Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1535861
J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 41 Waterproofing P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y K RY TO N I N T ER N AT I O N A L I N C . Another company closely associated with exterior deck waterproofing is the Protecto Wrap company of Denver, which has been manufacturing water- proofing membranes since 1952 and provides design consultation and field support for all product lines, including flooring underlayments and commercial building envelope systems. For exterior decks, Protecto Wrap's Protecto Deck waterproof membrane is a 70-mil membrane and liquid detailing, featuring a simple peel-and-stick application capped by a fabric top coating that cre- ates an excellent bonding surface for latex modified thin-set mortars. New to Protecto Wrap is Protecto Wall VP Water Resistive Barrier, a primer-free self-adhering, self- sealing, drainable, nonwoven, vapour permeable microporous polyolefin laminate that provides 98.5 percent drainage efficiency. No mechanical fasten- ers are required for the installation. Finally, John Andersen, territory manager, Western Canada, at Kryton International Inc., says, "The main discussion among architects faced with building projects used to be waterproofing, but now the topic that seems foremost is carbon reduction, to the point where most architectural firms I come across have dedicated environmental managers whose job it is to pay attention to carbon reduction opportunities wherever they may arise. "This has resulted in the push to protect and extend the lifespan of concrete and, in turn, driven the adoption of technology that achieves this goal. In this sense, we at Kryton are dedicated to extending concrete life, and this is inextricably linked to our products being able to provide watertight solutions to commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects." Unsurprisingly, Kryton has experienced what Andersen calls a 'huge uptick' in demand for two products: Hard-Cem and the Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) waterproofing admixture. Hard- Cem uses a unique metal-mineral microstructure that is mixed integrally into concrete, which fortifies existing cement paste in the mix to increase the con- crete's resistance to abrasive and erosive forces and eliminates the risks associated with conventional hardeners or densifiers. The KIM admixture reacts with moisture to form insoluble needle-shaped crystals that fill capillary pores and micro-cracks, enhancing concrete durability by blocking pathways for water and waterborne contaminants. Both products were integral to the success of Burnaby's Laurel Street Works Yard redevelopment, which involved construction of a yard building and developing a space for engineering operations – both of which were expected to last a long time and with- stand the abrasive force of equipment maintenance, resisting water ingress in order to maintain opti- mum structural integrity. While the application of Hard-Cem gave the maintenance facilities' concrete a more resilient cement paste (making it highly resistant to abra- sive and erosive forces), the use of KIM ensured that the substructure of the works yard would remain permanently dry and free from leakages, thus pro- tecting its structural integrity. Andersen says, "A huge range of projects in B.C. have benefitted from Hard-Cem: BC Hydro used it for the Site C Dam, while KIM was used as part of the resurfacing of the Popkum Bridge in Agassiz." A Popkum Bridge resurfacing, Agassiz, B.C. BUILDING THE FUTURE Sustainable Concrete Admixtures SMART CONCRETE ® ® KIM ® offers seamless water- proofing from within, ensuring your structures stay watertight for decades. ABRASION & EROSION RESISTANCE WATERPROOFING & DURABILITY Hard-Cem ® adds unmatched durability to your projects, reducing concrete wear and extending lifespan. KRYTON.COM