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Elevator pits, though often overlooked, are critical components of any building’s infrastructure. These subterranean spaces house essential elevator machinery and are particularly susceptible to moisture intrusion. Without a proper waterproofing system in place, elevator pits can become breeding grounds for corrosion, mold growth, and equipment damage issues. When it comes to waterproofing elevator pits, fluid-applied systems are among the most effective solutions available. These systems not only ensure a watertight seal, but also adapt seamlessly to various substrates, making them ideal for the diverse materials found in elevator pits. Let’s explore the intricate world of fluid-applied waterproofing and understand why…
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Building Envelope
Sheet-Applied Waterproofing in Elevator Pits: A Comprehensive Guide Series
When it comes to constructing waterproof systems, the choice of material and application methodology can greatly influence the longevity and overall performance of the structure being worked on. This is even more important when tackling an elevator pit. Due to access, function, location, and the fact that elevator pits tend to be the lowest points in a building, they are especially susceptible to water intrusion and other costly scenarios that are hard to retroactively fix, not to mention the scheduling nightmare that can come from needing to make a repair. Therefore, it is critical to make sure you plan ahead…
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Crawl Space Vapor Barriers
One of the realities of constructing and repairing commercial buildings is forever remaining aware of the dangers of moisture. Rotting wood, mold, chipped paint and more are all risks of water entering the building in areas where it’s not wanted. One good leak could cause tens of thousands of dollars of damage, and an area that is already susceptible could cause multiple rounds of damage if not dealt with effectively. So prevention is key to protecting buildings from the havoc moisture can wreak. But a rotted roof and a massive storm aren’t the only ways moisture can enter a commercial…
Not All Mil Thicknesses Are Created Equal: Understanding Underslab Vapor Barriers
In the construction industry, underslab vapor barriers play a pivotal role in protecting buildings from moisture intrusion, soil gases, and other external elements that can compromise the integrity of the structure. With a plethora of product choices, it can feel daunting to know which product will best fit your project. The mil thickness of a vapor barrier is often considered one of the primary indicators of its performance and durability. However, not all mil thicknesses are created equal, especially when comparing different product’s engineering, such as if polar or non-polar molecules were used, like EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) resin or…
Silicone Roof Coatings
Silicone Roofing vs. Roof Replacement: The Smart-Choice Explained Building owners are often faced with a critical question: should they opt for a complete roof replacement, or consider a more cost-effective, less disruptive, and sustainable alternative, such as liquid-applied roof coatings? But how do you know what is the best option for you? This guide will provide valuable insights into why liquid-applied roof coating might be a more cost-effective and sustainable option compared to traditional roof replacement, as well as discuss all the liquid-applied options and how to find out if liquid-applied will work for you. UNDERSTANDING THE KEY DIFFERENCES Roof…
5 Reasons Your Building Needs a Below-Slab Vapor Barrier
There is much debate over the role and merit (as well as need) for vapor barriers within varied sects of the construction industry—however, there is a simple truth no matter what side of the discussion you happen to find yourself on. Ultimately, the systems under your building and above the concrete slab need protection, too, and simply leaving HVAC systems, wiring and plumbing, or the framework itself exposed offers far too much room for error—and seriously tempts Murphy’s Law. There is no sense in leaving the fate of your building up to chance, because let’s face it—damage can occur above…
A New Home For Bioscience Research (Case Study)
Print Version Pursuing the cutting edge in research and education has always been a focus at the University of Arizona—located in Tucson. And this intent was evident when the University first set out to build a new hub, on campus, to house bioscience research themes that included work on biosensors, bioimaging, bioinformatics, healthy aging, genomics technology, and precision medicine. The building itself is a joint collaboration between the University of Arizona Office for Research, Discovery, and Innovation and the University’s Department of Health Sciences. It was designed by ZGF Architects and BWS Architects, and the general contractor was DPR Construction.…
When the Weather Outside is Frightful
Building Envelope Building Materials Made for Low Temperatures If you’re specifying for winter-grade products, or you’re a contractor working outside in low temperatures, you’ll want to bookmark this article. W. R. MEADOWS has a portfolio of building envelope products – air barriers, vapor barriers, waterproofing membranes, accelerators, grout and form release agents — that ignore the cold weather to keep on keepin’ on, to borrow from Curtis Mayfield. Some of our products handle temperatures as low as -18° Celsius, or -62.6° Fahrenheit. Below is your convenient list of our winter-grade and low-temperature building envelope products, organized by the temperatures they…
What IS Negative Side Waterproofing?
Negative-side waterproofing is the act of applying waterproofing materials to the negative, or dry side, a.k.a. the interior side of your building’s foundation or wall. Building owners will often fill the maximum amount of property square footage possible with their new structure, leaving little room on the exterior of their structure’s property for the amount of excavating needed to do positive-side (or exterior) waterproofing. In another scenario, maybe you have a leak in a deep elevator pit. Perhaps it’s located in a downtown Toronto building where there is no way you can access that building’s exterior to waterproof it without…
What’s the Difference Between Positive Side Waterproofing and Negative Side Waterproofing?
When junior architects or contractors are starting out, they get bombarded with new terms and a whole new language, so we want to make it our mission at W. R. MEADOWS to ensure everyone understands the most commonly used concrete, waterproofing, and construction terms. To that end, we recently were asked, “What’s the difference between positive-side and negative-side waterproofing?” Today’s blog serves to answer that question. Positive-Side Waterproofing The first thing to know is that positive-side waterproofing is on the outside of the structure, which is sometimes referred to as the “wet” side of the wall. This prevents any water…
MEL-DRAIN TOTAL DRAIN. The Complete Drainage System.
The MEL-DRAIN TOTAL-DRAIN sheet drain system combines any regular MEL-DRAIN sheet drain section with the unique TOTAL-DRAIN section. In the TOTAL-DRAIN system, the regular sheet drain performs its normal function of water collection, while the TOTAL-DRAIN section provides both water collection and a high-profile section for water flow to the designed drainage exits. TOTAL-DRAIN is a two-part, prefabricated geocomposite drain consisting of a formed 24″ high HIPS core covered on one side with a non-woven, needle-punched polypropylene filter fabric. The top section is 12″ of 7/16″ core for water collection. The bottom section is 12″ of 1″ thick for water…
PRECON For Blindside Waterproofing and Vaporproofing
PRECON goes where conventional waterproofing products are impractical – such as positive-side waterproofing where access is prohibited due to the soil retention system. PRECON fabric bonds tenaciously to poured concrete walls to create solid waterproofing protection. Superior to traditional clay-type products, PRECON features a greater seal to stop water in its tracks. A flexible, rubberized asphalt core also creates stronger protection than clay-type products currently used. The plasmatic core is a seven-layer matrix designed for toughness and provides the lowest water vapor transmission (WVT) rating on the market. Once concrete is poured against PRECON and the concrete cures, a mechanical…
MEL-DRAIN
MEL-DRAIN is a drainage product that combine geotextile filter fabrics with specially designed drainage cores. Used in conjunction with a total W. R. MEADOWS moisture protection system, MEL-DRAIN is the ideal choice for enhanced waterproofing protection of basement walls, plaza decks, earth-sheltered homes, commercial buildings, retaining walls, underground parking, site drainage, etc. This geocomposite allows the passage of moisture through the fabric while preventing fine soils from entering the drainage channel. Various drain designs are available, depending on compressive strength and flow rate requirements. (An optional polyester backing film is available when used in conjunction with flexible waterproofing material.) The…
The Evolution of Fluid-Applied Membranes – The Construction Specifier (09/20)
Print Version By Isaac Sorensen, CSI; Russ Snow, CSP, CTR, BSS, LEED AP; Scott Wolff, CSI, CDT, BEC; Conleigh Bauer, CSI, CDT; Stacey Bogdanow, CTR; Taylor Wodzinski; Patrick Raney, CSI, ICRI, and Roger Smith, CSI, ICRI After centuries of use, fluid-applied waterproofing continues to evolve as the primary method of structural waterproofing. According to Grand View Research, fluid-applied waterproofing is predicted to be a $37-38 billion market by 2025. Historically, humans have used variations of liquid membranes to waterproof their structures since hunters and gatherers used large leaves and tree sap to protect their excess grain from moisture. In the…
PRECON and How to Apply it Horizontally
What is PRECON PRECON is a composite sheet membrane comprised of a non-woven fabric, elastomeric membrane that is used for waterproofing vertically and horizontally. The plasmatic core is a seven-layer matrix designed for toughness and provides the lowest water vapor transmission (WVT) rating on the market. Once concrete is poured against PRECON and the concrete cures, a mechanical bond forms that secures the concrete to the membrane. Uses PRECON is used as a blindside membrane in vertical applications where access to the positive side is limited. The membrane can also be used for horizontal applications for underslab/blindside waterproofing and vaporproofing.…
AIR-SHIELD SMP and Product Application
AIR-SHIELD SMP INTRODUCTION AIR-SHIELD SMP is our brand-new product in our line of air shields. AIR-SHIELD SMP is a tough, durable membrane that exhibits excellent resistance to air leakage and liquid water intrusion, while at the same time allow vapor to readily pass through to allow the wall assembly to dry. This product is perfect to fit your above grade waterproofing needs. USES AIR-SHIELD SMP may be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall assemblies. AIR-SHIELD SMP is suitable for both new construction and retrofit applications and works equally well as an air barrier on precast…
Learn more about the full line of building envelope products from W. R. Meadows
For years, W. R. Meadows has focused our efforts on manufacturing products that protect the building envelope, such as underslab vapor barriers, concrete waterproofing, and air barriers. Our line is seamless – our products work together as a continuous system to help buildings become more energy efficient, by helping a building block the ingress of moisture underground and above it. We’ve also been involved with LEED-certified structures. Our products are made with recycled material, use nearby raw material sources, and help make a building sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient. To help our distributor partners, contractors, and design teams learn more about…
How to Repair a Building Envelope Barrier Membrane
A lot of time, money, and effort goes into achieving a leak-free building envelope. Tears, punctures, air blisters, and fishmouths can interrupt the continuity of a barrier in an otherwise properly installed membrane. Accurately repairing these disruptions is essential to achieve the proper bond of a self-adhering barrier membrane. W. R. MEADOWS offers a repair procedure technical bulletin which outlines the steps needed to accomplish repairs needed to maintain the integrity of AIR-SHIELD, W. R. MEADOWS’ high quality self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier option. These instructions are also available in a convenient PDF that can be saved to a…
Our Hawkesbury District & General Hospital (HGH) case study is now available!
Our Hawkesbury District & General Hospital (HGH) case study describes the problem and solution when the new additions to the structure were designed and built. This case study is a great way to learn more about how W. R. Meadows products were used to waterproof this large project. When the Hawkesbury District & General Hospital (HGH) decided to build two large additions to its community hospital in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada, construction officials knew there was a big problem to solve. Below ground level was a substrate composed of solid rock with gravel on top. That meant there was no place…
W. R. MEADOWS hosts ABAA Installer Training Course
W. R. MEADOWS was very pleased to host an Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) installer certification training course at our location in Hampshire, Illinois for 15 contractors from across the country. ABAA is the national voice of the air barrier industry, setting a high standard for building envelope excellence through their Quality Assurance Program. ABAA President Russ Snow is also Building Science Specialist at W. R. MEADOWS. This 3-day training program, taught by Peter Spafford, the Director of Quality Assurance from the ABAA, focused on both theory and practical instruction for self-adhered and fluid applied air barriers. The classroom…
PRECON Underslab Membrane for Waterproofing and more
When tough underslab waterproofing is needed, PRECON membrane is the product for the job. Prevent moisture infiltration, reduce methane and radon gas invasion, and create a barricade against termites with the addition of PRECON into your construction project. PRECON is made up of non-woven fabric, elastomeric membrane, and a plasmatic core that is exclusively patented by W. R. MEADOWS. PRECON offers the lowest water vapor transmission rating available with its exceptionally tough seven-layer plasmatic core. A mechanical bond is formed between cured concrete and PRECON to ensure the membrane is sealed to the concrete for long-lasting protection. PRECON is ideal…
Our Interview with Masonry Magazine
At W. R. MEADOWS, we’re proud to be a part of relevant construction-related associations and agencies. We feel that being active members of these communities allows us to see all issues in the field and allows us to be a part of conversations as we progress in the many areas of construction, architecture, and engineering. One of the associations we work with the closest is the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). The association seeks to raise the standard of proficiency in the air barrier industry through the ABAA On-Site Quality Assurance Program, based on the principles outlined in ISO…
Experience Tough yet Flexible Waterproofing with HRM 714
HRM 714 from W. R. MEADOWS is hot-applied rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane that is comprised of 100% solids blend of asphalts, synthetic rubber polymers, and filler formulated to provide toughness with flexibility and low moisture vapor permeance. HRM 714 is hot-applied to form a continuous elastomeric membrane. It is ideal for waterproofing bridge, parking, plaza, or promenade decks; tunnels; pedestrian concourses; and similar types of construction where a monolithic waterproofing membrane is desirable. “HRM 714 hot applied waterproofing membrane provides W. R. MEADOWS with a hot applied option for waterproofing to complement our line of waterproofing materials, allowing us to…
Protect your structure from harmful Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is formed by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and groundwater. It is a colorless and odorless gas that moves freely through the soil and in enclosed spaces, such as buildings, it can accumulate resulting in high concentrations. Radon can enter buildings through cracks in foundation walls and floors, and any gaps around pipes and cables. Radon exposure is known to cause an increased risk of developing lung cancer and is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. As a result, maximum exposure limits have been established around the…
Check out our AIR-SHIELD LSR promotional flyer!
