Canada
Français
Español
International
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…
Blog
Crystalline Waterproofing: The Science Behind It & Why It’s Important
Waterproofing is an essential aspect of construction that protects buildings from water damage and moisture-related issues. Concrete, which is a pivotal material in many structures, is porous and will absorb water, waterborne contaminants, and chemicals; all of which will call cause significant and expensive structural damage over time. Not to mention, can lead to mold growth and other health risks to those who work within said buildings/structures. There are multiple ways to waterproof, but Crystalline waterproofing has become a popular technique. Traditional waterproofing methods rely on a barrier system that prevents water from penetrating the surface. However, these systems can…
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…
Crawl Space Moisture: The Hidden Threat to Your Buildings (And How to Stop It)
Moisture is one of those unseen threats that can quietly wreak havoc on a building. Left unchecked, it leads to rotting wood, mold growth, electrical failures, and even serious structural damage. All it takes is one bad leak to cause thousands in repairs, and if moisture continues to creep in over time, it can slowly break down a building from the inside out. But here’s the thing—moisture doesn’t just come from the usual suspects like leaky roofs or heavy rainstorms. It can also creep in from below, seeping up from the ground and into a building’s crawl space. And because…
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…
ADVANCING INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE THROUGH 2024 TRADESHOWS & EXPOS
As a stalwart in the construction supply manufacturing industry for nearly a century, W. R. MEADOWS has embraced a fundamental insight: to thrive, a business must continually adapt to its industry’s evolving landscape. In a world where new challenges and demands arise frequently, success is tied to the ability to find innovative solutions. The question then arises: how does one keep pace with these evolving needs? A key strategy lies in active participation in expos and trade shows. These events are more than just gatherings; they are hubs of knowledge, networking, and innovation. They bring together a diverse mix of…
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…
Cementitious Waterproofing in Elevator Pits: A Comprehensive Guide Series
Elevator pits are integral components of modern buildings, often hidden yet crucial for the operation of elevator systems. However, being located below ground level, these pits are inherently prone to water ingress, leading to potential corrosion, structural damage, and operational hazards. They are also quite challenging to access for restoration. In this context, cementitious waterproofing becomes a vital solution. Cementitious waterproofing, with its robust and reliable nature, stands as an ideal solution for safeguarding these subterranean spaces. This method employs a blend of cement and waterproofing materials to form a hard, durable barrier against moisture penetration. The concrete construction of…
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…
BUILDING YOUR TEAM OF SAFETY LEADERS
When it comes to a safe working environment, the more participation you have at all levels of the organization, the better. Safety is a team sport. It is preferable to have each and every employee actively engaged in the safety program versus supervisors playing “gotcha” with employees when safety violations are observed. When the supervisor makes a correction and leaves, it is likely that corrected employees will revert to bad behaviors. So how do we build a team of safety leaders who are engaged? Employees need to take personal responsibility for their safety as well as the safety of their…
SAFE WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
Last month’s article talked about cleaning up old materials and classifying them for disposal. Now that some free space has been opened at your facility up let’s talk about warehouse operations. Most points of distribution have some sort of warehouse affiliated with the operation. There are several key areas that need to be evaluated in order to operate a warehouse safely. First and foremost, materials movement is a key activity in a warehouse. Moving materials, unloading trucks, loading trucks, and placing materials into storage occur constantly in a warehouse. Forklift operators are typically completing all these touches in the warehouse.…
SUSTAINABILITY CORNER: More CDPH V1.2, 2017 tested products available
Sustainability data now easier to find under NEWLY ADDED SUSTAINABILITY TAB added under Products! W. R. MEADOWS has a tradition of environmental awareness starting in the 1990’s and were the first to launch the GREEN LINE product portfolio showcasing products featuring lower VOC content using water-based formulations. Continuing this trend of Lower VOC materials, you can now find the following products with California Department of Health (CDPH) VOC Emissions Certificates V1.2, 2017 not only under the GREEN BUILDING Tab on our website, but on the newly created SUSTAINABILITY Tab under each products’ data page. This tab will also include Sustainability…
