Vinyl Decking FAQ

Tufdek is not a liquid coating. Tufdek is similar to PVC roofing or linoleum flooring and comes on a roll and is adhered to the surface you intend to waterproof with specially designed adhesives.

Tufdek rolls are 72″ wide by any custom length up to 360′ lineal feet. There are 1908 square feet of Tufdek on a full master roll.

Home owners, Contractors, Architects, Envelope Consultants and Renovators who use Tufdek are looking for a long lasting waterproof solution. They are looking for a permanent waterproof product to help solve building envelope failures and keep the areas below the deck surface dry. Once you have an “Authorized Dealer” install Tufdek on your waterproofing project, you can expect years of maintenance free use.

At Tuff Industries Inc. we think of Tufdek waterproof decking as roofing. After all, we are waterproofing a flat surface just like a roof. Tufdek products comply with the following:

International Code Council (ICC, AC39 and AC75, Non Classified Roof Systems).
Canadian General Standards Board, (CGSB 37.54-95, PVC Roofing and waterproof membrane).
American Society for Testing and Materials, (ASTM D4434-21, Standards for PVC roof membranes).
CCMC – Evaluation listing (13293-L Roofing and waterproofing materials for exposed roofing).
CCMC – Technical Guide (14390-R Polyvinyl roofing and waterproofing membrane).
Intertek – Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR- 1122).

Most importantly, Tufdek is audited and has a second level of quality control by enlisting the services of Intertek (Warnock / Hersey) as third party auditor to sample and test Tufdek each quarter to ensure we continually meet our product claims. View our Testing page

All Tufdek products are covered by a written warranty. These warranties are available from the “Authorized Dealer” who installed Tufdek on your project. See Tufdek dealer for more information. View our Warranties

Residential is defined as balcony or deck area attached to or within an owner, or tenant, occupied single family residence.

Tufdek is adhered to a smooth dry substrate using proprietary Tuff branded adhesives. If more than one vinyl panel is required then the subsequent panels are overlapped one inch (1″) minimum and hot air welded to the adjoining panels to ensure a continuous waterproof surface. Tufdek is then detailed at the inside and outside edges to complete the installation and make the surface and up stand transitions waterproof.

The waterproof warranty on Tufdek is 15 years. The life expectancy is dependent on many factors such as maintenance, sun exposure, foot traffic volumes, chemical or air borne contaminants and use or abuse. Often the issues previously mentioned can affect the products appearance before the waterproof integrity of Tufdek is compromised. Please read your Tufdek Warranty and the Tufdek Maintenance instructions for further information View our Warranties

An Authorized Tufdek dealer is an installation contractor who is independently owned and operated. Each dealer is an authorized licensed user of the trade mark Tufdek, which trade mark is owned by tuff Industries Inc. Tuff industries inc. strongly recommends that customers first conduct their own independent due diligence and investigations regarding the experience and qualifications of such dealers and installation contractors prior to retaining them.

Tufdek, like all vinyl decking products, has the design printed onto the surface of the vinyl. Tufdek uses water based inks and a unique proprietary polycarbonate top finish which achieves the following:

• protects from pre-mature fading and discoloration
• reduces issues related to scuffing (product will still scuff from friction)
• reduces marring and abrasions
• reduces plasticizer loss which helps extend the life cycle of the vinyl
• helps make the vinyl easier to clean with less dirt retention
• helps reduce damage from chemical interactions

Scuffing of the printed surface is possible on all vinyl decking if the product is not properly cared for, abused or mistreated. Choosing the right design will go a long way to help offset potential issues. If you are using Tufdek in a high traffic area or have a deck where scuffing of shoes or abrasions from furniture is a concern, we suggest you choose designs with less ink and / or contrast to minimize these issues. Ask your Authorized dealer which designs are better suited for your application.

Tufdek is virtually maintenance free and requires no re-coating or re-surfacing after it is installed. Regular maintenance in accordance with our Tufdek maintenance instruction will help maintain your Tufdek product and prolong its waterproofing service life.

Tufdek has been installed into the harsh winter environments of the North West Territories, the Yukon and Alaska with exceptional results. Tested to various cold crack standards as required for PVC roofing at temperatures of minus 40, Tufdek will stand up to the harshest of cold environments.

Tufdek is subjected to rigorous outdoor weathering trials which include testing of longevity at temperatures of 80 C / 176 F. Please see our testing data for more information on heat and sun exposure testing. View Atlas Testing Report

Tufdek is only available through Authorized Tufdek Dealers. In an effort to maintain a high level of installation quality we do not sell Tufdek for DIY installations. Customers who would like to install their own waterproofing vinyl decking can purchase our DIY brand of vinyl decking Econodek by going to this site.

