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Remodeling Other Design Dilemma

duradek tiledek over living space -- mixed advice; who is right?

6 years ago

We are building a new home on our lot and have a 'flat' roof deck (1/4" slope per foot, per code) with 3 deck areas connected, approx 1139 sq feet. Parapet walls on two decks, a 17' span of cable railing on another -- all sloped.

I've looked at every possible waterproofing solution for walking decks from TPO (not optimal) to duradek vinyl (do-able but 3 yr fade on vinyl) to polycoat to Polyurea. The waterproofing is key #1 and I am trying to balance look with function.

All companies insist their waterproof solution is the best. I prefer the tiledek solution for look and understand the base application is the 10yr warranty, with additional 'felt' for thinset tile overlay.

The only fails I've seen or heard of

is on the tile side, not the waterproof. Other companies are coming back with 'big fail' on waterproof. Who do I believe? Any input from homeowners who have tiled with durdek tiledek with no issues, and or with issues would be well appreciated.

The picture is of the tiledek install system which is ply, then durarock, then waterproofing and so on. If tile fails, waterproofing should still be intact, correct?

We're spending our life savings on this and want to get it right, with the right look. Thanks so much!

Featured Answer

User

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

You designed in a very expensive feature that is now very expensive to do correctly. Design it away, or do the job correctly. None of the hackassery methods please.

What method does your architect prefer, and why? Your GC?

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Comments (7)

charlotte0124
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Sophie, indeed on correctly installing and waterproofing. Architect suggested gaco -- not my preference for look + maintenance. The deck is over living space -- big risk for waterproof over a 3 story home.

To the question posed, do you have experience on duradek Tiledek success or fail? Real life? As we all know, there is a difference between the computer and in the field. 2d fails in real life. If not, then it appears, as a designer, this question/answer is out of your expertise. Thanks.
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User
6 years ago
https://sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/ha8/h8a/8855277633566/Drainage%20Membranes%20Data%20Sheet.pdf
charlotte0124
Original Author
6 years ago
Sophie thank you, I have looked into this product as well but it's not a roof over living space waterproof solution but rather an after market installation. The durdek is a waterproof roof over living spaces PVC solution (also 10 year warranty) with an extra pvc layer where you use thinset to tile as the finish. Per their specifications, they say it won't crack/chip the tiles if installed properly. https://duradek.com/tile-underlayment/waterproof-deck-membrane
charlotte0124
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Dec-Tec Solutions, thanks for the info; I have looked at that product as well and just can't wrap my 'heart' :) around a pvc feel. I understand the welded seams, it would be perfect if there weren't any but I understand the max product width is 10' and my minimum deck span is 23'. Though I have to say with some of the new patterns the company has come out with more recently, certainly makes the product a contender in the design realm. Thanks, I appreciate it.
PRO
Dec-Tec Vinyl Decking
6 years ago
Hi Charlotte, I totally get your dilemma. Sounds like a case of pros and cons for your perfect solution. I usually get out a simple piece of paper and start filling out my columns:) As an FYI, the Dec-Tec membrane is 76" wide and any length (well up to 600feet). This is the widest in the market, so, you are right you will have seams. A good installer will minimize the visibility. Good luck with your search. I hope you will post here what you ended up with. I know I'm interested. Cheers!
mayapapaya7
3 years ago
Hi @charlotte0124, I am in the same exact situation you were in. Trying to find an optimal waterproofing system for a roofdeck (which we would like to walk on and use for entertaining) that is situated above a living area. May I know what you ended up going with? And if you would recommend it? Thanks in advance!

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