Harnessing Global Insights for Enhanced Sustainability
A Journey through Greenbuild 2023 W. R. MEADOWS is not just a brand; we are a community of professionals passionately committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability. Today, we shine the spotlight on Kimberly Lombardozzi, our dedicated Sustainability Manager, who recently attended the Greenbuild International Conference + Expo 2023, a global confluence of green building professionals. Here’s a glimpse into how this enriching experience is set to augment our sustainability initiatives. For more information, please visit: https://informaconnect.com/greenbuild/ TRUE Standard Session The event kicked off with Kimberly immersing herself in an educational session centered around the TRUE Standard. This session was a…
Partnering with YouthBuild to Construct a Better Future
W. R. MEADOWS has partnered with YouthBuild, a non-profit organization that helps young people from low-income backgrounds obtain job training and education to provide valuable opportunities to at-risk youths. This partnership is aimed at providing the necessary skills to help these young people succeed in the construction industry, while also empowering them to take control of their lives and build a brighter future. The partnership between W. R. MEADOWS and YouthBuild is part of a wider effort to address the growing skills gap in the construction industry. According to a recent study, the construction industry is facing a shortage of…
Elevating Sustainability: Biobased Content Verified Products at W. R. MEADOWS & BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD
In a world increasingly attuned to the ecological footprint of our industries, W. R. MEADOWS, INC., and our esteemed subsidiary, BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD, INC., are proud to announce several of our products now boast third-party verified biobased content, complying with the stringent criteria set by the USDA’s BioPreferred® Program. The Heart of Biobased Innovation: The USDA BioPreferred Program The BioPreferred Program, initiated by the USDA under the 2002 Farm Bill and rejuvenated with the 2018 Farm Bill, is more than a policy—it’s a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. This program is designed to increase the purchase and use…
How to Choose the Right Concrete Pool Deck Sealer
If you’re like most homeowners with in-ground pools, you’re flummoxed by the endless flow of information for decorative concrete maintenance and concrete pool deck concrete sealants. Even your concrete—if it could talk—would admit it’s a lot to absorb. (FYI, if you’re ever doing an online search, concrete pool construction products are also called “construction liquids.”) Please note, this article refers only to concrete pool decks for inground pools, and not the wooden decks that tend to surround above-ground pools. Fortunately, DECK-O-SEAL’s Division Manager Jim Dill is not one to mince words (DECK-O-SEAL is a subsidiary of W. R. MEADOWS). Jim…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
More California Department of Health VOC Emissions Tested Products
Explaining the difference between VOC content and VOC emissions. W. R. MEADOWS has a tradition of environmental awareness starting in the 1990s, when we launched the GREEN LINE product portfolio showcasing products featuring lower VOC content using water-based formulations. Continuing this trend of lower VOC materials, you can now find the following products with California Department of Health (CDPH) VOC Emissions Certificates V1.2, 2017 not only under the GREEN BUILDING tab on our website, but on the newly created SUSTAINABILITY tab under each products’ data page. This tab will also include sustainability letters covering LEEDv4/4.1 criteria and newly added health…
SAFETY ON THE DOCK
Your warehouse is adequately protected and in good order. The next area that we will look at in regard to safety is the dock. The loading dock is an essential part of your business with a lot of activity occurring there. Materials may be delivered or loaded for transport. Numerous forklift operators and pedestrians may be present at any given time to get these tasks completed. With all this activity, it’s not a surprise that twenty-five percent of industrial accidents occur on loading docks. This equates to hundreds of thousands of incidents and numerous fatalities. So, let’s look at ways…
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…
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ACRYLIC SEALER
Welcome back to our blog! As you know, we always strive to provide you with information that enriches your understanding of construction materials and improves your ability to get the most life out of our products. Today, our focus is on a product that’s a favorite among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike: the acrylic sealer. While these sealers are celebrated for their aesthetics and durability, it’s important to recognize that several factors can wear down their lifespan. In this blog, we will delve into these factors, arming you with the knowledge to optimize your sealer’s longevity and maintain the aesthetic…
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…
W. R. MEADOWS VOCOMP SERIES