You can use a plastic snow shovel to remove snow but always ensure your shovel has no sharp edges before using it on your Tufdek vinyl surface.

Tufdek is designed for residential applications only, Tuff Industries Inc. does not suggest or warrant Tufdek’s use in a commercial or industrial application.

Tufdek is available through Authorized Dealers only. We are currently expanding our dealership network and if there is not a dealer in your market we apologize. To see if there is a dealer near you contact Tufdek View Contact Page

We are currently expanding our Authorized Tufdek Dealership network. Our extensive product ensures Tufdek dealers can provide an excellent waterproofing solution to their communities while building a business and generating a great income for themselves. If you are interested in becoming an Authorized Tufdek Dealer please contact us View Contact Page

Tufdek can be installed on fir T & G plywood with a minimum thickness of 5/8″ although we recommend using 3/4″ fir T & G plywood for less deflection. For more detailed information regarding plywood standards and deck construction tips please click on the following link Plywood Specifications

Tufdek vinyl decking should not be installed or come in contact with treated lumber or treated concrete. Chemicals used to treat or protect various wood or concrete surfaces will permanently stain Tufdek vinyl products.

Some plywood grades such as G2S (good two side) and G1S (good one side) contain artificial / synthetic filler material which must be removed prior to installing Tuff vinyl membranes. If removal of synthetic filler material is not an option then they must be covered with two coats of Zinnser Bin Shellac Based Primer Sealer. Synthetic filler materials can damage plasticizers in vinyl, creating discoloration and premature degradation. See Plywood Specifications

Tuff Industries Inc. does not recommend the use of Tufdek on any handicap ramps or sloped walkways. The printed top surface as well as slip and skid resistance is not sufficient for these applications.

Tufdek must never be installed on or come in contact with bitumen or tar based products. Chemicals used in these products can permanently damage and stain Tufdek vinyl decking.

Each dealer and installation contractor is independently owned and operated. Each dealer is an authorized licensed user of the trade mark Tufdek™, which trade mark is owned by Tuff industries Inc. Dealers and installation contractors have no authority to assume or create any obligation whatsoever, expressed or implied, in the name of Tuff Industries Inc., nor to bind Tuff Industries Inc. in any manner whatsoever. Dealers and installation contractors are solely liable for all installation-related repairs and defects and related warranty work. Tuff industries Inc. strongly recommends that customers first conduct their own independent due diligence and investigations regarding the experience and qualifications of such dealers and installation contractors prior to retaining them.

We do not recommend using Tufdek for a pond liner, although they can work from a waterproofing perspective they are not specifically manufactured for this purpose. If you want to line a pond we recommend you use products designed for this purpose.

No. Water collected in bulk from the vinyl membrane surface for the specific purpose of watering plants is not recommended. Various chemicals within the vinyl are not considered plant friendly, even though the amount of chemical leaching is minimal we would not recommend this practice.

Indirect contact, or water run off containing bitumen residue, must be avoided. Long term exposure to contaminated water run off can cause staining and plasticizer deterioration. See PVC & Bitumen Bulletin

Pool and hot tub water is often exposed to heavy loads of sanitizers and other chemicals, repeat exposure can lead to discoloration or breakdown of the vinyl membrane.

Tufdek is both an air barrier and vapor barrier, this means condensation under the deck must be properly ventilated. No matter how high decks are from the ground if they are not properly ventilated they will retain excessive condensation and rot from the bottom up.

Simply put it is the fear of water.  Surfaces with Hydrophobic tendencies have an aversion to water and act to repel it by forming water droplets.  These water droplets minimize surface contact and hold both dirt and debris up from the surface of the vinyl making it easier to clean and maintain.  Tufdek’s polycarbonate top finish is a hydrophobic surface.

Vinyl decking waterproofs a deck by creating a continuous membrane over the deck surface. Once installed, the membrane helps direct rain, snowmelt, and moisture away from the structure instead of allowing water to soak into the deck or drain through the boards.

The waterproofing performance depends on more than just the sheet of vinyl. Seams, edges, walls, door thresholds, drains, posts, stairs, and transitions all need to be detailed properly.

With Tufdek, the membrane is adhered to a smooth, dry substrate using Tuff-branded adhesives. If more than one panel is needed, the panels are overlapped and hot-air welded together to create a continuous waterproof surface. The membrane is then finished at the inside and outside edges to complete the waterproofing system.

No. Vinyl decking is not the same as a liquid deck coating.

A deck coating is usually applied as a liquid product that dries or cures on the surface. Vinyl decking is a sheet membrane that comes in rolls and is adhered to the deck surface. This makes vinyl decking more similar to PVC roofing or sheet flooring than to paint or a surface coating.

This difference is important because vinyl decking is manufactured as a waterproof membrane before it ever reaches the jobsite. The installation process is about properly adhering, seaming, and detailing that membrane so it performs as a waterproof deck surface.

