DURADEK RELEASES Tiledek Membrane - The Ideal Solution to Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Under Exterior Tile Applications.

***For Immediate Release***

Tiledek Membrane - The Ideal Solution to Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Under Exterior Tile Applications.

SURREY, BC (June 30, 2009) - Duradek Ultra TILEDEK is already quickly proving itself as one of the leading products for waterproof roofing and crack isolation membranes under exterior tile or slate.

Duradek Ultra TILEDEK is a outdoor anti-fracture roofing membrane designed for use under exterior tile decks and roofs. Virtually identical to Duradek Ultra, TILEDEK is an approved roofing membrane with a fabric laminated to its topside. The tiles can then bonded securely to the fabric-covered membrane with thinset mortar.

Exterior tile has often been the source of contractor headaches resulting from improper waterproofing and cracking tiles. Since tile and grout alone are not waterproof, tile contractors rely on other products to waterproof the structure. Oftentimes the chosen product may not have actual roofing approvals; it may be too soft, allowing deflection which can crack the tiles or the warranty may be void if another product is placed overtop. TILEDEK is the answer to these issues, and more…

What makes Duradek Ultra TILEDEK different from the alternatives…

- TILEDEK is an approved roofing membrane, so the structure below does not incur expensive water damage.

- TILEDEK has a fabric laminated to its topside which securely bonds the tile, using a thinset mortar.

- TILEDEK also acts as a crack isolation membrane, which allows some movement in the structure without cracking the tiles.

- TILEDEK is part of 3 approved assemblies which were all rated for residential or heavy duty use, based on the ASTM 627 Robinson Floor Test

- TILEDEK is made of a very dense PVC , so there is no chance that deflection in the membrane will crack the tiles.

- TILEDEK is installed by trained applicators, so you have the peace of mind knowing the installation is professionally done.

- TILEDEK has a manufacturers 10 year warranty on waterproofing, even when tile or slate is installed on it’s surface.

Duradek Ultra TILEDEK is produced by Duradek, the original waterproofing sheet vinyl that has been solving unique waterproofing problems throughout North America for over 35 years. With the same roofing approvals, the same proven installation techniques, and the same network of professional and trained applicators, Duradek Ultra TILEDEK is revolutionizing the decking and flat roof industry.

Please go to http://www.duradek.com/Tiledek.asp for more details.

Contact:

Jennifer Ogilvie, Marketing Manager

Jennifer@duradek.com

866-591-5594

Document 99-Civil Minutes Filed in Life Paint vs. Pacific Pebbles/Paul Koury Puts the Pressure on Koury

Filed in the case of Life Paint vs. Paul Koury/Pacific Pebbles are Civil Minutes from the Court that places the case on hold and off calendar.

The filing puts severe pressure on Koury to settle up and sign by July 31st, else the case could be re-opened against Koury.

Taken from the document is this paragraph, showing that Pacific Pebbles/Koury has their backs against the wall, probably because Life Paint isn't going to let him fool around...

Paul Koury-file photo

"subject to the right, upon good cause shown by July 31, 2009, to reopen the action if settlement is not consummated. Counsel shall file settlement documents and/or a dismissal with this
Court by July 31, 2009."

So what would I want if I were Life Paint? Well, for one I would want my Life Deck name all to my self, like www.lifedeck.com, Life Deck Installation Company would be no bueno for Pacific Pebbles to use...I would want all my legal fees, lost profits from stolen sales, insist that Westcoat can't use the name ALX or make the product...boy what else can you think of?

July 31 isn't far away...can't wait!

Composite Decks Recalled by Louisiana-Pacific; Decks Can Deteriorate and Break, Posing Fall Hazard

A free advisory from Deckexpert.com on Louisiana Pacific's decking that is reportedly failing en masse...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Composite Decks

Units: About 48 million linear feet (decks vary in size)

Manufacturer: Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Corp., of Nashville, Tenn.

Hazard: The recalled decking can prematurely deteriorate and unexpectedly break. Consumers can fall through broken decking and suffer serious injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: LP has received 37 reports of composite decks breaking, resulting in 14 injuries, including a broken wrist, sprained ankle, minor lacerations and bruises.

Description: The recall includes outdoor deck board and railings sold under the brand names LP WeatherBest®, ABTCo., and Veranda®. They are composite products that look similar to natural wood and were sold in various colors including Tuscan Walnut/Chestnut, Driftwood Grey/Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood. Veranda decking products were manufactured by multiple firms; only products manufactured by LP are included in this recall.

