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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…
Blog
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…
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,…
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…
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?…
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…
5 Tips to Protect Your Bottom Line
How the Construction Industry Can Sidestep Supply Chain Disruptions and Rising Builder Supply Costs How long will we remember the “Ever Given”? While history may relegate the Suez Canal-blocking ship’s name to fodder for future pub trivia, world economies and supply chains will be feeling the impact for months ahead. After all, the Ever Given blocked 350 vessels. Lloyd’s List estimated more than $9 billion worth of goods daily pass through that 120-mile waterway. When you multiply that $9 billion by the 6 days and 7 hours of canal obstruction, that’s a lot of balboas (Panama’s currency) for downstream companies…
7 Air Barrier Facts Architects and Specifiers Need to Know
Insider Guidance from the Air Barrier Association of America’s Ex-Chairman and W. R. MEADOWS’ Building Envelope Product Group Manager Russ Snow is a proven industry thought leader on air barriers, most recently receiving the distinction of a fellowship induction from the Air Barrier Association of America (more on that here) for his commitment to influencing industry best practices. Russ briefed me today regarding air barrier trends in Q2 of 2021. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation: Q: Are there any new trends in air barriers? Russ: This isn’t necessarily a trend, but I want to point out that within the…
Deck-O-Seal Color Options
Our pool product division, DECK-O-SEAL, offers different color options for products DECK-O-SEAL and DECK-O-SEAL ONE STEP® to match all of your projects needs. DECK-O-SEAL is a polysulfide-based joint sealant used for caulking and sealing joints subject to concrete movement to provide a firm, flexible, weather-tight seal ideal for sealing joints around swimming pools. DECK-O-SEAL ONE STEP polymer-based sealing compound is ideal for glazing operations and sealing joints in concrete structures and swimming pools above the waterline, where the tile meets the pool coping. You can choose from Jet Black, White, Stone Gray, Desert Tan, or Redwood for DECK-O-SEAL and Dura-White,…
Properly Install Bentonite Clay Waterproofing Membrane with Animation Tutorial
Bentonite clay waterproofing membrane offers positive puncture protection under hydrostatic conditions with its self-sealing capabilities. CLAY-TITE bentonite clay waterproofing membrane by W. R. MEADOWS also has an additional layer consisting of virgin, 20-mil HDPE which provides further waterproofing security. CLAY-TITE membrane may be safely installed against shotcrete due to its tough polypropylene fabric. Successful waterproofing protection takes place when a quality product is installed properly. Available to help aid in installing CLAY-TITE correctly, we now offer an animated installation tutorial that features instructions that visually demonstrate step-by-step directions to make sure CLAY-TITE performs most effectively. This video may also be…
How to choose the right KEYWAY PVC tongue and groove joint form
KEYWAY is a lightweight, flexible, tongue and groove joint made from PVC. Easily mold a keyed tongue and groove construction joint with KEYWAY. KEYWAY is resistant to impact and warping. Simply nail or staple KEYWAY to the form or header prior to pouring the concrete. After the concrete sets, KEYWAY can be stripped easily to be reused, or it can be safely left in place. KEYWAY comes in two sizes, small and large. A KEYWAY size information technical bulletin is available to help make sure the proper size is selected. This informational document shows nominal measurements to the closest 1/8th…
Celebrating 95 Years
W. R. MEADOWS is proud to announce that 2021 marks our milestone 95th year of business operation. Co-founded in 1926 by W. R. “Bob” Meadows and Edna Meadows, W. R. MEADOWS has grown steadily through the decades to become what it is today: a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of high-quality building materials for today’s construction professionals. Since our founding in 1926, we continue to provide our customers with the highest quality products, outstanding service, and superior business integrity. Since our founding in 1926, the business has remained family-owned and operated. From our beginning 95 years ago, with Asphalt Expansion Joint…
Getting Specified for the McCausland Lower School & Commons
W. R. MEADOWS was specified in a project for the McCausland Lower School & Commons. To read the full case study, click here. Tim Durso was the salesperson representing W. R. MEADOWS on the McCausland project. One of the products used on this project was AIR-SHIELD ALUMINUM SHEET MEMBRANE. This product is a self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier, and it is part of a total W. R. MEADOWS system used in completing a building envelope. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 40 mils thick, and the membrane’s controlled thickness is fabricated from aluminum bonded to specially modified…
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®…
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…
History of W. R. MEADOWS
