Case History #159: Roof Deck Rescue in Atlanta, GA

PROJECT

Roof Deck Rescue - Leaky Roof Deck near Atlanta, GA.

When a deck is also a roof, reliable waterproofing is critical.

PROBLEM

The main advantage of roof decks is that you get double the livable space. Outdoor living space above and additional dry living space below...but without proper waterproofing all that real estate is at a disadvantage. This tile deck was leaking into the lower level of the home but the homeowner was not sure what to do to solve the problem. They had tried a variety of products to stop the leaking including sealers, caulk and finely tarps. It was when the homeowner found an area that was soft and spongy that he realized he needed a professional, so he called Duradek of Georgia.

It was evident that the leaking had caused damage to the subfloor and would potentially develop into rotting wood.


Tile is not waterproof and tile decks will always eventually
leak if the waterproofing has not been addressed.

After a detailed inspection of the existing deck, it was clear the tile was originally installed incorrectly with little or no underlayment for waterproofing. In addition, cracked grout lines allowed water to penetrate to the plywood surface finding its way to the seams and the underside of the deck.



Once water has made its way below the tiles,
the substrate is vulnerable to rot.

DURADEK SOLUTION

Duradek of Georgia knew exactly how to fix the problem. They gave the homeowners a full presentation of the Duradek / Tiledek options for them to consider. Still unsure which option was best for them and their home, they went to see an existing Duradek installation in a nearby suburb.

Once they saw the simplicity of Duradek vinyl membrane waterproofing the choice was easy. With the owners' experience with their current tile deck, they chose to go with the Duradek solution. They were impressed with the wide selection of colors and like the idea of a minimal maintenance deck that requires no ongoing maintenance...only occasional cleaning.

After removing the old deck materials and laying fresh untreated plywood, Duradek Ultra Cork Macchiato was installed. The homeowners are very happy with the way the new deck looks and the advantage of virtually no maintenance.



Duradek Ultra Cork Macchiato waterproof membrane now
allows this deck to function as the roof that it is.

JOB NOTES

Atlanta, Georgia had experienced an exceptionally cold winter that year with three days below freezing. It is that freeze / thaw cycle that can stress exterior tiles and cause cracking.

When the deck was demoed, it was revealed that the substructure was completely rotted out. New wood joists and 3/4" plywood were installed and sloped for better water management. Since  the entire deck was surrounded by a parapet, PVC coated metal was used to make custom scuppers for drainage.



Details like water routing, perimeter flashing, and door threshold
clearance are all important waterproofing considerations.



With roof grade waterproofing from Duradek,
the room below is now protected from further damage.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #159  for the complete case history with installer details and before and images.

If you'd like to talk to a waterproofing professional about your deck, contact a Duradek Installer in your area for a free estimate.

Duradek Case History #158 - Urban Luxury With Roof Decks in Salt Lake City, UT

PROBLEM

These luxury downtown loft style condominiums' plans included roof decks but the project got off to a rocky start when it was put on hold for about 3 years due to financial issues after Phase 1.

The 1st Phase roof decks had been completed with a bad plan and poor installation of an underlayment below composite boards. They were already showing signs of waterproofing failure before the next Phase even started.

The first phase roof deck had disappointing results
from a poor membrane and composite boards.

With two Phases left to complete, the new developer had to be confident in the product and the installation techniques for these high-profile roof decks.

DURADEK SOLUTION

The project developer, Clearwater Homes, contacted Duradek of Utah who was able to provide the ideal solution for these new penthouse roof decks - Duradek Ultra Supreme Granite Chip.

Installed by trained and authorized professionals that are skilled in the specific details that roof deck waterproofing requires, Duradek provides long lasting waterproofing peace of mind with a 10-year waterproofing warranty.

The new condo owners get a beautiful. low maintenance roof deck that they can enjoy for years without the need for ongoing maintenance...and the project developer has some fast-selling, worry-free roof deck units.  



Duradek's single ply application serves as both a
roofing membrane and walking surface in one.

JOB NOTES

Roof Decks are a fantastic value added feature that developers can use to increase profit and demand.

The Broadway Park Loft towers' units that had roof decks sold out rapidly and the developer now has a long waiting list for the next project. Furthermore, the inclusion of roof decks on the top floor units provided additional profit of $133 per sq. ft. on a 300 sq. ft. roof deck!

On an architectural tour conducted by the Construction Specifications Institute - Salt Lake City Chapter, one architect exclaimed, "I expected to see a roof. What I saw was a floor."

Duradek provides attractive outdoor flooring while also
providing roof grade waterproofing.

