Utah Decks

Save money by doing it right the first time.

2012-01-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

When you enjoy the outdoors and our wonderful views there is nothing like an outdoor entertainment area to relax in. The choices you make while designing your outdoor living area will determine the amount of effort to maintain and repair in the coming year(s). Since this is a very common question we field let break it down again for you -
Lowest initial cost (Good)- Wood. It doesn't matter if your using Redwood, Cedar or even treated lumber, they begin to deteriorate as soon as they are installed. The average home owner spends money on these designs every 3 - 5 years and normally about 7 - 10 years there is significant repair or replacement.
Medium range initial cost (Better) - Composites and Coatings

Composites - These are the manufactured, wood looking materials that will last longer than wood. They are subject to the effects of the elements and although they are often mentioned as waterproof they do not waterproof the area, the implied comment it that the composite itself is not effected by water. The colors can fade, they can splinter but more significant the supports are the same old building materials (wood) and they will deteriorate and need repair or replacement.
Coatings - There are a wide range of coatings available on the market and can range from a DYI project to one that is installed by a contractor. The bottom line with coatings are they require ongoing maintenance from every 1 - 3 years. they are difficult to repair and if you do not keep up on the required re coatings and maintenance then you are risking failure. When you add up the initial cost and then the re coatings these can quickly become the most costly and inconvenient products.

Realistic initial cost (Best) -

Roofing membrane. Duradek has the widest options of colors and designs as well as the highest ratings for testing and approvals. Here is where you have a choice to make - do you want a waterproof, very long lasting, minimal easy maintenance, with lots of choices OR do you want the seemingly never ending hassle's and frustrations that have always been associated with decks and outdoors?

Perfect solution for harsh climates

2012-01-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

This wonderful home is located in Timber Lakes, just east of Heber. The unique design has several portions of the roof draining onto the deck surface. The home owners wanted to make use of the patio below without the hassle of the water and debris falling through the slots of the previous wooden slat deck. Initially their concern was simply to "dry in" the lower patio without much concern for the looks of the deck surface.

It's a good thing the pros at Decking Solutions were on the job. They far exceeded the owners desires by using Duradek's Ultra Cork on this waterproofing job. It's not only providing the dry space below but looks awesome too. You can shovel snow off or simply use some salt or ice melting compound, it is all save and approved.

These guys don't play around, there is only one way to do a job. No short cuts, do it right the first time and your done. Here you can see where they have taken the time to go over every seam in the plywood with some filler, making sure they are level. Taking the time to do this makes the surface completely smooth like a floor. Duradek is often thought of as outdoor flooring and when installed by professionals the results are wonderful.

Since the drip edge is coated and of a thick gauge recessing it like you see here makes for a smooth transition and no bumps or lines showing through. This also prevents any standing water at the edge. There were two bedrooms on the upper floor, each leading out onto the deck area. With log construction it can be challenging to make everything fit exactly right. Here Shane and Tyler were able to come up with a design that was not just waterproof but also enhanced the finished look of the deck, again exceeding the owners expectations. What you see here is a "filler" being used to smooth out and fill in any gaps where the plywood transitions to the log, allowing for proper installation of the Duradek membrane.

The membrane is also used as the flashing along the wall so once fastened to the plywood they continued up the log and under the original door threshold. Then to make it safer and more attractive they added a small step, this was a great touch and turned out fantastic!

Failed coating turns into beautiful tile.

2011-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

This beautiful home located on the Bountiful bench has an external deck that was completely finished adding a nice touch. The only problem was the original deck had been covered with a cement like coating that was not waterproof. In fact during the tear off you could see the multiple layers and how they had failed, even the metal lath stapled to the plywood was rusted.
The home owners wanted to be able to use the deck to relax and watch the sunset with invited guests, without the concern of water damages again.

Here you see Duradek's Tiledek membrane has been installed providing a waterproof barrier as well as the anti fracture membrane for tile. This was after the experts at MBL replaced all the rotted materials from the old deck and it was extensive. What your seeing in these pictures is very close to a complete rebuild, even the joists had to be removed as a result of the extensive water damages. The system is fairly simple - 3/4 T&G plywood - 1/2 cement board - Tiledek membrane - Tiled right to the membrane.

Who wouldn't be proud to show this off to friends and family? Outdoor entertainment areas are fast becoming very popular ways to improve your home and when done right they can last for decades without concern of water damages. MBL has a great staff and as a general contractor they understand the value of doing it right the first time. Over the years they have continued to send new employees through our training programs so each individual on the job clearly understands the system.

Keep the wood look but reduce the upkeep.

2011-11-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Cottonwood Custom to the rescue! This home along the bench in south Salt Lake city had two decks, one over the other. Tired and frustrated with the constant dripping of water and debris onto the lower deck not to mention the damaging wood it was time to call on a pro.

In order to maintain the same wood appearance yet eliminating the water issue Cottonwood Custom cam up with a great solution. They left the current railing attached and used Duradek's Ultra Cork to waterproof the deck, stopping the dripping water below and keeping the desired look the home owner wanted.

Boy, wouldn't it be nice to get up in the morning and walk out to this. Relax and enjoy that first cup of coffee taking in the view, confident your water worries are over.

Why others fail

2011-11-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to install a gutter system, there was not on before and that meant all the water run off was running down the fascia.

Duradek's Classic Barley is installed over the existing failed coating.

Obvious water leaking into the storage room below.
This had been going on for a few years all the way down the supporting columns to the cement slab below.

These had been covered with Stucco. All the support columns had to be replaced simply from water getting in there and rotting the OSB and dimensional lumber.

