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!

Free Roofing Expo in Hamilton, ON This Week!

AMA Roofing Supplies out of Hamilton, Ontario is hosting a FREE Roofing Expo on Friday, February 27th at their location on Hempstead Drive.

Building professionals, property managers and home owners with a roofing upgrade in their future can check out the latest and greatest in roofing products, siding, eaves troughs and more. Not just a dry supplier event, AMA Roofing Supplies is making it a party. The event will be catered and there are a variety of fantastic door prizes to be won.

Throughout the day, a great selection of manufacturer representatives will be on hand conduction product demonstrations and information sessions so you can get a jump on the busy spring/summer building season by being well educated on the tools and products that are available for you to work with.

Meet Duradek Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan

Duradek's Kevin MacMillan will be at AMA Roofing Expo to answer any questions about Duradek vinyl membrane waterproofing. Kevin attends the largest building events in North America educating builders, architects, specifiers and home improvement experts on the advantages of waterproofing with one of Duradek's 3 distinct membrane systems:

1 - Duradek Ultra - the original walkable roofing membrane. The exposed vinyl surface acts as the waterproofing membrane and pedestrian surface in one single product. Textured for slip resistance and manufactured with UV inhibitors and mold inhibitors, Duradek is available in over 2 dozen colours so there is something for virtually every outdoor design scheme.

2 - Tiledek - the waterproofing membrane developed specifically for use under outdoor tiles. This protected vinyl membrane is manufactured with a fabric embedded top layer for best adhesion of thin-set mortar when installing a tile or stone assembly on flat roof decks.

3 - Plazadek - the waterproofing membrane for floating systems. This protected membrane is intended for use with sleeper systems or floating systems where a different pedestrian surface such as pavers or duck boards  is desired in addition to reliable membrane waterproofing on a flat roof deck.
Discover why a Duradek membrane is a much better choice than an EPDM roof deck for residential leisure space.

Meet Durarail/Excell Railing Systems Sales Manager Blair Holliday

Durarail's Sales Manager  is Blair Holiday from Excell Railing Systems and Blair is the authority on any railing information that you may need. Blair has a ton of experience with railing projects specifically related to roof decks and how to best incorporate railing design into an attractive, waterproof and low-maintenance outdoor living space.

Durarail's powder coated aluminum railing systems are designed to stay looking attractive by withstanding he elements with the advantages of no sanding, staining or recoating ever required. Available in picket, glass and cable systems, Durarail is proud to offer the exceptional Panorama Post topless glass system and is letting AMA Roofing Expo attendees get a sneak peak at the new Panorama Post Plus....a topless glass post that offers exceptional versatility and makes installation a breeze for even dynamically designed decking projects.

Meet local TV Personality from the Weather Network

You can also meet Kim MacDonald from the Weather Network who will be making an appearance at the event as MC and introducing you to the great selection of product representatives.
Visit the AMA event web page to reserve your free spot now!

AMA Roofing Supplies

 To learn more about AMA Roofing, check out: Duradek Distributor AMA Roofing Supplies Sells Service, Dec. 17, 2012

Free Registration to Buildex Vancouver Before February 5th, 2015

Duradek is proud to be a participating exhibitor at Buildex Vancouver 2015, one of the largest trade shows in Western Canada for Design, Construction and Real Estate Management professionals, taking place at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre West on February 25th and 26th, 2015.

You can take advantage of free registration for the trade-show floor and discounted seminar prices if you register before February 5th (see link below).

With over 13,000 attendees expected to visit the 600+ exhibitors and over 100 speakers at more than 50 educational seminars, Buildex keeps professional builders, designers and property managers up-to-date on the latest in construction and design trends, and how it affects your place in the building industry.

Duradek, the suppliers of the original waterproof roofing membrane believe in being on the top of your game, no matter what your specialty may be. That is what makes the Buildex Vancouver 2015 show such an valuable opportunity. Offering the latest and greatest products and information for 3 distinct professional markets, Buildex covers the most relevant topics for Real Estate Design, Building and Management professionals over 2 days.

In addition to the excellent selection of seminars, you will find presentations throughout the show at the Passive House Pavilion on the show floor. There are also some excellent opportunities for networking as you wander through the exhibit hall or attend the networking reception on Wednesday, February 25th between 4 - 5 pm.

Duradek is a proud participating exhibitor and you can find us at booth#307 - near the Construct Café. We are excited to introduce you to our latest selection of PVC Waterproof membranes such as our 'Legacy' line which was recently introduced in honor of Duradek's landmark 40 years in business; and we couldn't be prouder to have pioneered the sheet vinyl method of waterproofing. This new line emulates the appearance of aged wood and provides an attractive outdoor design scheme while still providing the superior level of waterproof protection you've come to trust from Duradek.

