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/

A Story of 3 Waterproof Deck Options

When there are so many products to choose from for your outdoor living space, it might seem a little intimidating to make your product choices. Especially when some of the options are so completely different in cost, installation recommendations and maintenance requirements. The bottom line is that you want your deck to last, and it is protection from the elements that will best accomplish a long life for your deck or balcony.

Therefore, the critical detail of deck waterproofing should not be overlooked. Not only does it protect your deck, but it also protects the building envelope where deck meets wall. Cutting corners or taking short cuts at the insider perimeter of your deck almost always guarantees you will have problems down the road; or at least certainly reduces the effective lifetime of your waterproofing system.

Here we take a look at 3 very different deck systems, with 3 very different waterproofing solutions.  A common scenario in building product selection that is somewhat reminiscent of a nursery rhyme, one offers too little, one offers too much....and one is juuuust right!

Too Little Effort for a Waterproof Deck 

Take for example this deck waterproofing system that relies on caulking at the inside perimeter of a composite deck. A professional waterproofing specialist would not recommend or perform this method as it almost guarantees the home owner will have leak issues. And as the video demonstration continues to explain, this method can be a very messy and you must properly account for that factor as you proceed with the project.

Even when going up against brick or stucco, a Duradek professional will make sure the job is done right. For example, take a look at Duradek-Tiledek Case History #143 where the Duradek installer refused to install the Tiledek waterproofing membrane until the project's contractor agreed  to incur the cost to remove the lowest level of  brick to allow the membrane to be run up the vertical surface for proper waterproofing.

On this stucco balcony in Duradek Case History #148, the Duradek installer used his ingenuity and skill to recycle a previous membrane by heat-welding to the new Duradek membrane being installed so that the waterproofing up the vertical wall of the balcony remained intact without having to remove any of the recently added stucco which would otherwise have been required for adequate waterproofing.

Too Much Effort for a Waterproof Deck 

While at Duradek we commend efforts to ensure reliable waterproofing is in place, sometimes contractors over-complicate matters by designing complex, multi-stage structures that use more material and take more time to install than is really necessary. This occurs often in the case of roof decks where contractors turn to traditional roofing materials. Yes, roof grade waterproofing is important, but so is having an attractive deck surface with a reasonable lifetime cost.

In this example, a very complex, multi-stage system is used which requires much more time, material and patience than some alternatives! There are troughs, extra joists, additional cut-outs placed within the joists, roofing tar, rubber epdm, custom drain pans and more. After all of this, the roof deck is still at the foundation stage and you have yet to even begin to install the deck's walking surface.

Ahhhh...Roof Deck Waterproofing Done Just Right! 

The Duradek system of waterproofing roof decks is the simplest, most reliable way of bringing roof grade waterproof protection to your decking projects. With ICC approval as a roofing membrane AND a pedestrian traffic surface, Duradek provides it all in one single-ply application. Duradek is best installed on a simple, sloped, untreated plywood surface, but can also be installed on concrete or coated surfaces. (See Duradek's substrate requirements for details).

Installed exclusively by trained and authorized applicators that are familiar with the intricate details involved in deck waterproofing, Duradek brings waterproof peace-of-mind and performance that often well exceeds its 10-year waterproofing warranty.

The real beauty of the Duradek system is that once Duradek is installed, there is no maintenance required to the deck surface. Your waterproofing is always intact and the deck's appearance stands up to the elements better than most alternatives.  No sanding, staining, re-coating required...ever! All Duradek requires is an occasional cleaning and annual inspection that will mostly serve to remind you that your deck material decision was definitely the right one.

To give yourself a fairy tale perfect roof deck, call a Duradek installer in your area for a free consultation.

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

Duradek is Helping Change the Landscape of Salt Lake City - One Roof Deck at a Time

The Broadway Park Lofts are a victorious triumph in architectural achievement and urban residential development perseverance. These luxurious loft-style condominium units are refining urban lifestyle preferences and changing the landscape in Salt Lake City.

