Case History #166: Enclose Tile Balcony Leak Repairs

Balconies and decks surfaced with exterior tile are a luxurious finish for your outdoor living space - but if not installed with proper consideration for waterproofing details, they can be a costly and ongoing headache when water leaks through to living space below. Tiledek solves the leaking problems (and cures the headaches!).

PROJECT: Residential Enclosed Tile Balcony Leak Repairs - Houston, Texas

PROBLEM: This home has five decks...and all of them were leaking. The leaking caused significant structural damage to the home as water infiltrated the building envelope, weakened wood and became prime breeding ground for unhealthy mold.

Many waterproofing details were neglected and others were installed without practical considerations. For example, a scupper for water drainage was positioned 35 feet above and directly over the front door. Not a pleasant experience for the residents or guests on rainy days to say the least!

The surface of this tile balcony looks good, but there are
costly waterproofing issues beneath the surface.

DURADEK SOLUTION: The much needed waterproofing performance begins with a reliable product and ends with professional installation and attention to waterproofing details. Both were achieved by contacting trained an authorized Duradek installers at Home Defect Analysis & Solutions (now operating as Duradek Waterproofing and Renovation LLC (of Texas)).

The existing tiles were removed an the substrate was prepared with the recommended assembly using the Tiledek membrane as the method of waterproofing. Drainage was re-routed into an adjacent gutter to keep the main entrance to the house dry below; and the finish was upgraded to a travertine surface.

Now, waterproofed with Tiledek and proper water routing details,
this tile balcony is leak proof and protecting the home below.

JOB NOTES: Duradek's Ultra Tiledek was the perfect under-tile waterproofing solution; and the proven detail techniques mastered by Duradek installers at the perimeters, drains and door pans ensured the small balcony had no further leak issues. The project was a success and the remaining four decks were also replaced.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #166 for the complete case history with installer details and before and after pictures.

If you have a leaky tile deck and want to solve the problem once and for all, contact an authorized Duradek installer in your area and ask about waterproofing with the Tiledek membrane.

Case History #165: Roof Deck Leak Solution in Ontario

Two-phase moisture management that included a trough ceiling system couldn't keep the water from leaking through the roof deck to the living space below.

See how Duradek dealers Lakeview Deck & Rail solved the leaking problem AND provided the attractive deck surface in one single product solution.

PROJECT:

Residential Roof Deck Leak Solution - Simcoe, Ontario

PROBLEM:

This wood deck was situated over living space and had two methods of moisture management in place, yet it was still leaking in all of the critical detail areas.

The first level of protection was waterproofing through a traditional felt and tar on the roof under the deck boards. The secondary water management approach was utilizing a ceiling system that caught water and re-routed it to a trough. While his was intended as a 'back-up' system, it was clear that neither approach was working to protect the living area below from leaks.

DURADEK SOLUTION:

Duradek Dealer, Lakeview Deck and Rail knew what needed to be done to resolve the leak issues for good.

To start, they tore off all of the existing deck and failed waterproofing. They established a slope with new framing on one foot centres, and installed all post blockings.


Substrate preparation requires untreated plywood which
is an environmental advantage over chemically treated wood.

The new substrate was prepped by sheeting 3/4" select fir T&G plywood and filling all joints to make it perfectly smooth for the application of the Duradek Ultra Cork Macchiato vinyl. Lastly, the installation of an aluminum picket railing system gave the homeowners a beautiful, low-maintenance new deck.


Duradek Forest Floor Alder made and attractive and
reliable waterproofing solution.

JOB NOTES:

The homeowners on this project wanted a reliable solution, but at a reasonable price.

To do the job right would be a pricy undertaking, so the homeowners carefully considered their options. After a year of frequent questions to Duradek Dealer, Lakeview Deck and Rail, the homeowners decided to go ahead with Duradek.

After the project was completed, these customers provided unexpected bonus tips to the crew which showed how very happy they were with their new, leak-free Duradek deck and the professionalism of its installers.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #165 for the complete case history with installer details and before and after images.

If you have a decking project in your future and would like to know more about Duradek's reliable, low maintenance waterproofing solutions, browse through our website or contact a Duradek Installer in your area for a free consultation.

Case History #164: Roof Deck Repair in Houston

PROJECT:

Enclosed Roof Deck Repair - Houston, TX

PROBLEM:

In 2010, a young couple, both busy and successful professionals, purchased a $650,000 new townhome in an exclusive gated community from what appeared to be a reputable builder.

Within a couple of years, water began coming through the ceilings of both their Master Bedroom and Guest Bedrooms.

Repeated warranty calls did not solve the problem and finally the builder walked away, leaving them with no good solution. Numerous failed repair attempts were made by other contractors.

Several contractors ineffectively attempted repairing the leaks.

