Deck Love…Starting the Season Safe

It is that time of year again when we are excitedly preparing our favorite outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

Having installed over a million square feet of vinyl decking, Duradek wants to be sure that your deck is still the best it can be. While the obvious task of cleaning any organic debris, dirt and soil from the deck or patio surface is usually the first step for many homeowners, be sure to include the critical step of inspecting the waterproofing details on and around your deck such as the caulking around posts and drains.

May is Deck Safety Month ®  

The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is the decking industry’s most visible association, and they have a very strong consumer focus. Deck safety is a critical issue to NADRA, and the organization has a mandate of increasing public awareness of the necessity of regular inspections and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks. This initiative prompted NADRA to declare May as Deck Safety Month ® in 2006.

NADRA estimates that there are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old, which means they were installed prior to today’s building codes. This makes deck safety a critical issue that must be addressed and NADRA helps to make it easy by providing a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders. This is a fantastic free tool for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference when getting estimates or discussing project options.

Duradek takes deck safety very serious too. Whether you are located in Canada or the United States, there are building requirements to consider in constructing your deck surface and preparing the substrate. Right from the initial construction of the deck to the condition of the substrate, the installation of the vinyl waterproof membrane and the installation of the railings, each stage requires its own detailed expertise and is a major factor for Duradek recommending that you do not do the job yourself.

If you are considering renovating your balcony or deck, one of our Duradek trained waterproofing specialists would be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your decking project.