Unveiling the differences between VOCOMP-20, VOCOMP-25, & VOCOMP-30 W. R. MEADOWS has long been a trusted name in the concrete and construction industry, providing innovative solutions and products designed to meet the needs of professionals worldwide. One of their flagship product lines, the VOCOMP series, offers concrete curing and sealing compounds that are environmentally friendly and compliant with VOC regulations. In this blog, we will delve into the VOCOMP series and specifically compare the VOCOMP-20, VOCOMP-25, and VOCOMP-30, highlighting their unique features and differences. Cure and Seal Products: The VOCOMP Series Overview The VOCOMP series from W. R. MEADOWS features…
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY ACRYLIC SEALERS: Here’s What You Need to Know
Summer is upon us again, and building owners and businesses alike are getting ready to host outside events and so are thinking about prepping their concrete for protection and aesthetics. Sealing your concrete IS an essential step in maintaining its durability, appearance, and lifespan; however, it’s crucial to choose the right time to complete this task to ensure the sealer’s optimal performance. But which season is really the best time to seal your concrete with an acrylic sealer? Well, let’s dive into that question to find an answer! WHAT IS AN ACRYLIC SEALER? Acrylic sealers are liquid membrane-forming compounds that,…
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…
SUSTAINABILITY CORNER
DEALING WITH OUT OF DATE/OFF SPEC PRODUCTS Spring is just around the corner and is a great time to complete clean-ups both at home as well as work. So when the warehouse is cleaned up and a few old containers are found, how should these materials be handled? Waste materials are regulated at both the state and federal level and the rules for disposal must be complied with. By doing a little leg work, a generator of waste can keep costs to a minimum as well as comply with regulations regarding proper disposal. The first step is to identify what…
MARKETING MINUTE
Normally, new technology takes a little bit of time to take off; regardless if it becomes life-altering, like the cell phone and television set, or a game changer for your industry, like social media. However, ChatGPT has taken the digital era by storm. In only five days from launching, ChatGPT acquired over a million users! Keep in mind, Netflix took 3.5 years, Facebook took 10 months, and Instagram took 2.5 months (which was mind blowing at the time) to reach that number of users. As of February, 2023, it now has over 100 million users worldwide! But let’s break this…
Why is Your Concrete Blotchy (and How to Fix it)
Have you ever walked past a home with discolored concrete in the driveway? It’s lighter here and darker there, creating a blotchy effect that you know couldn’t have been intentional. Looking at the chaotic design, you can’t help but wonder what went wrong,… and how you can avoid making a similar mistake with your own concrete projects in the future. Concrete discoloration is not a rare event Laying concrete isn’t an exact science, and there are a variety of factors that can contribute to concrete discoloration from the very beginning. These factors include: Variability in concrete mixtures The use of…
The Supply Chain Insider: Tony C. Spedale, W. R. MEADOWS Supply Chain Manager
WHAT’S THE RIGHT LEVEL? The skies are clearing on the global storm that was COVID-19. Norms are returning and the supply chain is returning to normal for many raw materials. Most products that faced severe shortages are back on the market, the national diesel fuel situation is behind us, and truckers are in abundance. Now that the supply chain is normalizing, distributors and other business owners are faced with looking to and preparing for a post-COVID future. With the sales data heavily skewed due to the last few years of abnormality and, at some points, panicked buying and selling habits,…
W. R. MEADOWS App
The New W. R. MEADOWS Mobile App Is Now Available! This app features the best of our website in a compact, user-friendly mobile experience. It is designed for those on jobsites, traveling, or on the go. The mobile app is an industry-leading resource to help put all the W. R. MEADOWS information you need on your mobile device. You’ll gain easy access to all W. R. MEADOWS information and data. To install the new W. R. MEADOWS mobile app: iPhone/iPad – Visit https://app.wrmeadows.com on Safari – Press the ‘share button’ – Scroll down and press the ‘Add to Home Screen’…
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 Is a Concrete Expansion Joint?
When I was a kid, “Step on a crack, break your mama’s back” was echoed throughout the schoolyard, often the recitation as girls were jumping rope. Just to escalate everyone’s anxiety, some kid added a second idiom, “Step on a line, break your father’s spine.” These playground superstitions had us kids on high alert. Our otherwise carefree lives were disrupted by those horizontal sidewalk cracks. Until now, I never knew those sidewalk cracks had a name: concrete expansion joints. They also go by the name “control joints.” What’s the Point of a Concrete Expansion Joint? If concrete were elastic, contractors…
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…