Does Tiledek really work?

In talking with customers and businesses in the tile industry there is a very obvious need for a proven well developed product for the tile industry to embrace the use of tile in an outdoor applications. Rather than trying to make a tile setter a waterproofing expert (which I have yet to find) why not take a waterproofing expert and have them install a product that not only waterproofs but also readies the project for tile? What tile setter wouldn't love to walk onto the job ready to lay tile? I have learned that in the past years it was the tile setter walking onto to job wondering how they would keep water out.

Sure there are sceptics out there because nothing they or the other contractors they know has come up with a product that works. That is part of the problem, it is not a product that is needed. The solution is a system. A tested, approved system that includes all the materials and components that are used. Each of those components has the manufacturers approvals for it use in the system. Without the proper approvals and a professional installation you may as well start saving for the repair cost and good luck getting somebody to warranty the work.

What I struggle with is the decision to use a tile that costs $5000 then to save a couple dollars by using unproven less expensive ideas on how to protect the tile and the home?

These pictures are of Tiledek installed following the instructions with a couple steps left out. We have purposely introduced water and ice into play. Though a finished project would never be subjected to this kind of treatment we thought we would do it just for kicks. This is why we are so confident we have the correct system to eliminate the past frustrations and extreme cost associated with outdoor tile.

This is a small trapped deck that we made and it is lined with Tiledek. Water was added, to the top of the tile, about a half inch or so. It is left outside the shop and freezes over night. Each morning we bring it inside and place it under a heat lamp to greatly speed up the freeze thaw process. Here is a sample of what happens -

10:10am 26 degrees Solid ice

10:20 40 degrees Ice on top of tiles melted as well as the area closest to the lamp

10:30 48 degrees 1/2 of ice melted and the tile itself is warm to the touch

10:55 60 degrees Ice melted and back to water, back outside it goes.

Tiledek Freeeze Thaw issues solved!

Everyone likes the look of tile and stone but for years it has been frowned upon in our area, a result of the climate we experience. Anyone that has tried can tell stories of the costly errors and repairs. Duradek, North America's largest maufacturer of a walkable roofing membrane has developed the solution along with some of the tile industries largest companies.

Known for years as the solution for walking decks over living space Duradek has taken their decades of experience in the roofing industry and applied it to a solution for tile and stone. Now you can have the ellegant look and not be concerned about the repair or damages of the past. So how does it work? It is a simple system that has been tested not only through the TCNA and TTMAC but here in Utah, some of the harshest climate changes in the USA. There are so many so called products out there and to be honest until now it was often left up to a contractor to deciede what to do. Sorry to say that was often a combination of several layers and or products assuming that more is better. Duradek's Tiledek is the whole package, it is the roofing membrane that the tile industry call s out in their instructions (often called waterproofing) it is also the flashing running up the walls and thresholds. Thinset will bond to not just your tile but to the mebrane itself and yes it has been installed on decks around the Salt Lake Valley for three years now. The work has been both over living space and a simple exterior deck exposed to the cold winter climate. The number of customer complaints? Zero

How can our confidence and our customer stasfaction be so high? It's like poker, what gets you in the game? Ante up. Being licensed, insured, nice emplyee's and things like that are just the ante, it allows you to get in the game. Real hands on training and support is what makes the contractors we work with a cut above. They have been through a company provided training course and are provided a path for on going continuing education. Since we are local we often are on the job sites ensuring our standards are being followed but most important we are answering questions and continuing the support. It can be easier to demonstate a skill in a classroom environment it is different on the job and on the job is not the way to learn how to waterproof.

When your design includes tile work the cost will be much higher. Would you want to have somebody that can talk the talk working on it or a company that walks the walk day in and day out?

Is there such a thing as a twenty year deck in Utah?

Without a doubt and full of confidence and history, YES.

We have some of the harshest climate changes in the country and to find a product that will withstand not just the rain but the snow and ice build up would be like a slice of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Would you like whipped cream with your pie?

The Duradek membrane has been around for over 37 years now and has it's roots based in British Columbia. Salt Lake City is very similar in elevation and climate, the big difference is precipitation. Where we get about 16.5 inches a year, Vancouver BC averages 43.98.

So, if you truly want to have a relaxing, long lasting and low maintenance deck you have found the right product. From a beautiful vinyl surface, available in more than twenty designs/ colors to the extravagant look of tile or stone; We have you covered.

