Econodek Vinyl Decking FAQs

No – We do not recommend installing over an existing deck coating due to unknown chemical incompatibilities between the old coating and the new Econodek™ vinyl decking materials. There are so many deck coatings on the market that we can’t test them all for compatibility with Econodek™ vinyl. New, clean plywood is the best recommended surface to install Econodek™ vinyl on.

Not recommended – Old fiberglass coatings can crack and break down beneath your new Econodek™ vinyl covering and become unattached from the deck surface.

Not recommended – Slotted lumber must be covered with new plywood in order to create a solid structure to adhere Econodek™ vinyl to. Remember to also slope your deck.

That depends on the ambient temperature and humidity. Econodek™ vinyl adhesives are designed to give adequate working time but will dry faster on hot, dry sunny days, when temperatures are up. Before starting, spread a little adhesive on a piece of scrap plywood and judge the working time.

Econodek™ vinyl is best installed at temperatures between 50 °F and 68 °F (10 – 20°C) and rising.

The deck surface must be clean and dry regardless of the weather. A tarp structure can be built over the area to keep the deck dry until the weather improves. Download Tarping Directions

There are several methods of removing vinyl adhesive spills depending on which adhesive has been spilled. Always use caution as the vinyl deck’s printed top surface can be removed with the adhesives or aggressive cleaning solutions. Read the instructions on the adhesive container for removing the vinyl adhesive. If further help is required, contact Tuff Industries technical support.

Not recommended – Old vinyl decking products will have deteriorated over time. When you install new Econodek™ vinyl over old vinyl you run the risk of shortening the life span of Econodek™ due to chemical incompatibilities. Although they both might be vinyl products it is unlikely they are made from the same raw materials.

Cleaning an Econodek™ vinyl decking surface is easy using warm water with a stiff bristled broom. This is how to clean vinyl decking t0 loosen any dirt on the vinyl surface, which can then be rinsed clean with a garden hose. For further information please refer to our PDF file entitled “Maintenance Instructions.

Always keep some leftover liquid weld and scraps of vinyl on hand in case, by some rare chance, you get a cut in the Econodek™ vinyl. These can be used to repair any cut or tear in your deck covering.

All Econodek™ products have a 10 year limited warranty.

Econodek™ vinyl deck covering can last 15-25 years, depending on location and care of the deck surface.

Econodek™ vinyl is tested at temperatures down to -40° to ensure the product can be installed problem free anywhere in North America. You can also remove snow from Econodek™ using a plastic snow shovel or stiff broom. (Ensure shovel has no sharp burrs that will cut the vinyl surface). You can also use salt or de-icing compounds on Econodek™ vinyl decking, but be sure to rinse the deck surface thoroughly in the spring to remove all residues left behind from these products.

Econodek™ is tested to meet the Canadian (CGSB 37.54-95) standards for PVC roof membranes. Econodek™ is always up to date with all testing, with independent quarterly audits to ensure Econodek™ performs properly year after year. See our page entitled, “Testing & Approval.

Econodek 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

No – The chemicals in treated wood will stain your new Econodek™ vinyl decking surface.

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

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.