Frequently asked questions

The Dek-Master® Vinyl Deck 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.

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 so 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.

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 onto. The simplest solution is to sheet over with 5/8" or 3/4" T & G plywood, the plywood must be glued and screwed using a suitable construction adhesive. Slotted lumber decks are built level, a 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 off the required amount to achieve proper slope. Make sure the new plywood is not higher than the threshold of the door, if so all slotted lumber should be removed before re-sheeting with 5/8" or 3/4" T&G plywood.

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.

Ducan manufactures 5 adhesives to compensate for a wide temperature range.

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.

Working temperature	Recommended Ducan Adhesive
47ºF to 55ºF, 8ºC to 12ºC	Dek-Master® Adhesive (Low Temp) solvent based
55ºF to 85ºF, 13ºC to 30ºC	Dek-Master® Adhesive (Regular) solvent based
55ºF to 90ºF, 13ºC to 32ºC	Dek-Master® Regular Water Based (special order)
50ºF to 90ºF, 10ºC to 32ºC	Dek-Master® Pro Series Exterior Contact Adhesive (solvent based)
60ºF to 95ºF, 15ºC to 35ºC	Dek-Master® Pro Series Water Based Adhesive (special order)

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 8ºC (47ºF) screw down plywood, nail flashing and cant strip and fill all joints and surface imperfections with Ducan Dek-Patch until flush. Apply a primer coat of Ducan's Dek-Master® Low Temp Adhesive 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 8ºC (47ºF), 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, can only be left exposed to the weather extremes for a maximum of 8 to 10 weeks.

Accidental spilling of the solvent based adhesive onto your finished vinyl surface is going to happen at some time, to someone. This quick and easy method of removing the adhesive is a lifesaver.

• Removing Dek-Master® Solvent Based Adhesive From Vinyl Surface
  Allow the adhesive spill to dry on the deck. Using a regular contact cement, lightly coat the spill. Once it is partially dried (tacky), 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.


• Removing Dek-Master® Water Based Adhesive from Vinyl Surface
  Clean adhesive immediately with water and a damp cloth.

The simplest way to remove the vinyl from the sub-surface is to razor knife the vinyl every 4" to 6", 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
re-apply 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.

No. We do not recommend applying the Dek-Master® vinyl over previously installed vinyl. The sub-surface may not be sound and rot or decay may be present in the plywood sub-surface.

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.

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

• Keep traffic to a minimum after installation for at least 48 hours to allow the adhesive to harden.
  
• Avoid washing the deck or putting heavy furniture or fixtures in place for 48 hours.
  
• Do not walk over seams for at least 24 hours after "seam sealing."
• Move heavy furniture or objects carefully. Do not push, pull or drag!
• Furniture legs should be equipped with non-staining, large-surface casters or furniture cups.

Control tracked-in dirt

• 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.
• Do not use rubber-backed mats, as they may stain the decking.
  

Heel marks

• 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

• 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.
• 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.
• For deeper burns and cuts see section on "How to repair a cut or tear" or contact an Authorized Dek-Master® Installer.

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.

• 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.
  
  
• 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. 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" below.
  
  
• If the deck receives hard use and becomes soiled, wet cleaning is necessary. Use Ducan's "The Duke - concentrated all purpose cleaner & degreaser" with warm water. Flood the deck with solution then 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.
  
  
• Abrasives and cleaners containing solvents are not recommended as they can dull the decking and sometimes remove the colour.
  
  
• 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.
10.	Do not walk on the treated area until it is completely dry.

A CUT OR TEAR - UP TO 6"

1. Clean your deck with Ducan's "The Duke" all purpose cleaner & degreaser following the directions on the label. 2. Using a flat head screwdriver gently pry up the vinyl on either side of the cut about 1". If moisture has permeated the plywood, allow to dry for 3 to 4 days. 3. Ensure the area is clean & dry then mask off on either side of the cut with masking tape to protect the top surface of the vinyl. 4. Using Ducan Overlap Cement, squeeze some under the flaps on either side of the cut. Roller flaps down with a wallpaper seam roller, gently squeezing the Overlap Cement through the cut line and on to the masking tape. Wipe off the excess immediately. 5. Remove the masking tape and let dry. Have a brick or something heavy to place on the glued down flaps. Remove after 24 hours. NOTE: be sure not glue the brick to your deck.

A LARGE TEAR

1. Clean your deck with Ducan's "The Duke" all purpose cleaner & degreaser following the directions on the label. 2. 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. 3. Apply the appropriate Ducan Adhesive to both surfaces - the back side of the vinyl & the plywood. Let dry until tacky on the fuzzy side of the vinyl. Fit new vinyl piece into the cut out area and firmly press into place. 4. When adhered, mask off the perimeter of the patch and the perimeter of the cut out to protect the top surface of the vinyl. 5. Use Overlap Cement around the edge of the repair where the two pieces meet. Gently push the edges of the patch down until the Overlap Cement squeezes out on to the masking tape. Wipe off the excess immediately. 6. Remove the masking tape and let dry.

HOW TO REPAIR A CUT, TEAR OR LARGE TEAR ON 45 OR 60 MIL VINYL

1. Clean your deck with Ducan's "The Duke" all purpose cleaner & degreaser following the directions on the label. 2. Dry the area well, making sure the plywood substrate is dry underneath the vinyl. 3. If the tear is large cut away the flap of vinyl. 4. Cut a new piece of vinyl to cover the hole, leaving a 1" overlap around the hole so the vinyl can be welded vinyl to vinyl. 5. Cover the hole with the new piece of vinyl and place masking tape down one or two sides to hold it in place as you heat weld. 6. The heat welding instructions are the same as our written instructions and DVD on how to hot air weld a vinyl overlap seam. (Contact Ducan at 1-800-943-8226 or by email at support@ducan.com for a copy.) 7. Once one side has been heat welded, remove the masking tape and do all remaining sides. Most likely your vinyl patch will look different from the rest of your deck. If you would like a consistent looking deck surface Vinyl Re-Fresh may be used to bring your deck back to an aesthetically pleasing finish. Your vinyl deck surface must be leak free before applying. Vinyl Re-Fresh is tinted at the store to any pastel based colour and must be re-applied every 2 years.

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.