Want to learn more? OK lets walk through the two membranes briefly and illustrate what is so different and what gives it the decades of use.

Duradek - A fairly simple single ply installation over plywood, not OSB. The difference is simple, OSB will delaminate with a whiff of moisture in the air. Plywood is much more durable and since the membrane is being fully adhered to the substrate lets do it right the first time. Think of it as a solid surface, outdoor flooring application. You can have a deck with the clock ticking away until you repair it or you can have a usable outdoor living space that compliments your home.

Like with most things in life, It's all in the Details.

The strength of the membrane is not just the fact that it already has all of the UV inhibitors, plasticizers, mold and mildew inhibitors to assist its long life. It is only installed by company trained professionals. When you are looking for a waterproof product and expect to get decades of use out of it stay away from the handyman services and the DYI products. The issue isn't the product. It is not to difficult to glue down; it's having the knowledge and the skills to handle the details correctly.

Water finds it's way in to the most difficult places with ease when the installer lacks experience. Eliminating risk by using the correct detail installation is the name of the game. Here you can see the membrane is being wrapped over the edge of the deck surface. There is a drip edge under it in this picture and the membrane will be glued to the drip edge and finished of with a vinyl clip that compliments the color of the deck membrane. If the membrane was just stopped at the edge of the surface like a coating would be then the water will likely find it's way into the fascia or substrate and the clock starts ticking.

Your home is wrapped with a moisture barrier, this is the "paper" that goes on over the wood the siding then goes over the top of the "paper". The reason for this is to protect moisture from getting to the wood surface. The moisture can be liquid, solid or vapor such as condensation. When there is a moisture build up then there needs to be a way to remove it, here you see the membrane goes up the wall a minimum of 6 inches (building code) then the moisture barrier will over lap it from above allowing water to be moved away from the home.

A similar detail is the outside corner, still goes up the wall and protects not just the surface but the entire area. Anyone that has experience in deck repair will tell you the risk isn't in the field, it is how the details are done. I have often wondered how you can use a liquid material like a coating to go up a wall?

Tired of playing games and spending money on your deck year after year? This is a product that is done once and will last for decades even in the snow and ice we experience. I like to BBQ year round but in the winter it can be frustrating and a mess. With the Duradek membrane you simply shovel off the snow or if you prefer use Ice Melt or Rock Salt to get rid of it. Isn't it time you used your deck for what it is intended for? With Duradek you can sit back relax and enjoy yourself knowing we've got you covered.

It's crunch time

The phone lines get busy each year about now. As soon as the temperature starts to drop people start thinking about getting work done around the house. It is a good idea to get some repairs done before the rain and snow becomes the norm. It is also a good idea to be aware of the products your considering, as an example -

Coatings are pretty popular and some do a good job for walkways and garages but there is a very slim window to install them here in Utah. Many of these coatings are water based and virtually all of them have required temperature ranges that must be followed during installations. The importance of the temperature is not the time of the day it is being used, it is the entire period during the curing process, these typically are a 24 hour period. So, here in Utah the "window" to do any of these installations would be June to August, historically our low temperatures fall below 50 degrees.

Want to find out if your installer is doing the right thing? Ask them for the installation instructions so you can follow along. Be careful though, some products are readily available but there is nobody training and providing support for the contractors doing the work. There is a tremendous amount of information available on the Internet and a little effort will provide plenty of data. Look for things like "installation procedures" and "manufacturer's specifications"
Do these two reports have the same information in them?
Are there steps in the installation procedures that vary or are simply missing when compared to the manufacturer's specifications?

What are the re coating requirements? Yes that's right requirements. Again the manufacture of these products knows that in order for them to offer a warranty etc they need to be maintained. If there is a failure and the area was not re coated timely there could be some finger pointing.

Check the contractors labor warranty. They are required to warranty their work for at least one year but you will find that the quality of the products they use have a lot to do with the time frame they will offer.

Investigate, investigate, investigate. Then relax and enjoy!

Finished pictures of the BSU Student Union Roof Top, soon to become a garden for the students to grow vegetables. This pictures correspond to the post of July 12, 2010 "BSU Roof Top Garden" here you can see the completed project but if you read the orifinal article you will better understand the detailed work that was done by Upson Company in order to resolve a leaking roof isssue as well as allow it to become a garden for use by the students.