Sold at: The Home Depot (Veranda® brand) and building product dealers (LP WeatherBest® and ABTCo. brands) nationwide from January 2005 to August 2008 for between $1.50 and $2.25 per linear foot.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers with the recalled decking should immediately contact LP for a free inspection. If the decking is affected by premature deterioration, LP will arrange for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LP toll-free at (888) 325-1184 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.deckingnotice.com

LIFE PAINT vs. PACIFIC PEBBLES/PAUL KOURY IT'S ALL OVER! Parties have filed in court that they have settled their differences.

Who cried Uncle and saw the writing on the wall? Probably Paul Koury/Pacific Pebbles, but we won't know unless/until the settlement documents are signed and filed with the court in Santa Ana...

On Thursday July 2, the two parties filed a document saying that " the parties have agreed in principle to settle. The settlement is subject to the parties agreeing upon and executing final settlement documents and consent agreement, which is currently being drafted by the parties."

Read it for yourself here...click the picture to enlarge it.

So who cried uncle? I'll guess that Pacific Pebbles/Koury flinched; the evidence seems to be overwhelming and Koury has the most to lose with any airing of dirty laundry, at least in my mind.

It ain't over til the fat lady sings, but I think she landed on Koury and now it's just a matter of time...watch for updates after July 31st for new documents/settlement papers...but I bet Koury wants that information kept on the qt.

Congrats to Life Paint and their attorneys? Stand by for more news...

Glass Balconies at the Sears Tower...

By KAREN HAWKINS, Associated Press Writer Karen Hawkins, Associated Press Writer – Wed Jul 1, 5:05 pm ET

CHICAGO – Visitors to the Sears Tower's new glass balconies all seem to agree: The first step is the hardest.

The balconies are suspended 1,353 feet in the air and jut out four feet from the building's 103rd floor Skydeck. Their transparent walls, floor and ceiling leave visitors with the impression they're floating over the city.

"It's like walking on ice," said Margaret Kemp, of Bishop, Calif., who said her heart was still pounding even after stepping away from the balcony. "That first step you take — 'am I going down?'"

Kemp was among the visitors who got a sneak preview of the balconies Wednesday. "The Ledge," as the balconies have been nicknamed, open to the public Thursday. Visitors are treated to unobstructed views of Chicago from the building's west side and a heart-stopping vista of the street and Chicago River below — for those brave enough to look straight down.

John Huston, one of the property owners of the Sears Tower, even admitted to getting "a little queasy" the first time he ventured out. But 30 or 40 trips later, he's got the hang of it.

"The Sears Tower has always been about superlatives — tallest, largest, most iconic," he said. "Today is also about superlatives."

Read the rest of the article by clicking here.

July 2009 Regenesis Edition is now available-a great tool for HOA's!

The new monthly issue of Regensis report is available for your reading pleasure.

The Regenesis Report (National Edition) July 2009 is now available for viewing at www.Regenesis.net

IN THIS EDITION

One Percent Rule. 1% accounts for 99% of the problem.

Ask the HOA Expert. Another set of intriguing Q&As.
The Role of the President. Are you up to the job?
Managing Difficult People. It’s partly art and partly science.
Going Green. Saving money by doing good.
Rules Enforcement Guide. Better a Guide than Guido.
Perception Principle. What you perceive is what you get.
CYA: Collateralize Your Assets. Ancient wisdom.
Wizdumb from Larry the Cable Guy. A day without sunshine is night.

ADVERTISERS The Regenesis Report reaches 7000 homeowner association boards and managers nationwide each month.
For advertiser information, see www.regenesis.net/advertise.htm

Why not share The Regenesis Report with some one you love?

Rich Thompson
The HOA Expert™
www.Regenesis.n

MAY 2009 is a Record Breaker for Visitors to Deckexpert.com

From 54 countries, 44 of the 50 states, over 5400 visitors came to our deckexpert.com site last month! Over 500 visitors came to our Blog last month too.

Our followers are up on Twitter, subscribers who get our Blogs through a feed are up...

everything is going up!

Thanks to you, our readers. Support our sponsors!

Interesting Documents From Westcoat's Spec Book...Does Life Paint's Lawyers Have These?

In researching through my thousands of documents I have regarding the upcoming Life Paint vs Pacific Pebbles/Paul Koury Trial July 21st in Santa Ana, I came across these letters and documents in the Westcoat spec book. The same spec book Matt Ranzau refused to give me way back when...saying I would "pick it apart" or something to that effect...

