Medium density and affordable housing projects place sustained pressure on decks and walkway assemblies, particularly where budgets are fixed, threshold heights are restricted and long term maintenance must be minimised. In these environments, designers and builders are increasingly reevaluating traditional tiled deck systems in favour of trafficable membranes that combine waterproofing performance with durability and ease of installation.

Recent apartment projects in Auckland highlight how Viking Roofspec’s Dec-K-ing trafficable membrane system can support more efficient deck design and refurbishment. At both the Scanlan Street apartments in Grey Lynn and the Citti Apartments on Princess Road, Onehunga, existing deck and walkway areas were experiencing water ingress from ageing waterproofing systems and tiled finishes. Limited build-up heights at door thresholds ruled out floating deck systems, while tile over membrane solutions were assessed as carrying higher long term maintenance risk.

Dec-K-ing was specified as a fully trafficable waterproofing membrane, allowing the deck surface and waterproofing layer to be resolved as a single system. This approach eliminated the need for additional finishes, reduced build-up height and simplified detailing around balustrades, doors and edges.

From a construction perspective, the system helped improve efficiency on site by reducing trade coordination and shortening installation time. This was particularly relevant on the Onehunga project, which formed part of a reclad programme and required residents to vacate during construction. A simpler installation sequence helped minimise programme risk and reduce disruption.

Whole of life performance was also a key consideration. Unlike tiled assemblies, trafficable membranes remove grout lines and reduce areas where water can accumulate or migrate unseen.

Inspection and maintenance are more straightforward, and localised repairs can be undertaken without removing overlay finishes. At the Citti Apartments, further leaks identified at upper levels led to the system being extended across all pedestrian areas, providing a consistent and durable solution for the building as a whole.

Standardisation across multiple decks and walkways allowed the same detailing and installation methodology to be repeated, supporting clearer pricing and reduced variation risk — an important factor for social and affordable housing developments.

By integrating waterproofing and pedestrian surfaces into a single, robust system, trafficable membranes such as Dec-K-ing allow decks to be designed and delivered more efficiently, while supporting durability, low maintenance and predictable long term costs in medium density housing.

Viking Dec-K-ing has a 20-year product warranty and only Viking Approved Application companies with licensed installers are certified to install Viking Dec-K-ing, which ensures the highest standard of workmanship.