Do-it-Yourself Deck Projects Not Recommended by Duradek

Deck waterproofing is a very important detail in protecting the home. When if comes to the superior performance of vinyl membranes as your long lasting waterproof solution, you could unknowingly create future issues for yourself if you attempt to do-it-yourself.

PVC membrane waterproofing is possibly THE most reliable method of roof deck waterproofing available today, but only if it is done correctly, using proven installation details. Duradek professionals care much more about successful waterproofing for their customers' long-term happiness than just making a 'quick sale'.

Here we share an actual inquiry about a project in the Pacific Northwest; and the verbatim response provided by Duradek Northwest's Matt Whale whose 20+ years specializing in roof waterproofing provides advice to be taken seriously.

Customer Duradek Inquiry

I am a property manager with a deck to re-do, approximately 100 sq. ft. Would like to have my very experienced handyman do the install if we can buy the materials. Plenty of installers down here, but I cannot find online a source in the Portland, OR area. Can you assist?

Duradek Northwest Response

I am sorry that I am unable to fulfil your material purchase desire, but due to statistical failure rates of waterproofing products and the untrained worker, coupled third party product compatibility issues, improper design and/or detailing associated with Do It Yourself (DIY) products and projects, Duradek has elected not provide a DIY product. It is sold only through the authorized installer networks.

Because success and deck failure exists in the Northwest and since Duradek has a forty year local history, it is this history and experience that confirms that less than one percent of all deck vinyl problems are material related and as such, the issues fall clearly on a combination of lack of education, non-existent installation repetitive skill and detail design choice experience. Therefore a onetime user can never get or be proficient in heat welding, the proven and code compliant method of seam sealing, or the one time designer can never arrive fully up to speed on proper detail choice or material compatibility, nor does a “do it yourself” product offer any warranty protection other than a “warrant it yourself, you installed it”.

This gamble, you personally maybe embarking on, is in an industry or situation where the bulk of all building related litigation resides. The American Institute of Architects “Architect” publication**, in of June 2011, put it “Water intrusion makes up more than 70 percent of construction litigation”. Thus, Duradek’s lack of “Do It Yourself” products, though not your preference, is a prudent decision on Duradek’s part and subsequently, a major contributing factor to their unequaled, unparalleled or unsurpassed forty year success in the vinyl deck waterproofing industry.

If I can provide you an installing company who would be willing to team up with your handyman, to save you money, then I can be of service. I attached two articles for your consideration. (links below) **

http://www.architectmagazine.com/roofing/when-it-leaks-it-pours.aspx

(or download .pdf version of When it Leaks it Pours ARCHITECT June 2011.pdf (295 KB)

Matthew Whale - Duradek Northwest

• Why Does Duradek Train (808 KB .pdf)
• Seaming Vinyl Decks (177 KB .pdf)

If your are a builder, designer or property manager that would like to stay up to date on issues related to deck and roof deck waterproofing, sign up for our e-news where you will get the latest and greatest articles and white papers delivered to your in box 2-6 times a year.  

Dry Below Decks Made Easy – Part 1: Trough vs. Top

They say there are two sides to every story, but when it comes to 2nd level decks acting as a roof for a patio below, you only need a one-sided solution – Duradek vinyl membranes. You don’t need the expense of an under deck drainage system if you have a deck surfaced with Duradek.

For an investment as large as residential properties, maximizing usable space is on the top of most home owners’ lists. It is certainly important to developers and designers who want to maximize the value of the homes for their clients. With the ever-growing demand for more outdoor living space it only makes sense to maximize space by turning an upper level deck into a roof for a lower level deck below.

Duradek vinyl deck membranes are the perfect solution as they serve as both the pedestrian deck surface and the roofing membrane in one single product application that completely considers protecting the building envelope. Under deck systems only serve as a water routing system (and sometimes a ceiling for the lower level deck) so you still have to consider the exposed surface(s) of the upper level deck separately.

An attractive upper deck CAN double as a roof
(see bottom image for lower level view).