The water was running off the deck for the most part, a few puddles but around the stairs and over the edge is where all the trouble came from. It is the details that fail most often.

This coating was applied over the drip edge and when it was taken off you can see the discoloration from the water. It was leaking through the coating and getting under the drip edge, then all the way down to the ground. What was going to be a simply covering of the deck turned out to be a very expensive repair.

What is more important, Waterproof? or Appearance?

2011-11-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

This project was in Jeremy Ranch / Park City. The home owner had found us on the Internet and inquired about what we can do to help with their deck. They were just sick and tired of spending money each year to clean and maintain the old wood deck. As suggested they did some looking around and found other products that they liked to look of and thought it would go well with the design of the home.

This is where the questions began. They wanted to know how to stop the water damages and rotting lumber. With the Duradek system and a company trained installer like the professionals at MBL Construction make is easy, we do it right. MBL Construction understands when waterproofing a deck here in Utah with our harsh climates and freezing winters you don't play around "Do it right the first time." The "other" guys said they would make it looks great but then there was no real warranty offered, they only coated the surface not up the walls, it would take several days for each layer to cure before the next goes on an inconvenience for the family. This is when we recommend the home owner does some homework themselves. Ask for the ICC/ES report, what has it been approved for? Has it been tested for the climate it is being installed in?

When asked if there was another job they could look at Shane at MBL said sure about a mile away we are in the middle of a repair similar to yours and we are just getting ready to to the Duradek's Ultra Classic Barley membrane. http://utahdecks.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-others-fail.html
When they took a look at what the neighbors were going through they realized how serious a little water intrusion can be. The neighbors deck had been done in a very similar product that was being considered here.

Happens all the time. Do you want the newest, greatest, most incredible looking thing there is or do you want to waterproof your deck with a good looking, well proven, long lasting low maintenance system? Do the home work, investigate the product and the installer and sort through the sales pitch to the reality. Many times we have told prospective customers that choose other products "Call us when it fails" and we will take care of you. It is not funny how often and how soon they call.

The cost between products was pretty much the same, the deciding factor in this case was waterproofing. They will enjoy this decks for the coming decades without the worry or cost of repair and maintenance. Had they chosen differently they may have been going through the tens of thousands of dollars in repair the neighbors went through. When the snow flys this year they can use rock salt or shovel the deck and in the spring just wash it off, ready for summer!

2011-10-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

This project is an owner builder that made the right decisions in the right order. The first time we met they had a clear mission - "Get the deck waterproofed before the weather turns." As they were going over the colors and designs (there are more then 20) the options were how low can we keep the price Vs do we want a deck that will compliment the beauty of our home.

I think a big turning point for them was the simple realization that they would only be spending money on their deck once for the next couple of decades. That's one of the great things about using the Duradek walkable membrane.

Last a very long time
Easy to clean

Repairable

No ongoing maintenance programs

So many color choices you can match any color scheme

One of the keys to success is using the right products like plywood. To often we see projects where the owners went cheap and used OSB rather than plywood, they did save a few dollars a sheet but the risk is a delamintaing surface that will look horrible. Here you can see they installed the plywood right up to the wall so the membrane would turn up the wall nice and tight.

Below you can see a great example of taking the time to do it right. The sheet by the door was short about an inch. Rather than spreading that inch out along the several sheets in that area they simple cut a piece to fit and glued and screwed it in place.

Maybe another comfort for them was we are a local company who stands behind our work and the installers. When we first met I had told them a representative would be on site during the prep and installation to make sure all was being done right. They were happy to see us on the job and lending a hand in a couple tricky spots, that's the way we do it.

MBL - From oh so bad to WOW!

2011-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

If I had this view you would find me on the deck,

As you will see throughout this article this is a very large project with two 1000+ sq ft decks. It was thought that the upper deck had some water issues. They were right! This had a rubber mat of some type laid on top of plywood and then was covered with outdoor carpeting

(astro turf). Not even close to waterproof but it looks good for a year or so while the water is recking havoc below.

This is one of the support columns for the upper deck and the damages are obvious. In fact there was so much damage that by the time it was all discovered the lower deck would have to be replaced as well. There was a lot of bad news for the home owner to handle, the good news was the contractor had the solution as well. MBL does a lot of decks and understands there really is only one option when you want a waterproof system that will last for decades with no on going maintenance program other then washing it off.

Shane and the gang went to work repairing and replacing the water damaged substrate and turning these decks in to outstanding outdoor entertainment areas. Once the Duradek's Heritage Sienna was fully adhered to the substrate it was in use and ready for action.

It can be mind boggling to some people; that 60 mil membrane is all there is? Doesn't it need to be thicker or more of it? Shouldn't there be more layers? Does it really last? Duradek has been doing this for more than 37 years. All of that history and experience are what makes up the membrane, almost 4 decades! Of the work done in the Salt Lake Valley a very large percentage is done over living space where roofing requirements have to be met. That's where you separate the traffic coatings from true roofing products.

When you have this large an area waterproofing should be the number one thing on your mind. To have a failure would be very expensive. Second thing I would like is something that is going to be low maintenance, long lasting and has an attractive look to it.

MBL leaky roof decks done right

2011-09-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

This roof deck obviously has a lot of water on it during a rain storm. Too bad the home owner learned the hard way about using coatings and not keeping up on the maintenance programs. The dining doom is under the roof deck and the sheet rock had already been replaced once, now it was time to get it fixed right before the rain comes again.

