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FAQs

If you’re looking for straightforward information about Duradek’s features, installation process, maintenance, or warranty, you’ll find it all right here.

Product FAQs

Learn more about how Duradek works, where it can be used, and what makes it different from other waterproofing options.

What is Duradek™ Vinyl Decking?

Duradek Vinyl Decking is a low-maintenance, waterproof decking system made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It uses a durable, textured sheet membrane that’s professionally installed over a solid surface like plywood to create a fully watertight deck.

Unlike traditional deck boards that allow water to pass through, Duradek forms a continuous sealed surface, keeping the space below completely dry. This makes it ideal for elevated decks, balconies, and rooftop patios over living areas.

The result is a long-lasting outdoor surface that protects your structure while delivering a clean, finished look, without the ongoing sanding, staining, or sealing required by wood.

With proper care and cleaning your Duradek deck could last up to 15-20+ years.

There are a number of different thicknesses, patterns and textures to chose from, as well as different water routing accessories that will vary by project. To get an estimate for your deck, please contact your nearest authorized applicator through our ‘Find a Dealer’ page.

Duradek is installed only by a network of fully trained applicators. They are trained in waterproofing techniques and building codes to ensure you are getting the best quality installation available. For this reason we are able to offer the industries best warranty.

While we recommend consulting with your dealer for preparation specific to your project, detailed information on substrate preparation is available for you to prepare your deck.

Learn more about becoming a Duradek Dealer and apply now.

Warranty FAQs

Understand what’s covered under Duradek’s industry-leading warranties and how to register or make a claim.

What is the warranty on Duradek™?

Duradek Ultra comes with a 15-year waterproofing warranty that has 3 levels of protection – Waterproofing, Appearance, and Workmanship. Learn more about Duradek’s Warranty.

Yes! Duradek warranties are valid for the entire length of their terms, no matter who holds ownership of the property. This makes Duradek a value-added feature and a great investment even if you plan to sell your home in the next few years. The new owner keeps all the advantages of waterproof peace-of-mind when continuing to follow the maintenance requirements outlined in the Duradek warranty.

Maintenance FAQs

Get tips on how to care for your Duradek surface and keep it looking great year after year.

What Maintenance is required?

To keep your deck looking its best, clean it about four times per year using Duradek Vinyl Cleaner. This vinyl-safe cleaner is specially formulated for Duradek surfaces and won’t leave behind harmful chemical residue like many household products.

In addition to regular cleaning, we recommend a yearly inspection of the caulking around posts, railings, and other penetrations to ensure everything remains properly sealed.

For detailed care instructions, visit our Maintenance & Cleaning page.

While the appearance of your vinyl deck may fade over time, it is still doing its primary purpose of waterproofing and is expected to do so for many years to come. Coating the vinyl is a good option that will allow you take advantage of the long duration of waterproof performance and still freshen up the look.

Rock Salt, Kitty Litter and various other snow-melting chemicals can be used on your Duradek surface. We do caution, however, that you clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water and flush clear prior to letting the heat of the spring sun ‘bake’ any chemical into the surface.

Use of a snowblower on Duradek is not recommended as they are typically power-driven on tires or have a skid plate that may scratch the top of the vinyl.

AEC FAQs

Discover some of the key technical details architects, engineers, and builders need when working with Duradek.

Is Duradek suitable for non-walkable roofs?

Yes, it can be installed under tile, pavers, or runners. Large commercial roofs may be better suited to TPO or EPDM.

Duradek requires B/C or A/C grade plywood for strength and compatibility. OSB is not recommended.

No, unless a Class A fire rating is needed: Joist → ¾” Plywood → ½” Cement Board → Duradek membrane.

Proprietary glues allow the membrane to expand and contract with acclimatized plywood. Joints are lightly sanded and filled to accommodate seasonal movement.

Duradek meets FBC standards but is not tested for Miami-Dade/Broward HVHZ assembly-specific requirements.

All authorized Duradek installers are manufacturer-trained to ensure reliable, long-lasting waterproofing.

Durarail FAQs

Explore answers about our aluminum railing systems, including style options, compatibility, and installation basics.