Here's a letter with Curtis Lawson's name on it saying I should discard my old Life Deck book because it was obsolete...

here's a chart with the new Westcoat products and what Life Deck product it is replacing...

and here's a product crossover list from 1/07 showing the new Westcoat number/product name to the old Life Deck number/name.

Should I bring this to the trial for anyone to look at closely?

Readers, you decide what Westcoat was attempting to do...

SEE the EXHIBIT LIST For Upcoming Life Paint vs Pacific Pebbles/Paul Koury Here! and I Can't Wait to See the ICC-ES Documents...

Here is the list of exhibits that both parties have agreed to in the upcoming trial...

There's lots of documents that reference ICC-ES and questions about how Westcoat got their ICC number and with what testing could be answered here...very tantalizing information. Hope ICC-ES isn't complicit in their issuance of a report #. What would happen if that was the case? A scandal like no other? Hmmm, can't wait to see these tasty documents. Take a look and see what is going to be presented...

Life Paints & Pacific Pebbles Witness Lists are a Who's Who in the Decking World...Who Do You Know?

Published last week at PACER are the witness lists for the upcoming Life Paint vs. Pacific Pebbles/Paul Koury civil case in Santa Ana.

Here they are...who do you know?

Sounds like it's gonna be a good time...

Defects in Fire Resistant Construction Cause Hotel/Casino to Close

Fire resistant construction...so important that this Casino made a decision to close the building rather than risk exposure to liability.

By Dana M. Nichols

Record Staff Writer

June 26, 2009 6:00 AM

JACKSON - Newly discovered construction defects are putting a stop to the music at Jackson Rancheria Casino.

Casino management announced Thursday that it is had closed 45 of the casino's 67 hotel rooms, a restaurant and a conference center. A ballroom in the same building will close after a July 9 performance by Robin Trower.

"deficiencies in the construction mean some walls in the hotel don't meet fire resistance standards"

This week's announcement is the latest construction-defect trouble for the casino. The Jackson Rancheria Band of Mi-Wuk Indians has been waging a legal battle since 2007 with a number of contractors on the project. The tribe's lawsuit alleges a long list of construction defects that allowed water to penetrate various buildings and mold to grow inside the structure.

READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE

SECOND FIRE TEST OF WESTCOAT ALX SYSTEM w/WP 40 "ACHIEVES THE SAME RESULTS" -DECK EXPERT ISSUES A CHALLENGE TO WESTCOAT!

Above, a fire tested ALX deck shows melted WP-40 has dripped out between the seams.
According to ASTM, nothing can fall off, drip, etc. in order to pass the Class A test.
Click on the picture to enlarge to photo to see it closely.


As Deck Expert wandered the halls of PCBC last week, several persons who I spoke with were familiar with the Westcoat ALX fire testing I had filmed and put onto You Tube. That film showed a small box made with Westcoat's ALX system, with WP-40 under it, when a fire was on top of the deck, ended up catching on fire from melting burning asphalt based waterproofing that is underneath on the plywood.

One rumor-"You put gasoline on it."
Another rumor-You are on someone's payroll and they are paying you to do this"
Third rumor-You have it out for Paul Koury."

Lets dispel the myths shall we?

Rumor 2, being on someone's payroll...nope, do all the investigation you want, I have not taken any money, or other consideration, from any person, entity or other, for posting, publishing videoing or investigating the Westcoat ALX system. It would be my sworn testimony in a court of law (read, Santa Ana, July 21st) that the above statement is true.

Rumor 3, "I have it out for Paul Koury" Wrong again; I have nothing against Paul Koury. I don't know him, I have only met him once at a bar/brewery where Life Deck was sponsoring an event. That was 4 years ago and my conversation with him lasted 45 seconds. Don't know the guy, don't care to know him. All I know is I keep catching Westcoat in lies that is backed up by ICC-ES having Westcoat alter mis-leading literature that Westcoat produced. If that's having it out for him, well then yes, I have it out for him. But please understand, anyone lying about their products fire ratings is subject to my scathing reporting of the lie. So if Paul Koury or anyone else know about anyone lying about their product, drop me a line, I'll check it out. If it's true, I'll publish the lies.

Rumor 1, "You put gas on it." Wrong again...I did not do anything with any accellerant or material that would increase the severity or intensity of the fire that melted the WP-40 under the decking.

In fact, to confirm my suspicions, I retested the Westcoat ALX decking again several months ago. Here's some pictures from the second test.

In the second test, to make it more like what the actual test is in a lab, I had Class A sized trivets built, oak, 12" x 12" stacked 3 high.