Once again the "deck experts" at MBL were called upon to help. In order to properly waterproof the deck the cedar siding would need to be removed, thus allowing them to flash up the wall a minimum of 6 inches (building code). The siding was then put back as it was. Now with rain running off the roof onto the roof deck or snow drifts building up in the winter this home is protected for decades to come. That's right, shovel the snow if you like, use rock salt or ice melting chemicals to keep it clean in the winter it's OK. Simply wash it off in the spring and break out the BBQ or bring your chair out here to read and watch the sunrise.

Duradek's Hertiage Agate was a great choice and added a nice rustic touch to the cedar siding and color matched railing. The most important part of this job was providing the home owner with peace of mind. No more expensive repairs from water damage and the ability to just relax, we've got you covered.

Great Western Roofing- Twice as nice!

2011-09-07T13:29:00.000-07:00

What a great way to turn up the beauty of a deck and walkway. Great Western Roofing used two complimentary colors to waterproof this combination project. The main area is a recent addition to the Duradek line, Forrest Floor Birch while the trim along the base of the wall and the walkway is a solid grey.

With the rail being grey as well they really do compliment each other and add a real touch of class to entire the area.

Waterproof, awesome looking, lasts for decades and very low maintenance. What more can you ask for? When it comes to work like this Great Western Roofing has you covered.

MBL makes it look so good

2011-08-28T15:36:00.001-07:00

Here we have a combination problem. Tired of the maintenance on a regular basis and wanting to do something about keeping the area under the deck dry. This had been used as storage area and then every time it rains everything is soaked again. The same old planking decks like everyone else has don't really provide and thing for you. Because this deck is also the entrance to the home it was needing a little touch of class as well. Wisely they went to a solid surface roofing solution that will last for decades without the costly and ongoing maintenance issues.

Duradek's Classic Sandstone turns this old deck into a beautiful entrance to the home and provides the waterproof roofing they wanted for the storage area underneath. Obviously in the winter there will be snow build up on the surface, no worries. You can shovel it off, use rock salt or ice melt or any other snow melting chemicals without damaging the membrane. Then is the spring time simply was it off and your done.

The old decking was simply attached at the base of the wall. MBL in order to provide a waterproof system went up the wall with the membrane and then added this nice trim making this outdoor deck look so much nicer. Now it looks more like an extension of the home rather than an old rotting deck.

From leaking problem to added value

2011-08-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

An older home in the Holiday area sits near the based of the mountains and has the most incredible views. They had no place to really take advantage of them or properly entertain guests other than the backyard. When the flat roof in the rear of the home began to leak into the living area, for the second time the owner wanted a better solution. Fortunately for them the contractor they were working with was familiar with Duradek. Duradek's niche is walkable roofing, it turns these flat roof nightmares into awesome outdoor entertainment areas. With the help form the folks at Dekmax they quickly chose to open up the entire area (900 sq ft) and make it a usable area.

With the old school roofing materials removed slope was added to remove water from the surface. With a simple 3/4 inch plywood surface the Duradek Heritage Agate was fully adhered and in just a few days they were out with the old and in with the wonderful new usable roof top deck. You can imagine the type of parties and fun they have when all their friends can gather together and relax. No more grass and debris being brought in the house, the pets can remain outside with no worries and when your done the clean up is as easy as a hose to wash it off.

From the first picture, taken from the door seen here. You can see the old railing blocked off the main area of the roof. The old building materials were not made for or approved for a walkable type use. With the new design the railing was continuios around the entire roof. I have no idea what the value of the homje was before the work was done but we can all agree this is a fantastic feature

From redwood hastle to relaxing beauty

2011-08-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

These redwood type decks are found just about everywhere. They are the cheapest initially to install but then the heart ache starts. When you use the same old building materials as everyone else you can expect to repair or maintain it every year or two. The cost and time spent quickly wear on you and soon the deck is just a deck and not used. Within seven to ten years the same old building materials will need to be replaced in part or whole.

Here the home owner decieded enough money was being wasted yearly and opted for a solution to the problem. Rather than building the cheapest deck avalable and then spending money on it annually they called on Duradek's waterproof walkable roofing membrane, installed by the trained staff at Great Western Roofing.

The damaged wood planks and rail were removed and simple plywood was glued and screwed right to the joist. A littel filler was used to provide a very smooth surface, just like a floor.

Duradek's Herritage Sienna was used and this costly little deck was transformed into this wonderful deck. Oh yeah the home owner will still need to follow the maintenance program; Wash it off! That's it no more yearly work just hose it off and enjoy.

This is an example of how Duradek done initailly reduces your long term expense and is truly the best value. This was taken three years after the deck was waterproofed. The plywood and joists look like new. There is no need for pressure treated wood to be used because the wood is protected from the environment.

2011-08-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

This kind of deck can be tricky and costly if not done right. A trapped deck with walls around the entire thing other then the stairs there is no place for water and snow to go. Good thing the pros at MBL were called in. It is a small area but already has suffered serious water damages that required the joist's and substrate to be replaced.

This style of outdoor area is popular in that it includes some privacy but the design needs to include things like drainage and water management.

With the damaged wood removed and replaced it is time for the Tiledek membrane to be fully adhered as you can see here. Now the area is completely waterproof. That includes up the walls as well, waterproofing is not just the surface you have to include up walls and around the corners too.

Here you can see the tile has been installed and the stucco was replaced making the deck look even better. Trying to match the old stucco color can be very difficult so MBL simply made it look like the trim around the house, nice touch.

To provide the best possible removal of any water on this trapped deck a drain was added to center. Now rather than standing water the deck will drain and look beautiful.