What colors are available for Durarail Railing Systems?

Durarail railing systems are available in your choice of 13 standard colors, or up to 180 custom colors including the authentic looking wood grain finish.

Durarail railings posts can be configured to attach to the deck either on the top surface or on the fascia (the side of the deck).

Powder coating is one of the most durable exterior finishes available today. It is used on many metal items that are exposed to the weather because, as a finish, it is the best way to ensure durability, weather resistance, and color retention. A powder-coated finish is part paint and part polyester sealer/resin. The finish is applied as a powder, electrostatically, and while held to the metal this way, is baked in an oven. It is baked at a hot enough temperature so, in effect, the outside layer of the metal fuses with the melted powder forming a hard, weather-resistant finish.

Durarail Railings are made of aluminum (will not rust) and the exposed surfaces are finished with a powder-coat finish. Wooden railings, even when painted or stained, are likely to rot, decay, peel or fade, and are prone to a buildup of mold and mildew. Durarail powder-coated aluminum railings virtually eliminate maintenance problems associated with old wooden railings. No painting, no repainting, no rust, no priming, no staining, no re-coats – the list goes on. If you’ve ever spent the time required (every year!) to maintain a wooden railing, you will truly appreciate being able to devote your time to something more pleasing to you.

Tiledek FAQs

Tiledek is our waterproofing system designed specifically for tile surfaces—this section covers where it’s used and why it’s essential.

What is Tiledek?

Duradek Tiledek is a 60 mil thick, PVC roofing membrane similar to Duradek “Ultra”. It is designed to have outdoor porcelain tile or slate installed over top of it with a thinset mortar bond coat. Lightweight concrete or cementitious finishes can also be installed over it. From here on we will just refer to the overlay products as ’tile’.

A fabric has been laminated to the topside of the roofing membrane to provide for a strong physical “grab” by the thinset mortar. Tiledek is only available as a “professionally installed waterproofing system” through the network of trained Duradek applicating contractors all over North America.

No — traditional tile isn’t waterproof on its own. Water can seep through cracked grout, edges, or broken tiles, often going unnoticed until it causes rot and expensive repairs. In cold climates, freezing moisture can even pop tiles.

Why Tiledek is different:

  • Waterproof membrane protects the structure below.
  • Tile surface issues don’t mean failure.
  • Cracked tiles or grout are easy and inexpensive to fix.

Tiledek is a variation of Duradek Ultra, the first PVC walking roof deck material on the market. Duradek Ultra has been installed for over 40 years and has proven itself in all climatic regions of North America. Tiledek has been evaluated and tested to industry standards and meets most North America Building Codes. For detailed information, please see the Tiledek Approvals page.

Tiledek is covered with the same waterproof warranty as Duradek Ultra – 10 years. See the full sample of the Tiledek warranty for the specific terms and conditions.

Yes! Sound roofing/waterproofing practice needs to be employed even when tile is applied over top. We operate on the expectation of water getting through the tile installation. Our membrane will be applied to a surface sloped towards drains, scuppers or an outside edge which allows the water to escape. Moisture will still run downhill, even under tile applications. This can happen without negatively affecting the bond of the thinset mortar to the tile or the membrane. We recommend the seams of the Tiledek run parallel to the slope to avoid any water puddling up behind the bump.

Plazadek FAQs

Have a floating deck or pedestal paver system? Plazadek is built for that. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Plazadek System?

Plazadek is the Duradek waterproofing system for use with an additional wear surface over top of the waterproofing membrane. Typical applications include floating deck or pedestal systems like pavers, duckboards, or other wear surfaces.

Any of Duradek’s 60 mil vinyl options will work for your Plazadek system. Since the membrane is covered, the color you choose does not matter.

Lightweight wear surfaces (like duckboards) do not require a separation layer and can be applied directly to the membrane. Heavy wear surfaces must include the use of a separation layer or pedestals for support. Heavy wear surfaces (like concrete pavers, interlocking stone, or poured concrete) are not to be placed directly on the membrane due to friction and/or risk of puncture.