Happy Vinyl Decking Customer Shares Story with Duradek

There is nothing more important to any business than a happy customer.

At Duradek, we take pride in the excellent quality of our deck vinyl; and that we have built a brand reputation so reliable that “Duradek” is often used synonymously to describe all vinyl decking.

We also know that no matter how good a vinyl decking product is manufactured, it must be installed with the expertise of a skilled professional trained in the specific details required for effective deck waterproofing to be completely reliable. A unique combination of deck building, roofing and floor laying skills all contribute to the professional installation techniques of a Duradek installer.

It is this combination of a superior product and professional installation that keeps Duradek the leading brand of vinyl decking in North America.

Below is an unedited letter from a recent Duradek customer that details how an unsatisfactory past experience with his deck was able to be turned around when he contacted Duradek. It is summed up nicely with the statement, “The deck is finished and it looks really awesome and I am extremely happy.”, but his story below will tell you why….

Letter to Duradek - September 14, 2015

Good Day and to whom it concerns;

Back in 2014 I contacted your head office and asked for a dealer or installer in my area. I reside in North Bay ON. I was given the name of a Mr. Jim Simpson (at Raildek in Ontario), and this raildekoffice@gmail.com as his e-mail address. I then contacted Mr. Simpson, who sent me to a Mr. Pete Larocque of Deck World North.

Short history, I had a really nice deck built or so I thought, less than 2 years and it was leaking and ruining my house. The other company would not honour their warranty because it was not installed by one of their people, but I bought the product from a store that they sell it at and installed by a person highly recommended by that store. The deck project, which he promised, would be 3 weeks took 15 weeks to finish. First spring it leaked worse than a sieve. So I am somewhat jaded towards contractors. So I called the head office in BC to get a local contractor and that is how I ended up dealing with Mr. Larocque.

When a deck is situated over living space, leaks are unacceptable.

My next and natural question is where do you find these people that you employ and take the time to train into representing your company, they wear your logo on their clothing, they have the logo on their vehicles.

I knew things were not the same as with the other contractor when your people showed up on the correct day, at the correct time and with all their supplies. They also put in a very full long day of work. They did not let a sudden and cold shower slow them down. The second day once again at the correct time and they did a full days work. Third day dawned and they were once more on time, I was impressed. The third day was actually a short day. The deck is finished and it looks really awesome and I am extremely happy.

Duradek Forest Floor vinyl deck installed by Deck World North.

I was somewhat not happy that Mr. Larocque would not let me help and he kept me sitting down. I was not even allowed to tidy up my own deck. He and his partner, Marcel did everything. They both kept telling me to go and watch TV. They left and there was no clean up to do, all the trash and such were removed from the site.

People are quick to call to complain but few are willing to take the time to send a note and say how happy they are with the results of the people employed by anyone, but you folks at Dura Deck should be extremely proud of the way they represent your company by doing an exceptional job, which they did and this will do nothing short to ensure that the reputation of Dura Deck is maintained and broadened. I want to thank Pete and Marcel for going above and beyond the scope of their work and making my deck another room in the house and for their prompt and excellent work. Even if they did not let me do anything.

Mr. Andy R

Thank you, Andy, for sharing your Duradek experience. We hope you enjoy your low-maintenance deck for decades!

For those of you with decking projects on the horizon, before you make your final decision, be sure to talk to a Duradek installer in your area to discover the Duradek difference.

Duradek vinyl decking provides low-maintenance waterproof protection.

Stamped Concrete Roof Deck Question to Expert Leads to Duradek’s Ultra Tiledek

Home Improvement expert Shell Busey has been advising BC home owners for decades on how to best maintain and improve their homes.  A question on a stamped concrete roof deck was raised this summer and was featured in the Vancouver Province Newspaper Q&A Feature ‘Ask Shell’.

Shell, who is very familiar with roof deck waterproofing solutions from a long relationship with Duradek as one of his House Smart Referral Certified products summed it up succinctly with “…always use Duradek Tiledek.”

Vancouver Province Clipping - June 2015

The Q&A article in Ask Shell “Remedying a leak on stucco”, was as follows:

Q: I have an above-ground deck half over my garage and half over the driveway. The deck has a torch down covering with stamped concrete on top.