McCleve Tile, they do it right!

2011-08-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

This deck looks pretty good, at least when it is dry and sunny out. Wonder what it looks like when rain is in the forecast?

OK, obviously there was a waterproofing issue with this deck. Here is the story and lessons learned with this project. The home owner had purchased the home with the deck shown here, soon after a leak was discovered in the garage below. Having all ready experienced the professionalism of the guys at McCleve Tile he called on Dave for advise. Turns out Dave has been doing outdoor decks for years and understands the challenges and has the solution to properly waterproof a tile surface outdoors.

The first thing to figure out is what do we have under the tile and what caused the failure? It only takes a little while to uncover the products used and where the failure was.

I have learned that in years past the tile industry along with designers relied heavily on the thought that redundancy works best. So if the first product fails the next one will work. Although I can understand the logic it simply doesn't do anything but ad some more time before the failure. The most common root cause I have discovered is simply that the products being used are not recommend for this type application. If the manufacturer doesn't recommend the use, approve of it and fully warranty the work then don't use it.

Under the orange drainage mat they find a concrete roof with plywood attached to it. This was an attempt to get slope since the concrete roof drained back to the threshold. There are so many issues with this attempt but most concerning is that when you are using tile you should do everything you can to eliminate movement. Here what had been done added movement by using shims to elevate the plywood along the house slopping it towards the outer edge.

The leaking below was a result of water around the threshold, it had so much water around the door, under the plywood that it was ruining the Sheetrock in the garage below. You can see the huge void that was left even after the shims and plywood were installed. As a part of the redundancy used we can see that Ice and Water Shield was also installed. Tragically again it is a product that is not recommended for this type use and is not warranted.

This is a close up under the door. The OSB sheeting butts up under the door, it was so wet and rotted that you could use your finger to push a hole through it and pull it out.

It was not raining when the McCLeve Tile crew were tearing the old roof off. The water you see here was a large puddle under the plywood around the door. Not only is the Ice and Water Shield not recommended for use like this it is a bad idea to put screws through it too. In order to use the shims they were screwed into the concrete roof, never a good idea to put holes in any roof.

This is found on virtually any job. I guess it does again add some redundancy but caulk is not the best bet for waterproofing. I am not sure how many tubes were used but man there was a lot of it in there. At best caulk is a good moisture barrier but it should not be used as the primary waterproofing.

Enough of the problems. It is time for the McCleve Tile staff to get this fixed once and for all. The home owner liked the looks of tile, we all do. When Dave told him that the roof deck could be fixed properly he was interested. Once he understood about our systems (not just a product) and the fact that it is warranted it was a go. First thing was fill in that giant void under the threshold giving it plenty of support and eliminating the dead air space.

Next step was easy but significant. Get the proper slope to manage the water off the surface and also reduce the opportunity for movement. Here they have floated the existing concrete roof so that it is thicker along the house causing the water to flow away. By doing it this way they are providing a very stable surface with much less movement.

Duradek's Tiledek roofing membrane is the clear answer to this failure. Dave has the experience, a trained staff, the right materials and system. Installed right to the concrete this is not only the waterproofing it also acts as an antifracture membrane too. The bottom line here is we are bringing roofing experience and code requirements to the tile application that had never been considered before.

Rather than rely on a glued or chemical bond Duradek uses a trained installer to heat weld the two sheets together as one. They are basically melted together making the seam absolutely watertight.

The end result is not just another tile roof deck, it is one that will last for decades without the frustrations and high cost of repair from water damages.

Mattingley Tile & Marble

2011-08-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

This tiny little deck caused some significant water damage. Why? Inadequate waterproofing was used. The damage was so bad the deck literally fell off the house. When we first saw this deck it was laying in the garden below. To often tile is thought off a waterproof, or some great barrier to water. It is not. Water will get below the tile and grout, into the thin set and that it were it can do the most damage. It is like the old saying "out of sight, out of mind."

Well while the deck looked fine the water rotted out the studs and supports. All of the stone siding was removed between the windows and re-built. The studs were so wet and rotted you could push your finger though the whole thing.
Good thing they call Ray Mattingley for advise and assistance correcting this issue. Ray knew the answer to the problem was simply to use the right system. Tiledek not only waterproofs but it is the anti fracture membrane and was designed for thin set to bond to.

The deck is built over again and here you can see they have added a 1/2 inch Durarock CBU to reduce movement.

With the CBU properly installed your ready for the Tiledek membrane to be installed.

Even though this looks like a simple little deck, the details are what take time and why you only want to use a pro like Ray. This has a radius, a threshold and the roof is within inches on both sides. It does look easy but even so this little deck was several hours of time just working the details

Good job Ray! Now you only have seven more like this one and then the big deck on the back of the house too.

I had a chance to stop by and see Ray and the progess they were making. Here they are instlling the Tiledek waterproof membrane to the larger deck and that did go a little quicker. there was a lot more tile to be used too.

Turned out beautiful and without a doubt the home owner's water issues are gone.

Elite Custom Exteriors

2011-08-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

When it comes to elevating your exterior into a beautiful entertainment area these are the guys to call. This customer had the same problems that are way to frequent in our area, water damage has caused major repairs. The owner was clear, "fix this with the right stuff so I don't have to go through this again!"

Tile outdoors is a wonderful way to make the neighbors envious, but it needs to be done right or it will be very costly.

The great thing about the Elite Custom Exterior company is they also have a flooring division within the company so all of the work is single sourced. By doing this the customer not only receives a higher standard of service but a packaged price for the work.