Why Under Deck Drainage Systems May Not be the Best Roof Deck Solution for You

There are two basic types of under deck drainage systems.
1 – Trough systems
2 – Panel systems

Both of these systems function by allowing water to get through the upper level deck surface and then routing it between the joists to downspouts or gutters; neither system provides complete water-tight protection for the joists, fastening points, supporting beams or building envelope. Water is routed away, but moisture is still present and lack of air flow just traps that moisture between the surface of the upper deck and the roof of the lower deck. While some installation methods will rely on caulking or butyl tape to seal seams, you are unable to inspect if those seals remain intact as they are inaccessible once the deck is complete.

A Closer Look at Dry Below Deck Trough Systems

The under deck drainage trough systems are only a realistic option for a new build decks as the troughs must be installed between the joists before the deck surface is complete. It is not a good option for existing decks as the upper level deck surface would have to be removed for it to be installed.

When the trough systems are installed, the material is usually not run up the siding of the house which means the building envelope is not completely protected and it is possible for moisture to find its way through, risking wood rot where the deck meets the house.

Another issue with the trough systems is that it is dependent on the area between the joists to allow the proper slope to route the water away. With a ceiling on a lower level deck, most people will run some sort of piping or conduit for electrical purposes and the placement of those may form damming or tenting causing an interruption of water flow and trap moisture.



A trough style under deck drainage system can not be installed
on an existing deck without disassembling it.

The water flow of a trough system is routed to a downspout at each trough, but where the trough meets the downspout it is (again) not sealed. A simple, small cut where the trough terminates at the downspout is all that is performed to prevent wicking and keeping the water from getting below the trough. If the width of the water flow exceeds that of the cut, it can easily wick up below the trough.

A soffit system to serve as the ceiling on the lower level deck would have to be installed to conceal the troughs and joists. If any moisture has gotten past the trough it can become trapped within the joists and soffit system below with little airflow.

Finally, once a dry below trough system is completely finished, the upper level deck surface needs to be installed. At this point the fasteners puncture the trough membrane from above and may allow moisture into the joist area…but you will never know about it until you have a leak because it is completely buried between surface and soffit.

Why Duradek is the Best Choice to Keep it Dry Below

Duradek is a PVC membrane system and has been waterproofing decks since 1974. Duradek is CAN/CGSB, CCMC and ICC approved as a pedestrian traffic coating and a roofing membrane. It is installed in a single application providing warrantied waterproof protection for 10 years, while its traditional service life reportedly averages 20+ years.

Duradek’s installation methods consider the critical details required for secure waterproof protection of the building envelope. Since those waterproofing details are so important in protecting the home, Duradek is only installed by trained and authorized installers.

Duradek is adhered directly to the plywood or concrete deck surface and all seams are heat-welded to ensure no water can ever penetrate. The membrane is run up the inside perimeter of the deck (recommended 6 inches) against the exterior of the building before the flashing details are added.

The professional installers of Duradek vinyl deck membranes
are skilled in the details needed for reliable waterproofing.

Water is managed by a 1” in 12” surface slope to the outside edge. Depending on the type of deck, waterproofing details such as edge flashing, drains, scuppers and a gutter system is included if required. All of these waterproofing details are heat-welded to be completely sealed. The perimeter edges can be caulked as they are accessible for annual visual inspections. There is no room for water infiltration with a Duradek system.

Once installed, Duradek reliably provides you a roof for the lower deck below and the walking surface for the upper level deck. On the lower level, the joists are still exposed but with open air flow they are not vulnerable to static water and any moisture will naturally evaporate. If you would like an enclosed ceiling and lighting installed for your lower level deck, the area between joists is completely dry and clear of obstruction for the addition of conduits and a soffit system.

Of the many reasons you might want to create a dry area below your upper level deck, choosing one of Duradek’s beautiful designer finishes offers the best choice for low maintenance decking that doubles your usable outdoor living space.

The roof-grade waterproof protection of Duradek vinyl above
helps to double usable outdoor living space.

Check back next week when we take a close look at the second type of under-deck drainage systems – Panel Systems.

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 

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.

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.

Overload of Options Cloud Deck Reno Decisions

When looking at deck building options, there are so many new products available that it can be a challenge to make the decision on what type of deck you should go with, let alone what supplier to choose. When you are planning your decking project, it is a good idea to be aware of what the options are, but don’t let the excitement of possibilities become the major influence on your decision over what it is you really want from your deck.