The problem is that the deck leaks at the seam where it meets the stucco side of the house.

It is a slow leak, but I do not want to end up having damage to the stucco.

I have put caulking along the seam; it sticks well to the stucco, but not the concrete. Is there a better product I can use?

A: It sounds as though the contractor did not install a metal counter flashing when the deck was built.

A 90-degree metal counter flashing could have been cut into the stucco and placed under the concrete decking to give the best water seal.

You might still be able to have a flashing installed by a professional service trade.

In the meantime, you may want to try a polyurethane caulking, which will stick to both types of surfaces. LePage Quad-max would be a good choice.

(Note: Do not use torch down roofing membrane under concrete; always use Duradek Tiledek.)



Tildek membranes protect the are below from leaks.



Reliable Waterproofing of Tiledek Membranes for Roof Decks Using Pavers

It is a very common scenario that roof decks surfaced with tiles or pavers result in leaks into the home below, but fortunately it is a problem that Tiledek can remedy.

Only a couple of years after Tiledek’s  introduction, TileLetter Magazine featured an article “Waterproofing Makes All The Difference In Dual Level Decks” to show how effectively Tiledek solves leak problems under exterior tile decks.

Like all Duradek membranes, Tiledek is only installed by trained and authorized contractors who are familiar with Duradek’s superior methods of reliable waterproofing. Critical areas like where the deck meets the house are addressed with Detailed Drawings for installers to reference to ensure the building envelope is protected.

In Duradek’s installation best practices, the membrane runs up the vertical wall about 6 inches and is overlapped by the moisture barrier for 2 inches to ensure that the inside perimeter, or “seam” between deck and side of the house, cannot allow any moisture to infiltrate.



Tiledek Detail Drawing IS-1T

For more information on how Tiledek can ensure you avoid leaks under tile or pavers on your rood deck projects, check out the Tiledek section our website or contact us to be referred to an authorized installer in your area.

Check out these Tiledek Case Histories for more examples!

The Most Professional Advantages Under One Roof for Deck Builders and Remodelers

Remodeling Show | Deck Expo | JLC Live (R|D|J) 2015 – Oct. 1 -2

Known as the event that raises the bar for remodeling and deck building professionals, R|D|J is an annual trade-only residential construction mega-event that provides remodelers, deck builders and other industry professionals with all the resources they need to be the leaders in their trade.

This year the show takes place in Chicago at Navy Pier with education sessions running from September 28th to October 2nd and a lively Exhibit Hall on October 1st & 2nd. In addition to the hundreds of exhibitors, the exhibit hall features LIVE installation clinics presented by leading industry professionals, interactive, hands-on workshops and instructional exhibitor-led product demonstrations.

You will find Duradek at booth #2218 where you can talk with Duradek sales manager, Kevin MacMillan about the superior waterproofing performance of Duradek vinyl decking membranes. Be sure to take a look at the latest vinyl colors offered in the new Legacy line and ask about the revolutionary Panorama Universal Post – the most versatile topless glass railing system available. You may also get to speak with Duradek president John Ogilvie who pioneered the vinyl decking industry and has dedicated the last 4 decades to mastering the nuances professional installation techniques of this unique, multi-functional deck building product solution.

John Ogilvie is not the only decking industry professional to learn from at the 2015 R|D|J show. This year, the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is presenting a fantastic education session for Deck Evaluation and Inspection. After a year of multiple deck collapses that resulted in a range of minor to fatal injuries, the evaluation course is a must-attend for home inspectors and a huge advantage for deck builders conducting initial estimates on job sites for deck renovation or remodeling projects.

ND12 - Deck Evaluation/ Inspection Certification Class for Home Inspectors
Thursday, October 1 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Deck Evaluation / Inspection Certification program will allow the home inspector the opportunity to employ the ability to safely inspect a deck using the NADRA Deck Evaluation checklist. The NADRA Deck Evaluation checklist has been developed specifically for home inspectors as a comprehensive tool to be used to properly assess the safety issues of a deck. After the program the home inspector will understand how to analyze the following deck components and issues and more;

• Stairs Footings and Posts Joists
• Joist Connections
• Girders Ledger Connections
• Deck Boards
• Handrail Assemblies and Guards
• Recognize proper and improper fasteners
• Assess hardware or material corrosion
• Review of the safety standards of all (decks, stairs, guards) structures
• 4-hour Presentation For Home Inspectors

