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Dek-Master FAQ
Can I install the Dek-Master system over a previously coated/painted plywood deck surface?
The Dek-Master system can be applied over some previously coated decks. Compatible sub-surfaces are Hypalon and Neoprene deck coatings.
Painted surfaces such as oil or latex stains, enamels and porch & floor paints are not compatible with the Dek-Master system. The lack of bond strength of these products combined with no waterproofing characteristics, does not make for a suitable surface. Ducan recommends sanding the paint off down to bare plywood, a belt sander works best. Check for rotten or spongy plywood, replace as necessary, allow the plywood to dry for 5 to 7 days. A tarp may be required to keep the deck dry.
NOTE: From past experiences, depending on the porosity of the plywood, the consumption rate of our adhesive increases by 25%.
NOTE: Ducan does not warranty the sub-surface to which the vinyl has been applied, if the substrate is the cause of the failure, your warranty will be null & void. Ducan always recommends a new plywood sub-surface prior to installing the vinyl.
Can I install the Dek-Master system over fibreglass?
Yes, sand the fibreglass with 50 grit sandpaper, this will rough up the fibreglass to allow for better adhesion. Fibreglass is a very rigid material and the wood sub-structure is constantly moving because of temperature, and moisture content in the air, cracks in the fibreglass may develop. These cracks must be v-grooved out using a razor knife or something similar, caulk this gap by using ducan Rubber fill-It or Ducan Duca-Flex caulking compounds.
Sometimes the fibreglass may have lifted away from the plywood sub-surface causing a large bubble in the finished surface. The bubble should be cut out and new fibreglass applied in this area and then the Dek-Master vinyl can be installed.
NOTE: Ducan does not warranty the sub-surface to which the vinyl has been applied, if the substrate is the cause of the failure, your warranty will be null & void. Ducan always recommends a new plywood sub-surface prior to installing the vinyl.
Can I install the Dek-Master vinyl over a slotted lumber deck?
You cannot install the Dek-Master directly over top of a slotted lumber deck. The gaps between the lumber will telegraph through. The Dek-Master needs a solid sub-surface to be applied on to. The simplest solution is to sheet over with 5/8" or _" T & G plywood, the plywood must be glued and screwed using a suitable construction adhesive. Slotted lumber decks are built level, slope of 1" for every 10 ft. is required to adequately drain the water away and off the deck. To slope your deck, jack up 1 post at a time and cut the required amount to achieve proper slope. Make sure the new plywood applied is not higher than the threshold of the door, if so all slotted lumber should be removed & re-sheeted with 5/8 or 3/4 T&G plywood.
What is my working time with the Dek-Master Adhesive?
The reason the Dek-Master vinyl system has been so successful is our adhesive. The Dek-Master Adhesives are waterproof, easy to apply and long lasting. Even though you are applying our Dek-Master Adhesive (solvent-based) like a contact cement, unlike contact cement, Ducan slowed down the green grab to allow for approximately 1 hour of working time.
At what temperature can I apply the Dek-Master vinyl?
Ducan manufactures 3 adhesives to compensate for a wide temperature range.
| Working temperature |
Recommended Ducan Adhesive |
| Less than 53ºF, less than 12ºC |
Dek-Master Adhesive (Fast Dry) solvent based |
| 55ºF to 85ºF, 13ºC to 30ºC |
Dek-Master Adhesive (Regular) solvent based |
| 65ºF to 90ºF, 19ºC to 32ºC |
Dek-Master Water-based (special order) |
NOTE: Do not use Ducan solvent-based adhesive when working indoors, use Ducan’s Water-based Adhesive.
Helpful Hint: the use of a fan or blower will help to evaporate the solvent or water from the adhesive. Allowing for a faster to contact time.
How do you apply the Dek-Master during inclement or unpredictable weather?
Most decking installs rely on the good sunny weather of the summer months, but decking installs can also be done during the fall, winter and early spring by following these procedures.
On one dry day with a temperature above 5ºC (41ºF) screw down plywood, nail flashing and cantstrip and fill all joints and surface imperfections with Ducan Rubber Fill-It, 2 applications or until flush. Apply a primer coat of Ducan’s Dek-Master Adhesive (Fast Dry) at the rate of 300 sq. ft. per 2.5 U.S. Gal pail. Ducan’s adhesive is also waterproof therefore creating a waterproof membrane layer over the plywood, not allowing the plywood to get wet.