While not a new product in the marketplace, Duradek may be the proverbial ‘forest that you can’t see for the trees’ and provide the ideal decking solution you are looking for amidst the maze of options.

As Andrew Wormer, editor of Professional Deck Builder magazine said about composite decking in his article ‘Too Many Choices?’ after his visit to last year’s Deck Expo, there are “enough variations and new color options to give lumberyard owners nightmares.” This massive selection means most buyers will never even see the full collection of what is available because no one supplier can possibly stock all of the available options. And that is just the composite board category!

(Be sure to look for Duradek at Deck Expo 2014!
We are at booth #3313)

Even with traditional wood decks there are more choices than ever before. At one time, only 2 or 3 species of wood was available for deck building, but today there is a myriad of choices between treated or untreated wood in various grades as well as a variety of imported hardwood varieties.

The railing category also has more options than ever before as well. Mr. Wormer mentions that in 2006 the ratio of decking to railing products for the average building products distributor was 80/20. In 2013 that ratio is 60/40.

Durarail powder coated aluminum railing and fencing systems
are the perfect complement to Duradek to match its
durability and low maintenance performance.
No rust, no sanding, no staining…ever!

So given all these choices, how do you know what is the best option for your deck building or renovating project? Before even looking at budgetary considerations, first really give some thought to what you want from your deck to help you qualify the options along the way through your decision making process.

Some Practical Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Decking Needs

Do you prefer to use your deck throughout the year as much as possible or do you only use your deck seasonally?

• Decks protected with Duradek vinyl membranes withstand all types of climatic conditions and have been successfully installed throughout North America over the past 40 years.

Do you have or prefer a roof deck, an elevated deck or a ground level patio?

• Duradek can be applied on untreated plywood, concrete or coated surfaces and is ideal for all outdoor living surfaces from patios to pool surrounds.

Do you have need of or use for covered outdoor living space?

• When applied to a second level deck, Duradek provides a dry area for a covered patio below that can be used all year round. Since Duradek is a roofing membrane, rain does not have to stop you from barbecuing and your family members or guests who smoke will always have a dry place to take their habit outside.

Do you have need of or use for dry outdoor storage space?

• As a roofing membrane, Duradek on a second level deck provides a dry area below for storage of lawnmowers, barbecues and other outdoor items you’d like to protect from the elements.
  
  (Check out Case History #131 where Duradek enabled the area under the stairs to be transformed into an additional 100 sq. ft. of completely waterproofed storage space!)

Creative Outdoor Storage Space Waterproofed with Duradek.

What is needed to maintain your deck?

• When Duradek is installed, it is warranted for 10-years of waterproof protection but often has a life expectancy that far exceeds that….and requires no maintenance. Duradek is installed in a single-ply, one-time application and will only need a seasonal cleaning to stay looking good. No sanding, staining or re-coating required….ever!

Wood decks will always eventually require some maintenance.

Now compare prices….

Remember, when looking at the cost; be sure to consider the overall lifespan of the deck and the maintenance costs required throughout that time. That is where many home owners wish they had spent a little more at the deck construction phase to get the most longevity from their deck without the need for ongoing maintenance or repairs.

It is amazing how often a home owner’s frustration at deck repairs could have been avoided by authorizing the use of recommended waterproofing details like drains, scuppers and perimeter flashing. It equates to only a small amount of the overall cost, but can extend the longevity of the deck greatly.

Duradek installers run into this problem frequently. As Winnipeg’s Duradek distributor, Mel Dueck from Windeck says, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of the cheap price is forgotten.” (Learn more about Windeck – Winnipeg Patios and Decks on YouTube).

Also, when looking at prices, be sure to compare installed costs. Where sometimes the material cost may be lower, the labor required for installation more than offsets the material savings.

Making the Decision on Your Deck

Remember, when choosing a building product, new does not always mean better. The most important thing to consider is what you want from your deck. In most cases, that can be summed up as outdoor living space for leisure that you spend more time enjoying than maintaining.

