Perhaps you’ve had your wood deck for years. The long summer hours spent entertaining in your favorite space leaving you with fond memories of the way your deck looked in those early times. But how long has it been since you really looked at it?

The sad truth of wooden decks is that a wood deck will age.  It will take on a weathered appearance, and unless you are constantly sanding and repainting it, your deck can become a little bit of an eyesore after a couple of years. There’s nothing you can do about it.  It’s the nature of the product.

We’ve known about this for quite some time, and have worked to help homeowners protect their decks with a durable vinyl decking product that doesn’t wear out, and keeps its look into the long term.

If you’re on this site, you’re probably a little curious about how vinyl decking will benefit you. Many of our customers immediately see the practical benefits to having a professionally installed vinyl waterproofing material on their deck. Some however, remain concerned about the way it will look on their home.

It’s true that the practical quality of our product has always been our biggest concern. Nobody wants an ugly deck however.  Over the years, our team has worked on some absolutely beautiful decks. We have also made it easier for designers to work with vinyl by growing our selection of colors and patterns now to 28 different designs in varying sizes.

With the Durarail deck railing system, our professional installers can maintain the integrity of your deck, while accenting it’s beauty.  We’re really proud of the look we’ve been able to produce with Duradek and Durarail together.

If you’re considering a new deck, or refinishing an old one, why not give one of our professional installers a call.  Ask them how you can protect your deck from the elements, while maintaining a great look. With an international network of trained and accredited Duradek Applicators, there’s probably one in your neighbourhood.

When it comes time to start a new building project or the passing of time leads to the inevitable conclusion to begin a remodel, many decisions come in to play. One of the biggest decisions in both the design and financial aspect of your project comes down to the deck. Nothing is more timeless and beautiful looking as a finely crafted hardwood deck or balcony but also few things can be more expensive.

Whether it be on a rooftop of an apartment building in the trendy downtown area of the city or part of the balcony of a cozy cabin on the lake, the deck area tends to become the hub of social activities especially in the Spring and Summer months. Of course, these areas also have to endure exposure to the rougher and wetter elements of Fall and Winter, along with other risks from being outdoors all year round and general wear and tear. Not only that but the hit taken to the budget of your project can be a very difficult hurdle to overcome. Luckily there is an affordable solution to all these set backs and that is vinyl decking.

Vinyl decking shares many similarities to hardwood, being able to withstand the constantly changing elements and temperatures brought upon by the seasons and is quite durable. It has the added benefit of holding up better in damper areas of the world without the risk of mold and the setting in of dry rot.

Not only do you have to worry about Mother Nature but also the risk of what else is living outdoors with your deck. In wooded areas it is all but inevitable that you will come across ants and termites. These infestations cause billions in wood damage in North America every year.

If left unchecked both of these situations can cause safety risks for family, friends and yourself. Leaving you not only the financial burden of building your deck but also with costly maintenance and upkeep. The use of vinyl decking eliminates these problems and is more affordable at the start. Leaving you with a sound mind and a heavier wallet.

These are only a few of the many benefits of choosing vinyl decking over hardwood, making this decision a simple one. When you find yourself looking in to vinyl decking be sure to check out Duradek, with over 35 years within the industry they pioneered the use of vinyl membranes and provide products beyond decking for many of your project needs.

With a trained Duradek installer and easy maintenance you’ll have less to worry about when bringing your building project to life.

Duradek’s vinyl decking materials have been protecting homes across the continent for over 30 years from moisture related problems. Mold (or “mould” depending which side of the 49th parallel you live) and mildew buildup has always been an issue for homeowners, especially in coastal climates. Whether the problem is new or old to you though, it can help to know what mildew actually is, where it comes from, and what you can do to control it.

What is mildew?

Speaking as plainly as possible, mildew is a very basic form of fungal plant life. It reproduces by sending small spores into the air. These spores will land on a surface, and if the conditions are right, they will grow into a new colony of mold. Visibly, mildew appears as a flat, white or grey discoloration on whatever surface it takes hold. Other forms of mold may be slimy, or fuzzy, with a great variation of color.

What is dangerous about mold and mildew?

At the very least, mildew is an ugly eyesore. It can really ruin the look of a home by leaving a stain, or damaging the decking materials your deck is made from permanently. At its worst, it is a very serious health risk when left unchecked. People living in areas with mold and mildew problems can develop health problems like allergies, respiratory issues, and even toxic buildup affecting the nervous system. The longer it goes unchecked, the harder it is to get rid of. This makes it incredibly important to protect your home from such a threat.