Related Downloads

You can download this Case History #158 (1.12 MB pdf)
Or for a more detailed article on the project, "Changing the Landscape in Salt Lake City One Roof Deck at a Time - Increasing the Value and Profitability of Urban Residential Real Estate." (1.43 MB pdf).

"The value of having a roof top deck is
returned  in spades for the home owner."

If you'd like to know more about the advantages Duradek can bring to your roof deck project, contact a Duradek installer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Duradek Case History #157: 2nd Level Deck Renovation

PROBLEM

This home owner had a beautiful tile deck on their original construction, but it was not built with proper waterproofing materials or any kind of anti-fracture membrane. Water continued to leak through the cracked grout to the subsurface, and eventually to the underside damaging the deck structure's original substrate and foundation.

This leaky tile deck did not have proper waterproofing details.

After years of unsuccessfully trying to seal the deck using liquid sealants, the leaking continued to do further damage. Looking for a permanent solution to this problem, the home owner found Duradek's website.

DURADEK SOLUTION

The home owner called Duradek of Georgia to look at the deck to determine what could be done to solve the problem. After seeing many tiled decks fail in the Atlanta area, they knew exactly how to fix the problem.

It's a big job to repair water damage
under a leaky tile deck.

After investigating the tile deck and the underside damage, the customer was given 2 options for roof grade waterproofing.

First, they would need to remove the tile and subfloor, replace it with 3/4 inch T&G plywood and slope the deck for water drainage. Then they could either install
a.) Duradek Vinyl Membrane; or
b.) Tiledek Membrane and re-surface with tiles.

JOB NOTES
 
When the customer was undecided as to whether they should waterproof with Tiledek and re-surface with exterior tiles or simply use the Duradek walkable membrane, a nearby Duradek customer was happy to show off their deck so this home owner could have a look at Duradek.

Duradek Forest Floor Alder made a beautiful and
perfectly waterproofed deck surface.

After seeing the simplicity and affordability of the attractive, low maintenance Duradek membrane, they decided to go with Duradek Forest Floor Alder vinyl.

If you'd like to see what a professional Duradek installer can do for your deck renovation, contact a dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Download the pdf ( <1 MB) of this case history #157.

Duradek Case History #156: Roof Deck Renovation

Project: Roof Deck Renovation, Washington, DC

PROBLEM

This disaster roof deck had ongoing leaking issues from day one. The trial and error method of waterproofing with various unsuccessful products was frustrating and expensive.

Asphaltic tar was an inadequate waterproofing method.

When last addressed, the leaky concrete deck was coated with an asphaltic tar (pitch) and covered with green outdoor carpeting. The deck was not level, had ponding water issues and was quite the eye-sore.

The unattractive outdoor carpet does nothing for aesthetics or protection.

 

The owners of the home wanted an attractive surface that would once-and-for-all provide reliable waterproofing they could depend on.

DURADEK SOLUTION

Duradek was selected for this deck renovation because of its roof grade waterproof protection and its ability to be installed on wood or concrete substrates. Additionally, it could provide the attractive surface the home owners were looking for and would require no ongoing maintenance.

The substrate was prepared with adequate slope.

 

A 1/2 inch cement board was installed over a mortar base to provide the prepared substrate for the Duradek membrane. This allowed the deck to be leveled and sloped to the proper grade to the existing through wall drains and ensure the building envelope was protected.

Duradek vinyl now provides a completely waterproofed roof deck.

 

JOB NOTES

Decks over structures are great! They add valuable square footage, which is especially valuable in congested city living.
This 50 year old structure had leaked from the time it was built. The roof deck was replaced with different material over the years 4-5 times. Nothing worked...until Duradek.

Now the deck can be enjoyed stress-free!

 

If you'd like to see what a professional Duradek installer can do for your deck renovation, contact a dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Download the pdf (2 MB) of this Case History #156.

Duradek Case History #155: Cabin Deck Renovation

Project: Cabin Deck Renovation, Hatheume Lake, BC

Date: August 2013

PROBLEM
With cabins or other vacation properties, the priorities of what you need from a deck can be amplified and this cabin's existing high-maintenance, drip-through deck certainly highlighted a problem.

The owners of this cabin wanted a deck they could enjoy, but they really needed a dry place where they could store their outdoor items. There was no room on the small, lakeside property for a shed; but things like the wheel barrel, shovels, blower, snow mobile, bikes, canoe and patio furniture needed a protected place they could be stored when not in use.



This drip-through deck is a high-maintenance problem.

