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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,…
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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…
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
By: Dave Carey DEALING WITH OUT OF DATE/OFF SPEC PRODUCTS Spring is just around the corner and is a great time to complete clean-ups both at home as well as work.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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
Why You Need a Pre-Applied Waterproofing Membrane on Your Vertical Application
When it comes to buildings, moisture is the enemy. Always. Moisture control is job one in construction planning. Most E&O insurance claims in the inspection industry involve moisture intrusion. Moisture is a top cause of building defects. Aside from the potential for your building’s degradation, health hazards like mold cause millions of dollars in medical bills annually. And black mold isn’t the only culprit. (In fact, there are many molds that are black – there’s no single type of black mold.) Many mold types can produce mycotoxins. Dallas is the top U.S. city for mold health issues, followed by Riverside-San…
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…
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…
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…
When to Use a Fluid-Applied Air Barrier or a Sheet-Applied Air Barrier: How to Tell
Air barriers are your first line of defense in protecting your building from moisture. Why is moisture protection so important? You can find the answer in one of the most unsettling statistics to emerge in 2016 by the Australian Institute of Waterproofing: “…water leaks and the resulting damage from water leaks accounted for up to 80% of all building defects.” Eighty per cent! Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues from mold in remodeled and new buildings is estimated at 30% per FerroCanada. One in 50 homeowners will file an insurance claim for mold, and 93% of chronic sinus infections have been…
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…
Chat with W. R. MEADOWS!
If you have been on our website recently, you may have noticed that there is a new chat in town. The chat is located in the bottom right corner of wrmeadows.com. I bet you’re wondering, how does that help me? Here are some utilities that the chat function handles: Need Product Resources, Local Rep, Locate a Distributor, Technical Question, and Other. “Need Product Resources” is the chat button that would encompass, you guessed it, product resources. Most of this content is existing on our website already, but it can be time-consuming to rummage through it to find something small. So,…
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…
How Much Have Construction Costs Risen in 2022?
Construct Connect’s Chief Economist Alex Carrick recently did his quarterly Producer Price Index Series on the state of the U.S. construction industry’s material cost changes. The long short: his headline gives it away – “Spikes Everywhere.” Alex’s index tracks 15 materials. Of those 15, only one—prefabricated metal buildings—saw a 1.1% decrease. Thirteen of the 15 saw a double-digit percentage change increase in 2022 over the past year. The energy-related cost increases (+63.8% for diesel fuel, +61.5% for gasoline, and +36.9% for asphalt), the Russian-Ukraine war, and the supply chain disruptions all had a knock-on effect on building material costs. Since…
SUPPLY CHAIN UPDATES
In the topsy-turvy world of supply chain and logistics, there are some hints at the situation improving. The Covid-19 cases are on a downward trend. The ports are working faster than they have in the past year. There is a container backlog, but not nearly like last year. Anyone in manufacturing or farming has cast their watchful eye on the fluctuating oil prices, which are impacting everything from your food prices to airline travel to Vaseline. U.S. freight is more expensive and fuel surcharges are getting out of hand. Everything is dependent upon the war in Ukraine. If it ceases…
What’s the Difference Between LIQUI-HARD and LIQUI-HARD ULTRA?
By: Dianne Carey Many architects, distributors, engineers and concrete contractors have asked us, “When should I specify/use LIQUI-HARD ULTRA? What’s the difference between LIQUI-HARD ULTRA and the original LIQUI-HARD?” How are they similar? Are there climates, locations, or geographies where one is an advantage over the other? Dianne Carey, director of technical services, has offered to help identify some technical features of the products, to help you identify the right product for your next concrete project. The Same… LIQUI-HARD and LIQUI-HARD ULTRA are clear, water-based, zero VOC, ready to use and can be used on interior and exterior applications. Both…
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…
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…
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…
IS MODULAR BUILDING THE MODEL-T ASSEMBLY MODEL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?
Seasoned engineer Blair Davies is the partner behind two modular construction businesses, METALOQ and Catalyst Offsite. Blair recently joined W. R. MEADOWS Podcast hosts Riley Rowan and Jason Davoodi to share some of his insights on the rapid-fire interest he is seeing from developers for modular building. Blair was initially drawn to modular because of his engineering expertise in building facades. (He also has a background in aerospace and automotive engineering, which bring to bear some unique advantages in how they approach modular manufacturing.) Julian Bowron is his partner in both companies, with expertise in steel fabrication and supply chain,…
DROP BY & SEE WHAT’S NEW @ WOC
Inside: Central Hall C4826 Outside: Silver Lot 030913 Have You Won YET(I)®? Our sales team looks forward to meeting with you, swiping your badge (so you can enter to win that elusive YETI Tundra Cooler you missed last year), and more importantly, we think you will like what you’re about to see: PENTREAT™ 244-40 W/B (water-based, 40% active content silane penetrating water repellent sealer) PENTREAT™ 244-20 W/B (water-based, 20% active content silane penetrating water repellent sealer) SIL-CRETE™ (waterborne, lithium-silicate-based, ready-to-use concrete curing agent and densifier) X-FOAM™ (flexible, lightweight, closed-cell expansion joint filler for interior and exterior applications) Can’t make it to WOC this year?…
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…
ARCHITECTS and SPECIFIERS: How Will eCommerce and ESG Trends Impact Your Warehouse and DC Building Designs?