After a rocky start with the first phase of the project, construction halted when the housing market took a dive in 2009 and the promising development was left sitting as an empty shell. After a three year stalemate and a maze of legalities, the developers at ClearWater Homes acquired the project through grit, determination and vision which have culminated into a one-of-a-kind modern urban living experience which is truly the first of its kind in Salt Lake City.

The Broadway Park Lofts. Photo by ClearWater Homes

Located at 360 W Broadway (300 South) in downtown Salt Lake City, the two towers of the Broadway Park Lofts, named ‘Parkview’ and ‘Lanai’, hold a total of 82 units housed over 3 levels. Each unit spans 2 floors and range in size from 424 sq. ft. to 1,100 + sq. ft. (excluding Penthouse units) and they are available in one or two bedroom floor plans. The main level has received R2 zoning to allow for market units; perfect for coffee shops, yoga studios, art galleries and other community enhancing enterprises. The second and third levels perfect a sleek, industrial design with lanai style balconies and modern, garage-door-style floor to ceiling windows that open up the urban lifestyle to an outdoor living experience. But it is the 3rd level that really benefits from one of the most luxurious features in urban living…a private roof-top deck.

Garage door style windows open up each unit to the outdoors.

Accessed by an additional spiral staircase from the top level units’ second floor to the roof, each private roof deck spans an area of 300 sq. ft. and provides the additional outdoor living space that is so desirable but quite often under-utilized in many urban centers. Real estate agent, Connor Southworth reported, “These units are really cool, but they also cost about $40,000 more than the middle floor units. Well worth it, though, in my opinion.”

Preparing the roof deck substrate for the application of Duradek vinyl.

According to the American Institute of Architects, 63% of architects cite outdoor living space as the most popular ‘special function room’ in housing construction, and Remodeling Magazine’s 2014 Cost-Vs.-Value Report includes multiple deck addition options in the ‘biggest gainers’ category. There is no doubt that outdoor living space is growing in demand in residential construction in both single family homes and multi-residential developments.

Roof decks sometimes bring hesitancy to developers as there are so many considerations to constructing them properly. When any outdoor pedestrian surface is situated over living space, a reliable walkable, waterproof surface is critical. ClearWater Homes boldly and confidently set precedence for roof top decks in Salt Lake City with this project by utilizing the specialized roof deck waterproofing provided by Duradek vinyl membranes. Not only was Duradek a proven, reliable, warrantiedsolution for waterproofing the roof decks, but it also provided a low maintenance surface for the owners of the units since Duradek vinyl does not require any maintenance to continue performing…just an occasional cleaning to maintain its aesthetic appeal.

Broadway Park Lofts garner some inspiration from its namesake and brings New York style luxury to Utah where roof decks are gifted with the amazing views found in the Salt Lake City skyline and amazing Utah sky. This developer has recognized that roof decks do not need to be restricted to harbour cities where they are traditionally found in greater numbers, and they can take advantage of the views and maximize space in any community.

ClearWater Homes’ V.P. of Strategy and Development, Matt Kidd says, “The value of having the rooftop deck is returned in spades for the home owner. Not only are they able to enjoy an extra 300 square feet, but it comes with panoramic views of the Wasatch front extending from the capital building north all the way to Thanksgiving Point and all parts west! Imagine enjoying an evening alone or with friends watching the sunset and city night life unfold before you while relaxing on your rooftop.”

The roof decks at the Broadway Park Lofts bring the ultimate urban advantage giving these Salt Lake City residents the ability to enjoy the sights of the Saturday Farmer’s Market, the 4th of July fireworks or the Twilight Concert Series right from the comfort of their own home. After all, lifestyle is really what this development is all about. With a Walk Score of 89 out of 100, residents can walk or bike to work, enjoy the local parks and enjoy gastronomic favorites right on the same block like Tony Caputo’s Market, Carlucci’s Bakery, Bruges Waffles and Frites; even Gateway Mall is mere walking distance away. Plus, when traveling, residents can enjoy leaving their car in the secure garage and walk to TRAX to hop the train to the airport and never have to rely on paying for parking.