How to control mold and mildew?

Mold and mildew thrive on three things. The first is moisture. Damp areas without much airflow are the perfect breeding grounds. The second is temperature. Though it does not require a specific temperature to breed, mold and mildew will spread much faster under a steady temperature range. This means that mild climates without much fluctuation will need to stay on guard. Lastly, mold and mildew require the right kind of food. Wood decking materials are rich in cellulose. They make a great food source for fungal plant life. The opposite is true of vinyl decking, ceramic tile, or metal railings, so if you’re just in the planning stages of building, it can be good to keep these things in mind.

How vinyl decking materials affects mildew?

As a waterproof moisture barrier, Duradek’s vinyl membrane protects the structure of your deck from mold and mildew growth in any climate, during any season. With a trained and accredited Duradek installer working with you, your deck can remain relatively maintenance free, while other homeowners must meticulously inspect their decks for any uninvited fungi.

Happy spring season everybody!

All decks will need a little TLC once in a while. Be honest with yourself now. How excited are you to use that barbecue again? How ready are you to sit by the pool, and soak up some sun? Winter is over, and while the weather doesn’t always agree, we can hear the great outdoors calling us. If you have a professionally installed Duradek, you’re probably feeling pretty smart right now.

The winter can be tough for decks or outdoor living areas. Snow, or excess rain will wreak havoc on wood. Homeowners must inspect their decks carefully to insure that rot, or mildew buildup has not gotten out of hand. Many will find areas in need of repair or replacement without the proper waterproofing. Even without these problems, many decks must be repainted or prepped to withstand water damages for another year.

Vinyl decking is not maintenance free, but it certainly makes life much easier. That list of spring chores is big enough as it is. Here’s a quick checklist to get your deck ready for the sunny weather.

- Give your deck a quick inspection. Vinyl decking is the best waterproofing material available, highly resistant to wear and tear, but accidents do happen. It’s best to ensure that no damages have weakened the integrity of your deck. Catching a tear early can save a lot of hassle years down the road.

- Get rid of any debris (dirt, leaves, etc). Allowing natural debris to sit on our decks for too long will encourage mildew buildup. Sweep up, or use the hose to rinse it away. If you do notice some mildew, use 1 tablespoon of ammonia in 1 quart of water. Wash, rinse, and let the deck dry. Follow up with some mild soap, and water. Use a soft bristle brush on the affected area, rinse and dry again.

- Plan ahead. If you’re using a charcoal barbecue, or outdoor fire-pit, make sure to keep it on a fire resistant pad made for decks. Use coasters for any heavy, or sharp items (ie: potted plants, or metal sculpture). Protect the integrity of your waterproof vinyl decking, and it will protect you for many years.

That’s it! Vinyl decking has such easy maintenance, you can make use of whatever good weather we get. No waiting for the first few sunny days to let paint dry. No trips to the hardware store to replace rotten wood. Just get out there and enjoy the outdoors!

Though the last few years have been tough on the construction industry, we are beginning to see some rays of hope on the horizon. The National Association of Homebuilders has published the Improving Markets Index (IMI) for January, listing an improvement in house prices and related activities in 76 different markets. That’s a 56% jump from the December total of 41! Additionally, US census data has shown a consistent increase in construction spending over the last 5 months.

Not everyone feels optimistic about the days ahead. Who can blame them? Many are still troubled by the effects of the economic storm they’ve been through. For some, this economic upswing might be too little too late. So what about the people at DuraDek?

For 38 years now, DuraDek has been installed by professionals as a weatherproofing solution on backyard decks, patios, and roofs across North America. You could say we know a thing or two about weathering storms. Our quality vinyl membrane has made its name withstanding the climate on deck after deck. Where so many companies have struggled to survive in this economy though, DuraDek has thrived. How?

A good deck needs good people. Our international network of loyal distributors, and certified professional applicators have shown great pride in their work. Ingenuity has been another great factor in our success. DuraDek has expanded its lineup with new innovative products like:

- DuraRail
Our maintenance free, powder coated aluminum deck railing system.

- TileDek
The under-tile deck waterproofing PVC membrane.

- PlazaDek
Greatly simplifying the installation of duckboards and pavers.

With quality, ingenuity, and the right people, we are not only confident, but excited about our future. If this is the look of a company in an economic recession, just imagine the sunny days ahead!

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