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Navigating Waterproofing Solutions for Water Tanks & Water Treatment Plants Waterproofing water tanks and treatment plants is a nuanced art, akin to crafting a custom-tailored suit. To the untrained eye, it might just seem like a choice between materials. However, engineers and architects know that the devil is in the details and with new materials and techniques coming to the forefront, it’s essential for builders and customers alike to stay abreast of the most effective solutions, especially when it comes to waterproofing. Water tanks and treatment plants, owing to their functionality, need the utmost care in terms of waterproofing and/or…
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Concrete Waterproofing
Navigating the Choices: A Comprehensive Guide to Waterproofing Options
Waterproofing is essential in construction, but since there are so many application types available, choosing the right method can become a complex decision. Factors, such as geographical location, hydrostatic pressure, and temperature limitations, play a significant role in determining the appropriate waterproofing system. In this guide, we dissect different methods to help you make a more informed decision. FOUNDATIONAL DEFINITIONS IN CONSTRUCTION In the vast world of construction, terminologies can often leave some of us puzzled. Two such terms are “above-grade” and “below-grade.” As the names suggest, “above-grade” refers to structures or portions of structures that are above the ground…
Fluid-Applied Waterproofing in Elevator Pits: A Comprehensive Guide Series
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…
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…
Why You Need a Pre-Applied Waterproofing Membrane on Your Vertical Application
When it comes to buildings, moisture is always the enemy—no exceptions. Managing moisture should be a top priority in every construction plan. In fact, most E&O insurance claims in the inspection industry trace back to one common issue: moisture intrusion. Moisture is one of the leading causes of building defects. And the consequences go beyond structural damage—health hazards like mold exposure result in billions of dollars in medical costs annually. While “black mold” is often blamed, there are actually many types of molds (some of them black) that produce dangerous mycotoxins. In fact, Dallas tops the list of U.S. cities…
How to Waterproof A Below-Grade Concrete Block Foundation: 7 Steps to Know Now
Concrete blocks have been used for many years as the alternative to a poured concrete foundation wall. Since concrete blocks are porous and concrete block foundations have numerous joints, they can be prone to water leaks. This is why waterproofing this substrate is so critical for the long-term performance of a concrete block foundation. On the positive side, they are strong, and have some thermal and sound insulation properties, which reduces energy usage. They are fire-resistant, and the addition of rebar adds structural strength to the foundation. Concrete block foundations are well suited to seismic areas, e.g., areas that are…
What is Blindside Waterproofing?
You’ve heard of negative-side waterproofing. You’ve heard of positive-side waterproofing. So, what is “blindside” waterproofing? After reading this article, you can add ‘Blindside Waterproofing Authority’ to your LinkedIn profile in a New York minute. (Translation for our international readers: Really fast—like, Roadrunner fast.) The long short? Blindside waterproofing is a category of positive-side waterproofing. The difference? When you’re pouring a foundation in a dense urban area – think downtown Toronto, New York, London, or Rio de Janeiro – conventional waterproofing simply isn’t possible. Your project workflow will look more like this: Deploy a soil retention system that holds back the…
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.…
How To Waterproof Outdoor Concrete Planter Boxes
Whether your property is a college campus, a corporate building, or Scrooge McDuck’s mansion, most elaborate landscaping designs will incorporate decorative concrete planters outside. And they need waterproofing. We’ve had enough web visitors inquiring about waterproofing outdoor planter boxes to trigger me writing an article, so this blog will explain why you need to waterproof outdoor concrete planters and how you can go about waterproofing your outdoor planters. 3 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO WATERPROOF YOUR OUTDOOR CONCRETE PLANTERS Plants Can’t Soil Themselves. Unlike toddlers, plants cannot soil themselves, so gardeners need to maintain careful control over their plants’ soil…
What Is the Difference Between Cold Fluid-Applied Waterproofing and Damp-Proofing?
The art of waterproofing started 13,000 years ago, developed to become the third trade after carpentry and masonry. As we became an agrarian society, farmers had to protect their grain from moisture and rotting during the cold months to prevent starvation. This Neolithic Era also brought boat-building and sea voyages into play to foment trading, so they devised a bitumen made from the surface of peat bogs, which wasn’t unlike the asphalt we use today. And then there were the Egyptians, whose Pyramids of Giza tombs were pristine despite the flooding of the nearby Nile River, so even in 3600…
Waterproofing a Retaining Wall
A Guide from W. R. MEADOWS, INC. Retaining walls are an important aspect of any construction project that involves a significant change in elevation. They are designed to hold back soil or other materials, preventing erosion and protecting the foundation of a building or structure. They are commonly used to create level areas for building, and are crucial in managing the flow of water and preventing damage. However, retaining walls are also susceptible to water intrusion, which can lead to cracking, deterioration, and ultimately, failure. To prevent water damage and ensure the longevity of your retaining wall, it’s crucial to…
How Do I Waterproof an Elevator Pit?
