Decks

Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Holds Open House This Week

The Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario has the roof deck experts of AMA Roofing Supplies to rely on for decking projects. This Saturday, AMA Roofing Supplies has an event that you won't want to miss if you are a builder or home owner that may have a decking or roofing project coming up.


Read more on Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Holds Open House

Duradek Northwest – Raising the Bar on Providing the Roof

Duradek, the creators of the original vinyl deck membrane turns 40 this year, and the company acknowledges its success is partly due to the outstanding network of distributors that help to get Duradek from the factory to your decks.

Duradek Northwest turns 20!

Parent company, Washington Alaska Roof Systems, Inc. hit their landmark 30th anniversary in business this year which includes the inception of Duradek Northwest with its now 20 year history as the exclusive Duradek distributor in Alaska, Washington , Oregon and western Idaho and Montana.

Read more on Duradek Northwest – Raising the Bar on Providing the Roof