Produced by the same manufacturer over our 40 year history and having gone through several warranty cycles we are very confident in our product and that it can provide the level of waterproof protection you need whether for a single family residence or a large multi-family development.

Buildex has the support of several sponsor associations, several of which Duradek is a current participating member. Associations like Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA), Canadian Home Builders Association of BC (CHBABC) Condominium Home Owners Association (CHOA), Landlord BC, and the BC Building Envelope Council (BCBEC) and its members help to share information to ensure best practices in residential construction, and you can access a lot of the information gathered by the professional Vancouver builders market while you explore Buildex 2015.

Duradek would like to invite you to come visit us at booth #307 and ask us anything you'd like to know about outdoor waterproofing projects and what makes Duradek the leader in waterproof roofing membranes you can walk on.

You can register online before February 5th for free admission to the show floor and lower seminar prices.

We hope to see you there, but if you can't make it down to Buildex or one of the other great construction industry shows or home shows, you can always contact a Duradek dealer in your area for more information on this most reliable method of waterproofing your outdoor living space.

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

Deck Collapse Disasters Strike Again

The peak season for deck use and reported deck collapses has passed (June-August), but in the last couple of weeks there have been a few more deck collapse stories to hit the media with a too-familiar story of people gathered on a balcony or deck for what was meant to be a fun occasion and instead find themselves suddenly plummeting to the ground amidst the debris of the failed deck.

Dekalb County, GA has had two recent incidents. A deck collapse in Ellenwood, GA on August 30th sent multiple people to the hospital after a residential deck pulled away from the home. On August 17th, there was a collapse at a Brookhaven apartment complex had a balcony collapse which injured 3 adults and 2 children. One of the children, an 11 year old boy, was pinned under the rubble until DeKalb County Fire and Rescue arrived.

In Towson, MD, another deck collapse injured 7 people when a second floor balcony of an apartment suddenly gave away. 6 people were treated and released from hospital right away, however one seriously injured person remains in hospital with life threatening injuries. While witnesses claim to have seen between 4 and 10 people on the balcony, it was substantiated as a total of 6 people on the balcony at the time of the collapse. Sadly, the most critically injured person was standing below the deck and was pinned beneath the debris until emergency responders arrived on the scene.

photo from CBS Baltimore

See video coverage:
Several Hurt After Deck Collapses At College Party In Towson: Several Hurt After Deck Collapses At College Party In Towson

One resident of the apartment complex stated that she was not surprised and had her own concerns about the safety of the balconies as she had experience water infiltration into her suite through light sockets, which she felt was a safety hazard.

None of these incidents seem to indicate that over loading the decks was the issue.

So What Then Caused the Decks to Collapse?

Initial responses for inquiries on what causes a deck collapse are commonly quick to question if the deck was built to code with proper permits and inspections but it appears that most times there is no negligence in that area. While there are several possible reasons for the deck failure, more often than not, the failure is attributed in some way to the ledger board that connects the deck to the building structure.

The connecting hardware securing the deck to the house is often the first item to be checked. While inexperienced deck builders may use inadequate nails to secure the deck ledger board to the rim joists of the house, more often than not the correct anchoring fasteners were used. What then causes the fasteners to pull away from the house? Often the culprit is wood rot. When water invasion has weakened the wood to the point of softening or rot, no fastener is able to perform securely.

Waterproofing for Safety

When some home owners (and inexperienced deck builders, for that matter) think about deck waterproofing, the focus of the consideration is often the deck surface or the railings and the aesthetic value waterproofing brings to outdoor living space. Sadly, it is the critical inside perimeter waterproofing details that are neglected that can allow water to infiltrate the deck components and the building envelope which can compromise the structural security.

Many times, water intrusion and wood rot is discovered before weakening to the point of collapse and the deck can be salvaged, but sometimes the water damage goes unnoticed. When this happens for too long, eventually the rot will deteriorate the wood until the deck becomes unsafe (This seems to be more common in circumstances where the owner or manager of the property is not the primary resident, such as in the vacation beach home deck collapse in Ocean Isle Beach, NC in July last year).

For example, see Duradek Case History #151 where the inside perimeter waterproofing details were previously neglected and threatened the structural integrity of the deck. Luckily it was noticed and repaired in time to salvage some of the deck, and most importantly, avoided deck collapse and injury. After looking at these recent deck collapse incidents, and considering the possible causes of these dangerous incidents, you may want to have your own deck inspected.