If you’d like to get some details on how Duradek can bring what you need to your decking project, contact a trained and authorized Duradek applicator in your area for a free estimate.

Find out what Duradek can do for your deck!

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".

Have You Checked Your Deck? May is Deck Safety Month

Ahhhh, May! That favourite time of year when we really begin preparing our outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

Having been around for 40 years with over 125 million square feet of vinyl decking installed throughout North America, Duradek wants to be sure that your deck is still the best it can be. While the obvious task of cleaning any organic debris, dirt and soil from the deck or patio surface is usually the first step for many home owners, be sure to include the critical step of a complete deck inspection.

Paying particular attention to the waterproofing details on and around your deck such as the caulking around posts and drains can help you isolate any vulnerabilities in your deck before weakening can occur or unfortunate accidents can take place.

 May is Deck Safety Month ®   
The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is the decking industry's most visible association, and they have a very strong consumer focus. Deck safety is a critical issue to NADRA, and the organization has a mandate of increasing public awareness of the necessity of regular inspections and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks. This initiative prompted NADRA to declare May as Deck Safety Month ® in 2006.

 

NADRA estimates that there are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old, which means they were installed prior to today's building codes. This makes deck safety a critical issue that must be addressed and NADRA helps to make it easy by providing a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders. This is a fantastic free tool for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference  when getting estimates or discussing project options. You can get both of these very handy free tools on the NADRA website.

 Deck collapses happen far too frequently and when they do happen, they happen fast. For example, the Christmas Party in Indiana in December 2013 where a group photo on the deck was interrupted as the deck gave way with no warning, sending two dozen family members crashing to the ground. The family released security footage of the collapse and it is startling to see how sudden and unexpected the collapse was.
See the footage of the deck collapse on YouTube.



More recently, in April 2014 another family photo resulted in five out of sixteen family members suffering injuries when they fell 10 feet to the ground when the deck collapsed on a deck at a restaurant in Ontario. This wooden deck appears to have been left unprotected from the elements and seems to be yet another unfortunate example of a deck weakened by water infiltration to the point of structural insecurity.

Duradek is proud to be a member of NADRA and takes deck safety very serious too. Whether you are located in Canada or the United States, ensuring your deck meets building requirements is critical which is one of the many reasons it makes sense to have your deck build by a decking professional. Right from the initial construction of the deck to the condition of the substrate, the application of the waterproofing and the installation of the railings, each stage requires its own detailed expertise and is a major factor for Duradek recommending that you do not do the job yourself.

If you are considering renovating your balcony or deck to ensure your family photos are all taken safely, one of our Duradek trained waterproofing specialists would be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your decking project.

Deck Expert Bill Leys Talks Decking at JLC Live New England

Deck Expert, Bill Leys, will be at JLC Live New England on Thursday, March 20, 2014 conducting a not-to-miss conference session that focuses on deck building best practices.

When you want the fast-track to knowledge in your trade, hearing what the experts have to say gives you a great advantage over some contractors that might only just 'get by' with what they already know.

JLC Live New England is the most anticipated regional industry event for residential construction professionals and offers real world construction education with a conference program that highlights fundamental business and technical skills that can help you elevate your skill level and your reputation well above the competition. JLC Live New England takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI and offers conferences from March 19 – 22 and Exhibit Hall from March 21 - 22.

Bill Leys

A regular presenter at JLC Live events, a licensed contractor in California and owner of DeckExpert.com, Bill Leys is a big enthusiast and promoter of encouraging best practices.

"I am most looking forward to returning to Rhode Island (Newport is my hometown) and making New England contractors aware of the benefits that pedestrian traffic coatings offer over other methods in building and waterproofing roof decks." says Bill in the weeks leading up to the show.

Bill presents “Construction and Waterproofing Methods for Walking Decks and Tile Covered Decks” which takes place on Thursday, March 20th, 2013 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The session covers best construction practices and will be divided into two parts. The first half discusses pedestrian deck systems and best building practices to construct a well built and long lasting deck assembly. The second half instructs on roof decks and how to properly build and waterproof them for a systems to last 30+ years.