If you are in the market for a condo purchase in Salt Lake City and want to snap up one of the penthouse units with a roof top deck you may be disappointed because those rooftop units currently support a long waiting list of potential buyers waiting to hear of the next release date for availability. However there are still some of the first and second level units available for affordable urban luxury. Currently there are 12 new residents (with a dozen more in the purchase process)already enjoying their new lofts and surrounding Warehouse District neighbours and local businesses.

ClearWater Homes of Utah has a mandate of building functional, beautiful and energy-efficient homes and this urban masterpiece in the heart of Salt Lake City is an incredible example of functionality meeting luxury. Now, with the cautiously optimistic resurgence in new build construction, ClearWater Homes has made The Broadway Park Lofts a shining example of the best in urban living by maximizing space in a desirable urban center and by meeting the growing demand for extending residential living space to the outdoors.

Matt Kidd from ClearWater Homes adds, “Knowing that our rooftop decks not only provide a unique experience for our residents but a long lasting waterproof protection for their investments gives us the peace of mind to continue this development model for all of our communities going forward.”

CSI Tour of Broadway Park Lofts

Join Duradek of Utah's (Dekmax) Matt McClure to get a sneak peak at these gorgeous rooftop decks and take advantage of making your inquiries on the unique features of roof deck waterproofing. Design professionals can get a detailed look inside the Broadway Park Lofts when the Salt Lake City chapter of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI-SLC) will conduct a tour on May 21st, 2014. The tour will cover the layout of the buildings and discuss the obstacles, successes and future of the final development which is expected to be completed mid to late summer 2014.

Download this article (1.43 MB .pdf), "Changing the Landscape in Salt Lake City One Roof Deck at a Time".

Duradek Helps Brings Calm After the Storm for Deck Rebuilding

It has been almost a year since hurricane Sandy tore apart the east coast, but affected residents are still rebuilding and dealing with the frustration of gapping the bridge between insurance adjusters and contractors to get their homes back. Duradek wants to remind you that we are here to help.

The frustration in these catastrophic cases often lies in the difference between adjusters’ pricing under-estimates and builders’ actual costs that include removal of damaged elements. Sometimes the gap between adjusters’ estimates and builders costs is due to the practical reality of needing to replace an entire section of the home when just a portion was damaged; for example when half a roof is destroyed and the builder specifies shingles for the entire roof so that the shingles all match…but the insurance adjuster disagrees.

Strom damaged roof deck after hurricane Sandy.

Reportedly, contractors have also encountered some building supply distributors that capitalized on the supply-demand curve and inflated prices well above the costs both adjusters and contractors based their estimates on. Duradek and our New York distributor Specialty Building Systems, Inc. want to do what we can to help you avoid that situation. Announced back in December 2012, Duradek is offering 15% off the cost of our waterproof membrane to homeowners who are replacing decks after hurricane Sandy tore them apart. It doesn’t matter what kind of deck you previously had…composite, wood, fibreglass or EPDM, Duradek will help you rebuild with peace of mind.

Duradek has made this offer available for a year after the wake of hurricane Sandy (to October 29th, 2013), so if you are a homeowner or contractor still working with the insurance companies to rebuild or repair your deck, be sure to consider Duradek as your waterproof deck surface. Having gone through multiple tests and evaluations including wind uplift and pull-off testing for edge flashing, Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes meet building code requirements in most North American communities as a roofing membrane and a pedestrian surface.

If your deck was affected by Sandy, you or your insurance or restoration company can contact Specialty Building Systems at 1-800-765-9865 or email sbsddek@verizon.net for peace of mind in your rebuilding.

Related Posts:

• Helping to Re-Build the Eastern Seaboard One Deck at a Time with Duradek
• Duradek Discount Offered on Deck Rebuilds After Sandy

Reliable Roofing Shows Nashville How to Do It Right the First Time

Reliable Roofing Construction and Repair Services, Inc. one of our newest Duradek certified Dealers, recently participated in the Home Decorating and Remodeling show in the new Music City Center downtown Nashville, TN from September 6-9. Reliable roofing has had a presence at this event before but this is the first time it has been in the newly constructed Music City Center.

