Surviving Dry Spells
A few years ago, members of the Basement Health Association board of directors were talking to another waterproofing contractor about his business. He was finding success and growing his company. At the end of the conversation, he said only half-jokingly,...
Rooftop Recreation Areas
Pressed for space, campuses on both coasts have found room to expand their athletic fields by building stadiums and practice fields on roof tops. About ten years ago, the University of California San Diego’s East Campus in La Jolla began considering an...
Backup Sump Pump Systems
Every Homeowner Should Consider this Basic Upgrade By Blake Jeffery Most homeowners understand that they have a primary sump pump in their basement to protect them from flooding. This main pump is usually hard-wired to the home’s electrical system for...
Active Hybrid Waterproofing Technologies
The construction industry has primarily utilized passive waterproofing membranes for the past 50 years. In recent years, though, the increasing popularity of shotcrete in the construction of below-grade foundations and subsequent water ingress failures...
Spring 2015 News
Year end figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department indicate that residential construction is at the highest level since 2005. Certain segments, such as multifamily construction, are expected to continue to grow in 2016 “I don’t think I have ever seen...
Integrating Green Roofs with Solar
The Soka University Performing Arts Center roof combines green and solar. On a recent 100 degree day, the green roof was 50 degrees cooler than the nearby pavers, allowing the photovoltaic panels to perform significantly better. The term “green roof” can...
Commercial Carbon Fiber Repair
By Bob Thompson It has been nearly 15 years since carbon fiber first made its emergence into the civil engineering arena. Today, more and more structural engineers are using carbon fiber to design a variety of structural repairs. The most common use is retrofitting...
Livable Basements
These before-and-after photos show how proper waterproofing, structural repair, and lighting can transform below-grade living space. An increasing number of homeowners are choosing to upgrade their basements. Whether it’s for use as an in-law apartment,...
Deep Foundations
Complex scheduling, differing substrates, and intense hydrostatic pressure are just a few of the challenges associated with deep foundations. Options for Deep Foundations When commercial construction extends far below grade, the challenges of waterproofing...
Winter 2015 News
One of the largest roofing projects in the nation recently wrapped up in Chicago. Re-roofing the 10.3-acre Jardine Water Filtration Plant—reportedly the world’s largest—is the biggest roofing project completed in Chicago in the past decade. The two-year program...