The course will be presented by Jim Mailey who is the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic market training manager for Simpson Strong-Tie—a company that manufactures structural connectors, prefabricated shearwall panels and other fastening products that reinforce the frame of homes and decks. Jim has given hundreds of presentations to more than 15,000 design professionals, building officials, builders, contractors and dealers. He has developed numerous programs designed to educate building inspectors, builders and contractors on how to install Simpson Strong-Tie products as well as how these products meet various building code requirements. Jim is considered an expert in safe, outdoor wood deck construction and provides economical product solutions to satisfy structural code requirements for wood decks.

Not All Work…

Remodeling Show, Deck Expo, JLC Live is packed full of professional advantages for construction industry professionals, but its not all work… R|D|J offers some fantastic social networking opportunities as well. Events like the Welcome Party, NAHB Event, Pub Crawl and other fun events take place throughout the week.

Your Invitation to Deck Expo | Remodeling Show | JLC Live

Don’t miss your chance to visit the windy city to attend the ultimate platform for face-to-face networking with manufacturers, distributors and representatives of all sizes displaying products, services and equipment for the remodeling and deck building industries.

Duradek invites you to Register with promo code X52 for complimentary Exhibit Hall Pass ($35 value) and 20% off All-Access Conference Pass. We hope to see you there at booth #2218.

Deck Building Products’ Testing Credentials – 3 Key Considerations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Takeaway on Deck Building Products Testing Credentials

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

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

Useful Resources: (.pdf download links)

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

Duradek Vinyl Decking may Help you Sell Your House

One of the advantages of using Duradek vinyl decking on your home’s deck or patio is that Duradek has a value that contributes to the overall value of your home which can be transferred to a new owner. Not only because Duradek’s attractive, waterproof performance requires no annual labour, but also because Duradek has an industry leading warranty that is transferable to the home’s new owner if you sell your house during the 10-year warranty coverage period.

Duradek is frequently included as a value-added feature of a residential property in real estate listings, and this example published in the Globe and Mail on August 12, 2015 in the first paragraph of this article, headed “What they Got”, Duradek is listed as a top feature of a recent upgrade.

The fact that Duradek is perceived and noted as an important feature of a home should tell you two important things about what home buyers want (and don’t want).

- Home buyers want their residence to be constructed of reliable materials that will not require ongoing labour.

- Home buyers want proven, reliable products and to be protected if those products fail.

Deck waterproofing is of huge importance for the integrity of a residential structure. Professional deck waterproofing protects your home’s building envelope while decks finished by contractors that do not specialize in waterproofing my encounter water infiltration issues that can affect the entire home over time and can result in much more costly repairs. Deck waterproofing is definitely a project that you want to be sure is done right the first time.

5 Tips for Home Sellers

If you are selling or thinking of selling your home, and are wondering what upgrades you should perform first, renovating your deck with Duradek is a good value-added place to start.

Additionally, here are 5 great tips provided by Michelle Perrault from Sutton Westcoast Realty. (www.realresultsrealty.ca)

1. Clean and de-clutter

Make sure your kitchen, bathrooms, and floors sparkle. Use old-fashioned elbow grease or call in professional cleaners to get the job done. Can you walk into your walk-in closet? Does your car barely fit into your garage? Start packing early and put your seasonal and personal things into storage. Make your rooms and cupboards look spacious.

2. Repair the little things

Put on your home inspector‘s hat and walk through your house. Make a list of the items that need attention and arrange for repairs. Focus on your entry-way, drywall, paint, sticky/squeaky doors, leaky faucets, flooring and countertops.

3. Help buyers see themselves in your house

Remove your family photos and personal mementos. If you’re a collector, pack up your collection. Buyers have difficulty picturing themselves in your house when your personal items are on display.

4. Let the light in

Bright homes often have a higher resale value. Get your windows cleaned, inside and out. (Consider hiring a professional.) Pull back blinds and draperies to let natural light in. If you still have some dark spots, add floor or table lamps to the area.

5. Groom your yard

You wouldn’t go to a job interview without being well groomed, so make sure your yard is groomed for viewings. Trim your hedges and shrubs. Cut the grass. Pull weeds and cut back any greenery that covers walkways.

