SPECIFICATION CHECKLIST

• 3 / 4" or 5 / 8" T + G select Grade Fir plywood or better
• Do not use OSB - or pressure-treated plywood
• Glue plywood with construction adhesive
• Fasten plywood with screws. Please set heads flush with ply
• Slope deck minimum 1" over 8' away from structure for drainage
• Vinyl should be installed before siding to lap up wall behind construction paper
• Door sills must be set up 3" off deck surface
• Stair treads must be clad with plywood
• Drains must be installed by Duradek contractor
• Deck must be clear of debris and dry
• Note: vapor bubbles may appear after installation but will disappear within a couple of weeks. May require pressure and heat to reactivate glue
• Concrete must be cured fully. Free of bond breaking agents, curing compounds and dry

A GUIDE TO CLEANING ENSURCO DURADE SURFACES

This bulletin supercedes all other cleaning instructions ever issued from Ensurco Duradek

GENERAL CLEANING

It has recently been discovered that using normal household cleaners on a vinyl deck can cause some long-term discoloration of the surface. Apparently this is due to the different pH levels in the cleaner which may have a deteriorating effect on the surface. It is important to have a pH level, which is balanced to the vinyl.

There are also certain ingredients within some household cleansers, which can be harmful in the long term. It is particularly important to flush any cleaning solution off the deck with water and leave no residue. It is this chemical residue which is harmful.

Ensurco Duradek has brought out a cleaner, this year, which is specifically designed for use with vinyls. Its ingredients have been thoroughly tested and when used according to the directions will enhance the life of the product in addition to doing an excellent job of cleaning the surface.

We recommend the product Duradek Vinyl Deck Cleaner, be mixed with warm water at the rate of one-cup (8 oz) cleaner to one pail (approximately 2 gallons) of water. This should be applied to the deck with a scrub brush or stiff bristle broom and scrubbed in a circular motion to remove the dirt from the bottom of the pebble design. It should then be completely flushed with clean water. The Duradek vinyl deck cleaner will make an excellent household cleaner. It is highly concentrated (for industrial use). Depending upon the difficulty of the surface to be cleaner, experiment with the dilution rate.

ACID RAIN

In areas where acid rain or industrial fall-out is a problem, decks should be cleaned much more often. The acid from the rain stays on the deck once the water has evaporated away. With each new rainfall more acid stays and the concentration of acid on the deck increases as it mixes with the fall-out already there. As the concentration increases, so do the deteriorating effects.

To combat this, thorough cleaning at least monthly with the Duradek Vinyl Deck Cleaner will prevent the acid build-up from getting to a harmful stage.

PAINT ON VINYL

Fresh paint or stain can be removed from the vinyl using paint thinner or turpentine. Always try a test patch first to make sure that it will not take the print off. Some oil base stains have penetrating power that will allow it to soak right into the vinyl with little chance to completely remove it.

Once the paint has dried there is no way to remove it with any guarantee there will be no long-term effects on the vinyl. Our recommendation is to use a water soluble paint stripper or paint brush cleaner. Apply some to the effected area and wait the recommended time. The paint should crinkle up as it is attacked by the chemicals. Then without rubbing or scrubbing, remove the paint and paint stripper with a blast of water from a hose.

In both cases, wash with Duradek Vinyl Cleaner and flush well with water to remove any chemical residues from the paint removers.

The long term effect of using any harsh chemicals on the vinyl may be that it eats into the top surface a bit and will be effected more quickly by the ultra violet rays of the sun than the areas which had not been touched with the paint removers. This may result in premature fading but won’t affect the waterproofing.

RUST

We often have complaints about rust or vinyl especially on new construction sites where nails are left lying around. Rust is difficult to remove.

We have found a product called Naval Jelly, which is available, is most hardware or paint stores. Apply this jelly to the rust and it will quickly dissolve it. Flush the are with a blast from a hose. Do not rub it or scrub it excessively. Wash with Duradek deck cleaner and flush with clear water.

LIME STAINS FROM STUCCO OR CONCRETE

Lime stains can occur when water passes across fresh stucco or concrete adjacent to the deck and pulls out some of the lime. When the water evaporates it leaves a lime residue. This can be removed by washing the deck with a solution of muriatic acid (available from a hardware store). Dilute about ten parts water to one part muriatic acid. If a stronger solution is needed, gradually increase the percentage of muriatic acid. Once again, wash well with Duradek deck cleaner after the application of muriatic acid solution and then flush with clear water.