This wall had been of brick, the Duradek membrane is able to form a tight 90 degree at the base and run right up the wall. Provides a real nice look but more important is the confidence of a water tight roof.

The transisiton along the building is similar, the membrane runs up the wall about 8 inches and into a riglet. Flashing was then instlled over that for added insurance and a clean look.

Here what is significant is the addition of floor drains located near the old scuppers. You always want to have a secondary drainage system in case of a clog etc. It is difficult to see in this picture but the scupper runs through the wall out to the main roof.

The same flashing was used to give a clean yet eligant look.

These portable planter boxes will soon be filled with vegetables.

The doors had been flush with the old roof. Here they have been elevated and properly waterproofed.

COST more important than PRICE

We have been through this so many times but for many customers it is the catalyst to making a purchase so we visit it again.

When you are talking about something as serious as roofing and waterproofing you should do a little homework yourself and investigate the product(s) and the contractor you are using. Yes trust them, to answer your questions clearly and in a manner that you understand and don't be afraid to ask the tough questions. Does this come with a warranty? What are the exclusions? What is the history of this product in this area? What is your labor warranty? When you think you have found something that is too good to be true it almost always is. Rather than just turning a blind eye and thinking you got a steal we recommend you take a minute and investigate, it could save you in the long run or confirm that you are getting a great deal.

There are some significant changes pending when it comes to approvals and a products approved uses. These changes are a direct result of the numerous failures and issues related to installation and durability. I understand that it can take years for these changes to become know to the contractors and building community in general. Yet, they can be found easily with a few minutes on the Internet. Simply go to the agency that is there to protect you - http://www.icc-es.org/reports/index.cfm You can do the research or demand that the contractor provide it for you, then take a minute and read it and it will tell you all about the product and what it can be used for.

Why do we ask you to take the time to learn these things? Often when one of our dealers is meeting with a client the topic is a result of a failed product and the resulting damage. When you have water damage especially over a living area the cost can be very high. Imagine your roof deck leaking into your dining area or living room. Tear out and replace the sheet rock, paint, could be removal of carpeting etc, the list just goes on. That is the first thing the owner fixes since it is in the home, the odor alone makes you want to hurry up and fix it. Then after the money has been spent to get the inside damages fixed it is time to fix the problem, once and for all. Now is not the time to look for the least expensive product on the market. After all had the right product been used you would not have just spent $$$$ fixing the damages.

Another example is not listening to those that have the knowledge and experience, rather a less expensive option is available so you "cheap out" and you think you save a couple hundred dollars. A customer has a tiled deck that is over living space, the dining room is right below the deck. When the tile was originally installed they did not use the proper system and it failed allowing water to get into the dining area. The home owner wants to replace the tile on the deck but is clear they want no more water issues! Duradek's Tiledek membrane is investigated and chosen for the work. We meet several times and talked about the project with the owner, his general contractor and the dealer (contractor) installing the membrane. Installation goes well and the work looks great, then there is a problem. About six months after the work was completed we get a call about a meeting at the home and all the sub contractors that worked on the project are going to be there. Everyone shows up and we are shown the water damages along the outside of the home. Immediately the membrane is thought to have failed. I can understand the jumping to conclusion, after all it was an expensive to repair all the damages.

Bottom line was the failure did not come from the membrane, it was failure to listen to our strong advise and poor installation of the railing. We had told the owner and the general contractor that we very strongly recommend fascia mounting the railing rather then using the same vinyl railing that was taken off. The dealer also asked that the stairs up to the deck be pulled off so they could waterproof the upper area properly. In both cases the owner was advised by the general contractor that they could both simply stay the way they were. The railing was re-installed on the surface by the general contractor with the old surface mounted posts, drilling through the tile. The Duradek detail for rail installation was provided to them yet they failed to follow them and the hole they drilled was allowing water in. Second the stair's had not been waterproofed properly and as a result the exterior was showing the signs of damages.

This could have been avoided by simply doing it right the first time. The home owner was upset that after spending $20, 000 to repair his failures, then a similar problem happens. What I find so frustrating about things like this are -
The general contractor he used was not a general contractor, he is a handyman. There is a big difference and it cost them.
When an expert in a field strongly suggests not doing something there is a good reason, check it out. One call to anyone that does tile and they would confirm you should not surface mount rail on tile.

Waterproofing, do it right the first time and remember it's all in the details!