This job had some pretty serious water damages that required additional supports, joists and removal of a large part of the surrounding wall. There was no doubt about what products would solve this problem and with a few additional drains the water will be moved off the surface quickly.

But "they" said it was waterproof

2011-07-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

It wasn't raining, this was trapped in the deck.

Times are tough, I understand being thrifty and looking for the best deals out there. When it comes to waterproofing your decks and patio's or any horizontal surface my thought is be cost effective and thrifty. Here are some examples from Park City, an area that is suffereing serious water related issues from a combination of product choice and poor installation.

Solid surface decking is a great choice, why not make the most of the space you have outside. It can be an outstanding place to entertain your friends and family. I think in many cases the home owner's decison on products has been based on the finished look as much as cost.

This deck was over a garage and there are at least three different products that we found. so many in fact that we were conserned about the weight. It appears that the original attempt was to have an exposed aggrigate or "pebble" style finish on the deck. It failed and it was no wonder, where was the waterproofing? The second attempt was another dose of the same type design. Can you believe it failed too! The reason why? No waterproofing. As the old layers were being torn away I noticed water leaking out the garage below and running down the driveway. The home owner originally called because there was water leaking into the garage so it made sence.

The visible water leaking into the garage is what raised a flag. In truth this had been going on a very long time. The multiple layers had not stopped the water from leaking through, it was trapping it below and that was rotting the substrate. Here you can see how wet the wood was, it was actually puddling during the tearoff. The water was leaking out the door below and onto the deck becasue there was nothing to hold it any longer.

The failed product was coming up in large chuncks and this is what was below. This was directly above the water leaking out the garage to the diveway. As they tore off the old it was allowing more water to flow through the holes.

It was fortunate for the home owner that they had so many layers on the deck, somebody could have been seriously hurt falling throught here.

In our experience the details is where waterproofing gets difficult. Here there simply is no excuse for what was done. In each application of product all they did was go up to the edge of the wooden post and stop. Anyone can see that water will get into the shrinkage cracks, this will leak below and casue the wood to expand as well.

One of the layers was a liquid applied membrane. Not sure how you can get a liquid to go up a column and stay but only butting it up to it obviously doesn't work either.

Finally to the bottom layer. Although the wood had not rotted yet you can see the rust from a layer of metal that was used, probably to help reduce movement. All it did was rust from the amount of moisture seeping in.

MBL, they take it from leaking to WOW

2011-06-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Great project, see article below.

This beautiful home and two outstanding decks are made for outdoor entertaining. The only problem is the seemingly endless expense of repair. The home owner was clear they are tired of being told "stories" from contractors and having to pay and pay. As we began discussing the Duradek options they quickly went from a classy design to the Tiledek membrane. I would have to agree for as nice a view and the amount they entertaining they do; Tiledek was an excellent choice.
The lower level is over living space and had suffered some leaking and water damages. Over head is the upper deck, basically the roof of the lower deck and it too had a small area over living space.

There was a liquid applied coating of some type applied over a plywood substrate that had failed once and when called the installation company charged them more money to add another coat to "fix" the problem. Not long after the problem was back and the leaking continued. Why? that is what the home owner didn't understand. Why did it happen and why would somebody make all the promises etc about the product? Part of this falls on the home owner to actually investigate the product and get the history, warranty, experience, training.

It doesn't take much to look up a products approvals if they have any or simply tell the installation company you want to see the ICC approvals before they do anything. Make sure that they meet building code and if not sure call the local building inspector for assistance. This is a good example of being sold a poor product that does not have the proper approvals for a deck over living space. With just a minutes time a layman can see that coatings in general are allowed to retain up to 15% moisture, so how can that be considered waterproof? It's just smoke and mirrors, creative marketing.

For this job a couple of bids from Duradek trained installers had inspected the decks and each submitted a formal bid. MBL of Kaysville, UT was awarded the job. First thing was to determine what kind of water damages had been done under the coating, It looked good above while the significant damage was happening below. While tearing up the damaged substrate they came upon the cause of the ponding water on the deck too. The deck surface had been designed with plenty of slope but there was a problem between trades during the build. The brick siding was actually higher than the substrate itself. here is where somebody should have addressed the issue but didn't. Rather then correcting the problem they simply added another sheet of 1/2 plywood to the already installed 3/4inch, closer but still lower than the brick. Ultimately what was done was the substrate was laying on top of the brick causing a reverse slope and that is why the water would pond around the outer edge. Once this was found the only way to properly correct the problem was to tear off the old substrate and re sheet it with new plywood. The joist's had 1/4 in 12" slope all ready on them but still lower than the brick, a 2x2 was glued and screwed to the joist providing proper height over the brick and excellent slope

With the new plywood down the next step was to use Mapei's Ultaflex 2 as a bond coat and Durarock cement board screwed down. One of the concerns when considering using tile or stone outdoors is movement and this step aids greatly in reducing any movement and thus problems with the tiles popping or cracking. Durarock (like all the other product used) approves of their cement board being used in this application. This is significant because it eliminates the optional finger pointing and "blaming" of wrong products used thus causing the failure.

Mapei's Ultra Flex 2 was used as a bond coat for the CBU as well as being screwed down.For the outer edge Duradek's PVC coating drip edge was installed allowing the Tiledek membrane to be welded to it providing a water tight finish.
Tiledek 60 mil membrane meets or exceeds a multitude of needs on this job, we bring roofing standards and practices to the tile industry. The TCNA (Tile Council of North America) calls out for a roofing membrane to be used when using tile over living space but stops short of specifying a thickness. Yet when roofing 60 mil is required over living space, so why the gap?