If you find that it is time for a deck renovation and would like to have a Duradek waterproofing professional provide a free estimate on renovating your deck, contact a Duradek dealer in your area.

For full deck collapse stories, see:

• Deck collapse in Towson, MD on September 1st 
• Deck collapse in Ellenwood, GA on August 30th
• Deck collapse in Brookhaven, GA on August 17th 

Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association Challenges – Duradek Accepts!

For the deck building industry, August is an exceptionally busy month, but it is not too busy to make time for our local Home Builders Association’s events and show some appreciation for our local building community. 

When a city like Vancouver is ranked the most livable city in North America (and 3rd in the world), you can guarantee that the local contractors like those in the Greater Vancouver Builders Association are some of the most skilled and experienced in their trades.

This month there were two notable, special events that the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA) hosted and Duradek was proud to take part in.

GVHBA Summer Social

Hosted along the Fraser River at the New Westminster Quay, Duradek was proud to be a sponsor of the GVHBA Summer Social. Not just another boring networking event, over 200 people enjoyed this social evening which included a wine bar and a very active Ping Pong table for which Duradek was co-sponsor.

Photo credit -  Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Who knew so many GVHBA members have such stellar ping pong talent!? The crossover footwork, blocks, counter-hits and rallies stirred up quite a scene. Duradek’s Winston Conyers was there to talk vinyl membrane waterproofing between ping-pong matches.

Photo credit -  Martin Knowles Photo/Media

 

GVHBA 3rd Annual Grouse Grind Challenge

Presented by the association’s Under 40 Committee, the GVHBA's 3rd annual Grouse Grind Challenge was a huge success. Members conquered the grueling trail and then enjoyed themselves at the summit with food, beverages, mingling and amazing views.

Recognized in the GVHBA weekly newsletter, Duradek’s Winston Conyers and Dave Giesbrecht were the notable newbie members beating the GVHBA newbie challenge with admirable times of 0:53:48 and 0:44:34, respectively.

Winston, a recent addition to the Duradek family and did his team proud. Dave, who is an authorized Duradek installer and owner of North Vancouver Sundecks proved himself as adept on the trails as he is on the decks he installs. Way to go, guys!
 

Winston (left) and Dave (right) did Duradek proud!
Photo credit -  Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Although relatively new members of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association (GVHBA), Duradek has a deep appreciation for the local building community that helped Duradek grow from a small regional company to an internationally recognized brand over the last 40 years.

When Duradek is at home building or home improvement shows in the local Vancouver market, we are thrilled with how often we hear of people wanting to freshen up the look of their deck that has had Duradek reliably protecting it over the last 20 – 30 years.

These Duradek customers know that the level of Duradek’s waterproof performance combined with no maintenance requirements is the most cost-effective way to protect their decks over the lifetime of the product. More often than not, homeowners want to re-do their decks purely to freshen up the look with one of our fantastic new colours, like Cork Graphite.

If you are in the Vancouver area, be sure to visit Duradek at booth #1755 at the Vancouver Home & Design Show October 16 – 19th at BC Place Stadium.  We can show you why waterproofing your deck with Duradek vinyl will bring you the most enjoyment from your deck for the long term…and allow you the most leisure time to enjoy it!

Duradek Sponsors GVHBA Summer Social this Week

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association is hosting a Summer Social at the Hyack Ballroom at the Inn at the Quay in New Westminster this Wednesday, August 13th, 2014 and Duradek is proud to take part as one of the sponsors of this fun networking event.

This free event is open to all Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association members, guests of GVHBA members and invited non-members; and will take place between 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm.


Duradek and Durarail provide low-maintenance
waterproof performance.

There will be complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and a lively ping-ping table co-sponsored by Duradek. For GVHBA members, there will be some speed-networking opportunities to take part in as well.


Protect the investment of your decking projects with the
long-lasting performance of Duradek and Durarail.

As new members of the GVHBA, Duradek is very proud to take part in this event to get reacquainted with old friends and to create new relationships with the local building community that helped to establish Duradek as a widely recognized brand that has become synonymous with PVC sheet waterproofing. (See the Duradek Story)

If you are in the Greater Vancouver area, be sure to stop in to mingle and enjoy a little networking on the waterfront wrap around patio next to the Fraser River. Duradek’s Winston Conyers will be there representing Duradek and to answer your questions on Duradek PVC membrane and how its superior roof grade waterproofing can be the best long-term solution for your balcony or roof deck projects; particularly when also including Durarail powder-coated aluminum railing systems. These products are designed to withstand the elements for long-lasting performance and are installed by trained contractors who are familiar with the intricacies of waterproofing details to protect the building envelope.