On the next dry day with a temperature above 5ºC (41ºF), install the Dek-Master vinyl as you would normally, the use of a fan/blower over the wet adhesive will help to drive off the solvents.
NOTE: The Dek-Master Adhesive, when applied as a primer/sealer. This can only be left exposed to the weather extremes for a maximum of 8 to 10 weeks.
How do I remove accidental Adhesive spills once they have dried?
Accidental spilling of the solvent based adhesive onto your finished vinyl surface is going to happen at sometime, to someone. This quick and easy method of removing the adhesive is a lifesaver.
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Removing Dek-Master Solvent Based Adhesive From Vinyl Surface.
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Allow the adhesive spill to dry on the deck. Using a regular contact cement, lightly dab the spill. Once it is partially dried, roll it up with your thumb (balling it up).
NOTE: Do not use solvents. By the time you have cleaned up the spill, you will have also pulled the colour out of the vinyl.
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Removing Dek-Master Water Based Adhesive from Vinyl Surface. Clean adhesive immediately with water and a damp cloth. |
How do I remove the Dek-Master vinyl once it has been glued down for a number of years?
The simplest way to remove the vinyl from the sub-surface is to razor knife the vinyl every 6" to 12", making parallel lines (it is impossible to remove the vinyl as one full sheet). Pick a warm day and pull off the 6 wide strips. Check the plywood sub-surface for rot, sponginess or decay. Remove affected areas and replace with new plywood. Scrape off any high spots, fill in any low spots and reapply new Dek-Master vinyl.
NOTE: Ducan does not warranty the sub-surface to which the vinyl has been applied, if the substrate is the cause of the failure, your warranty will be null & void. Ducan always recommends a new plywood sub-surface prior to installing the vinyl.
Can I apply the Dek-Master vinyl over previously installed vinyl?
You can apply the Dek-Master vinyl over the previously installed vinyl only if the sub-surface is sound and no rot or decay is present in the plywood sub-surface. Cut the overlap seam out, use Rubber Fill-It to bring the surface level and install the Dek-Master vinyl.
NOTE: Ducan does not warranty the sub-surface to which the vinyl has been applied. If the sub-surface is the cause of a failure, your warranty will be null & void. Ducan always recommends a new plywood sub-surface prior to installing the vinyl.
How do I care and maintain my Ducan Dek-Master vinyl?
Your new Ducan Dek-Master Vinyl is the finest vinyl decking manufactured today. You can ensure that it continues to look beautiful throughout the years by following these simple guidelines and suggestions for easy care!
| After installation: |
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Keep traffic to a minimum after installation for at least 48 hours to allow the adhesive to harden.
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Avoid washing the deck or putting heavy furniture or fixtures in place for 48 hours.
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Do not walk over seams for at least 24 hours after "seam sealing."
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Move heavy furniture or objects carefully. Do not push, pull or drag! |
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Furniture legs should be equipped with non-staining, large-surface casters or furniture cups. |
Control tracked-in dirt: |
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Dirt has an abrasive effect which lessens the original appearance of the decking. The simplest control for tracked-in dirt or stains from asphalt and oil driveways is the use of door mats at entrances.
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Do not use rubber-backed mats, as they might stain the decking. |
Heel marks: |
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Certain types of footwear soles and heels can mark floors. It’s a good idea to check the soles of footwear in the household as the marks they make can be unattractive and are sometimes hard to remove. |
Protect against burns: |
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| Ducan Dek-Master Vinyl floors are manufactured to be safe from normal fire hazards. However, the Dek-Master Vinyl surface can be damaged or scarred by burning cigarettes, matches or other very hot items.
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| If your Vinyl has been marred by a hot item, the careful use of a nylon pad (such as the type used to clean non-stick pots and pans) will sometimes remove these scars.
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| For deeper burns and cuts, contact an authorized Dek-Master installer.
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Recommended Maintenance Procedures
Ducan Dek-Master vinyls are tough, non-porous and resistant to normal household spills. They are easily maintained and will always look their best with regular care. For best results, follow the regular maintenance procedures outlined in this section.
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| Sweep up dirt and grit early with a stiff bristle deck brush and/or vacuum cleaner. Light sweeping or vacuuming will help keep your vinyl looking it’s best because it removes any grit particles, which can prematurely age your deck.
