Vinyl Decking Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warranty of Tufdek, Econodek and Aluminum Railings?
Sundeck Centre provides the following decking product warranties;
Tufdek products have a 15-year product warranty.
Econodek products have a 10-year product warranty.
Aluminum Railings provide a 10-year limited warranty.
Sundeck Centre provides a 5-year workmanship warranty for all Sundeck Centre deck installations.
For detailed warranty information please visit the Products section in this website
How do I remove snow and ice from my vinyl deck?
You can safely use a plastic shovel to remove snow from Tufdek and Econodek vinyl deck covering, as long as the shovel has no sharp edges.
Does vinyl decking need re-coating or cleaning?
Tufdek and Econodek are factory-finished vinyl membrane products which require no re-coating. The vinyl is virtually maintenance free – regular cleaning using the manufacturers guidelines will help maintain their good looks.
How long will my vinyl deck last?
Sundeck Centre sells two grades of vinyl decking: Our premium brand Tufdek vinyl comes with a 15 year warranty and a life expectancy of 25 plus years. Our contractor brand Econodek vinyl comes with a 10 year warranty and a life expectancy of 15 plus years. These life expectancies can vary depending on numerous factors including, but not limited to, care and maintenance, sun exposure and foot traffic volume. Please read your Tufdek and Econodek Limited Warranty and Tufdek and Econodek Care and Maintenance instructions for further information.
How do I remove tough stains from my vinyl deck?
Please call us for tips and tricks for removing tough stains from vinyl decking: 1-250-766-7320
Why does my deck need 1x2 or 2x2 around the edge?
Sundeck Centre recommends using 1×2 or 2×2 around the deck edge to prevent water from running down the fascia board and causing rot and to give the proper support for the deck flashing. It is preferable for the plywood to run over top of the 1×2 (see image):
Preferred Method of Installation
It is acceptable to be installed the same as the image below (see image):
Acceptable Method of Installation
Glass & Aluminum Railing FAQ
Why should I consider an aluminum railing product versus Wood, Steel or Iron?
Wood railings require protection from rot and insects. Ferrous metal railings are prone to rust and peeling paint. In contrast, aluminum railings are super-low maintenance. Their sturdy construction and powder coated finish, plus their design flexibility, make them the best choice for anyone seeking a high-end look without the hassles.
I have a unique railing project in mind, can you make custom railings out of Aluminum?
Yes. Aluminum Railings are fully customizable, and can be custom-finished to exactly conform to your deck, patio or pool dimensions. Choose any style, colour and finishing detail – we can match your design scheme, and accommodate any unique height or angle requirements. In short, we can build a custom railing system to help you achieve the exact custom look that you seek.
Are there restrictions to the types of surfaces that aluminum railing can be installed on?
We can install aluminum railings to wood, composites, waterproof vinyl membranes, or concrete. However, depending on your application, special mounting hardware may be required. Sundeck Centre can advise on your specific project’s needs.
How do the posts attach to the deck?
Sundeck Centre uses two types of railing mount designs, top surface mount posts with a base plate bolted through the top of the deck or a fascia mount post (also referred to as side mount posts). The Sundeck Centre can provide more information on your specific project design.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a durable coating applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. It differs from a conventional liquid paint in that it does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in liquid suspension. Rather, the coating is applied electrostatically and is then gelled and cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a “skin”. The result is a uniform, durable, high quality and attractive finish.
What type of glass is used?
Sundeck Centre recommends using 5mm (3/16”) tempered safety glass for all rails using a top and bottom frame design. In our Topless windscreen and our Topless Infinity post railing systems we use 10 mm (3/8″) or 12 mm (1/2″) tempered safety glass.
Do you ever use Plexiglass or Lexan?
No we do not use Lexan or Plexiglas. Although these products are extremly strong they do not have the rigidity to work within our system and can scratch and discolor prematurely. We only use tempered glass in our railing systems.
What height of railing is required on my deck to meet building code?
Depending on your local building code decks lower then 24″ in over all height require no railings, for decks between 24″ and 71″ in over all height require a railing of 36″ in height and for decks over 71″ from the ground a 42″ railing is required. Please confirm with your local building official.
What maintenance is required on the aluminum railing system?
Wash product according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Do not use acid solution, steel wool, or harsh abrasives. Clean glass panels by removing dust and grit with a generous application of water, remove grease and film deposits with a mild solution of soap and water; and rinse thoroughly. We recommend an annual inspection of the railings and all fasteners yearly to ensure structural integrity. Please check and replace caulking according to manufacturer’s warranty and fully read and follow all maintenance instructions.