If you are not a member of the GVHBA and would like to attend what promises to be a fun social networking event (the old-fashioned, real live kind!), consider this your invitation to come as a guest of Duradek.

GVHBA Summer Social
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Time: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Place: Inn at the Quay (900 Quayside Drive New Westminster, BC)
Plenty of parking is available with flat rate fees being at 5:00 pm.

The Summer Social is brought to you by the Suppliers Council and the Membership Committee of the GVHBA and participating sponsors including Duradek.

Detailed directions:

From the Trans-Canada Highway (westbound)

• Travel West on Highway #1 across the Port Mann Bridge
• Take Brunette Exit South
• Follow Brunette Avenue onto Columbia Street, passing under the Patullo Bridge
• Turn left onto Begbie Street and go over the train tracks
• Follow the road past the Public Market
• The hotel is on your left

From the Trans-Canada Highway (eastbound)

• Travel east on Highway #1 and take Brunette Exit South
• Follow Brunette Avenue onto Columbia Street, passing under the Patullo Bridge
• Turn left onto Begbie Street and go over the train tracks
• Follow the road past the Public Market
• The hotel is on your left

Waterproofing a Roof Deck Takes Expertise

When it comes to waterproofing a roof deck, deck expert, Bill Leys recently shared his simple philosophy: “You can hire a contractor who is well-versed in deck waterproofing, or you can assume all the risk of choosing a system, figuring out the details, and installing it yourself.”

For someone like Mr. Leys whose company specializes in repairing and waterproofing failed roof decks and balconies, this philosophy becomes excellent free advice to home owners who need a deck built or renovated; but even more so to contractors who are not familiar with the intricacies of deck waterproofing.

Bill, along with most deck waterproofing specialists, sees the results of damaging water intrusion on a regular basis. What some people might consider an ‘add-on’ feature of the home; deck waterproofing is actually a critical factor to protect the entire home. Once water has infiltrated the building envelope and dry rot has developed, damage to the framing, shear walls, deck and possible living space below can turn what might have been a simple repair under $5,000 into a massive project upward of $100,000.

Inadequate details at perimeter and post were
likely responsible for allowing moisture to
invade and rot this deck.

While inadequate deck waterproofing keeps companies like Bill’s busy with repair projects, long-lasting waterproofing on a deck over living space is easily achievable and straightforward when best practises are followed and the most reliable products are used. There are a variety of ICC-ES listed manufacturers of Class A walking deck systems to choose from, so when you are making your building product selection this is an excellent resource. However a word to the wise, not all products in the same categories are tested to the same standards and you should be thorough when reviewing and comparing products.

For example, Duradek vinyl membranes are only one of over 20 Pedestrian Traffic Coatings listed with ICC-ES, but from this ICC-ES Comparison Chart* you can see that not all varieties were tested to the same standards. If you are selecting a membrane for waterproofing over living space, it is an important indicator of the product’s suitability for that purpose to see exactly what ICC approved uses the product is designated with.

A deck waterproofed with Duradek vinyl membranes get
installed by trained professionals who know the details.

In an excellent article, “Building Waterproof Roof Decks” featured in Professional Deck Builder magazine, Bill Leys discusses some of these issues and more, and he indicates several areas of consideration to ensure decks are not vulnerable to water intrusion.

Bill highlights many factors that must be considered for successful deck waterproofing, the first of which is design. It is important to know what you need from your deck before beginning the framing.

• Does it need to support a hot tub or other heavy weight items like oversized ceramic planters or outdoor kitchen assemblies?
• Is the deck to be over living space or cantilevered out on joists?
• What kind of water routing and slope will be required?

It would be a costly and frustrating experience to find out your deck is sloped inadequately for your waterproof membrane once the membrane has been installed.

This is where working with a professional, experienced deck builder can save you a ton of time and money right from the start. If you contractor uncle says he will build you a deck when the family comes for a visit, are you confident that he knows that the deck should never be level with the floor of the interior, and should actually be at least 1 ½ inches below the level of the interior floor; or that he knows the proper spacing of joists and fasteners to support the load of your expected capacity?

Door sills can be a target for moisture invasion
if small but critical details are missed.

While many do-it-yourselfers will shrug off concerns about building code, when it comes to deck building and waterproofing the risk of not using a professional can be an exponentially more expensive route than paying a little more to have it done right from the start.

If you’d like to talk to a deck waterproofing specialist, contact a Duradek installer in your area to discuss your deck waterproofing and maintenance needs.

* Information obtained from ICC-ES website, researched and compiled by Duradek.