Once the Tiledek membrane is fully adhered it is ready for tile. Here the deck was large enough that the tile setters where already installing the tile while the membrane was getting the finishing details. Mapei's Granirapid thinset was used for setting the tile.

Imagine the delight of sitting on your new beautiful tile deck with your friends and family, barbecuing, relaxing and taking in the view.

Outdoor living, not just a deck

2011-05-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

Outdoor living space adds value to your home!
So many of us have decks, flat roofs, balconies and porches that are done like everyone else in the valley. For years a wood plank deck was the thing to do, mainly because it is the least expensive. Soon the excitement of the new deck turns into a annual maintenance and repair headache. The resulting costs and time can be frustrating and replacement is inevitable.
What's the next best thing? You can get the same general appearance of a wood deck by using composite materials. These are easy to come by from name brands or even the local Home Depot and Lowe's for the do it yourself-er. The problem is the same but you have bought some time: the wood supports and trusses are rotting. True the composite materials are waterproof and they will not rot. They will fade, can splinter, stain or discolor and water will leak through them just like the old deck. Again to by some time pressure treated wood can be used or required and the chemicals that are used will add a little time. While those chemicals are being washed into the ground over the years they to will begin to rot and need to be replaced.
Both of these and others may be the "popular" thing but what do they do for the resale value of your home? Do you look at the decks, flat roofs, balconies and patios that are in need of repair as investments for your home? Will the products you choose add value to your home?
Just for a minute think of these areas as outdoor living space, not much different than your living room or family room. Would like to have an area that can provide you with the opportunity to entertain and relax while taking advantage of our awesome Utah views? With the more than twenty Duradek colors and designs any outdoor area can be converted to a long lasting, low maintenance entertaining area. Unlike the previous decks this meets code as a roofing membrane so go ahead and take advantage of the space underneath. Storage? Now you have the space. Place for the hot tub so you don't get cold water dripping on you? Perfect. Get all the stuff out of the garage so you can use it for the car. Great idea. This is where your investment begins to pay off. Now the area underneath become usable space, completely dry and ready for you to take advantage of however you like. By using this process you have made excellent use of your time and money so have some friends and family over and entertain them in your new outdoor living area. While they are wowed with the changes you made you can relax knowing that your annual maintenance will be a with a hose washing of the deck. Don't worry about the snow and freeze thaw; rock salt, ice melt, shovel it, no problem.
Now you are thinking about the cost of something like this. It's OK we think about it too. The old fashion wood deck would be the least expensive and you can do it yourself. The composite materials are more expensive and again if you think your up to it you can do it yourself. The same area done with a membrane which offers you so much more has a material cost that would be less than the do it yourself composite choice! BUT, this is not a do it yourself project. Only professional company trained installers are used. You are no longer simply building a deck area you are investing in your home, most will agree this is not the time to try and cut the initial amount you spend. Doing it the right way the first time will provide you with well over a decade of use and you are saving the annual repair and maintenance cost of wood decks.When was the last time you walked outside sat down and relaxed with no deck worries?

Waterproof -Vs- Coatings and cheap alternitives

2011-04-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

We have over the years written numerous articles on coatings, cost and simple but common mistakes made. In just the last few weeks I have heard from countless contractors and builders that are so tired of the water damages on exterior surfaces that they just don't want to do them anymore. I can certainly understand the frustration from the many, many silly creations that we have torn up to use our true waterproof membranes over simple plywood. It drives me nuts to meet with a home owner and talk about how much money they have waisted and when they hear what the replacement is going to cost the fact that is is less than what they did originally I can see the skepticism in their eyes.

Lets go over this job, the finished work in shown above with the beautiful view of the Wasatch Mountains in the distance. What had been installed before was a few different attempts at waterproofing and here is your first tip.

If you want waterproof then make sure the product being used can back up it's claim to being waterproof.

I have learned that when a contractor is given the responsibility to come up with a waterproof surface they use their experience of past work. Then they add redundancy because that should add some insurance, if the first thing fails then the other might work? Nice try but rarely actually works that way. Here you can see what is several inches of different products stacked on each other. It all failed and was torn up once and for all get rid of the water leaking issues.

2. Do you know that most coating have an ongoing maintenance program that require you to re coat the surface every couple years. If you fail to do so what do you think happens when you have a failure?

So once it was torn off and thrown away then what? Back to basic construction, get down to plywood, ensure you have proper slope and glue the membrane right to the plywood. As you can see from this next picture that is what was done. Just like throwing your money in the garbage the old failed products were removed, as was the beautiful rail as well as a result of the wood getting damaged from water exposure.

I could only venture a guess as to what was spent on this rail and the failed materials that were tossed. I can with great confidence say the new deck cost significantly less money and will last for decades without any need for on going maintenance. If it gets dirty just wash it off, after all it is waterproof, not water resistant.

We are in the business of waterproofing horizontal outdoor surfaces, that is all we do. If you have concerns or are not sure of your options contact us.

Dekmax and Tiledek featured!

2011-03-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are so thrilled to have garnished the attention of Richard Bergman
He has a huge amount of information regarding Decking Materials of all types, Projects, Tips and Advice, Design and Planning Information, etc.
According to Richard, "Vinyl is Where the Future is Heading."