DURADEK SOLUTION
While the original deck boards were much overdue for maintenance, the owners decided to renovate their deck before the supporting joists were water damaged and required replacing. Since the framework was still in good shape, the Duradek installer was able to lay the fresh 3/4 inch untreated plywood over the existing supporting structure to provide the surface for installing Duradek Cork Espresso vinyl membrane.



This deck has been transformed to create a gorgeous,
low maintenance leisure space.

The Duradek vinyl on the deck now provides an easy to clean surface, but more importantly, brings roof grade waterproof protection for the area below. The cabin now has an attractive deck and plenty of dry storage below!



Dry outdoor storage space created with Duradek waterproof vinyl.

JOB NOTES
Often, high maintenance decks on vacation properties are neglected because your valuable vacation time is better spent on leisure, not on the high maintenance, time consuming task of sanding, staining and sealing. If waterproofing is not addressed regularly and water damage weakens the structure, you can loose a whole season and a lot of money if a complete rebuild is required.

View or download the pdf of this case history with images and installer details.

The installer for this project was Dek-cetera. www.duradekbydek-cetera.com If you have a deck project you'd like to discuss, talk to a Duradek dealer in your area for a free consultation.

Duradek Case History #154: Job-Site Repair

Project: Residential Deck Job Site Repair

Date: November 2013

PROBLEM

When the construction of a new roof deck was finished, the local Duradek dealer was called on to provide the waterproofing.

After the project was complete with all of the professional waterproofing details provided with a Duradek installation, the vinyl installer left the job site happy.

The next day when work continued on the job site and the windows were being installed, the contractor dropped the 2x8x8 inch frame which landed on its sharp corner, tearing the membrane and making a 1/8” dent in the plywood—compromising the waterproofing and leaving a visual flaw.

Vinyl membranes will stop the water, but carelessness
with sharp edges dropped on it can compromise it.

DURADEK SOLUTION

Fortunately, the home owner called the Duradek installer right away as she was quite panicked about the waterproofing integrity since the deck was over living space. The very next day, the Duradek installer was there to solve the problem.

He cut a small piece of Duradek vinyl membrane to fill the dented area, cut open the torn area to insert the patch piece and heat-welded the affected area.

With a lower heat on the hot-welding gun, he simply melted the two layers of vinyl membrane together and used a roller to press it all together.

The result, a barely noticeable visual difference and an uncompromised waterproof membrane!

Immediate attention to repairs will keep the membrane
water-tight and are barely noticeable.

JOB NOTES

The key to the success of this repair is that the owners called the Duradek installer right away, so there was no shrinking or curling of the torn vinyl.

The slight imperfection left from the repaired damage was very minimal and hardly noticeable as compared to other waterproofing products like a liquid or fibreglass coating which would have to mixed on-site and very difficult to match to the original tone being repaired.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #154 for the complete case history with installer details and before and images.

Duradek Case History #153: Restaurant Roof Deck

Project: Mother's Pizza Roof Deck, Halifax

Date: Winter 2012/2013

PROBLEM

After selecting a building for their new 'Mother's Pizza' location, the owners' mandate was to create a walkable roof upon which they could barbecue, entertain and grow fresh spices, herbs and vegetables to support their business model.

While the design called for a sloped roof to a center drainage trench, the bottom of the trench was level and lacked necessary drainage slope.

Mother's Pizza, Halifax - Roof Deck Construction.

The Duradek installers would first need to modify it by designing a metal trench and waterproof it in a manner that would permit drainage from two directions.

DURADEK SOLUTION

After designing the metal trench, they bent and shaped Duradek's PVC coated metal to fit into the trench to resolve drainage flow and added two Duradek approved drains. All PVC trench joints were sealed by welding 10" wide strips of Duradek vinyl onto the PVC coated metal. As a precaution in the event of overflow, a 4 ft. long by 6" wide diameter round scupper was constructed from the PVC coated metal and installed into the exterior wall.



Installation of Duradek vinyl membrane on roof deck.

Duradek Ultra Supreme Granite Chip vinyl provided a walkable flat roof and was also run 16" up the walls to prevent any possible moisture intrusion.



Mother's Pizza Roof Deck finished with
Duradek Ultra Supreme Chip vinyl membrane.

JOB NOTES

Full of technical challenges, this 2200 sq. ft. roof deck was taken on during December and January in Nova Scotia. The key to winter Duradek installations is to make maximum use of tarps and any and all weather 'windows of opportunity'.

The success of this project required not only the proficient skills South Shore Custom decks is known for, but also detailed coordinating with other tradesmen and the support and cooperation of the project manager and owners.

View or download the .pdf version of Case History #153 for the complete case history with installer details and before and images.