SPILLED URETHANE CAULKING

Urethane caulking is very difficult to remove without smearing. It can be removed from tools and other surfaces which will not be harmed with Tolual while it is still curing. Once it has cured it will have to be removed physically by scraping it off. While not yet cured it can be safely removed from any surface with the Essex Urethane Hand Cleaner. Rub the Essex jell on to the caulking and let sit for a while. Wipe up with a cloth. Wash with Duradek deck cleaner and flush with clear water.

BIODEGRADABLE MATTER

Stains from biodegradable matter such as leaves are difficult to remove if left for any length of time. It is important to keep the deck free of this kind of material by regular cleaning. Should the stain set in, wash thoroughly with Duradek Vinyl Deck Cleaner. If at first it does not come off, increase the proportion of cleaner to water and try again. Flush with clear water.

GLUE ON VINYL

Freshly spilled contact glue on vinyl comes off easily by rubbing it around and pulling it up with itself. When dried, spray with starter fluid (di-ethyl ether) and leave for awhile. The glue will soften and can be rubbed with the fingers in a circular motion to remove. Wash with Duradek deck cleaner and flush. Water based glue can be cleaned up with water until it has cured. Then it must be cleaned with mineral spirits. Wash with Duradek deck cleaners and flush with water.

GLUE ON SIDING, DOORSILLS, POSTS, RAILS, ETC.

Dried glue on any surface (except vinyl) can be cleaned by spraying Red Bell tar removed onto the spot. Let it sit 10 to 15 minutes and hose it off. It should remove the glue without damage to the paint or other surface. Try a test area first. You will likely have to wash the area with soapy water to remove any film or residue.

IF ANY OF THESE SOLUTIONS DON’T WORK FOR YOU CALL ENSURCO DURADEK FOR SOME ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS

CARE AND CLEANING OF YOUR ENSURCO DURADEK PRODUCT

Duradek is the finest deck waterproofing product available on the market today. It is installed by authorized contractors using the Ensurco Duradek system of sheet vinyl, adhesives, trims, and sealants.

PROTECT: Duradek vinyl from scruffs, tears or excessive wear by using mats at doorways, stair landings or major traffic thoroughfares. Stair nosings will protect the vinyl for high use stairwells. Dragging heavy objects can cause scuffs or tears and should be avoided or protected against.

INSPECTION: The only regular maintenance other than cleaning is inspecting the caulking used to seal around posts, pillars, corners, vents and drains. Often the structure to which the vinyl sheeting is sealed will crack, shrink or shift, thereby breaking the seal. Yearly inspection will uncover such a problem. Your Ensurco Duradek contractor can recommend and supply the proper sealant to correct it.

RAILINGS: If railings are to be installed on the vinyl surface, try to mount them so they do not penetrate the membrane. Wooden rails should be notched out and bolted to the side of the deck. For a proper seal, metal rails should have all screw holes caulked before inserting the screw. Call Ensurco or your contractor for more information.

GENERAL CLEANING: Your vinyl decks should be cleaned at least four times per year (more often is acid rain or airborne pollution is a problem in your area) using the Duradek vinyl cleaner available from your authorized contractor or Ensurco Duradek. Follow the directions on the label. This cleaner is designed for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt. Flush thoroughly with clean water.

NON SKID vs. CLEANABILITY: The more textured the surface, the more effective the non-slip characteristic will be. The smoother the surface, the easier your vinyl surface will be to clean. Therefore, a heavily textured non-slip finish will require more cleaning effort and vice-versa.

FOR TOUGH STAINS PLEASE CONSULT THESE CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS:

A: Medium Soft Brush — warm soapy water / water rinse / dry

B: FANTASTIK spray cleaner (only for a few minutes) water rinse / dry

C: One (1) tablespoon ammonia to one (1) quart water, water
rinse / dry

D: Wipe or scrape off excess (chill gum with ice)

E: Follow instructions of staining agent manufacturer

• Suntan lotions, wet leaves, cedar boards, permanent markets and some other products contain dyes that permanently stain

NOTES:

• Always clean immediately. Test an unseen area of fabric before cleaning stain
  
• All cleaning methods must be followed by a thorough rinse with water
  
• Certain household cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration and are not recommended. Dry cleaning fluids and lacquer solvents should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and gloss. Waxes should be used with caution. Many contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating