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J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 39 Waterproofing P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y EL A S TO C H EM S P EC I A LT Y C H EM I C A L S I N C . Waterproofing breakthroughs keeping Canadian builds covered by ROBIN BRUNET T he integrity of steel, concrete, and other building materials is ultimately only as good as the waterproofing measures that are implemented to protect them. Further, those involved in the provision of waterproofing sys- tems rightly point out that in addition to safeguarding buildings or infrastructure, a waterproofed facility is synonymous with a healthier workspace – because it averts the growth of mould and mildew – plus it dou- bles up as an insulator, enhancing thermal efficiency, and thus boosting the value of property. W.R. Meadows Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets high-quality building materials that are sold through an authorized distribution network, and in the waterproofing category it offers a wide range of cementitious products to protect reinforced concrete structures. One of its newest offerings is Meadow-Pruf Co-Spray, a cold-applied liquid waterproofing mem- brane designed for below-grade vertical applications that provides outstanding resistance to water and water vapour. Modified with a proprietary blend of synthetic polymers and special additives, the prod- uct cures to form a tough, durable barrier, ensuring reliable protection in challenging conditions. Meadow-Pruf Co-Spray's ability to achieve sin- gle-application thickness in one coat helps reduce installation time and costs, making it a cost-effective option for professionals. The versatile membrane is suitable for both new construction and restoration projects on concrete or concrete masonry units. It is also compatible with insulated concrete forms and green concrete applications. Meanwhile, W.R. Meadows's Knightshield range of roof coatings for restorations is a practical alternative for reviving different types of roof mem- branes instead of roof replacement. The collection consists of high solids, silicone roof coatings, walk pads, primers, and cleaners. Engineered Site Products distinguishes itself by providing a variety of waterproofing solutions to support its focus on new institutional, commercial, and mixed-use projects, along with tunnel work. As an example, Ultraseal XP, supplied by Engineered Site Products, was used on a building at CFB Esquimalt, B.C. This composite membrane fea- tures an XP technology layer integrally bonded to a high-strength geomembrane, delivering excep- tional performance against a wide range of ground contaminants, including high saline conditions. For this project, metal sheet piling was used to separate the ocean from the site. The under-slab and verti- cal wall installation began at two in the morning – when the tide was lowest – and was completed over three consecutive tide cycles. Another product from Engineered Site Products is Coreflex, a reinforced thermoplastic membrane bonded to a proprietary Active Polymer Core layer, with fully welded seams for superior waterproof- ing protection. The thermoplastic membrane is engineered to resist high hydrostatic pressure and groundwater contaminants, while its extremely low water vapour transmission qualifies it as a Class "A" Vapour Retarder. About 50,000 square feet of Coreflex was used on the Manulife building in Calgary, with a blindside shotcrete application being employed 40 feet into the water table. Elastochem Specialty Chemicals Inc., a leading Canadian manufacturer of spray polyurethane mate- rials, recently received a revolutionary fire rating of 45 minutes (Canada) and one hour (Canada and U.S.) for its Insulthane Extreme spray foam insula- tion. This rating applies to a new type of metal wall construction used in warehouses, big-box stores, industrial, and agricultural buildings – many of which are located close to property lines and require exterior walls to have a fire-resistance rating. When the rating was announced, Sam DiLoreto, president at Elastochem, said, "Our one-hour fire rating expands the scope of industrial projects for which Insulthane Extreme spray foam insulation can be considered. This new certification also high- lights Elastochem's continued pursuit of product innovation and our decade of experience with HFO blowing agents." Traditionally, ensuring a strong fire rating meant resorting to alternative solutions that were more expensive and took longer to implement. Insulthane Extreme simplifies this process by offering a straight- forward application solution that upholds structural strength while meeting rigorous fire safety standards – rendering additional measures unnecessary. Another Elastochem product, the Hygrothane waterproofing membrane is a spray applied, two-component polyurea waterproofing system designed to provide long-lasting protection against moisture intrusion. It is bitumen-free and cures rapidly to form a seamless membrane that com- pletely seals. It is widely used as a waterproofing membrane on below-grade foundation walls, ICF assemblies, retaining walls, podiums, and other surfaces where long-lasting moisture protection is critical. For sundecks, Flexstone is Canada's leading waterproofing system, but its unique and rugged membrane is also ideal for flat roofs, garage floors, and other applications. Flexstone has been providing two-component Polyaspartic and Epoxy products for years, and while they perform exceptionally well, the draw- back of any two-component system (one component being the catalyst) is it only takes a moment of care- lessness to mix the same component with each other, meaning the membrane won't cure, resulting in costly remediation for contractors. Also, the integration of a catalyst is a process that needs to be thorough, carefully measured, and timely in order to ensure the product performs as expected. This often means an extra labourer is required on- site for any Polyaspartic system installation. But Flexstone's FSC Polyaspartic clear coat is a single-component product: no mixing, no catalyst, and no wasted materials. When the job is done, the labourer simply seals the can and uses the rest later. The FSC Polyaspartic clear coat has the same strength and durability of most high-end aspartics, but the ease and simplicity of the application process set it apart. Plus, the FSC Aspartic is competitively priced and cures in two hours (48 hours for vehic- ular traffic). This helps mitigate any dust, bugs, or other debris from sticking to the surface during the drying period. Sealed For Success Application of the Hygrothane waterproofing membrane.

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