Deck Remediation – What You Need to Know

Replacing a membrane deck isn’t a simple swap-out job. There’s a significant amount of work involved to meet current building code requirements, and many clients aren’t made aware of this until they’re well into the process. We believe in being upfront from the start.

The Real Scope of Membrane Deck ReplacementMost membrane decks are non-compliant by today’s standards. A proper remediation requires a full system approach, not just a new membrane. Key requirements include:

Substrate Upgrades – The existing plywood is often too thin or in poor condition. It must be replaced with thicker, compliant plywood, which may require structural enhancements.

Drainage and Overflow Improvements – Many older decks have inadequate drainage. These systems must be brought up to modern standards to ensure long-term performance.

Minimum Upstands – Building code (E2/AS1) requires 150mm upstand clearance under cladding and 100mm under joinery. If your windows or cladding are too low—as is often the case—they must be removed and reinstalled. This involves:

Careful removal of cladding and/or joinery

Membrane installation and integration

Reinstallation of joinery and internal reinstatement as requiredThis is a detailed process, and it’s critical for code compliance and long-term performance.

Choosing the Right MembraneIf the area is not intended for foot traffic, we recommend Viking Enviroclad TPO, a heat-weldable roofing membrane system. It offers superior performance for flat roof areas but is not designed to be walked on directly. If TPO is used on a deck, it must be installed beneath a pedestal-mounted system such as floating tiles or decking.

For decks that are regularly used and walked on, Viking DecKing is the correct solution. It is a robust, trafficable sheet membrane specifically designed for this purpose and is fully compliant with durability and slip resistance standards.

Weather Protection During WorksDue to the scale and complexity of proper deck remediation, shrink wrap scaffold is highly likely to be required. This allows us to complete the work thoroughly and without compromise, regardless of weather conditions.

We carry out deck remediation projects regularly and understand exactly what’s required to deliver compliant, long-lasting results. If you want it done properly—first time—get in touch with our team.