DURADEK SOLUTION:

The homeowners finally contacted Duradek Dealer Home Defect Analysis & Solutions in the summer of 2013. The company was able to determine that the existing decks, which consisted of a cement material applied directly over bare plywood, needed to be completely replaced.

As with many clients, these homeowners wanted a permanent solution with a solid warranty. It also had to be a product that was suitable for a home of that value and retain an appearance suitable to the upscale community. Duradek (Cork Macchiato) fit all of their needs and was used to replace both decks on the home.

Duradek was able to resolve the problem for good - no more leaks!

JOB NOTES:

The Duradek system of waterproofing is the most reliable system for roof decks, not just because of the superior quality of the vinyl membrane, but also because Duradek installers consider the water routing required for each project.

In this case, an enclosed roof deck required drains, overflow drains, adequate door clearance and perimeter details.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #164 for the complete case history with installer details and before and after images.

If you are experiencing issues with leaks from your flat roof deck, save yourself some trial-and-error time by going straight to a Duradek Installer in your area for a free consultation.

Case History #163: 2nd Level Deck Renovation in Georgia

This deck renovation was all about give and take. What it gave was double the usable deck space by creating a protected lower patio area below; and what it took away was yearly labor on maintenance.

PROJECT:

Residential 2nd Level Deck Renovation - Alpharetta, Georgia

PROBLEM:

These homeowners have a beautiful residence overlooking an Alpharetta, Georgia lake in an upscale neighborhood. They decided to build a swimming pool between the home and the lake. Plans for this project included upgrading a worn out drip-through deck.

Traditional wood drip-through decks require a lot
of regular maintenance.

They were tired of the continual maintenance issues with the old deck including painting & fixing broken boards and dealing with the constant water dripping to the lower concrete deck. The lower deck had not been used to its potential, but once the new pool was installed, that lower deck would become a much desired entertainment area near the pool.

In their search for a waterproof solution, they found the perfect product to enhance the upper deck and keep the lower deck dry - Duradek vinyl decking

DURADEK SOLUTION:

The homeowner called Duradek of Georgia to provide a solution for their project. After a careful and thorough review of the current deck, Duradek provided the homeowner with an in-depth proposal.

Since the deck was older, an update to the deck structure was needed. That included the removal of the wood railing, removal of the old deck boards and sloping the deck for water run-off.

Untreated plywood on a 2% slope is the ideal surface
preparation for Duradek deck vinyl.

The existing joists were used and 2" x 6" boards were attached to achieve the necessary slope. New T&G 3/4" plywood was installed and the Duradek Ultra Heritage Agate was applied for low maintenance waterproof protection. In addition, the homeowners wanted a new, maintenance free powder-coated steel railing system.

After the Duradek installation was finished, the lower deck ceiling was painted a light color to achieve a finished look including electrical work for new ceiling fans.

With Duradek Heritage Agate vinyl, this deck was
transformed into a low maintenance place of leisure.

JOB NOTES:

Demolition for this project began in January, right after an unusual snow fall in Georgia. This highlights one of the advantages of the Duradek system - Duradek can be installed in virtually any climate all year round on dry, untreated plywood.

With its single application it can be used as soon as it is installed a requires no special conditions for drying and re-coating.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #163 for the complete case history with installer details and before and after images.

If you have a decking project on the horizon and would like to know more about Duradek's reliable, low maintenance waterproofing solutions, browse through our website or contact a Duradek Installer in your area for a free consultation.

Case History #162: Leaking Roof Deck Renovation

Here's a brief look at a project that resolved the problem of ongoing leaks in a high-end home due to inadequate waterproofing on the roof deck...

PROJECT:

Leaky Roof Deck Renovation | Private Residence - Houston, Texas  

PROBLEM:

The rooftop deck on this 3-year old million dollar home had a hodgepodge of ugly patches over a failed cementitious coating. At only 3 years old, this was an incredible failure for an expensive property.

Water was continually leaking into the room below despite the repeated patching attempts which proved inadequate.

Patching is never a reliable solution on a poorly constructed roof deck.

The homeowner actually had to plan for house sitters to empty the buckets in the room below, just in case it rained while they were away on vacation! It was time to call for professional assistance, so the homeowners called authorized Duradek installers, Home Defect Analysis and Solutions.

DURADEK SOLUTION:

To start with, the unattractive original roof deck surface was not up to par for the prime entertaining space in a home of this quality.

Authorized Duradek installers at Home Defect Analysis and Solutions know roof deck waterproofing and suggested Duradek's Tiledek as the waterproofing solution with a Versailles patterned travertine surface on top.

The results are not only watertight, but the finished deck was spectacular in appearance...perfect for entertaining. The homeowners were so pleased, they ultimately had Home Defect Analysis and Solutions change out three other decks and a patio in the same house.