BSU Roof Top Garden

Boise State University Student Union Building has begun making some beautiful changes. The roof itself has had some water problems and they were exploring the idea of how to combine fixing the roof leaks with making a roof top garden that they could use to grow vegetables for use in the cafeteria.

With the help of Upson Company in Caldwell, they were able to fix the leaking roof and have beautiful area for the gardens.

With this project Upson Company had some interesting but all to common issues. Initially the roof top was concrete with an expose aggregate surface, over time water had leaked through the aggregate and concrete. Coatings can be associated with or confused as a roofing product, they are only classified as, and some carry ICC approvals but only as traffic coatings. Here are some pictures of the resulting problems with the coatings used. The first one used (it appears there were two different ones used over time) was a combination of sand and a urethane type coating. The aggregate was a very uneven and rough surface and when it was torn up you can see where some areas simply did not adhere.

With both coatings the roof had become very thick and even though the two different coatings were bonded very well together the leaks soon continued. In some areas there were soft spots that you could feel with your feet, the bond had separated from the aggregate completely. At first glance it was difficult to determine how these coatings had failed. Perhaps it was the simple fact that it was a walking roof, there were pressures and weight being applied that exceeded the coatings capabilities.

This is a good example why you use trained, experienced, professionals. As you see here the coatings were completly removed down to the aggregate surface. Next step was to smooth out the aggregate so the membrane would have a good suraface to adhere to. Another consideration was the fact that this was to be a walking roof and appearance would be an important consideration as well. A smooth surface would also accomidate a visual change from a roof to a floor. This was important given the amount of traffic the new roof deck garden would be, this will become a focal point.

The sides had been brick with a few scuppers along the length. It looked like the scusppers were anywhere from level to a reverse slope and did little to drain the water off the roof. Again the guys at Upson Company had the right solutions. Remove the exisiting scuppers and fab new ones that would assist in the proper water management. Add three additional floor drains, these would be the primary drainage system and the scuppers would be the secondary. It is a good practice to always have a secondary drainage system as a back up. Here you can also see the walls were covered with plywood during the preperations and would be covered with Duradek

Not quite finished here, some trim will be added to the walls and around the doors but you can see the transformation form roof to floor looks good.

The planter boxes have been made and are sitting downstairs ready to be put into use. I can't wait to see the finished project and get some feedback from the unniversity.

Investigate the system now not later!

We can certainly tell it the nice weather has arrived, everyone suddenly is looking to repair, replace, stain, paint or build a nice outdoor entertainment area.




It is too bad that many will make some very avoidable mistakes that could cost them in the years to come. You can find some Home Owner tips at http://www.dekmax.com/ that are beneficial but here are a few more that you should be asking your contractor or look them up yourself.



1. How long has the product been around? If it is new (within the last ten years) there is a good chance they have been learning as they went and you want to be sure your not a part of that learning process. Look them up on line and investigate the product your looking into and if there has very been a defective recalls. Some big brands have had well documented problems yet consumers are still buying them and the problems are still occurring.



2. Make sure the manufacturer recommends the product for the manner that you will use it. There are dozens or more products for just about any job. With a little effort you can the truth. As an example there are some applications that we use a cement board (CBU) during installation. There are several really good brand names out there on the market that you can purchase at your local lumber supply. The catch is they do not all approve of use in an outdoor application. Your contractor probably doesn't know the answer either, but if you ask they will tell you they use it all the time and it does great. The problem here is that if your deck was to fail and a product that does not have a manufactures approvals was used that can be sticky situation and in our experience most times the home owner is the one paying for it. Ask the question and get the right answer or find out yourself do not assume.



3. We work with waterproofing and making use of all the space below the deck area. The cost of our materials installed is about the same as doing a composite but you get so much more out of it. Because we specialize in waterproofing there is a risk involved too. Water can do amazing things to your home when it gets into areas it shouldn't.



Of all the failure and problems we have investigated and fixed the causes fall into two categories

• The materials used were not intended to be used in the manner they were installed.


• The installation was done wrong.

Use the correct products with manufacturers approvals and installed by a trained professional.

Just a few days ago I had a home owner call and ask about putting a membrane on their deck, good idea. Then as we talked I asked what was on the deck and he asked the contractor (who was standing there) what they had just installed. OSB was used and we will not install on OSB because we know from experience that it will delaminate and make the surface look horrible. Anyway the home owner again asked the contractor and was told he knows somebody that will do it. The simple point is it doesn't matter what brand of membrane is used the OSB will delaminate and the home owner will not like the look. What is really sad is none of the membrane manufactures will even warranty the membrane when installed on OSB. I hope I am wrong but here is a case that there will be a failure, the home owner will not be happy and the contractor will say to bad, sorry and be gone.

