Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/833835
J UNE 2017 | 49 Waterproofing The latest waterproofing solutions address increasingly stringent regulations by ROBIN BRUNET W ith multi-family home growth and a steady increase in commercial con- struction, waterproofing (for roofs and below grade) and water resis- tance (for exterior above grade walls) is assuming added importance in the building sector – especially in light of green building mandates, chang- ing insulations requirements and tighter building envelopes. But even though everyone implicitly understands the importance of effective waterproofing/water resistance systems, especially in places such as Vancouver, B.C. where the fallout from the leaky condos issue continues to resonate decades after the first homes were reported, questionable practices continue: home builders attempting to do the waterproofing themselves, for example, or developers trying to keep a lid on budgets by settling for the "next-best" systems. However, it may be that such factors are inevitable and perpetual. Fortunately, the number of waterproofing companies offering better technology and crafts- manship is on the rise. And they're equipped with solutions that address every- thing from green concerns (with products that are rubber/polymer based instead of asphalt/solvent based) to new building codes (with systems compatible with the installation of rigid foam insulation above and below grade). Toronto-based Durabond Products Limited is a typical example of a manufac- turer that has become a leader in the provision of specialized architectural wall coatings, exterior insulation and finish systems, restoration products, and a wide range of related construction products. Its moisture protection systems are com- prehensive, ranging from concrete and masonry coatings to vapour barrier and waterproofing membranes. In short, the many types of waterproofing required in any building construction is covered by Durabond. Durabond products also acknowledge evolving green standards, case in point: its Green Guard Plus is a flexible latex copolymer air/vapour barrier membrane that may be applied to most common surfaces and integrated into various wall systems in both new construction and restoration. This water-based copolymer can also be used as an adhesive for expanded polystyrene insulation. Trowel or spray applied, it cures to form a tough, seamless, elastomeric membrane, which is resistant to air leakage and vapour transmission. Durabond is arguably best known for its extensive DUR-A-SEAL line of sealers, such as the DUR-A-SEAL A50 that effectively seals brick, block and concrete against water ingress and whose superior chloride screening capabilities make it ideally suited for high traffic areas of concrete structures such as parking garages and even bridges. A50 also allows structures to breathe, which is essential on heated build- ings and in structures connected directly to earth or water. American Hydrotech, Inc. has been a premier waterproofing supplier for nearly 50 years, and over these years it has been promoting Protected Membrane Roof Seal The Deal assemblies where the waterproofing membrane is on the roof deck itself, and the various layers of insulation and ballast are installed above the membrane to protect the membrane from physical and environmental damages. Ballast commonly came in several forms, including crushed stone ballast and concrete pavers, designed to provide weight above the Dow Styrofoam insulation and hold it in place. Hydrotech's Garden Roof assembly is another form of ballast and includes lightweight engineered growing media, drainage panels and plant materi- als all arranged to optimize plant growth on the roof. For many years, Hydrotech has been on the cutting edge of Garden Roof technol- ogies and has developed many new products and assemblies to address the ever- increasing challenges of stormwater management. Municipalities are recognizing the value of vegetated roofs – including American Hydrotech's Garden Roof – in absorbing rainwater and delaying its entry into the stormwater sewers: this valu- able function can help prevent flooding from sewer backups caused by too much water coming in too fast. Recently, Hydrotech developed new Blue Roof Assemblies that detain even more water. These Blue Roof assemblies can be created in ballasted roofs where water is stored in the air spaces between the crushed stone of a stone ballasted roof. An Ultimate Assembly Blue Roof can be created underneath concrete pavers by raising the pavers up on pedestals so water can be detained underneath. Finally, a Garden Roof Blue Roof can be created where a significant amount of rainwater (five to six inches or more) can be detained underneath a Hydrotech Garden Roof assembly. All of these assemblies can be included in Hydrotech's single-source warranty, in which in the unlikely event a problem is found in the waterproofing, Hydrotech will take care of any repairs. Maxxon with its gypsum underlayment products and sound control mats is widely known as the go-to floor specialists, but it is also a trusted source for two important moisture vapour treatments: the Moisture Vapor Protection (MVP) and Cutting-edge Garden Roof technology from Hydrotech. Moisture Vapour Protection from Maxxon Canada.