Tuesday, September 13, 2011

MBL - From oh so bad to WOW!

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

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.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Great Western Roofing- Twice as nice!

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.







Sunday, August 28, 2011

MBL makes it look so good

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

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



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.









Wednesday, August 24, 2011





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.