Outdoor tile, done right.

Quite a while ago I attended a training class in Baltimore MD. Duradek had offered a new product to market, Tiledek was supposed to be the answer to the confusion and lack of confidence when using tile outdoors.

Knowing the way that Duradek does things I was very interested in this opportunity and hoped that it would offer our customers some solutions. In virtually every meeting I had with tile companies and tile setters all I heard was life is wonderful. "We have never had an issue doing tile outdoors" "We only use xxxx (brand) and it has always worked." I was hearing it yet on the flip side from the investigations being done with failed projects and the research that was done prior to Tiledek's development I was very hesitant to believe it.

It took a while and we finally decided we need some help. We were fortunate to locate a local person with more than twenty years of experience in the tile industry. After numerous discussions and meetings the truth started to come to light. What was really happening was a game of finger pointing and passing of blame when there was a failure and they are as common as I had thought. Armed with this information I began to dig a little deeper and have found some very interesting common threads. I would have to say the number one concern is that the manufacturers recommendations are not being taken into consideration. As an example; Tile is going to be installed over cement board (CBU) but all cement board is not the same. Some have manufacturers approval for use outdoors while others clearly state it is water and mildew resistant. While they do not make it clear use outdoors is not recommended or supported, it is being assumed by the contractors and you know what that means. Now we are in a game of "finger pointing" and to often the home owner is left with a mess, a very costly mess.

This issue reaches into all products being used in outdoor tile. It can be as simple as the owner choosing the tile without the basic knowledge of what will work. Tile manufacturer's will tell you what is approved, generally right on the tile display. If unsure ask the questions of the tile setter. "Is this tile approved for use outdoors? By the manufacturer?

Waterproofing is not an area to be playing games with. Done right it can seem like an easy thing but done wrong it can be a nightmare. What I have learned is the concern is over the appearance and little thought is given to what is under the tile. Here is where the problems begin. Once the surface is covered with tile it looks great! Soon it is forgotten, the problems are at work under the tile. Water will penetrate the tile and grout and search for a place to go. It make take some time, years even but it will continue to work and sooner or later you will find a failure.

Tiledek accomplishes eliminating the big risk factors.

1. Only trained dealers (applicators) are used so waterproofing becomes a focus rather then afterthought.
2. Tile setters are given specifications as to which products are to be used. No skimping.
3. Tiledek's warranty information is available with easy access on line -
http://www.duradek.com/_customelements/uploadedResources/Tiledek10yrWarrantygeneric.pdf
4. Decades of roofing experience has been applied to the use of tile and the result is the best of both worlds.

We will be continuing our focus on Tiledek in the coming weeks with some specific work being performed both in the Salt Lake area as well as the mountains.

Waterproof upper-level deck

Waterproof upper-level deck with waterproof membrane to protect room below
Shell Busey, Special to Vancouver CourierPublished: Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Q: I have a tar and gravel roof and want to create a summer deck. Other than laying down new T&G plywood and fibreglass, is there another solution to finish the area to give me total water protection since there is a finished room under this area?
A: One of the most common methods of waterproofing an upper-level deck is to lay down a waterproof membrane. Fibreglass would not be my first choice for reasons of maintenance and heat.
My suggestion would be to use Duradek Vinyl, which has a 60-ml grade that qualifies as a roof membrane and is installed by professional contractors providing a fire-rated, building-code-approved roof deck system.

To begin, remove all the loose gravel from the roof and the perimeter flashing. To prepare for a flat sundeck surface, a sleeper joist system is required. Calculating the dimension of the sleeper joist will require taking a level off the top of the perimeter facing board and taking a measurement. Use 2x4 treated lumber at 16 inches on centre (shimming with treated cedar shingles where required) to give a slope to one or two sides to run water; or proper drains may be required to adapt to existing drains.
Around the perimeter, it's best to install 4x4 treated lumber to prepare for secure safety railings such as ProBuilt's Aluminum Do-It-Yourself Railings.
Finish surface with tongue-and-groove select fir plywood. Contact Duradek at 1-866-591-5594 and they will refer you to the appropriate installer in your area.