We get a lot of questions about how you waterproof an elevator pit, so our Canada technical representative Gary Tench, the ‘elevator pit whisperer,’ thought it was time to write an article about best practices. Here’s what Gary had to say: There are two methods for waterproofing an elevator pit: from the outside, or from the inside. Waterproofing from the outside, also known as positive-side waterproofing, is the best method for protecting the concrete, the steel, and also the interior space. When you waterproof your elevator pits during pre-construction, you get the maximum performance out of your waterproofing system when…
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 Contractors Are Discovering About Our HRM 714 Waterproofing System Coverage
We’ve been fielding a lot of online chat queries lately about HRM 714, so we thought it was a good time to blog about it. If you’re unfamiliar, HRM 714 is our hot-applied, rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane. We innovate our products to add muscle to your structures’ protection, and HRM 714 is no exception. (See our University of Arizona HRM 714 Case Study.) HRM 714 is Ideal for These Projects: Waterproofing Bridges Parking Lots Plazas Promenade Decks Tunnels Pedestrian Concourses, and Projects Benefiting from Monolithic Waterproofing Membrane The question we’ve been asked the most lately is about how much coverage…
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…
Which Products Should I Use: Positive Side vs. Negative Side vs. Blindside Waterproofing
I’m sure someone has “an app for that,” but this article is your checklist to help you identify which waterproofing products to specify or apply to the positive, negative or blindside of a building envelope, because it can be confusing. Your first task will be essential: a full site inspection. This will determine some of your site concerns when you’re selecting your waterproofing system. Having this intelligence upfront enables you to identify the most durable long-term solution. Here are W. R. MEADOWS’ recommendations for below-grade waterproofing: POSITIVE SIDE: All forms of waterproofing products can be used on the positive side—sprayable…
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…
Waterproofing Systems for Plaza Decks
W. R. Meadows’ Wendy Talarico, LEED AP, Architectural Services Specialist, explores the waterproofing world of plaza decks in an article published in The Construction Specifier. Plaza decks involve a variety of sizes, shapes and surfaces, resulting in confusion about the best way to waterproof them. “A plaza deck is a layer-cake of materials: the waterproofing membrane provides the base layer and the rest—protection layer, drainage course, insulation (or sometimes a fill layer of sand or gravel), and wearing or traffic surface—is ‘overburden.’ How those layers are designed depends partially on the design of the slab itself, which, in turn, depends…
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
In this application, PRECON® was used as a pre-placed/blindside waterproofing solution for a terminal rail station at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Corgan Associated selected PRECON for the 240,000 sq ft. project because it met physical requirements while also being cost effective and easy to apply. PRECON is a composite sheet membrane comprised of a non-woven fabric, elastomeric membrane, and W. R. MEADOWS’ exclusive, patented plasmatic core (U.S. Patent No. 7,179,761). It is used as a blindside membrane in vertical applications where access to the positive side is limited. Along with PRECON, Corgan Associated architects selected BEM, MEL-DRAIN™ and MEL-ROL®…
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…
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.…
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…
Read Our “Building in Tight Urban Spaces” Article!
At W. R. MEADOWS, we’re proud to employ seasoned, experienced, educated professionals with impeccable product knowledge. Our sales team features many knowledgeable employees who have decade upon decade of experience in the construction industry. To help share this knowledge, our personnel actively write technical articles to help educate readers on several facets of the construction industry. Recently, our very own Wendy Talarico authored an article for respected trade publication, The Construction Specifier, which is the official publication for the Construction Specifications Institute. The article, entitled “Building in Tight Urban Spaces,” was featured in the August issue of the magazine. Read…
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…
W. R. MEADOWS Introduces CLAY-TITE Waterproofing Membrane
W. R. MEADOWS is excited to introduce the newest member of their Waterproofing Membrane line, CLAY-TITE. The addition of CLAY-TITE bentonite waterproofing membrane offers a waterproofing option that is based on bentonite clay, a first of its kind from W. R. MEADOWS. CLAY-TITE is a dual-layer waterproofing membrane consisting of virgin HDPE and sodium bentonite, and a protective layer consisting of non-woven polypropylene. The HDPE in CLAY-TITE provides the first layer of waterproofing while the bentonite’s self-sealing capabilities ensure puncture protection under hydrostatic conditions. The additional of polypropylene fabric protects the bentonite on the job site and from direct shotcrete…
Vanier Football Complex Case Study
When Kansas State was in need for a hot liquid tar waterproofing alternative during phase 3 of their Vanier Football Complex construction project to expand their stadium seating compacity to 50,000 seats and increase the facility to include a grand four-story atrium and state-of-the-art training rooms, W. R. MEADOWS was able to offer HYDRALASTIC 836 as a perfect solution. After the architect’s initial specifications called for a hot applied sealant, safety concerns about working with hot liquid tar arose. The architecture firm quickly signed off on switching its product plans to HYDRALASTIC 836 after it was able to meet the…
CEM-KOTE FLEX ST for Cementitious Waterproofing
CEM-KOTETM FLEX ST is W. R. MEADOWS’ cementitious waterproofing compound designed for both new construction and bridging minor cracks in restoration projects. CEM-KOTE FLEX ST is a cost-effective alternative to traditional resin-based linings that do not need a dry concrete substrate during application. CEM-KOTE FLEX ST is a highly flexible, breathable, two-component cementitious slurry, perfect as an easy to use, flexible barrier that will protect against moisture and corrosive chemicals. This product is designed for water and wastewater tanks, secondary containment structures, tunnels, concrete slabs, balconies, and patios. Now available is the CEM-KOTE FLEX ST sell sheet that offers an…
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…
W. R. MEADOWS Waterproofs the Ottawa River Storage Tank
W. R. MEADOWS recently worked with Arcadis US, Inc. Design & Consultancy and Kokosing Construction Company to take on waterproofing the 219,000 ft.² Ottawa River Storage Tank in Toledo, Ohio. This massive underground tank was waterproofed using our HYDRALASTIC 836 fluid-applied membrane. HYDRALASTIC 836 is a cold-applied, solvent-free, single component waterproofing compound. It doesn’t shrink, has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, and also has very low odor. HYDRALASTIC 836 will not crack in extreme cold or slump due to softening at high temperatures. It is an excellent product choice for horizontal and vertical waterproofing applications, such as the…
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…
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…