W. R. MEADOWS INC., was started 1926, by a visionary and entrepreneur W.R. “Bob” Meadows established a new company to manufacture a single product – asphalt expansion joints – to be used for the rapidly expanding national highway and road system. The product become known as SEALTIGHT in 1930 and a knight in armor – SIR SEALTIGHT – was adopted as the company’s image. From the beginning, W. R. MEADOWS, INC. was determined to play a leadership role in the concrete construction industry. The company built a reputation for quality, service and integrity among architects, engineers and contractors in the…
W. R. MEADOWS on BIMsmith
BIMsmith created a revolutionary tool called BIMsmith Market. BIMsmith Market allows for designers, engineers, and architects to effortlessly compare, build, and download products from manufactures like W. R. MEADOWS. Because W. R. MEADOWS has a complete building envelope system, creating Revit models has never been easier. BIMsmith Market is the leading building product research tool for architects and designers to research products, then download them for Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, and more. The products that can be found on BIMsmith Market from W. R. MEADOWS include: PRECON, AIR-SHIELD LMP, MEL-ROL LM, and more! BIMsmith also includes filters such as fire safety…
Department of Transportation Approval Page
What’s New W. R. MEADOWS has recently added a page to the website and app that has an encompassing list of the Department of Transportation (DOT) approved products. The DOT regulates which products can be used on transportation related jobs. These regulations are a strict combination of product standards, VOC regulations, chemical composition, and a lot more. The new page is in the products tab under the State DOT approval. The DOT Approvals page is an easy resource for customers to find out what W. R. Meadows products are on their state’s DOT qualified product list. The page highlights the…
INDUROSHINE System
What is INDUROSHINE? INDUROSHINE is a jobsite friendly polished concrete flooring system that combines “green” concrete grinding and polishing system from our approved network of applicators with LIQUI-HARD 0.0 g/L VOC-compliant concrete densifier and sealer from W. R. MEADOWS. This provides owners and specifiers with the best polished concrete flooring system on the market. Durability that lasts! For more information on INDUROSHINE, click here: https://www.wrmeadows.com/concrete-densifiers-hardeners-polished-concrete-flooring/ Why Use INDUROSHINE Concrete is the most commonly used building material in the world. It is designed to be tough, durable, practical and sustainable. Some would consider concrete’s inherent strengths to also be its architectural…
MED-CURE
MED-CURE is a ready-to-use, water-based, VOC-compliant concrete curing agent, hardener, and dustproofer. It is residue-free and contains no wax, resin, or other materials that would inhibit the bond of subsequent coatings and/or treatments over substrate treated with MED-CURE. USES MED-CURE is ideal as a curing aid as well as for hardening and dustproofing exposed concrete floor slabs, sidewalks, driveways, beams, columns, etc. It can be used to provide a dust-free surface on concrete floors to be painted or covered by resilient, carpeted, wood, or synthetic flooring. FEATURES/BENEFITS Meets the moisture retention requirement of ASTM C309 on hard trowel concrete. Penetrates…
LIQUI-HARD
LIQUI-HARD concrete densifier and chemical hardener compound is a proprietary, water-based, low VOC, ready-to-use, clear silicate liquid, formulated with chemically reactive raw materials to harden and dustproof concrete. This waterborne solution, when properly applied, offers substantial improvement in abrasion and chemical resistance and will significantly improve the durability of the concrete surface when compared to untreated concrete. As LIQUI-HARD is applied and penetrates into the concrete surface, a chemical reaction takes place, producing a byproduct that fills in the pores of the concrete. This process produces a substantially denser concrete surface with enhanced durability. In addition to the densifying and…
Sealer Maintenance
You’ve got that nice, beautiful, lustrous concrete floor now protected by a W. R. Meadows curing and sealing compound, but how do you maintain that look? Here’s some tips on proper floor maintenance after the application of our product. The following steps are recommended for proper maintenance of W. R. MEADOWS curing and sealing compounds and concrete sealers. Routine dust mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, etc. This will help remove any dust, dirt, grit, etc., which can dull the appearance of the concrete sealer if left on the surface. Routine damp-mopping with a commercially available, MILD cleaner.* Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia, harsh chemicals,…
MEL-ROL and Application Guidelines
What is MEL-ROL? MEL-ROL is a waterproofing membrane that provides a cost-effective answer to provide moisture protection in all below grade applications in residential and commercial construction. MEL-ROL waterproofing system is a flexible, versatile, dependable, bituminous, roll-type waterproofing membrane. It is composed of a nominally 56 mil thick layer of polymeric waterproofing membrane on a heavy-duty, four-mil thick, cross-laminated polyethylene carrier film. It is equally effective for use as between-the-slab waterproofing on plaza decks, parking decks, and structural slabs. Use it as a waterproofing membrane to isolate mechanical and electronic rooms, laboratories, kitchens, and bathrooms. MEL-ROL offers positive protection when…
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.…