Bill Leys owns Deckexpert.com and Central Coast Waterproofing in Arroyo Grande, California. Bill is a regular presenter at building industry events to share his vast knowledge on deck waterproofing.

Water Absorption, Lateral Loads and Deck Collapse Risk

When deck collapse tragedies happen there is not always a clear-cut reason. It is mostly speculation of what caused the collapse, but here we look at two significant contributors and how you can prevent the chances of it happening to your deck.


Earlier this June there was a rather dramatic deck collapse in Pawleys Island, SC when a group of 25 – 30 people simultaneously gathered on a deck to take a photo in front of a rather impressive double rainbow. Although a rainbow is an innocent and inspiring motivation for a group selfie, this rainbow lured the unsuspecting group to a tragedy on an otherwise enjoyable day.



Read the full article, Water Absorption, Lateral Loads and Deck Collapse Risk

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

The Sun's UV Effects on Your Deck

By mid-May most of us are seeing an increased amount of sunshine and have started clearing, cleaning and preparing our decks for a much anticipated season of soaking up the sun and enjoying our outdoor living space. But does your deck love the sun as much as you do, or does the sun’s UV effects on your deck leave you resenting its rays?

While our love of the sun is pretty much universal with its mood elevating effects and increased dose of vitamin D, too much of a good thing can do us harm. The earth’s atmosphere blocks approximately 98-99% of the sun’s UV radiation, but that remaining 1-2% can have some undesirable effects. We are well aware of what sun exposure can do to our skin and we go to great efforts to protect it, but the truth is that the sun’s UV radiation will age anything that is exposed to it…and that includes our decks.

A common issue with any item that experiences permanent or prolonged exposure to the sun is fading or discoloration. We see this all the time with fabrics, paints or plastics on our outdoor items. There is simply no escaping those UV rays.

Our decks are no exception. If you’ve placed furniture or other large sun-blocking items on your deck then years later moved those items, the difference in color where the deck has been hidden from the UV rays can be evident.

With vinyl deck membranes you have the advantage of long-lasting waterproof protection without the need for maintenance, but it is important to remember that not all vinyl is created equal. To get the most out of your vinyl deck, chose a brand that has a proven performance history and has demonstrated that it stands up to the elements, including UV exposure.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes have demonstrated superior performance when compared to other vinyl brands in how well it ages from UV exposure. Certainly, like anything that is permanently outdoors, there will be some color fading over time but when tested against other vinyl brands, Duradek clearly stands out as one of the best vinyl options for maintaining its appearance from UV aging.

Accelerated Weather Testing (ASTM G-90) Results for Three Vinyl Options

The images below show the results of Accelerated Weather Testing (ASTM G-90) conducted by Atlas Material Testing Solutions on three different vinyl brands and shows the effects of 840 MJ UV which equates to about 2.5 years of Arizona sun exposure*. (These tests results are from the second round of tests conducted to corroborate the results of the first round of testing and have shown consistent results).

Vinyl-TD Results – Clear coat technologies are not yet advanced enough to
avoid discoloration from UV exposure. These images show the effects of 840 MJ UV.

 

The vinyl brand above is clearly showing signs of darkening and in the first sample even shows visible cracks in the surface. This particular brand of vinyl uses a clear vinyl coat to protect its surface from scuff marks; however the appearance of scuffs may be preferable to the degree of discoloration from the UV exposure.

Vinyl-DR Results – Products available at a much lower price than similar products can often indicate inferior performance. This image is at 840 MJ UV, but this vinyl brand showed failure at only 140 MJ UV.

 

These two samples above are produced off-shore and started failing at 140 MJUV. This vinyl brand is being marketed as a cost-effective alternative for the budget conscious home owner or developer, but clearly the savings are not worth the end result.

Duradek Results – Duradek stands up to UV exposure better than many vinyl options.
At 840 MJ UV there is very little change in appearance.

 

Duradek is the original vinyl membrane and has been installed on decks in all North American climates for 40 years. From the images above you can see that Duradek can handle the effects of UV exposure much, much better than the competition. There is almost no change in appearance after 840 MJ UV exposure, and even at 1820 MJ UV exposure the effects on the appearance are minimal.

Vinyl-TD and Duradek Results – This image compares the results of accelerated weathering tests at 1820 MJ UV. Duradek show very minimal appearance changes while vinyl-TD has changed drastically.

 

The image above shows vinyl-TD next to Duradek in comparing the effects of 1820 MJ UV next to a control sample. The difference is quite dramatic and a shocking example of why it is so important to choose a product you can rely on. It is certainly worth noting that Duradek offers an appearance warranty while many vinyl brands do not.