I built the decking in the manner described in the ASTM documents-see below. Fans on the fire to mimic the 12 mph winds in a test, tilted decks....

Then to ensure that no one could dispute this test, I did it with news camera's rolling.

Witnesses, tv camera's rolling, fire department there...we all saw the 2 decks I built burned with the Class A trivets. The deck without WP-40 under it did not emit any melting materials.

The deck with WP-40 under it, allowed melting dripping tar to run out over the asphalt below. Heat from the fire burned into the plywood and spread into the joist below.

One witness, a professional engineer and code professional, appeared shaken by what he witnessed and agreed that this was a problem. "In my opinion, this would not pass a Class A fire test." No it wouldn't...just look and see in the ASTM fire testing procedure and validation. Nothing can fall off or drip or run...sorry, FAIL!

The TV people are still working on something I'm told...the story hasn't gone onto the TV news yet, but that could change soon...

SO WHAT IS THE DECK EXPERT's CHALLENGE?

I challenge Paul Koury and Westcoat to produce by their own hands, under the watch of independent eyes, 2 samples of their Westcoat ALX system. One with WP-40 under it, one without WP-40 under it.

Then lets burn test them. Lets have 2 trivets made to ASTM standards, and I will attend a "real world"burn test with Westcoat in attendance. Maybe even ICC-ES if they'll come (doubt it, I think they have something to hide). Any interested parties could attend too!


With TV camera's rolling, lets burn some more Westcoat decks and see what happens.

Paul Koury, balls in your court. Wanna play?

It's put up or shut up, sack up or slink away....lets play winner take all! Lets dispel some myth's shall we? Deck Expert stands ready to prove his claims to anyone who wants to see the testing.

Readers? want to see it go down?

Send an email to Paul Koury at pkoury@westcoat.com and ask him to play fire test with me...

Nevada Builders/Developer's Lobby vs. Trial Lawyers-Construction Defects Law is Challenged

It's like the wild wild west out in Nevada, with the trial lawyers lobby vs the builders and developers lobby over "Chapter 40" the construction defects law that lets the prevailing party collect attorney's fees.

By J. Patrick Coolican (contact), David McGrath Schwartz (contact)

Sun, Jun 21, 2009 (2 a.m.)

The construction industry had just captured a huge victory, pushing legislation through the state Senate that would limit the ability of homeowners to win settlements against developers for construction defects.

Builders needed only a victory in the Assembly to save themselves millions in settlements and legal fees.

Their lobbyists, gathered in the hallway of the state’s 1970s-era concrete slab of a Legislative Building on April 16, were ecstatic over the 19-1 Senate vote.

James Wadhams, a lobbyist for the Southern Nevada Homebuilders, turned to his cohorts, according to two people present, and readied them for the not-always-pleasant task of dealing with Assembly Democrats, who he knew would drive a hard bargain.

“I’m gonna savor this victory awhile, but now we put our hand in the garbage disposal.”

•••

Sitting 450 miles from Las Vegas, cut off from average Nevadans, Carson City is special interest heaven.

While the public watches from afar the every-other-year 120-day legislative session, special interest lobbyists — for gaming, energy and development companies, trial lawyers and labor unions — make the rules and fight among themselves over the booty. They fly the Southwest shuttle Monday mornings and return to Las Vegas on Fridays. They spend their days shuffling between legislative offices and committee hearings, and their evenings in Carson City’s restaurants and bars, swapping gossip and toasting or ridiculing the legislators they are paid well to lobby.

No issue this session better exemplified how they do their work in the state capital than construction defect legislation, which pitted two powerful interest groups — construction companies and trial lawyers — in a battle they knew would determine the economic fate of both groups for years to come.

On one side was the Coalition for Fairness in Construction, big homebuilder and contracting companies and small subcontractors, who knew they had a sympathetic ear among conservative Democrats in the Senate.

On the other was the Nevada Justice Association, a fancy name for trial lawyers. Many Assembly Democrats, particularly in leadership, are their close allies.

Read the rest of this article by clicking here to go the Las Vegas Sun website.

PCBC Show at San Francisco Is "Pretty Busy"

Deck Expert stopped in to walk around yesterday at PCBC; there is activity and while the show is much smaller (one hall, as oppsed to 2+ in past years) there were plenty of builders walking around.

Several of our sponsors were displaying there products and busily scanning badges for product literature to be mailed out to prospects and future followup.

Partners Jan Bagnall & Jeff Zember
of Pli-Dek were at their 10th
PCBC show.

Mer-Ko Parex displayed as well with a large corner that brought in traffic.