WATERPROOF DECKING SYSTEMS
The problem isn't the deck. It's the waterproofing system protecting it.
Why Decks Leak
Every year, deck and balcony leaks cause thousands of dollars in structural damage to homes and buildings. Water penetrates through cracked coatings, failed seams, and degraded surfaces, damaging the living space below and compromising the building envelope.
Most deck waterproofing failures come down to a few common causes:
- Cracked or deteriorated coatings: Paint and deck coatings are the cheapest waterproofing option, but they crack and peel within 2-5 years. Once cracked, water gets through.
- Failed seams and joints: Every seam is a potential failure point. Systems that rely on caulking or tape at joints are vulnerable to movement, temperature cycling, and UV degradation.
- Inadequate drainage: Standing water accelerates the failure of any waterproofing system. Without proper slope and drainage, water pools and finds its way through.
- UV degradation: Sun exposure breaks down materials that aren't UV-stabilized. What works in shade fails in direct sunlight.
- Substrate movement: Buildings settle. Plywood expands and contracts. Rigid waterproofing systems crack when the structure moves underneath them.
Vinyl Membrane: The Proven Solution
Vinyl deck membranes solve these problems by design:
- Continuous waterproof membrane: No gaps, no seams to fail when properly heat-welded
- UV-stabilized PVC: Engineered with UV screens and stabilizers to resist sun degradation
- Flexible: Moves with the substrate without cracking, even through freeze-thaw cycles
- Temperature rated: Performs from -40°C to 80°C
- Integrated drainage: Compatible with scupper drains, overflow drains, and slope systems
Valordek Waterproof Decking Systems
Valordek manufactures two vinyl membrane systems, each designed for different waterproofing requirements:
Fuzzy-Back (68mil Premium Series): Waterproofing for balconies and home decks. Adhesive installation with a 10-year waterproofing warranty. CCMC tested.
Smooth-Back (60mil Ultra Series): Heavy-duty waterproofing for rooftop patios and multi-unit buildings. Heat-welded seams, 15-year waterproofing warranty, Class A & C fire rated. Intertek tested.
Both systems exceed building code standard 37.54.95 for waterproof membranes over living spaces.
Waterproofing by Application
Balconies
The most common waterproofing application. Fuzzy-Back membrane protects the living space below from water damage.
Rooftop Patios
Heavy-duty waterproofing with fire ratings and heat-welded seams.