For a product you can rely on with professional installers who know deck waterproofing, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate on your deck renovation.

To see results of previous tests, check out these articles:

July 10, 2013 - Nothing Last Forever But Duradek Outlast the Rest

May 15, 2013  – Choosing a Waterproof Membrane for Your Deck

May 8, 2013 -  When Choosing a Building Product, New Does Not Always Mean Better

April 30, 2013 – Duradek Confirms Superior Performance with Competitive Weather Testing


* source of UV exposure equating to annual sun exposure
http://www.gaf.ca/Commercial_Roofing_Systems/EverGuard_TPO/Correlating_Accelerated_Laboratory_Field_and_Thermal_Aging_TPO_Membranes.pdf
The Sun's UV Effects on Your Deck

Duradek Recognized by Canadian Business Journal

The Canadian Business Journal recognized Duradek as a featured manufacturer in the March 2014 issue (#198) of their leading business magazine. With 2014 marking Duradek's 40th year in business, we couldn't be prouder to appear in Canada's longest-publishing business magazine.

Duradek is especially proud to be a recognized Western manufacturer as many national product manufacturers are based out of Ontario, Duradek remains western based in British Columbia where vinyl membrane deck waterproofing was first conceived.

(See the full Duradek Story for details).

The Canadian Business Journal is sent digitally each month to over 37,000 senior executives in Canada and receives a month average of over 400,000 unique visitors to its website. The online publication also holds the highest independently audited and verified readership of any Canadian Business-to-Business publication. It keeps Canadian business leaders informed on current business news, industry topics and trends including a glimpse into major Canadian industries such as Construction, Energy, Food and Drink, Healthcare and Manufacturing.

While Duradek is a mature, reliable product that has been around since 1974; The Canadian Business Journal is truly wise from experience since it was founded in 1928 as 'The Commerce of the Nation' as the voice of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The magazine was renamed the Canadian Business in 1933, but its official association with the Chamber of Commerce did not end until 1977. Today, the magazine's official media partnership is currently held by George Media and is owned by Rogers Communication.

See the featured article, "Duradek-Waterproofing Your Outdoor Living Space for 40 Years" in the March issue of the Canadian Business Journal online.

Decking Snapshot – Past, Predicted and Performance

Homeowners love their outdoor living space and they are increasingly utilizing that space as functional additions to their homes. This has allowed the decking industry to experience some modest, yet significant growth. The preference for more outdoor living space, along with the resurgence in new construction, has specialists anticipating this trend of growth in the decking industry to continue.

Principia Residential Decking & Railing 2013 Marketing Report that predicts the decking industry will experience in excess of 4% growth to reach 4.1 billion by 2015. This follows a 4.8% growth from 2012 to 2013 with a decking and railing factory gate value of $3.75 billion in 2013.
The increased desire for functional outdoor living space is shown in the recently released

According to the American Institute of Architects, 63% of architects cite outdoor living space as the most popular “special function room” in housing construction. But today’s homeowners aren’t satisfied with the traditional 10’ x 20’ rectangular, drip-through wood deck.

Before considering the accessories like lighting, furniture and fire features that customize the look of a deck, today’s homeowners want a deck that is high performing, low maintenance and environmentally friendly. This makes choosing deck building products one of the most important choices for developers and contractors who are juggling the cost vs. value with long-term customer satisfaction.

Considering Composite?

The popularity of composite decking products for their environmental benefits coupled with no maintenance requirements has been jaded by multiple product issues with several different suppliers. While claims of developmental improvements in the new ‘capped’ composite deck boards have promised to resolve the negative issues experienced with composite decking; only time will tell if these ‘improved’ products will perform as promised. Several recognized brands including Azek have been faced with legal proceedings stemming from product degradation. In the past several years, customers of Trex composite decking experienced such significant issues with their composite deck products that Trex settled their class action suit, followed most recently by a similar experience with Fiberon. So while composite deck products in theory meet some of the needs of ‘green’ building practices, in reality a lot of composite deck boards have ended up in the landfills.

Prefer PVC?

Alternately, a product that does not immediately conjure perceptions of environmental benefits, PVC membrane waterproofing is actually a wise choice environmentally for its longevity of performance. As a waterproof roof or deck, compared to the alternatives, Duradek vinyl membranes are the greener choice and can be considered for LEED points in green construction projects.

Duradek, the pioneers of PVC membrane waterproofing are celebrating their 40th year in business this year. Having gone through multiple warranty cycles, Duradek knows that their product performs as intended.