Album - Leaking flat roof turns into 900+ sq ft usable outdoor space

What was a tiny little walk out deck has become a beautiful roof deck. A great example of how to get the most out of your home while adding value.
Wouldn't you like to invite your friends over for dinner on you new roof deck overlooking the forest and the Wasatch Mountians?

Laying out the materials for a dry fit eliminates errors.

Adding slope manages the water flow off the roof into the gutter system.

Sanding the plywood surface helps to turn this roof into a "floor"

It was a mess, doing it right with Dekmax and Duradek means no worries for decades to come.

Look at the amount of room that was gained by using a walkable roof product!

The tar seaping out of the overlapped areas get on your shoes and ends up in the house.

You can see the rail at the bottom of the picture cut off the largest part of this flat roof. Since they had to fix a leaking roof anyway why not do it right and open up the whole room as an etertainment area?

Do it right the first time!

Although it is beautiful now, this awesome outdoor area had some serious issues. Unfortunatly these costly repairs would have been avoided with the proper system and professional installation. Originally done with tile a water leak into the living space below was the cause for repair. What was found is all too common and can be avioded.

The process that was used involved several different products and some did not follow the manufacturer's recomendations. The subfloor was OSB, ice & water shield, 1/4 inch fiberboard, thinset, then tile.







The picture to the right is a tile from the outer edge of the deck. You can see the tile and about 1/4 inch of thinset was used here.









In this picture you see another tile this one comes aproximatly ten feet from the above picture. What you see here is the dramtic change in thickness of the thinset and an additional inknown product. This was done in an effort to create the nessesary slope to drain the water from the deck surface. This is one of the errors in the installation process.




Tile, thinset and grout are not waterproof. Adding thicker layers does provide slope as you see it and with a level, but water is being absorbed into these materials and looking for an escape. This is a very common problem and can be very costly when failure occurs. When your project calls for tile / stone on an outdoor surface we recommend that you use only products that are fully warranteed over living space and comes with a roofing approval.


Here we have some pieces of the 1/4 inch fiber board that were used over the ice & water shield. When installing tile again we recommend using 1/2 inch cement board per the tile industry standards.

Here you can see the long, darker color piece on top of the larger one. The color difference is the amount of moisture in the longer piece. According to the label this product is moisture and mold resistant. Again the manufacture does not approve of this product being used in an outdoor application.





This is what was to be the waterproof material for this project. Once again it is not for use in a walkeable roof application. It is a deck we are talking about but, since it is over living space this is also a roof. As such a roofing product was needed to avoid these costly errors.

Look closely and you can see the roofing nails that were used to attach the sheets. Never a good idea to put holes into what you are trying to waterproof.

On the right there are visible signs of the water damage and what looks like an area where mold has begun to form. This home owner is fortunate that they are doing the repair now rather then later, this could have been much much worse.

All of this can be avoided by using some simple common sense. Be sure you are using products that are within the manufacturer's recommendations and only a professional who has been properly trained on the products used.

Why choose a waterproof system? COST!

COST. That is the number one reason to consider Dekmax. Let me break it down for you with some samples and our experiences, ones that I am certain are similar to your own.

Wood decks are one of the least expensive (that's why you see them all over the valley). They are also very needy decks, annual sanding, staining, repairing and while your doing all this the wood is continuing to rot. Even the screws that were used to put the deck together are rusting away and commonly break off when you try and remove them. It is a given, the deck is going to need costly repair. If you are relentless with the upkeep and maintenance you can buy some time.

We offer free dry space with every waterproof deck. It is a no brainer to make use of all the dry space you possible can. Seems like we are always looking for another place to store our stuff. Consider the amount of space you have under your deck. Most exterior decks around the valley are from 200 to 500 sq ft. that is roughly the size of a one and two car garage! Next time your getting in the car look around, would you like to get some more room for the car(s) and move that other stuff?

Been talking about the need for a shed? Why take up space in the yard where the kids will play? Look at the room under your deck and consider making it waterproof and maintenance free while you simply enclose the space below.

Take that redwood deck and easily convert it to a smooth surface. Waterpoof it and then think of all the things you can do with your free time. First thing to do is start to figure out how smart you were to do the job with a product that will offer you so much more than just a deck. One initial cost and no annual work load and it goes on and on year after year for more than a decade.