Tufdek is not a liquid coating. It is a rolled sheet vinyl membrane designed specifically for waterproofing outdoor walking surfaces.

The lifespan of vinyl decking depends on the product, installation quality, maintenance, sun exposure, foot traffic, chemical exposure, climate, and how the deck is used.

Tufdek has a 15-year waterproof warranty. The actual life expectancy of a vinyl deck membrane depends on several factors, including regular maintenance, sun exposure, airborne contaminants, foot traffic, and whether the surface is used and cared for properly.

In many cases, appearance-related wear may show before the waterproof integrity of the membrane is affected. Like any outdoor surface, vinyl decking should be cleaned and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions to help extend its service life.

Vinyl decking is made from PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, formed into a flexible waterproof membrane.

The membrane is designed for outdoor exposure and walking surfaces. Depending on the product, it may include reinforcement layers, a printed design surface, protective top coatings, and texture for traction.

Tufdek vinyl decking includes printed surface designs and a proprietary polycarbonate top finish. This top finish helps protect the vinyl surface from premature fading, discoloration, scuffing, marring, abrasions, plasticizer loss, dirt retention, and certain chemical interactions.

Vinyl decking can often be installed over an existing deck, but the deck must be properly inspected and prepared first.

The existing structure needs to be sound, dry, smooth, and suitable for a waterproof membrane. Any rot, soft spots, moisture damage, poor slope, loose fasteners, or failing plywood should be fixed before vinyl decking is installed.

Vinyl decking should not be used to cover up structural problems. If the deck surface is damaged, the plywood may need to be replaced before the membrane is installed.

An Authorized Tufdek Dealer can review the condition of the deck and determine what preparation is needed before installation.

Yes. Vinyl decking is commonly installed over plywood, but the plywood must meet the requirements of the membrane system.

For Tufdek installations, fir tongue-and-groove plywood with a minimum thickness of 5/8 inch can be used, although 3/4 inch fir tongue-and-groove plywood is recommended for less deflection and better long-term performance.

The surface needs to be smooth, dry, properly fastened, and suitable for the vinyl membrane. Some plywood grades contain artificial or synthetic fillers that may need to be removed or sealed before installation because they can affect the vinyl.

Your installer should confirm the correct plywood requirements before the vinyl deck membrane is installed.

Vinyl decking and composite decking are both alternatives to traditional wood decking, but they solve different problems.

Composite decking is usually installed as individual boards. It can provide a low-maintenance deck surface, but water can still pass between the boards unless a separate waterproofing or drainage system is installed below.

Vinyl decking creates a waterproof membrane surface. This makes it a better choice when the goal is to keep the deck structure dry, protect the area below, or waterproof a balcony, sundeck, roof deck, or elevated outdoor surface.

Composite decking may work well for some ground-level decks where waterproofing is not the main concern. Vinyl decking is often the better option when water protection is a priority.

Vinyl decking is low maintenance compared to wood decking.

It does not require sanding, staining, painting, sealing, re-coating, or resurfacing. Routine maintenance usually includes sweeping away debris, washing the surface with appropriate cleaners, and keeping drains and gutters clear.

Tufdek does not require re-coating after installation. Regular maintenance according to Tufdek’s maintenance instructions will help preserve the product and prolong its waterproofing service life.

Like any outdoor surface, vinyl decking should be protected from sharp objects, harsh chemicals, dragging furniture, and unnecessary abuse. Furniture pads are recommended under tables, chairs, planters, and other heavy items.

Vinyl decking is designed as an outdoor walking surface, and many vinyl deck membranes include texture to improve traction. However, no deck surface is completely slip-proof.

Rain, snow, ice, algae, leaves, dirt, sunscreen, pool chemicals, and standing water can make any outdoor surface slippery. Proper cleaning and drainage are important for maintaining traction.

Tufdek does not recommend using its vinyl decking on wheelchair ramps or sloped walkways because the printed top surface and slip resistance may not be suitable for those applications.

If slip resistance is a major concern, speak with an Authorized Tufdek Dealer about the best product design and application for your deck.

Yes. Vinyl decking can be used on roof decks when the structure is properly designed and prepared for that application.

Roof decks require careful waterproofing because the deck surface often protects living space, storage, or another usable area below. Proper slope, drainage, flashing, seams, edges, drains, walls, and door transitions are all essential.

Tufdek is often treated similarly to roofing because it waterproofs a flat or low-slope surface. This makes professional installation especially important on roof decks and balconies.

A roof deck is not the place to guess on waterproofing details. The membrane must be installed as a complete system so water is directed away from the building and not allowed to get underneath the vinyl.

Yes. Vinyl decking can perform well in cold climates when the right product is used and the installation is done properly.