Duradek was recently featured in the Canadian Business Journal and is very proud to have been the leader in their niche of deck waterproofing by developing a single-ply pedestrian coating that also acts as a roofing membrane. This ability to provide long lasting, roof grade waterproof protection is made even more appealing due to the fact that the product requires virtually no maintenance. With only an occasional cleaning (seasonal to annual) and an annual inspection at perimeters, seams and posts, a deck protected with a Duradek vinyl membrane will regularly exceed their warrantied lifetime and last for decades.

Wood You Prefer…?

Drip through wood decks can
be a high maintenance burden.

Traditional wood decks require comparatively high maintenance with sanding, staining and sealing, and over time, can be a costly option. Decks built with pressure treated wood might last a little longer, but will eventually leach harmful chemicals into the environment while still requiring significant maintenance for longevity and waterproof integrity. When a wood deck is not maintained and its waterproof integrity is compromised, it is often the softened, water damaged wood that can be traced as a contributing factor to where supporting hardware has failed and led to dangerous deck collapse incidents.

Builders, Compare Your Options

Deck builders must carefully consider their options since they have a much broader choice of materials than they did 40 years ago. When choosing a building product, the best route is often choosing a product that has a proven performance backed up by a sound warranty and can meet the needs of the end user…in this case the homeowner who wants attractive, low maintenance, long-lasting outdoor living space.

If you'd like to discuss your decking needs with a waterproofing professional, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no obligation estimate.

Duradek Expert Quality Vinyl Decking at the Tri-City Home Expo

The Tri-City Spring Home Expo takes place this weekend, April 4 - 6, 2014 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex in Coquitlam, BC and it is the perfect place to talk to long-time Duradek authorized installers from Quality Vinyl Decking about your decking needs.

The arrival of spring often signals the time to start planning for any projects to your outdoor living space like decks and gardens, and shows like the Tri-City Spring Home Expo is an ideal place to start. With free admission and over 180 exhibitors showcasing their products and services, you are sure to find what you need for your spring home improvement inspiration.

The not-to-be-missed exhibitor is Quality Vinyl Decking, particularly if you have any decking or outdoor building projects in mind. Quality Vinyl Decking was founded over 30 years ago and has over 23 years experience in installing vinyl waterproofing on decks. Quality Vinyl is an authorized Duradek dealer and is very proud to hold Duradek as their primary product for long lasting, low maintenance decks and balconies. With Duradek's excellent warranty and great performance history throughout its 40 years in business, Quality Vinyl stays very busy installing Duradek vinyl.



Duradek Ultra Cork Natural protects this multi level deck
installed by Quality Vinyl Decking.

While Duradek protected decks are the mainstay of Quality Vinyl's projects, they take a 'no job is too big or too small' approach to their work and can also perform deck repairs, build gazebos or install hot tubs...they will even perform property maintenance work! Quality Vinyl Decking is a BBB accredited company and they take pride in being confident that they are doing the job right the first time. They are a community minded group and truly enjoy what they do. Be sure to stop by the Quality Vinyl Decking booth at the Tri-City Spring Home Expo to discuss how they can help you with your decking needs.

This year's show also features keynote speakers Marlena Stocker of Benjamin Moore Tri-City Paint and Decorating and Ronnie Vanstone of Design Alley Interiors who will bring you their professional advice and insights on the latest design trends, particularly with colour trends and creative finishes.

The Tri-City Home Expo hours:
April 4th - 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
April 5th - 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
April 6th - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you don't get a chance to make it down to a home show this spring but would like to talk to a Duradek expert about your deck, you can find a dealer in your area to give you a free estimate.

Best of Duradek Contest Results

In honor of our 40th year in business and in recognition of the wonderful customers that have chosen Duradek as their deck waterproofing product, we held a ‘Best of Duradek’ contest (January 17 – February 23, 2014). We invited home owners and Duradek installers to send us pictures to show-off their decks and let us know what they love about their Duradek decks.

The random draw from all entries received was held on Monday, February 24th and the lucky winner of tickets to today’s Canucks game and dinner for two was Jane Jamieson of Surrey, BC.

Jane sent us in this photo of her deck that is protected with Duradek Classic Barley with this wonderful comment:

“Here is my deck ( in winter not being used mode ) with Duradek product on the floor...I had this installed in the mid '90's and it still looks like new! I have power washed it but now use 'The Duke' to clean it and I think it does a better job than power washing. The deck always looks great and I have never had to do repairs and love the low maintenance!! Definitely would use again.”
Jane Jamieson



"The deck always looks great..." J.J.

Other entries received included this one from Cliff & Veronica MacDonald of Surrey, BC who said:

“Loving our Duradek going on 15 years. Our Duradek deck is one of the most used “rooms” in our house. Seems that we host all the summer parties, because friends know that our deck is the most welcoming! It is so easy to keep clean. Duradek works equally well for the covered section and the part that is open to the sun and rain; and it is equally effective in keeping the basement room underneath dry, as well as the outdoor storage area under it weatherproof. Thanks Duradek!"

"Our Duradek deck is one of the most used 'rooms' in our house..."

And Heather Debevc of Prince George, BC said:

"We live on a ridge overlooking the 9th hole of a golf course and a forest beyond. A breath-taking view in all seasons. The soft palette of our Duradek blends in with out surroundings making our outdoor experience truly memorable. Never needing any maintenance, always looking its best, we are proud to entertain on the deck. We can relax knowing it will provide the look, the class, the feel we want in this space. A grand outdoor room, in its 7th year, is an extension of ourselves and our home. Thank you Duradek!!"

"We are proud to entertain on the deck..." HD

Homeowners Love Their Duradek Decks

This past week, Duradek was at the BC Home & Garden Show and while we love to introduce Duradek to home owners who are unfamiliar with our low maintenance, waterproof deck surfaces…we also love hearing from the home owners who have been enjoying Duradek for years.

It is so rewarding to hear so many of you say how much you love your decks and will never use anything else but Duradek for your waterproof deck surface.

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest and to all of you who have helped to make Duradek the #1 vinyl deck membrane in North America!

If you would like to find out about how to protect your deck with Duradek, contact a dealer in your area for a free estimate.

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.

Still Time to Enter ' Best of Duradek' Contest

You have until February 23rd to enter our 'Best of Duradek' contest and all it takes to enter is for you to email in a photo of your deck (details below).

Duradek™, the original vinyl deck waterproofing membrane is celebrating 40 years in business and this contest is just one small way of thanking everyone in our home-base region that chose Duradek as their decking product of choice.

The “Best of Duradek" contest is your chance to show off your deck to win a night out including dinner and a pair of tickets to the February 26th Canucks game in Vancouver.



An entry from Victoria, BC.

Contest deadline is just around the corner, but you've still got time to enter. Your deck doesn't have to be new...in fact we'd love to see some entries from people who have been enjoying their low maintenance Duradek for years.

Duradek has been around for 4 decades...and there are some decks protected with Duradek that have been around nearly as long! Whether you have brand new Duradek vinyl on the roof deck above the garage, or 20-year old Duradek on balcony...anybody with a Duradek vinyl deck can enter.

All you need to enter is a photo of your deck that is protected with Duradek vinyl and a brief statement of why you love your Duradek deck.

Prize to be Awarded for Your Night Out from Duradek

Pair of tickets to see the Vancouver Canucks vs. St. Lois Blues at Rogers Arena on February 26th, 2014 (plus parking pass!) and $100 Gift Certificate for dinner at Moxie’s at 180 West Georgia Street. (Total prize value is approx. $275.00).

To Enter

• Provide your full name, email address, telephone number and city.
• Submit a .jpg image of your deck (please send a medium to high resolution image). * your deck vinyl must be protected with Duradek vinyl to be considered for the contest. * By submitting your picture you are giving Duradek full permission to use your image in our marketing programs.
• Provide a brief statement about your deck, when your Duradek was installed and why you love it. (For example: “the last 15 years we have not had to waterproof our deck”; “it was so great to be able to be completely installed and ready for use in the same day”; “it’s so easy to clean after our kids’ birthday parties”; “we love having a dry, covered patio below our Duradek deck so we can enjoy outdoor time in any weather”; etc.)

Submit via email by 6:00 p.m. PST on February 23rd, 2014 to duradek@duradek.com with “Best of Duradek Contest Entry” in the subject line.

Winner will be announced and notified on February 24th, 2014.

Duradek has grown from pioneering product to leading brand in the competitive niche market of deck waterproofing with over 125 million square feet of Duradek installed all over North America over the past 4 decades.

This kind of history shows us without a doubt how well our waterproofing system performs. We have seen decks pass from generation to generation, home owner to home owner, and still be as reliably waterproofing as when it was first installed. We look forward to hearing your Duradek story!

With so many years of helping you to enjoy residential outdoor living space, we are sure there has been plenty of enjoyable time spent on your deck since you haven’t had to spend any time maintaining it.

So whether you are a builder who has used Duradek on your decking projects or you are a home owner that enjoys the benefits of Duradek’s low maintenance waterproof protection, show off your Duradek to win Canucks Tickets!