Duradek Additional Note to Recommendation 5 – this applies to all of your outdoor living space. Be sure to have your deck clean and staged. Outdoor living space is fast becoming one of the top features of a home, whether it is a single-family residence or a single apartment in a multi-residential property. In some cities like Vancouver, BC, the demand for outdoor living space and decking is creating a development trend. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to highlight a great selling-feature of your home by not presenting your deck or balcony at its best.

For more great tips on selling your home, see Michelle’s 27 Home-Selling Tips.

If you’d like to speak with a Duradek expert on how to transform your aged deck into a value-added Duradek deck, contact a Duradek Dealer in your area for a no-obligation estimate.

A Duradek deck or patio is a low maintenance advantage
for home buyers.

You Ask Shell About Vinyl Decking... Shell Asks Duradek

With so many building products available, even in specialty areas like decking, it is no wonder so many of us trust the experts we have come to rely on for building product advise.

Long before 'celebrity builder' was a job description, we had the pioneers of home renovation advice like Shell Busey to guide us through our home maintenance projects and product selection choices.

Shell Busey has been a much relied on home improvement guru in western Canada for decades and still provides valuable insights on his HouseSmart Referral Network and his AskShell podcasts.

In episode 10 of his educational podcast, Shell addresses questions he has received by email, one of which is regarding vinyl decking surface appearance and he discusses cleaning and painting (at about 40:06).

A little after that, Shell shares his interview with Duradek's Sales Manager Kevin MacMillan who discusses Duradek vinyl with Shell in a little more detail (starting at about 51:30). Kevin discusses some of the key factors that makes Duradek vinyl decking the leader in the industry and how the brand "Duradek" has become synonymous with vinyl decking.

One of the most distinguishing factors that separates Duradek from the less expensive do-it-yourself options is that Duradek has the industry's most comprehensive warranty and that Duradek is installed only by trained applicators who know waterproofing details.

For more information, have a quick listen to get Kevin's overview of Duradek in a 10 minute interview (start around 51:30) that addresses warranty, cleaning, installation and alternate deck surface waterproofing products like Duradek Ultra Tiledek, made specifically to waterproof roof decks that are surfaced with exterior tile or pavers.

For more specific information about how Duradek can work for your decking project, contact an authorized Duradek Dealer in your area.

Duradek's 2015 New Vinyl Decking and Railing Recognized by Top Industry Resources

Duradek vinyl decking products have been a favourite method of low maintenance deck waterproofing for decades and this summer's much anticipated new Legacy line is making it out into the marketplace in both Canada and the U.S. and is getting a fantastic response.

The Legacy line was an inspired endeavor to meet market demands for naturally inspired colours and textures. The three vinyl options initially offered in this line (Barnwood, Driftwood and Pebble Beach) present a unique look in this faux natural styling class and are getting noticed by some of the industry's leading product information resources.

Professional Remodeler Magazine online displays Duradek's Legacy line of vinyl in it's New & Notable Products for Roof Systems (Yes! Duradek vinyl deck membranes are actually a classified Roofing Membrane so it's the perfect product to choose for decks over living space!)

Duradek is also proud of Durarail's Panorama Universal Post (manufactured by Excell Railing Systems) which is highlighted in Professional Builder Magazine online in decking products and in Architectural West summer 2015 issue.

The Panorama Universal Post is the most versatile post available for topless glass systems allowing one single, multi-function post to serve as an inline, corner or end post with up to a 60 degree angle variance in each glass channel and the option to adjust glass types and heights to achieve virtually limitless design options.

Both of these great new decking products presented by Duradek are featured in the Home Builder Magazine 14th Annual New Products Showcase featured in their summer issue. You can view the magazine feature online or download the New Product Showcase here.

Having received "Best New Product" recognition in 2014 from Professional Builder magazine for its Cork Graphite vinyl and "Best New Product" acknowledgements in 2013 from both Professional Builder (Cork line) and Professional Remodeler (Forest Floor line) magazines, we are very excited to see further favourable feedback on the new Legacy line of vinyl with its naturally inspired textures and colours and the new Panorama Universal Post.

If you've got comments on these or other Duradek products, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us through any of the regular channels or feel free to use our Customer Feedback form.