We were done as a feature on his web site and you can see it here-

www.ideas-for-deck-designs.com/

Richard also has lots of information on waterproofing, low maintenance vinyl decking and you can take a look here -
http://www.ideas-for-deck-designs.com/vinyl-decking.html

The work that Dekmax was featured on was a Tiledek job. We completely waterproofed the area then a professional tile setter came to handle the installation of the tile. The comments from the tile setter were "I wish every job had this stuff on it, it bonds extremely well."

The Dekmax website has a link on the first page top right side.

Winter work

2011-02-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

Another significant difference between us and the compitition, we work all year. True we have some pretty cold temperatures and that alone prevents the use of just about all other products.

Here are a few shots of a project in Logan UT. These are from the period just before Christmas to the end of January. The first building was done with no protective covering on it, rain casued the use of the tarps, but that was needed for the stucco crew. The decks are done before the stucco guys get started so plastic was used to to cover them to protect from water before installation.

The pictures don't really tell the whole story. On the days that I took these pictures it was below zero F. Yet the decks were being done and the contractor was ahead of schedule, not a common practice in the dead of winter with these kind of temps.

Duradek-Tiledek-Plazadek, have it your way

2011-01-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

The Duradek brand is synonymous with waterproofing walkable roofs and decks. If there was one thing that may have limited them it was the finished look of the product. True they have more than twenty-five colors and designs but still some like a different look. The challenge is what product can provide you with the same high level of confidence in waterproofing and allow you to have the desired look too? Duradek has listened and now has more offerings to provide you with both.

If you stay with the lowest cost product then you are working with the Duradek vinyl but you can still use your own design ideas to get the look you want. Two tone surfaces are becoming more and more popular these days and the solid colors compliment the patterns well. Use you imagination and design whatever you want we will be glad to work with you.

Perhaps you are one of those that really likes the look of a wood deck or maybe a paver system? Well then Plazadek is for you! You get the same confidence in waterproofing but we have reduced some of the cost by eliminating the slip resistant ridges and colors, its going to be covered up after all. Want to install a sleeper system but not sure how to do it without putting screws through the membrane? We can help.

If you want to most incredible outdoor area there is then Tiledek opens new doors. Installing tile outdoors is a great way to enhance the beauty of your home and you can do it with confidence knowing it will be waterproof for decades to come.

Does Tiledek really work?

2010-12-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-10-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-06-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-04-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-02-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-02-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

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.

Problems with Liquid Applied and “Roll-Ons”

2009-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here we have a beautiful home with a deck in front overlooking downtown Salt Lake City and the valley as well as a more private deck out the back. The home owner had been experiencing water leaks for several years and never found a good solution. It seemed every year or two they were spending more money on the next best thing that came along. I could hear the frustration in their voices as the described the events.

These decks were designed to be an addition to the usable space of the home, opening up the outdoors and providing a place to relax and enjoy. Rather they became a burden, a money trap and not even being used.

These pictures are from the last attempt at waterproofing the decks. Some type of liquid applied product was used and it looks to have some sand added to it for slip resistance. There are a couple of problems here that the home owner may have uncovered with some effort. A large portion of the decking is over living space (that’s why the leaking was costing so much) and according to building code the waterproofing needs to be 60mil thickness at a minimum. So the question that came to mind was “How do you measure the thickness of a liquid rolled on? When the liquid dry’s it becomes hard and since this is a wood surface it will have movement. Wood shrinks, expands and contracts, and is subject to pressure from the home settling. So when that happens what is the result on the applied product? If it has dried on the wood surface it will fail simply because it can not “move” with the wood.

Installation from a trained professional also reduces silly mistakes likes these.
Notice the brick, the installer simply “painted” the lower brick and decided that was waterproof. The same was done for the bottom of the railing around both decks. This is an actual hole between the brick and the door, you can see where the “waterproofing has peeled away.

There are plenty of products out there. Home owners need to be aware of the proper questions to ask and do some homework to be certain you will not end up with a situation like the one described above. You can see our T.I.P.S at www.dekmax,com or at a minimum you should request a copy of the ICC ES report for the product you are considering. You can look yourself at www.icc-es.org

Warranty’s are good and are a common question. Check the number of years they have been in business versus the number of warranty cycles they have been through. There is nothing wrong with asking about their history. How many recalls? Manufacturing defects? What is the quality assurance program?

A home owner once asked me if they should just trust their contractor? Yes you should and you should ask any question you want because they should be able to answer it clearly in terms that you understand. They may be doing the work for you but it is still your project, your home and your money. Invest it don’t just spend it.

Why Others Fail

2009-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

We are often asked when meeting with a customer "What about this stuff? Is it as good? " We are not experts on all the other products that are out there but I encourage you to follow these T.I.P.S. to avoid a mistake that could be very costly.

Homeowner Tips

Consider remodeling or improving your home an investment – and determine the value you are adding. Numerous products claim they can waterproof, but only a few meet the IBC requirements for a roof system that allows pedestrian traffic. Before buying, be sure to address these topics:

Training
· How were they trained?
· Look for documented, supplier-provided training + hands-on experience.
· Do they have local support for technical, detail, or planning concerns?
· Can they produce the written details for any portion of the work that you request?
· Avoid on-the-job experience – their experience shouldn't come at your cost.

Investigate
· What am I buying? Is the product being used for its intended purpose?
· Does it come with a company-backed warranty and what are the exclusions?
· What is the company history?
· When waterproofing over a living space, always investigate the risk of product failure.

Price
· Is the price broken down so I can see exactly what I am getting?
· When comparing prices, ensure that the products are comparable.
· The cost to maintain and repair should be included.
· What is the cost if there is a leak? Repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
· Be cautious – you may indeed get what you pay for.

