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The company was founded in 1926 by W. R. “Bob” Meadows in Elgin, Illinois. To this day, it continues to be a family-owned and operated company. Since 1926, W. R. MEADOWS, INC. has built a coveted reputation for product quality, outstanding service, and business integrity among architects, engineers, and contractors in both the private and public sectors of the construction industry. Our broad line of high performance, premium grade construction products has been developed for use in . . . on . . . around and under concrete.
1930s
THE INDUSTRY STANDARD BEARER SINCE THE EARLY ’30s AND STILL GOING STRONG
Fibre expansion joint being installed.
Shortly after W. R. MEADOWS, INC. became a reality, its imaginative founders created Fibre Expansion Joint, which set the industry standard in the early 1930s for functional longevity and cost-efficiency. Fibre Expansion Joint is still the ideal product for the vast majority of all expansion/contraction joint applications. Since its creation, we have seen many attempts to copy the product, but to date it has never been equaled for its cost efficient performance and return on investment.
1940s
MEADOWS CREATES THE ONE AND ONLY IMPERMEABLE VAPOR SEAL
PREMOULDED MEMBRANE VAPOR SEAL with PLASMATIC CORE being applied.
The product boasts a variety of other value-added features. It cuts “total-installed” costs since “PMPC” can be laid directly over a compacted grade without requiring an expensive gravel or sand base. PREMOULDED MEMBRANE is as tough and as puncture/rupture proof as a vapor seal can be. Trundling wheelbarrows, foot traffic, aggregate impact, and an occasional pre-mix truck are all handled on-the-job without problems. Permanently sealed seams provide a bond that won’t break when concrete expands, contracts, or the grade settles. “PMPC” won’t rot or decay. Today, it meets and exceeds the maximum slab moisture transfer rate of 3 lbs./1,000 sq. ft./24 hrs. required by the flooring industry specifications.
1960s
RECOGNIZED BY BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR SEALING CONTRACTORS AS
THE “BEST AVAILABLE”
Workers with wand and melter applicator applying HI-SPEC to highway joint.
In the 1960s highway industry officials were searching for a joint sealant that would meet and establish specification criteria and perform satisfactorily under “real world” field conditions. W. R. MEADOWS R & D met the challenge. The result was the development of HI-SPEC Polymeric Hot-Applied Sealant.
Since its introduction, HI-SPEC has established an unmatched standard of excellence within the industry for dependability, extended longevity, and high return on investment. Today, this premium-quality, single-component pavement joint sealant is recognized by both public and private sector sealing contractors as the “best available” and most cost-efficient in the highway industry.
1970-1990s
A COMPLETE SOLVENT-BASE CURING & SEALING SYSTEM IS DEVELOPED AND EVOLVES
Early in the construction liquids development program, MEADOWS’ R & D people formulated a complete curing and sealing system involving two products: CS-309™ Acrylic Curing and Sealing Compound and TIAH® Acrylic Concrete Sealer. The original CS-309 and TIAH remained a popular system for nearly 25 years until the implementation of the Federal EPA Architectural Coatings Rule Requirements took effect.
USER FRIENDLY, SOLVENT-BASE VOC COMPLIANT PRODUCTS
After the U.S. EPA regulations took effect, W. R. MEADOWS replaced the pair with two high-performance, stand-alone products. CS-309-25 (formerly CS-309) and TIAH can be used individually for excellent results.
Today, these popular solvent-based products are VOC compliant and comply with the U.S. EPA regulations. When properly applied, TIAH and CS-309-25 provide a long-lasting, non-yellowing, impermeable seal for moisture retention. Both products give concrete a hard, dense, high compressive strength, which offers excellent resilience against foot or vehicular traffic wearing. They also offer improved resistance to rain, sun, freezing temperatures, most acids and industrial chemicals, oil, grease, de-icing salts, cleaning agents (except aromatic solvents), caustics, construction abrasions, airborne soot, dust, and other pollutants.