Most decks over living space these days have OSB on them, one reason. It is the least expensive available. But you can see what happens to it when it gets a little water on it, it is coming apart. If you are simply covering this up you are just delaying the inevitable, it will fail, and it will be expensive to repair. We understand you are shopping around for products as you should, just be sure you are looking at all the right things and comparing apples to apples. You can see our T.I.P.S from the website or do your own cost comparison at the local hardware store. Wood will be the least cost bit the most repair. Composites will be more expensive and laborious but still do nohting to protect the wood or anything below. Duradek is comparative in cost but far out lasts and offer so much more.

Time For Us To Give Back - You Can Win!!!

For years we have been listening to home owners that have water damages or are just plain tired of annually spending money on their deck. It really can be heart wrenching to hear them tell how " they said it work" or "they told us it was good for at least fives years". Then when the owner has water leaking into their home or a rotting old deck "they" are all gone.

We are giving away a new waterproof deck, flat roof, balcony or porch. All you need to do is Tell Us Your Story. From our website www.dekmax.com simply register to win and on April 15th we will award the prize to a deserving home owner. What so we want to hear in your story? What have you gone through over the past few years? Are you tired of sending xxx.xx$ every year on stain and then taking you valuable time to sand and stain the deck? Did you do the outdoor carpet idea only to find out the wood was rotting below? What caused the water leaking into your home? How many times have you gone through this process?

We want to find a deserving home owner and eliminate the frustrations and headaches once and for all. Our products have been around for more then thirty-six years and almost four warranty cycles. We know that even here in our tough climate one application is going to last well beyond ten years.

It would please us to no end to install their new waterproof deck and then watch them sit back, kick their feet up and relax.

Tiledek customer comments

Comments from a customer -

My home was built in 1999, and the original decking was a solid surface produce called “deck-o-crete” or something. At the time, I was told that this was a popular and durable type of finish that my builder recommended. For about 4 or 5 years, I had relatively few issues with it. The only water issue I noticed was a leakage of water at the house/deck interface when a unusually large storm hit (1x or 2x in 5 years). The vinyl railing also seemed to be OK for a while.

Starting about 2005, the surface was beginning to fail…cracks developed, and got worse with the freeze/thaw cycles. Ultimately, a large windstorm pulled the vinyl rail off, and this coupled with many cracks and failure pockets led me to decide to redo the entire thing.
I went through many difference design concepts from a simply railing replacement, to a more glorified design with a deck cover, and enclosure underneath to form a sun/California type of room.
I decided on a framed/timber deck cover, with an enclosed sun room underneath to maximize our enjoyment and use of the areas. I wanted a slate-finish on top of the deck, so needed a very robust, water-proof, and suitable membrane to hold up to the harsh SLC, UT winters.

I researched many products, but settled on Tiledek. It seemed to be the best product out there that fit my needs and requirements. Also, having lived in Canada for many years, provided an extra sense of security, as this product’s origins seemed to come from this cold, harsh environment. I actually found Tiledek on the Internet originally, and this was the medium for my research and decision.

During installation, I was impressed with how durable and robust the product seemed. It was fairly easy to install, with the most time consuming and difficult part being the “welding” with the heat guns on the seams. Also, the seals around the posts and doors were a bit trickly, but Matt at Dekmax was extremely supportive, knowledgeable, and helped make sure everything was perfect. I was impressed by the amount of time and effort he spent with me getting the produce installed correctly.

The installation of the slate over Tiledek was very slick. I’ve laid a lot of tile and stone over the years, and I actually prefer laying it on Tiledek vs. even a normal install on backerboard or mortar composite. Due to my time constraints, the slate was installed about 2+ months after the Tiledek was installed, and I did not notice any adverse effects due to the duration it sat waiting for the slate to be put on.

The install of the Durarail railing was a bit more difficult and time consuming than I had anticipated. Handling and cutting of the long sections was tedious and not easy. Once this was up, however, the product seems very robust and strong.

Currently, I am working on finishing the rest of the enclosed space below the deck. There have been some strong storms come through, and the Tiledek has performed just fine.

I would recommend this product to anyone that is concerned about weather/water proofing their project, especially if tile or stone covering is needed. I have not come across a product yet that compares.
Thanks.

Todd

Waterproof decks, Do it Right the First Time

Many homes in Utah have beautiful views of the valleys, mountain ranges and just plain old spectacular scenery. The spring-to-fall climate is perfect for enjoying some down time, taking in the surroundings, spending some quality time with your family, relaxed, outside, in the fresh air, enjoying life – on your sundeck.