If you’ve been paying attention, you know the pandemic-driven eCommerce demands have amplified an already frenetic building trend: distribution centers (DCS), or warehouses. According to CBRE Research, every $1 billion in incremental eCommerce generates an additional 1.25 million sq. ft. of warehouse space demand for construction. Today’s existing warehouse space simply cannot meet industry requirements. In fact, the warehouse shortage is so drastic, UPS resorted to creating Ware2Go, a digital tool that helps shippers find on-demand warehouses. When Forbes magazine interviewed warehouse executives this year, Forbes found that warehouse building was their top priority for the next one to three…
Worried About Hitting Your Deadline for 2021 AIA Credits?
W. R. MEADOWS Is Your Source for Convenience Learning The sun is setting on 2021 and you’re probably slammed with finalizing client designs and reviewing submittals. So, what are the benefits of taking AIA-accredited courses from W. R. MEADOWS? There are many. Our pre-recorded AIA CEU courses are available for you to watch on your schedule – a lunch hour, after hours, or while you’re waiting for appointments. They’re just an hour. One hour of your time equates to 1 AIA CEU. You don’t have to travel anywhere – you can take these courses in the comfort of your own…
How Do I Know If My Concrete Is Ready for a Penetrating Sealer?
Introducing the WATER DROPLET TEST The “water droplet test” is the industry standard for discerning if your concrete is ready for a penetrating sealer. We teach this simple method to distributors, contractors, and homeowners so they can visually identify the status of their concrete seal. Here’s the step-by-step application: STEP #1: Apply a water droplet to your concrete. When you want to know if your concrete needs a penetrating sealer, apply a small droplet of water to your concrete as seen here: STEP #2: Watch and wait. See if the water beads up, or if it absorbs into the…
UNO POWER: Why Should I Use a One-Step Concrete Cure and Penetrating Sealer Product?
You’ve been hearing about this single-step cure and penetrating sealer product on the construction sites for a while now, and you’re probably wondering, “Is this stuff cost-effective? Is it easy to use? What if it doesn’t last? Will my project benefit the most from a single-step cure and penetrating sealer product?” We get it. No one wants to be the guinea pig. That is why we were independent, third-party lab tested before we ever launched PENCURE OTC. PENCURE OTC demonstrated a similar chloride reduction and water absorption reduction rate as a 100% active silane placed on 28-day-old concrete. This blog will take…
How Do VOCs Affect My Construction Project?
If you’ve ever known that “new-car smell,” you’ve experienced VOCs. VOC is the acronym for “volatile organic compounds,” which specifiers and contractors seek to minimize in the products they construct with, especially since green building projects are mushrooming and environmental safety awareness is at an all-time high. In a new car, you can get exposed to off-gassing VOCs for up to six months after you buy it. (This is a great selling point for buying pre-certified vehicles). Studies have shown there are more than 60 VOCs detected in the average new car. VOCs are pervasive in our daily lives. It’s…
How to Achieve Less Stress and More Success
One Retired Contractor Teaches Small Business Owners His Secret to Early Retirement In the 1970s, AL LEVI and his two older brothers went to work with their father in their Long Island, New York contracting business. The brothers and their team of 70 performed plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrician services for Long Island outside of Manhattan. They serviced residential, commercial, and industrial accounts for a territory that was 115 miles, tip to tip. Raised in a family of serial entrepreneurs, AL’s grandfather owned a gas station in 1936. AL’s father started the contracting business that still thrives today. All…
THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Did America’s Covid-19 Shopping Spree Trigger Port Congestion? W. R. MEADOWS’ Supply Chain Manager Tony Spedale raised an interesting point during a recent internal discussion about California’s current port container ship congestion issue. It’s one many of us hadn’t factored in, and I thought it was worthwhile to share with you since we are all asking the big “WHY?” Here are Tony’s thoughts on the shipping delays and supply chain obstacles: “When Covid-19 hit, people were forced to stay home and get government stimulus, which was meant to be spent. The problem is, they spent their government stimulus money on…
Why Does My Pool Deck Joint Sealant Look Like Mushy Mastic? The 10-Minute Trick That Sets It Right Every Time
We’ve had contractors call us to ask why their joint sealant isn’t setting right or taking too long to set. The answer can be one of two things. Either the small can of activator is expired – for best outcomes, you will want to use DECK-O-SEAL within one year of our manufacturing date – or there’s a second reason: the installer didn’t use a stop watch set to 10 minutes. You may think that using a stop watch is overkill theater, but the truth is, a two-component joint sealant like our DECK-O-SEAL joint sealant is designed to be mixed for…
W. R. MEADOWS Celebrates NATIONAL PENNSYLVANIA DAY
W. R. MEADOWS Celebrates NATIONAL PENNSYLVANIA DAY with a DIGITAL PROJECT LOOK BOOK As many of you know, South Central Pennsylvania is home to our manufacturing facility in York. This facility is strategically located to better serve our New England, East Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard construction supply customers. We recently celebrated NATIONAL PENNSYLVANIA DAY with a quick look back at some of the fun projects we’ve been involved in over the years, from the Bala Cynwyd Public Library to the Sands Casino, the Lehigh County Government Center, the Crum Creek Viaduct, and the Kalahari Resort. You can read about…
How Will Inflation Impact the Construction Industry?
Construction Economics Analyst Ed Zarenski Has Your Answers Ed Zarenski spent 42 years in construction, 30 of which he spent as a building project cost estimator and construction economics analyst. Today Bloomberg News, the Washington Post, The Financial Times, CNBC, Los Angeles Times, Marketwatch, Newsweek, strategy+business, Yahoo! Finance, ConstructechTV, Ontario Construction News and more seek Ed Zarenski’s crystal ball for deciphering what’s really happening in the construction industry, beyond the headlines. Ed also taught Advanced Construction Cost Estimating and Construction Economics for five years at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and writes an industry blog, Construction Analytics on EdZarenski.com, where he…