MEADOWS PIONEERS LOW-SOLVENT, WATER-BASE PRODUCTS TO PREVENT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
W. R. MEADOWS has been very concerned for nearly two decades about construction products that contribute to environmental pollution. The company was especially concerned with the high solvent content levels present in most construction liquids.
As a manufacturer, W. R. MEADOWS decided to attack this problem using their own resources. The company’s product research and development capabilities were redirected and focused on an objective to develop concrete construction liquids that would not harm the atmosphere. A second objective, which goes hand-in-hand with the first, is to provide products designed to improve the worker’s environment.
MEADOWS’ efforts paid off. The first of a broad line of true water-based products that would not harm the atmosphere emerged in the early 1980s. These newcomers, and those that followed, quickly became a product line tagged the “GREEN-LINE”®.
VOCOMP®-20 and VOCOMP-25 Water-Base, Acrylic Curing and Sealing Compounds have been the cornerstone of the “GREEN LINE.” They are renowned for their durable, excellent performance and high sheen characteristics.
The “GREEN LINE” now numbers close to sixty products offering very low solvent contents. Many “GREEN LINE” products are so unique that their formulas are patented.
The broad product line consists of concrete curing, sealing, hardening, cleaning, degreasing, anti-spalling, dust-proofing, and scaling protection compounds, concrete set accelerators, dampproofers, bonding agents, concrete form release agents, grouting, patching, resurfacing restoration products, evaporation retarders, concrete surface primers, and bituminous surface treatment compounds. The water-based compounds perform even better than the solvent-based products formerly used. Contractors prefer user-friendly “GREEN LINE” products because they’re so easy to mix and apply. Most products are designed for spray application and can be quickly cleaned up with soap and water while still wet.
MEADOWS DIVERSIFIES WITH A PREMIUM LINE OF POOL DECK CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
W. R. MEADOWS provides a premium-grade line of pool deck construction products.
The products are assembled under the DECK-O-SEAL® banner.
Unitized, two-component, side-by-side dual cartridge epoxy injection system prevents mix-ups on the jobsite.
At last, public and private work crews have a “cool” and safe alternative product available for their horizontal joint and crack repair projects.
UNIQUE PRODUCT PACKAGING PROTECTS AGAINST COMPONENT MISMATCH AND MISHANDLING AT THE CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE
Unique packaging for restoration products
W. R. MEADOWS was the first manufacturer to pay attention to the job site worker’s common complaint that multiple component products tended to get mixed-up under normal working conditions. This sparked a concentrated effort to find a practical solution for the problem. Unique unitized packaging was the answer. The innovative and easy-to-handle product packaging is designed to prevent costly component mismatches, eliminate any guesswork, and assure proper, pre-measured, two-component mixes every time.
A variety of package designs for our REZI-WELD Construction Epoxy and Grout/Patch Kit Line was developed. These include convenient, easy-to-carry two component carriers, which house our two color-coded . . . Part A and B component containers and a handy mixing paddle; unitized, two-component side-by-side dual cartridge injection system; Pre-Pak, self-mixing injection cartridges and unitized grout/patch kit. The kit features a Part A component of premixed and packaged epoxy resin and selected, graded aggregates and a drop-in tray which holds the separately packaged Part B or activator. All elements are contained in a 5-gallon (18.93 liter) pail or mixing vessel. Contractors appreciate the convenience and ease of handling.
21st Century
MEADOWS MEETS THE CHALLENGES OF A NEW CENTURY BY EXPANDING ITS CEMENTITIOUS RESTORATION AND REPAIR PRODUCT CAPABILITIES
W. R. MEADOWS provides the architect, designer, engineer, and contractor with jobsite-tested repair solutions. Our new line of high-quality cementitious renewal systems allows the customer to choose the material that is right for their next project…whether it is for commercial, industrial, or public works. The products are for either general purpose or structural restoration and repair applications. The versatility of the Renewal Systems Line helps to implement a repair or restoration strategy designed to provide a long-term solution. Without special order, a customer can have exactly what is needed, virtually custom-designed for today’s demanding repair and restoration environments.
