Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/109465
Iron Guard also has better impact resistance than most concrete and has zero volatile organic compounds. Also, ���It extends the life of concrete, so it qualifies for LEED points,��� Henderson says. Another new product line, in this case from MAPEI Corporation and called Mapewrap, uses fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) and is specifically designed for restoration where there are structural integrity issues. ���It���s for bridges, columns, beams, parking garages, condo buildings on the ocean ��� where chloride ions have eaten in and are deteriorating the concrete,��� says Roger Pratt, business manager for concrete restoration systems at MAPEI. ���They enter the pores of the concrete and penetrate to the rebar. The steel then expands via a rust process and cracks or swells out the concrete. Sometimes, the corrosion is so severe, the rebar must be replaced.��� After restoration of the rebar, where possible, a roll of FRP would be wrapped around structural components to either handle additional loading or simply restore them to their original strength. Depending on the application, one of several types of epoxy adhesives is used. It is not feasible to wrap all the way around some structural forms. In such instances, the use carbon fibre plates with a different kind of epoxy adhesive is recommended. ���These are engineered products and are assessed for specific design loads and all engineering parameters,��� says Pratt. Introduced in November 2011, the Mapewrap line has been used on some bridges, floor slabs and parking garages, Pratt says, and is undergoing the certification process with the ICC (International Code Council) in the U.S. and the CSA in Canada. Durabond Products Ltd. is a Torontobased company, also with a group of products for concrete restoration. They range from admixtures, coatings, EIF and stucco systems to protective coatings for concrete and masonry. The spread of codes and standards from the ICC across the U.S., as well as increased customer demand across the continent, is resulting in widespread use of noise-control products. ���About 75 per cent of new multi-residential projects are using some kind of sound mat system,��� says Pat Giles, VP of technical and R & D at Maxxon Corporation. The company has a large licenced applicator network across North America, with outlets in Canada, to meet this 40/��� ��� February 2013 p36-41RestorationProd.indd 40 growing demand. The company���s products are being used for a wide range of applications, including Dura-Cap for smoothing out concrete slabs in new or restoration projects, and the AcousticMat line for sound control. Giles says that clients want sound-attenuation products that address both STC (sound transmission class) and IIC (impact insulation class) standards. Another product that has good noise attenuation properties, but is primarily used for thermal barriers, which in Canada mostly means keeping out the cold, is foam insulation. ���We have several products on offer, including both open cell and closed cell [spray foam insulation]. We sell in 30 countries and have been in business for more than 25 years,��� says Betsy Cosper, VP marketing at Icynene Inc. ���We���re seeing a trend that���s moving to spray foam, and we were pioneers in it, but for many it���s a new technology. But now, we���re seeing more spray as a result of the drive to energy efficiency.��� Spray foam is often used to improve attic insulation, well after construction. Depending on region, says Cosper, as much as 50 per cent of spray foam projects are restorations or retrofits. Also, ���We���re seeing big growth in commercial building upgrades,��� she says. Plumbing is another area sometimes requiring restoration or a complete retrofit. ���We recently completed a threetower project in the Vancouver area,��� says Randy Christie, in charge of sales and marketing at CuraFlo BC, which frequently takes on plumbing restoration projects in larger structures. One solution the company offers is the restoration of the existing pipe. This involves the introduction of a lining to all of the pipe. Typically, it is copper pipe that has corroded. This first step involves drying and then sanding the old pipe to remove the corrosion. ���Then we shoot in an epoxy lining. We remove the extra epoxy with hot air, which also helps drying sooner. Then, all the new valves are installed and the system is returned to service. We build a pipe inside a pipe,��� says Christie. Though the pipe���s interior diameter is reduced, Christie says that flow rates actually increase due to the greater smoothness of the restorative coating. Besides plugging leaks and improving flow, the process adds significantly to the durability of copper pipe, he says. ��� Restoration Products 13-01-22 3:18 PM