Serviceability
How durable is the product – and what if I want to replace it or make a change?
Is it repaired easily?
What is the expected lifetime?
How long does it take to install and how soon can it be used?
For new construction, who can help you with your design in order to reduce costs?

Waterproofing Roofing Membrane for Exterior Bonded Tiles

2009-10-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the look of tile or slate on that outdoor deck. Unfortunately, the beauty is soon forgotten if water makes its way into your home from the deck, thorugh the tile. It is then clear that most of the attention was given to the appearance rather than proper waterproofing techniques, when the tile was first installed. The resulting repairs can be intrusive and expensive when the cost of replacing the tile is considered.

This is a common story. There seems to be a lack of understanding within the building community about the proper waterproofing of decks, balconies and roof decks that are overlaid with porcelain tile, slate or some of the other natural stone finishes.

A failed tile deck or balcony is a common occurrence. There are two main types of failures; problems with the tile overlay such as eruptions or cracking and problems with the structure such as leaks into the building and rot. In most cases, the source of the failure is the lack of understanding of the properties and the limitations of the materials being used:

1. Inadequate waterproofing: There are many 'waterproof products' yet they are being installed incorrectly. A knowledgeable contractor is more important that a good product. Poor waterproofing can have far more expensive consequences than just repairing the tile if it involves rot repairs from a water leak.
2. Waterproofing membrane which is soft allows too much deflection: Any acceptable material must be firm enough under all temperatures to support the tile overlay. Many decks are waterproofed with 'Modified Bitumen' roofing membranes that get soft in hot weather which may allow tile to crack. Any suitable product will be tested with a Robinson Floor tester to meet ASTM C-627
3. Tile is installed with no provision of expansion: There is a recommendation by the tile association of expansion joints every 8-10 feet in any direction. If the tile has no room to expand, tiles will crack or lift.
waterproofing membrane which allows too much deflections.

A properly installed waterproof tiled deck would look like this:

Outdoor living space adds value to your home!

2009-10-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

So many of us have decks, flat roofs, balconies and porches that are done like everyone else in the valley. For years a wood plank deck was the thing to do, mainly because it is the least expensive. Soon the excitement of the new deck turns into a annual maintenance and repair headache. The resulting costs and time can be frustrating and replacement is inevitable.

What's the next best thing? You can get the same general appearance of a wood deck by using composite materials. These are easy to come by from name brands or even the local Home Depot and Lowe's for the do it yourself-er. The problem is the same but you have bought some time: the wood supports and trusses are rotting. True the composite materials are waterproof and they will not rot. They will fade, can splinter, stain or discolor and water will leak through them just like the old deck. Again to by some time pressure treated wood can be used or required and the chemicals that are used will add a little time. While those chemicals are being washed into the ground over the years they to will begin to rot and need to be replaced.

Both of these and others may be the "popular" thing but what do they do for the resale value of your home? Do you look at the decks, flat roofs, balconies and patios that are in need of repair as investments for your home? Will the products you choose add value to your home?

Just for a minute think of these areas as outdoor living space, not much different than your living room or family room. Would like to have an area that can provide you with the opportunity to entertain and relax while taking advantage of our awesome Utah views? With the more than twenty Duradek colors and designs any outdoor area can be converted to a long lasting, low maintenance entertaining area. Unlike the previous decks this meets code as a roofing membrane so go ahead and take advantage of the space underneath. Storage? Now you have the space. Place for the hot tub so you don't get cold water dripping on you? Perfect. Get all the stuff out of the garage so you can use it for the car. Great idea. This is where your investment begins to pay off. Now the area underneath become usable space, completely dry and ready for you to take advantage of however you like. By using this process you have made excellent use of your time and money so have some friends and family over and entertain them in your new outdoor living area. While they are wowed with the changes you made you can relax knowing that your annual maintenance will be a with a hose washing of the deck. Don't worry about the snow and freeze thaw; rock salt, ice melt, shovel it, no problem.

Now you are thinking about the cost of something like this. It's OK we think about it too. The old fashion wood deck would be the least expensive and you can do it yourself. The composite materials are more expensive and again if you think your up to it you can do it yourself. The same area done with a membrane which offers you so much more has a material cost that would be less than the do it yourself composite choice! BUT, this is not a do it yourself project. Only professional company trained installers are used. You are no longer simply building a deck area you are investing in your home, most will agree this is not the time to try and cut the initial amount you spend. Doing it the right way the first time will provide you with well over a decade of use and you are saving the annual repair and maintenance cost of wood decks.

When was the last time you walked outside sat down and relaxed with no deck worries?

Adding Value to Your Roof!

2009-09-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

This home in Holladay, Utah has a flat roof in the rear with a fantastic view of the mountains. The home owner needed to repair a leak that was causing damages to the living space below. Rather than simply replace the old roofing system that had failed, they searched for a long term solution that would also allow them to turn this area into an outdoor living space. Duradek's membrane meets building code as a roofing material but is unique in that it also allows pedestrian traffic, perfect for opening up decks, patios, balconies and flat roofs to make them beautiful outdoor entertainment areas.

Tar leaves unattractive finish on fascia

What a mess! Removal of failed system

Wroght iron rail system with tar at base

Roof turned into usable space

Sanding to remove any imperfections to finished flooring

AC unit re-installed with properly waterproofed platform

Proper slope means good water management

Durarail replaces wrought iron

By using the Duradek and Durarail products this home owner has fixed the leaky roof problem and added significant value to the home by adding almost a thousand square feet of outdoor useable space.