MEADOWS ENTERED THE NEW MILLENNIUM WITH AN EXCITING AND REVOLUTIONARY COLD-APPLIED, ONE-COMPONENT HORIZONTAL JOINT SEALANT.
In 2000, W. R. MEADOWS introduced SAFE-SEAL®3405, the first and only cold-applied ready-to-use, one component, horizontal joint sealant to meet or exceed the demanding high-performance characteristics of ASTM D 3405. Here, at last, the public and private sectors have a revolutionary, “cool” and safe alternative designed to save time and money. To apply, work crews require no specialized training, protective wear or equipment to handle airport taxiway, aprons, highway, parking lot, and pavement maintenance.
Small, medium or large scale sealing projects are all within a days work for SAFE-SEAL 3405.The product features excellent bonding properties, high resilience and weather resistance. It is the perfect compliment to our established premium-grade hot-applied joint sealants.
INNOVATIVE IDEAS FROM OUR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT LAB KEEP US ON THE LEADING EDGE OF CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS TECHNOLOGY IN OUR KEY MARKETS OF OPPORTUNITY
From the very beginning, W. R. MEADOWS, INC. has been determined to play a leadership role in the concrete construction industry. The company has achieved that goal and maintains its leadership position through the development of unique products that are proprietary by design. Our in-house research and development laboratory continues to play a vital role in keeping us and our product lines on the leading edge of technology.
Activity in the Hampshire R&D lab
These are just a few of the product innovations that have been introduced by
W. R. MEADOWS, INC. Once you get to know us, you’ll discover a whole lot more!
HUEBERT FIBERBOARD
W. R. MEADOWS acquires HUEBERT FIBERBOARD in Boonville, Missouri, helping to create and sell a more diverse line of fiberboard products, including roof insulation and archery board.
2010s
Continuing our commitment to building professionals, W. R. MEADOWS forms BLUE RIDGE FIBERBOARD™ to sustain production of Celotex-branded products, such as STRUCTODEK® HD fiberboard roof insulation and SOUNDSTOP® soundproofing fiberboard. Formation of this new subsidiary means building professionals can continue using the same high quality products they have relied on for decades.
2020s
W. R. MEADOWS AQUIRES GEMITE
W. R. MEADOWS acquires Mississauga-based GEMITE, complimenting W. R. MEADOWS’ extensive waterproofing and restoration portfolio. W. R. MEADOWS served as GEMITE’s exclusive distributor for Canada and the US beyond the East Coast region for more than twenty years prior to the acquisition. GEMITE offers W. R. MEADOWS the ability to offer cementitious waterproofing and restoration options designed to protect and reinforce concrete structures around the world in the most challenging of environments.
THE INNOVATION CENTER IS LAUNCHED
W. R. MEADOWS launches their new state-of-the-art INNOVATION CENTER in Hampshire, IL. The INNOVATION CENTER is now home to W. R. Meadows, Inc. high-tech lab and training facility where large gatherings can take place for learning and hands-on demos can be conducted in a controlled environment. The INNOVATION CENTER will be a leading facility for future growth of the company where new products will be created and current products will continue to be perfected.
W. R. MEADOWS UPDATES THEIR LOOK WITH BRAND REFRESH
W. R. MEADOWS unveils a corporate identity brand refresh after 96 years with a new, modernized look to our logo designed to serve us now and well into the future. The original color scheme remains the same as well as our companywide heart for service, integrity, and excellence that has always been instilled into our brand. This remains the mandate for all that we do, today and always.
KNIGHTSHIELD ROOF COATINGS UNVEILED
The KNIGHTSHIELD line is launched as W. R. MEADOWS enters the roof coatings market. KNIGHTSHIELD aims at serving as a practical alternative for reviving different types of roof membranes, systems, and substrates, without resorting to the financial and logistical challenges of full roof replacements. The collection comprises an array of products, such as high solids silicone roof coatings, walk-pads, primers, cleaners, and more.
