Builders Resource Center

For a successful Duradek installation, planning starts well before the membrane is applied. The following considerations are critical to ensuring long-term waterproofing performance. Our Builders Resource Center provides everything you need to specify, design, and prepare your job site efficiently.

With over 30 years of trust from industry leaders like Toll Brothers, Pulte Homes, Ryan Homes, Stanley Martin Homes, DR Horton Homes, Khov Homes, and Richmond Homes, Duradek delivers proven waterproofing solutions for decks, balconies, and flat roof decks. Our commitment to supporting the builder community ensures projects are done right the first time, protecting your work and your reputation. Explore the essential pre-installation considerations and best practices to integrate Duradek seamlessly into your next build.

Important Considerations Before Installation

A successful Duradek installation depends on proper preparation and adherence to best practices. Before installation, consider these key factors:

Substrate Preparation: A properly prepared subsurface is essential for a successful installation. See Techtalk 126 US | CAN for recommendations.

Proper Slope: A minimum 2% slope is recommended for the deck substrate to eliminate ponding water.

Penetrations: Any deck penetrations, such as rail attachments, must be sealed to prevent moisture from compromising the waterproofing system.

Material Compatibility: To prevent chemical reactions and corrosion, avoid direct contact between Duradek and incompatible materials.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a high-quality installation that stands up to the elements and provides long-term waterproof protection. Also see our Best Practice Builders Guide above for more information.

Duradek Site Supervisor Training

The Duradek Site Supervisor Training is designed to give builders and foremen the knowledge they need to confidently oversee projects involving Duradek. Covering essential requirements and installation methods, this course ensures you understand what goes into a successful vinyl membrane installation.

Whether you’re overseeing projects or managing crews, this training ensures you understand the ins and outs of vinyl membrane installation, maintain quality standards, and keep every project involving Duradek on track.

Take the Course

Technical Support and Builder Resources

Testing and Approvals

Duradek’s vinyl decking products have undergone rigorous testing to meet and exceed industry standards for walkable PVC membranes.
Key approvals include:

Approvals in the USA: ICC-ES Evaluation Report, FBC (Florida Building Code) Approvals, ASTM 4434 Type 2 Certifications.
Approvals in Canada: CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) Type 3 Certification, CGSB (Canadian General Standards Board) 37.3-94 Certification.
Third-Party Testing: Independent evaluations ensure compliance with North American building codes, verifying the safety and reliability of Duradek products.

See Full List of Testing and Approvals

Duradek meets all relevant building code approvals and testing standards. Do the alternatives? Check the list and compare!

Other technical resources:

Installation Sequencing and Details

Vinyl deck installation details developed through Duradek’s 50+ years of waterproofing experience come with unsurpassed installation techniques for moisture management. The integration of the membrane into the building envelope brings complete waterproof assurance. Learn more about Installation Sequencing here.

#1 | Heat Welded Seams

Hot air welding equipment is used to fuse the overlapped sheets together creating a watertight seam.
#2 | Water Diverter

Diverter, placed below the membrane, can be used to deflect water away critical details.
#3 | Deck Meets Wall

Flashing membrane is bonded vertically up the wall sheathing and outward from the deck/wall intersection allowing for proper installation sequencing of the finished wall system.
#4 | Door Detail

Rough opening sill and jamb are waterproofed before the door is installed.
#5 | Folded inside Corner

“Inside corner” detail created by folding and fusing the membrane in place without use of relief cuts.
#6 | Welded Corner Detail

Watertight corner patches are installed at “outside” corner details.
#7 | Replacement Flashing

Removable trim boards allow for easy repair or replacement on membranes.
#8 | Thru Wall Flashing

Thru wall flashing are required at brick veneered walls.
#9 | Fascia Mount Railing

Fascia mounted railings systems allow for attachment of the railing without penetrating the Duradek membrane.
#10 | Edge Detail

Edge detail created by folding and fusing the membrane in place without use of relief cuts.

Good, Better and Best Deck Waterproofing Details

There are Good, Better, and Best methods of achieving the desired result for your project. The methods your contractor chooses can be influenced by building code requirements, your budget restrictions, or your insistence (it is your project, after all). Your professional Duradek contractor will always recommend the best methods to ensure reliable waterproof protection so you can be confident that you receive the best results for your deck. Learn more about reliable waterproofing details here.

Single Source Warranty

With Duradek + Durarail, you gain the benefit of a Single Source for Warranty Protection: Coverage for the entire outdoor living space from one, rather than multiple, warranty sources.

This also eliminates the possibility of a different railing contractor compromising the waterproofing integrity of your Duradek vinyl deck or having multiple contractors blaming each other should there be a failure.

Learn More

Design Resources

From residential and commercial projects, to large-scale developments, these real-world examples highlight the versatility, durability, and performance of Duradek vinyl decking. Browse through these visual resources for inspiration, installation insights, and alternative ideas on how Duradek can enhance your next project.

FAQs

Have questions? Duradek has answers.

What is the minimum slope required for a Duradek installation?

To ensure proper drainage and prevent water pooling, Duradek requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot (2%) on the deck surface.

Can Duradek be installed over existing decking?

Duradek can be installed over many existing substrates, such as plywood or concrete, as long as the surface is clean, smooth, and in good condition. However, the existing deck must be properly prepared to meet Duradek’s installation requirements.

How do I handle deck penetrations (posts, drains, etc.) when installing Duradek?

All deck penetrations, such as posts, drains, or railing attachments, must be sealed properly using compatible sealants or flashing to ensure the waterproofing system remains intact and prevents moisture intrusion.

What is the best method for attaching Duradek to the deck substrate?

Duradek is installed using a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners, and seam treatments to ensure a secure and long-lasting bond.

Are there any restrictions on the materials that can be used underneath Duradek?

Duradek should not come into direct contact with certain materials such as bitumen-based products, treated wood, or any material that may cause degradation or incompatibility with the vinyl. A protective barrier, like aluminum foil tape or thin-gauge metal, should be used to separate incompatible materials.

How does Duradek perform in high-wind areas?

Duradek has been tested for wind uplift resistance to meet or exceed industry standards, including ASCE 7-22 for roof cover adhesion. Duradek is capable of withstanding wind pressures equivalent to wind speeds of over 180 mph, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to strong winds.

Additional Support

If you need assistance with your Duradek projects, we’re here to help.
Contact us to find a dealer, connect with our sales team, or get expert advice from technical support.

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Builders Resource Center