Tufdek has been installed in harsh winter environments, including northern climates such as the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Alaska. Tufdek has also been tested to cold crack standards required for PVC roofing at temperatures as low as minus 40.

In snowy climates, maintenance still matters. Snow should be removed carefully using a plastic snow shovel with no sharp edges. Avoid metal shovels or tools that could cut or damage the vinyl membrane.

Yes. Quality vinyl decking is designed for outdoor exposure, including heat and sun. However, like any exterior surface, performance and appearance depend on product quality, color, exposure, climate, and maintenance.

Tufdek is subjected to outdoor weathering trials, including testing related to heat, sun exposure, and longevity. Deck color and design can also affect heat and appearance. In high-traffic areas or areas with more furniture movement, your Authorized Tufdek Dealer can help recommend a design that is better suited to the application.

Vinyl decking should only be installed over approved substrates.

Tufdek vinyl decking should not be installed on, or come into contact with, treated lumber or treated concrete. Chemicals used to treat or protect certain wood and concrete surfaces can permanently stain vinyl products.

Tufdek should also not be installed over tar-based or bitumen-based roof surfaces. Chemicals in those materials can permanently damage or stain vinyl decking.

Before installing vinyl decking, the substrate should be reviewed to make sure it is compatible with the membrane system.

Vinyl decking warranty coverage depends on the manufacturer, the product, the installation, and the application.

Tufdek products are covered by a written warranty, and warranty documents are available from the Authorized Dealer who installs Tufdek on your project. Tufdek’s waterproof warranty is 15 years.

It is important to review the warranty details before installation so you understand what is covered, what maintenance is required, and what conditions may affect coverage.

Because Tufdek is installed through independent Authorized Dealers, installation-related repairs, defects, and workmanship issues are handled by the dealer who completed the installation.

It depends on the product.

Tufdek is not sold for DIY installation. It is only available through Authorized Tufdek Dealers because proper installation is critical to waterproofing performance.

Vinyl deck membranes require correct substrate preparation, adhesive application, seam welding, edge detailing, and transition work. These details are what help prevent water from getting underneath the membrane.

If you want a DIY vinyl decking option, Econodek is Tuff Industries’ DIY brand of waterproof vinyl decking.

Vinyl decking seams are waterproofed by overlapping and welding adjoining pieces of membrane.

With Tufdek, if more than one vinyl panel is required, the panels are overlapped by a minimum of one inch and hot-air welded together. This creates a continuous waterproof surface across the deck.

Seams are one of the most important parts of any vinyl deck installation. Poor seam work can allow water to get underneath the membrane, which can lead to damage over time.

This is one of the reasons Tufdek is installed by Authorized Dealers rather than sold as a DIY product.

All outdoor surfaces are exposed to UV, weather, dirt, foot traffic, and normal wear, so some change in appearance over time is possible.

Choosing the right design can also help reduce the appearance of wear. For high-traffic areas or decks where furniture movement is a concern, an Authorized Tufdek Dealer can recommend designs that may be better suited to the space.

In many cases, vinyl decking can be repaired if the damage is limited and the membrane system is still in good condition.

Cuts, punctures, seam issues, edge problems, or localized damage should be inspected by a qualified installer. Because vinyl decking is a waterproof membrane, repairs need to be done carefully so the waterproofing performance is maintained.

If you have Tufdek installed on your deck, contact the Authorized Dealer who completed the installation or reach out to Tufdek for help finding a dealer in your area.

Vinyl decking can be used in many outdoor living areas, but hot tubs and pools require extra caution.

Pool and hot tub water often contains sanitizers and other chemicals. Repeated exposure to heavy chemical loads can lead to discoloration or breakdown of the vinyl membrane.

If you are planning to use vinyl decking near a hot tub, pool, or area with frequent chemical exposure, speak with an Authorized Tufdek Dealer before installation. They can help you understand whether vinyl decking is appropriate for the application and what precautions may be needed.

Vinyl decking may be used on some ground-level decks, but ventilation must be considered.

Tufdek is both an air barrier and a vapor barrier. That means condensation below the deck must be properly ventilated. If a deck is close to the ground and not ventilated properly, moisture can become trapped underneath and cause the structure to rot from the bottom up.

Before installing vinyl decking on a ground-level deck, have the structure reviewed to make sure ventilation, drainage, and substrate conditions are appropriate.

The best way to find a vinyl decking installer for Tufdek is to use Tufdek’s Authorized Dealer network.

Tufdek is available through Authorized Dealers only. These dealers are independent installation contractors authorized to install Tufdek vinyl decking products.

Before hiring any contractor, you should review their experience, qualifications, past work, reputation, and suitability for your project. Waterproof decking depends heavily on installation quality, so choosing the right installer matters.