Learning objectives include:

• Best practices when installing new waterproof systems for tile.
• Best practices in building and framing a deck that will receive tile, which materials are available for waterproofing tile decks.
• How to properly sequence the waterproofing of the deck with the construction of the building.
• Tile Council of North America standards and methods for tile decks. (Durdek Ultra Tiledek has been tested to meet TCNA ANSI specification for load bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installations.)
• Reduce your risk of exposure to liability.

Since Bill specializes in the installation of deck coatings for decks over living space, he is very familiar with the Duradek family of deck waterproofing solutions. An authoritative voice in the deck building industry, Bill brings a not-to-miss highlight of JLC Live with his education session. Since waterproof decks and/or tile-covered waterproof decks rate high on the list of components claimed to have construction defects, this is an incredibly valuable 3 hours for any construction professional who takes on decking projects.

Tiledek as part of an outdoor tile assembly is
one of the best methods of waterproofing
under exterior tile

JLC Live New England takes place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI with conferences from March 19 – 22 and Exhibit Hall from March 21 - 22.

Registration options are very flexible and range from exhibit hall only to full 4-day education conference passes. You have the freedom to choose whatever combination works best for you.

Visit JLCLive.com to register.

JLC Live New England is the most anticipated regional industry event for residential construction professionals and offers real world construction education with a conference program that highlights fundamental business and technical skills.

If you are in the New England area and are interested in waterproofing and railing solutions for your decking projects, you can also talk to Steve at Duradek of New England / Railing Pro who is Duradek's own decking and waterproofing expert in New England!

Duradek Reaches its Fabulous 40s!

Duradek™, the original vinyl deck waterproofing membrane reaches the notable benchmark of 40 years in business. Having grown from pioneering product to leading brand in the competitive niche market of deck waterproofing, our job is to protect where you live and allow you to enjoy it as much as possible.

Originally conceived by two contractors in British Columbia’s Okanagan region in 1974, Duradek was inspired by a marine vinyl used to cover the interior floor of small boats. These two boating enthusiasts recognized that the attractive, slip resistant vinyl surface, tough enough for wear, waterproof and easy to clean could be a perfect solution for the lake view decks so popular in the region...and an industry was born!

The company initially offered franchise opportunities and Duradek’s current owners, John and Robert Ogilvie started off with a few franchises. The two sold the franchises in 1978 to purchase a third of the Duradek parent company. They eventually purchased Duradek outright in the mid 80’s and have maintained ownership ever since.

During that time, the single biggest evolution within the company was to develop a product and installation techniques that would allow Duradek vinyl to meet building code approval in roofing applications.  Ensuring these critical techniques were followed in practice was an important factor in the ability to guarantee roof-grade waterproofing and thus a business model developed that restricted the availability of Duradek to authorized contractors that were trained in Duradek’s unique application techniques.

Duradek's technical manager, Len Viegener conducting
a Duradek installer  training session.

Four decades after inception, Duradek has significantly contributed to the development of the specialty trade of deck waterproofing and so far there has been over 125 million square feet of Duradek installed on balconies, decks, patios and roof decks in all North American climates.

Family owned and operated, Duradek retains the culture of a small family business with the reach and influence of a multi-national organization. This strength is gratefully attributed to the partnerships we have with our distributors and contractors (many of whom are second generation) that really want to “do it right”. This is what makes Duradek truly unique. The understanding that it is not product alone that solves  waterproofing problems, nor is it a contractor alone, but rather a partnership between the two with the shared goal of doing it right the first time. The combination of a strong product, refined details and professional installation make Duradek the superior choice for waterproofing balconies and roof decks in residential and light commercial applications.

Duradek - attractive deck surface and roofing membrane in one!

Now at our 40th year in in business we are in a marketplace with a variety of competitive vinyl suppliers and it is a very different climate than in the early days of being the only option for vinyl deck membranes. We have endured, analysed, prospered, rethought, expanded, designed, developed, re-examined, expanded again and, most importantly, continually test ourselves and our products to adapt to the needs of the architectural and building communities.

And we’re not done yet!