This new facility is a state of the art convention center located in the heart of Nashville. If you have ever been to Nashville you know this city is the capital of country music and grass roots values, and that is evident with this innovative and environmentally friendly architecture. The newly constructed convention center boasts a roofing system that is shaped like a guitar, of course, and reclaims rain water used within several parts of the facility which is just one of several highly environmentally features in this state of the art building design.

Duradek’s regional representative Norm Shafer was asked to participate in the event which he gladly accepted as an authoritative voice on Duradek vinyl membranes in a relatively new market. Duradek was co-located with Reliable Roofing in a 10X20 booth and Eddie Paterson, owner of Reliable Roofing and his right hand go to girl, Gail Moore made all the arrangements for the space and the shipment of the Duradek booth. The show opened on Friday at noon with complimentary admission for senior citizens, and radio and television stations were on location doing commercials for the event all week.

Eddie Paterson and Doyle Hood or Reliable Roofing
ready for customers in Nashville.

The response and interest from show attendees was very impressive for both companies. With Duradek being new to the Nashville market, Duradek’s time-proven and reliable roof grade waterproof outdoor flooring caught the eyes of several interested parties and has shown to be a great match with Reliable Roofing.

So if you are in Nashville and need a low maintenance, waterproof deck or roof deck, contact Reliable Roofing. For inquiries in all other areas, use our convenient 'Find a Dealer' feature and request your free estimate today.

Builders - You can find Duradek at the following National Shows

• Deck Expo | Remodeling Show: October 17th -20th at the Lakeside Center at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
• Surfaces: January 28th - 30th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV
• IBS - International Builders Show: February 4th - 6th at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

For all other regional shows, please see our trade and home show calendar.

The Value of a Roof Deck in Urban Real Estate

Citizens of major urban centers all over North America have embraced the value of rooftop decks, but perhaps none more so than Baltimoreans. Whether the view is of the city skyline or the harbor, rooftop decks are an extension of the home and contribute to its overall value, although harbor views will always contribute a significantly higher value.

Even in communities that are not traditionally known for skyline or water views, rooftop decks have become a valued commodity. For example, the Rivercrossing Townhome community in Logan, Utah distinguished itself by adding the element of rooftop decks and automatically increased the square footage of the home by incorporating outdoor living space. (download "Creating Value in Real Estate and Quality of Life").

The Baltimore Sun recently published an article on the topic of rooftop decks and a local real estate agent is quoted as claiming that rooftop decks with a harbor view could add $100,000 to the value of a house, and even a partial harbor view could add $50,000. While not every urban center can expect an increased value with roof decks to that extreme, construction professionals estimate that a roof deck adds at least $5,000 to a home's appraisal, and often more. But the real value to the homeowner is certainly subjective based on how much they actually use deck.

That brings us to one of the factors to consider in adding a rooftop deck to your home - the convenience factor. While new builds often take into consideration that a rooftop deck needs to be easily accessed from the inside of the house, sometimes rooftop deck additions can only be accessed from pre-existing lower level decks. On average, most residential roof decks will be used much more when they can be accessed directly from inside the home.

Another factor  to consider when adding a rooftop deck is the waterproofing. When a deck is over living space, it is critical that the waterproofing performs and protects the entire home from water damage. Products like Duradek Ultra vinyl membranes that are ICC approved as a roofing membrane can provide warrantied waterproof protection. Additionally, finishing your rooftop deck with a Duradek vinyl membrane means that you do not have to worry about any annual maintenance like sanding, staining or painting. Once the Duradek vinyl membrane is installed, all you need to do on your rooftop deck is enjoy it.

(View the Baltimore Sun's photo gallery of Rooftop Decks - note #14 is a Duradek deck....and requires WAY less maintenance than the many wood deck images showing fading, unprotected wood.)

Monument Place - By Duradek MidAtlantic

Duradek is available through authorized dealers in most communities all across North America. If you are in the Baltimore area and would like to discuss building or resurfacing your rooftop deck, contact Duradek MidAtlantic for a free estimate.