The new tiles are beautiful, but more importantly, underneath
them is a reliable, roof-grade waterproofing membrane.

JOB NOTES:

The original failed deck was doomed from the beginning. A metal lath was placed on bare wood decking and stapled at inch intervals. A cement based top coat was troweled directly onto the plywood surface at less than 1/4 inch thick.

Since the cement based top coat was applied directly to the plywood, it caused the wood to crack, and buckle at the joints. Once it started to leak, it was a total failure.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #162 for the complete case history with installer details and before and after images.

If you have a decking project on the horizon and would like to know more about Duradek's reliable, low maintenance waterproofing solutions, browse through our website or contact a Duradek Installer in your area for a free consultation.

Case History #161: Elevated Tile Deck on New Estate Home

PROJECT

Providence Plantation Tile Deck -  Milton, GA

PROBLEM

This beautiful 6,000 sq. ft. estate home in prestigious "Providence Plantation" was being built by Highland Communities homes in a North Georgia neighborhood. The owner of Highland Communities had experienced past tile deck failures several years ago before finding Tiledek as a solution to prevent water infiltration.

He found that when building large, expensive homes, owners want the look and feel of tile as an exterior deck surface. Early in 2012, he called Duradek of Georgia to install his first Tiledek project on another exclusive home in Alpharetta, GA. Once he saw the results, he has used Tiledek exclusively on all of his exterior tile deck installations.  He said, "No more inferior installations, I am sold on Tiledek".



Successful waterproofing begins with a
properly prepared substrate.

Highland Communities has a mission to use only the finest materials and utilize proven and highly skilled craftsman, so true to their word, they called on Duradek of Georgia to perform this install.

DURADEK SOLUTION

As Duradek's relationship with Highland Communities has developed, we know what to expect from each other. Highland Communities knows how to build a deck to our specifications and how the deck assembly is to be installed using 3/4 inch T&G plywood and 1/2 inch Durock as the subsurface before we install Tiledek.


Tiles being laid on the newly installed Tiledek membrane.


Tildek's superior waterproofing performance when installed with the techniques and details that Duradek installers are specifically educated for provides a reliable, water-tight seal. The triple heat-welded seams and proper water deflection and drainage ensures the water is routed away from the building. New tiles were laid and even if some cracking was ever to occur on those surface tiles, the Tiledek membrane will prevent water from penetrating through to the structure of the deck and compromising the building envelope.


These beautiful new tiles look fantastic, but even if age causes
some cracking in the grout or tiles, the Tiledek membrane is
still doing its job of protecting the structure from water damage.

JOB NOTES

Duradek professional installers know that every stage of an exterior tile assembly must be considered together to ensure a successful project overall.

Duradek of Georgia advised the tile setters to use a waterproof mastik and waterproof grout for best long-term results. They also advised the builders of Highland Communities to educate the homeowners to clean their deck annually and re-seal the grout for the longest life for their deck.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #161 for the complete case history with installer details and before and after images.

Case History #160: Lakeside Cabin Railing Replacement

PROJECT

Cabin Deck Renovation Railing Replacement, Hatheume Lake, BC.

PROBLEM

Summer was in full swing but with so little time to properly enjoy it, the last thing the owners of this cabin wanted to do was spend time sanding, painting and sealing under the heat of the summer sun.

But as natural aging wore down the protection on this wood railing system, the unsightly chipped and peeling paint was not the big concern. The painful splinters in fingers from the railing was not even the biggest concern.

What mattered most was safety and as the elements aged the wood railing more, its vulnerability increased and its stability decreased.


Wood railings need a lot of maintenance to stay protected
and structurally secure.

DURADEK SOLUTION

The safety of the deck was the most important issue, but with such a beautiful view, the owners wanted a deck that would make the most of their surroundings.

Durarail Panorama Post was the perfect solution to compliment their deck. This topless glass system allowed the cabin owners to maximize the view from the deck with a system that provides the important function of a guard rail without pickets or even a top rail.


Durarail Panorama Post Topless Glass Railing System Fascia Mounted.

Plus, unlike pickets, it has the desirable feature of a wind blocker for the heavy breeze that can come off of the lake. Around the barbecue area where extra wind protection was needed, it was provided by using higher glass inserts.


Extra wind blocking can be achieved where needed with higher glass inserts

JOB NOTES

In addition to the beautiful appearance the Panorama Post Topless Glass Railing System brings to this deck, its low maintenance waterproof durability was a real asset.

The powder coated aluminum posts stand up to the elements better than any other railing material available and requires no maintenance.

Additionally, the fascia mounted system allowed the railing to be installed without compromising the waterproof integrity of their recently installed vinyl deck membrane.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #160 for the complete case history with installer details and before and images.


Wow! What a transformation...now they can really enjoy their lake view!