If you’re a seller, specifier, or installer of AIR-SHIELD LSR, we have a new item for your construction material collateral – our new informational flyer. This flyer features full-color photos and product information for our AIR-SHIELD LSR liquid membrane air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LSR (liquid synthetic rubber) is an asphalt-free, single-component, synthetic rubber based liquid air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier. AIR-SHIELD LSR cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane, which exhibits excellent resistance to air and moisture transmission. AIR-SHIELD LSR has been specifically formulated to act as an air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier within the building envelope.…
MEL-DRAIN CAD Details Now Available!
MEL-DRAIN continues to be one of our most popular materials for diverting water away from a building’s foundation. MEL-DRAIN is a dimple-raised, molded polystyrene sheet bonded to high strength polypropylene fabric. This geocomposite allows the passage of moisture through the fabric while preventing fine soils from entering the drainage channel. Various drain designs are available, depending on soil pressure and flow specifications. (An optional polyester backing film is available when used in conjunction with flexible waterproofing material.) The family of MEL-DRAIN products provides excellent protection in vertical, horizontal, and site applications. Used in conjunction with a total W. R. MEADOWS…
Case Study featuring Kalahari’s Indoor Waterpark renovation
When Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains was in urgent need of a tough waterproof material that could hold up to a harsh winter construction environment after a previously chosen product wasn’t able to meet the temperature requirements needed to not delay the renovation deadline, John Rakus, Estimator for EDA, reached out to Tim Durso with W. R. MEADOWS. Tim was able to immediately recommend MEL-ROL waterproofing membrane for the project. Jason Sorci, Partner/CFO of Architectural Design Consultants, Inc., had no problem approving the product switch to MEL-ROL after hearing about its flexibility, versatility, and dependable nature. During…
Read our new Airbus case study!
The first-ever Airbus manufacturing facility in the U.S. was waterproofed using products from W. R. Meadows. We’re proud of this fact and our newest case study relays the facts in this unique application. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome was the fact that the site of this project, Mobile, Alabama, is the rainiest city in the U.S. Obviously, high quality waterproofing materials were needed to ensure that moisture did not intrude the structure and the architect and contractor team decided upon our Precon, Perminator, and Mel-Drain products. As the September 2015 grand opening of the Airbus plant – which…
Air-Shield Liquid Flashing Features and Benefits
Air-Shield Liquid Flashing is one of the newer additions to the W. R. Meadows line of building envelope products. Specifically, Air-Shield Liquid Flashing has been developed as an accessory to help fully seal the structure from the ingress of moisture, especially in tricky areas such as around windows, doors, and other enclosures. Just one slight unprotected area in this key area could create an easy way for moisture to invade the building envelope, creating increased energy costs, unsafe indoor air quality and many other potential problems. Air-Shield Liquid Flashing was formulated specifically to fully seal these areas where moisture could…
We’ve Rolled Out a New Sell Sheet for MEL-ROL
MEL-ROL waterproofing system is a flexible, versatile, dependable, roll-type waterproofing membrane composed of a nominally 56 mil thick layer of polymeric waterproofing membrane on a heavy duty, four-mil thick, cross-laminated polyethylene carrier film. The two components are laminated together under strict quality-controlled production procedures to create an exceptionally innovative and durable waterproofing product. In addition to its already outstanding features, a handy overlap guideline is printed 2 ½” (63.5 mm) in from the material edge on each side to assure proper overlap coverage and to assist in maintaining a straight application. Special exposed polymeric membrane strips are provided on both…