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Choosing the ‘What’ and the ‘Who’ of Your Outdoor Living Space
When summer is upon us, there is always a lot of discussion on deck makeovers and decking trends. Previously, ABC2 News’s Charlie Crowson featured “Look Before You Leap When Choosing Between a Deck or a Patio” (see video here). With so many designs and product options, giving consideration to terrain, weather and what you will be using your outdoor living space for will help you to choose what type of deck or patio is right for you.
Angie Hicks of Angie’s List says, “You also need to consider what the lifelong maintenance is as well. For instance, a wood deck is less expensive than a composite deck to install initially but requires more maintenance.”
This consideration is where Duradek really stands out from other decking options. Duradek is an ideal low-maintenance product. After its single-ply installation, Duradek can be used immediately and never needs any ongoing maintenance. A simple seasonal cleaning is all you need to do to keep your Duradek vinyl deck looking great.
While the ABC2 news report discusses the popular trends of larger size decks and incorporating multiple levels for the distinction of separate areas, one of the most important points mentioned is that deck building is not a DIY project.
Ironically, a Duradek installation video demonstration was recently included on the DIY Factory website; however, Duradek is not a do-it-yourself product. Deck building and the waterproofing aspect in particular are very much specialty skills and it is well worth your investment to hire a pro. In fact, this is why Duradek is only available through a network of authorized installers who have been trained in the intricate details of deck waterproofing.
And when it comes to hiring contractors, it is always a good idea to do your research. Angie’s List advice says it is critical to hire licensed contractors and never sign a contract until you read the small print. You definitely want to be sure you know exactly what you are getting.
For example, when you choose Duradek vinyl for your deck because of its 10-year warranty (increased to a 15-year warranty in June 2019) and nearly 50 years of successful deck waterproofing all across North America….make sure it is really Duradek that your contractor is providing. As the pioneer in PVC waterproofing, the “Duradek” brand is often synonymous with vinyl membranes the same way “Kleenex” is often used as the generic term for disposable tissues. If you are going to choose a vinyl deck, it is important to remember to choose a vinyl that you know has reliably performed through several warranty cycles.
To help you navigate your way through your selection process, we’ve put together some helpful checklists on key considerations when it comes time to build or renovate your deck or patio.