Unfortunately, for lots of people, the sundeck area is not the area of enjoyment and tranquility that some of us know. It is an area of maintenance and splinters and rotting wood and dangerous railings and…well the list goes on. If the area directly below the sundeck is over living space, there are usually issues about waterproofing – or the lack of it. Even if the sundeck is not over living space, if it is a carport, the space can’t be used for any kind of storage. In adverse weather, without appropriate waterproofing, the space is virtually useless.

Over the years, there have been very few products or systems available to cover the deck surface and have it meet the following criteria: be waterproof, allow walking, withstand barbeques, kids, dogs and just regular outdoor living AND still be attractive, all-in-one. The liquid applied goops are multi application systems. They are typically a single bland color and therefore have no attractive qualities. And the weather has to be almost perfect for each application, with a 24 hour cure time. The black rubber option is again, not very attractive, so it needs a different surface to beautify it. Now, the home owner is back into the maintenance of wood or pavers or ??

For years Utah residents have been searching for a true waterproofing product that opens up these outdoor living areas. A product that will function, has a warranty, is installed by trained professionals and looks good. Most options for waterproofing have failed in the past, thus leaving home owners with costly repairs and a poor opinion of waterproofing products and the whole concept of sundecks over living space. Then, in 2005, Dekmax introduced the area to Duradek.

The Duradek brands are not new. With more than three decades of proven service and over 150 million square feet of product installed, Duradek has become the “walkable roofing membrane” preferred and specified by architects. It is also recognized by engineers, inspectors and designers, as the appropriate choice. And since Dekmax began the distributorship four years ago it has become a very popular choice with builders, contractors and home owners.

So, what makes Duradek so different from other products trying to accomplish the same thing?
· With a 10 year warranty, Duradek has been through the warranty cycle many times over the course of its history. We have never had to replace material because of a manufacturers defect…ever!
· Duradek is a single ply PVC membrane that meets the appropriate building codes as a “walkable roofing membrane”. It also carries the ICC approval of a roofing membrane that allows pedestrian traffic. We are exactly what we say we are.
· Duradek is only installed by company trained contractors. In fact we do not sell Duradek to anyone who has not been trained – period.
· History tells us that in our climate you should expect fifteen to eighteen years of use with one application. Another benefit is that your structure will still be sound and secure – ready to accept a new Duradek application.
· Details, technical support, presentations and training all provided locally. With over 35 years of experience, Duradek has seen just about every kind of scenario and we have designed details and techniques to accommodate them all. And we are not shy to share these. A very intense 2 day training will teach installers how to handle most any waterproofing detail. But a close 2nd to the waterproofing is that the sundeck looks beautiful when the installation is complete.
· With more than 20 colors to choose from, Duradek can satisfy most any color scheme or designer objective. The choices are anything from solid colors to unique and interesting patterns.

Installation can be done year round in almost any weather condition. Prior to Dekmax coming onto the scene, Duradek had flown company trainers to Utah for training and installations. There are single family and multi-unit projects that are now over sixteen years old and still going strong.

One of the aspects that makes Duradek the leading choice with multi-unit properties is that it is long lasting, low maintenance and easily repairable should it ever need it. Let’s face it. When was the last time you had problems on a deck that was a simple repair rather than a drawn out costly mess? Typically, if there is an issue with the material being cut or damaged the problem spot can be located quickly and the repair takes only minutes.

Though our strength is working over living space, anytime you have exposure to the elements you will have a higher risk of water damages. Simply covering an exposed deck all but eliminates the potential for water damages. By doing so you can cost effectively make the area under the deck more attractive and useable. Add some lighting and enclose the area – now you have a completely enclosed storage are for anything from food stuffs to camping gear and ski equipment.

Always wanted to use tile outdoors but knew better? Now you can with Duradek’s latest product “Tiledek”. Tiledek is made specifically for tile applications and still covered by our ten year warranty. Through years of research and cooperation with the tile industry we can offer the same well proven membrane but with a fabric covering designed to work aggressively with the thin-sets used in tile installations. This will give you the ultimate waterproofing membrane coupled with the exquisite styling that only tile can provide.

So, reconsider your thoughts on sundecks. There is a way to waterproof and beautify your outdoor living area.