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| Blot up spills promptly to prevent them from setting. Even though most common spills will neither harm nor permanently stain Ducan Dek-Master Vinyl, they will be more easily removed if wiped up quickly before they set. This will save time later! Blot up with a paper towel and then wipe with a clean, white, dampened cloth. If the cause of the stain is unknown and remains, refer to the "Stain Removal Chart."
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| If the deck receives hard use and becomes soiled, wet cleaning is necessary. Use Ducan’s "The Duke A concentrated cleaner & degreaser" with warm water, flood the deck with solution, move around with a stiff bristle deck brush. After the soil has been loosened, rinse thoroughly with copious amounts of water. Allow time for the floor to dry before traffic is resumed. Do not use dish detergents, bleach, TSP or vinegar & water, as they may dull and fade the decking prematurely.
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| Abrasives and cleaners containing solvents are not recommended as they can dull the decking.
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| Snow removal is best done with a plastic snow shovel, going with the slope of the deck. Use extra caution near the overlap. |
STAIN REMOVAL CHART
| STAIN: |
Procedure to use: |
| Tar, grease, oil |
2,5,6,10 |
| Candle wax, chewing gum |
2,5,8,10 |
| Rubber heel marks, Shoe polish |
7,8,10 |
| Coffee stains, alcohol |
1,4,10 |
| Beverages, fruit juice, ink, iodine, Mustard, ketchup |
7,8,10 |
| Cigarette burns, rust, Mildew, dye, blood, grass |
7,8,10 |
| Paint, varnish, solvents |
1,5,10 or 7,8,10 |
| Shellac |
1,5,10 or 2,7,8,10 |
| Nail polish, lacquer, nail polish remover, dry cleaning fluids |
1,5,10 or 2,7,8,10 |
| Acids, alkalis, lye, drain cleaners, strong soaps, cleaners, detergents |
1,3,7,10 |
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM YOUR DUCAN DEK-MASTER VINYL
1. If the spill is fresh, wipe it up immediately using a blotting action with a new paper towel. Wash and rinse.
2. If the stain has set, remove it with a plastic spatula or something equivalent that will not scratch or damage the deck surface. Wash and rinse.
3. Wash the stain with a clean, white cloth dipped in clear water. Repeat several times, turning the cloth frequently.
4. Wash the stain with a clean, white cloth dipped in a mild solution of Ducan "The Duke". Rinse well.
5. Wipe the stain carefully with a clean, white cloth moistened with full strength Ducan "The Duke". Rinse well.
6. Lightly moisten a clean, white cloth with lighter fluid, taking all necessary precautions against fire, and wipe over the stains. Do only a small area at a time. When dry, wash with Ducan "The Duke" and rinse well.
7. Rub the stain with a new nylon pad (the type used for cleaning non-stick pots and pans) dampened with full strength Ducan " The Duke".
8. Dust the stain with household cleansing powder and rub lightly with a new nylon pad (the type used for cleaning non-stick pots and pans) or with a clean, white cloth dampened in a mild solution of Ducan "The Duke".
9. Rub the stain gently with a clean, white cloth dampened lightly with alcohol, taking all necessary precautions against fire. Do only a small area at a time. When dry, wash with Ducan "The Duke" and rinse well.
Do not walk on the treated area until it is completely dry.
How do I repair a cut, tear or large tear?
• A CUT OR TEAR UP TO 6"
Using a flat head screwdriver gently pry up the vinyl on either side of the cut about I". If moisture has permeated the plywood, allow to dry for 3 to 4 days. Ensure the area is clean & dry, use Ducan Overlap Cement and squeeze some under the flaps on either side of the cut. Roller flaps down with a seam roller gently squeezing the Overlap Cement to the cut line, wipe excess immediately. Have a brick or something heavy to place on the glued down flaps. Remove after 24 hours.
NOTE: be sure not glue the bricks to your deck.
• A LARGE TEAR
If you have a large tear, place a piece of vinyl over the damaged area. Use a razor knife to cut through both layers of vinyl. Remove damaged portion from plywood. Apply Ducan adhesive to both surfaces back side of vinyl & plywood. Let dry until tacky. Fit new vinyl piece in cut out area and firmly roller into place then use Overlap Cement around perimeter of repair. Remove any excess cement immediately.
Ducan offers these ideas as helpful hints only. Weather, applicator skill, substrate condition, surface condition are beyond our control therefor Ducan cannot be held responsible for the success or failure to correct the problem.
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