Rather than publish a huge retrospective on years gone by and chuckle at all those 1974 pictures of long hair and bell bottoms, we simply want to thank the building community for their support over these 40 years. We take quiet satisfaction in having found a way to remain the most reliable source of deck waterproofing in North America.

Duradek's owners, Robert and John Ogilvie

HGTV’s Income Property Called on Duradek for a Waterproofing Solution

Popular HGTV home renovation show 'Income Property' urgently needed a waterproofing solution and they knew the waterproofing professionals of Duradek could help them solve it.

Host, Scott McGillivray and his team were working on a complete basement renovation to create a rentable income suite so the new owners could afford their new home, and with a new baby coming there was no time to waste and no money to spare.

Everybody was excited about the plans and even the electrical upgrades and asbestos removal wasn’t cause for concern. It was when they were removing the ceiling panels that enthusiasm was dampened. And dampened was exactly what had happened to the framework of the home.


"I have to tell you, I've never seen anything like this." - Scott McGillivray

Initially, the source of the moisture was unknown, but at some point a corner-cutting contractor had cut a tubing pipe in half to act as a channel to route accumulated water from its unknown source through the ceiling and down the wall to a drainage pipe. You don’t have to be a building expert to know that method is not an ideal water management solution, but the real concern now was that until the source of the water infiltration was found, any and all efforts they invested into the basement renovation would be wasted. The affordability of the house without the income suite was not realistic and having taken on a huge mortgage, the owners were in a very vulnerable position.

Scott McGillivray knew this critical element must be solved before proceeding. Through testing by applying water to the suspected points of entry, Scott determined that the water was entering the home through the flagstone back porch entryway that was situated over the suite. This is an unfortunately common problem when builders who are not waterproofing specialists mistakenly assume the stone and mortar will be enough to stop water infiltration, but over time water will always make its way through.

One of Scott’s team members recalled using Duradek on a previous project and knew it was a reliable method of waterproofing, so they decided to try using a Duradek vinyl membrane and then laying the flagstone pavers on top of it. When the show contacted Duradek to help supply this important building material for episode 8, Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan was able to offer something even better suited for their project - Duradek Ultra Tiledek.


Rolling out the Tiledek membrane.

Tiledek was the perfect solution for this problem and a better option than laying the flagstone pavers over top of the original walkable Duradek vinyl membrane. Tiledek is made with the same quality PVC and is applied with the same professional waterproofing details as the original Duradek membrane. It even comes with a 10 year waterproofing warranty like the original Duradek and Tiledek has been tested and approved as a roofing membrane. The feature that made Tiledek the superior solution for this project is that Tiledek is manufactured with a fabric-embedded surface intended to accept a thin set mortar to adhere a final walking surface like tile or the flagstone pavers. So on this project, Tiledek was the best solution for providing a 100% waterproof system.

The Duradek Ultra Tiledek was installed by HTR Duradek in Ontario; one of Duradek’s leading authorized installers. All Duradek waterproofing systems are available only through authorized installers that have been trained in the intricate details involved in the specialty trade of deck waterproofing.


Duradek installer attending to critical inside
 perimeter details on Tiledek installation.

Duradek installer heat welding Tiledek to pvc coated
flashing on outside perimeter details on Tiledek installation.

Only after the membrane was securely installed with all of the proper attention to the perimeter and drainage details could the stone layers come in to finish the job. Fortunately, with Tiledek membranes, once it is installed there is no drying or curing time required and the stone layers could start their part of the project immediately with no time delays to keep the project on track.


With the Tiledek waterproofing installation complete, the
stone layers can get to work right away to finish the job.

With the water infiltration resolved, the rest of the renovation was completed and the owners could proceed with finding a tenant for their beautiful new suite to help them afford the home where they can raise their family.


The finished porch...all water-tight!



To view this Income Property episode, visit HGTV Canada online and watch Season 8, episode 8 ‘Nick and Karen’. For HGTV US, watch for airing of this episode on Tuesday, November 12th, 2013.

If there’s any information you take away from this episode, remember that out of all the renovation items on your wish list, the most critical one to deal with is proper waterproofing. If you’ve got questions about your own waterproofing issues or decking projects, contact a Duradek Dealer near you for a free estimate.