From the Ground Up – MAPEI’s Below-Grade Waterproofing Group is Introduced to North America

MAPEI Americas introduced its Below-Grade Waterproofing product line to the North American construction market at the 2016 World of Concrete show.  Among the below-grade waterproofing systems introduced at the show were Mapeproof™ sodium bentonite geotextile waterproofing membranes.  Mapeproof membranes are constructed using a layer of woven and nonwoven, puncture- and tear-resistant polypropylene fabrics. Encased within these fabrics is high-swelling, self-sealing sodium bentonite.  Mapeproof membranes are offered in a standard-grade version (Mapeproof HW) and an alternate grade designed specifically for sites where contaminated or salt groundwater is present (Mapeproof SW). The other below-grade waterproofing products introduced at the show were Mapethene™ self-adhering, rubberized-asphalt sheet waterproofing membranes.  Mapethene membranes are constructed of a 4-mil-thick, impact-resistant, cross-laminated, high-density polyethylene (HPDE) film laminated onto a proprietary 56-mil-thick rubberized-asphalt compound.  Mapethene membranes are offered in both high-temperature (Mapethene HT) and low-temperature (Mapethene LT) variants.

In today’s ‘Tech Talk’ blog, we are talking to Jason Covington, MAPEI’s Business Development and Product Line Manager for Below-Grade Waterproofing.

Tech Talk: Jason, can you give us some background on what “Below-Grade Waterproofing” refers to?

Jason: “Below-Grade” simply refers to below the gradient or ground level that comes into contact with a building or structure.  “Waterproofing” is defined by ASTM as the treatment of a surface or structure to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure.   Put these together and you can understand the aspect of construction we are focused on, which is keeping water, even accumulated water, out of the underground portion of structures; functioning or occupied space. 

Tech Talk: What products or systems make up this line?

Jason: The first two waterproofing membranes MAPEI has chosen to introduce into the North American construction market are Mapeproof™ and Mapethene™.
 
Mapeproof is a sodium bentonite geotextile waterproofing membrane.  Mapeproof is constructed using layers of woven and nonwoven, puncture- and tear-resistant polypropylene fabrics. Encased within these fabrics is high-swelling, self-sealing sodium bentonite.  Sodium-Bentonite, a naturally occurring mineral, has the distinctive property of swelling to many times its mass when it becomes hydrated and, when confined under pressure such as backfill during the construction process, forms a strong seal impermeable to water.  Mapeproof is offered in a standard grade (Mapeproof HW) and an alternate grade designed specifically for sites where contaminated or salt groundwater is present (Mapeproof SW). Mapeproof is mechanically fastened in place with substrate-compatible fasteners and 1” washers.
 
Mapethene™ is a self-adhering, rubberized-asphalt sheet waterproofing membrane.  Mapethene is constructed of a 4-mil thick, impact-resistant, cross-laminated, high density polyethylene (HDPE) film laminated onto a proprietary 56-mil-thick rubberized-asphalt compound.  Mapethene is offered in both high temperature (Mapethene HT) and low temperature (Mapethene LT) variants.  Being a self-adhering membrane, Mapethene is put in place by removing the product’s release liner and sticking it in place.     
 
I also want to point out that your question hit on an excellent point: Effective waterproofing is a system; not a product.  While the membranes I described before are obviously a critical part of the equation, an equally important part are the accessories used in conjunction with the membranes. For example, how do you protect the waterproofing membranes from damage when backfilling the excavated space?  How do you ensure penetrations for conduits or piping are watertight?  What can you do to relieve hydrostatic head pressure that may build up against a structure during times of rainfall?
 
It is for these reasons that MAPEI offers a complete array of waterproofing accessories, including drainage composites, contact adhesives, detailing sealants and more; to ensure an effective waterproofing system can be constructed.  It is important that MAPEI offers these as supplying a full system from a single manufacturer provides the building owner with the peace of mind associated with a single-source warranty.

Tech Talk:  Are these products designed for residential applications, commercial applications or both?

Jason: While these products can be used effectively for both residential and commercial applications, they are rarely used in residential construction.  The limited depth, and thus the associated hydrostatic head pressure which a structure will be subjected to, typically make the value proposition for these products cost prohibitive for single-family home construction.  Instead, these products are typically used in commercial, institutional and multi-family construction market segments; where proper installation by trained waterproofing professionals is the norm.

Tech Talk:  Why did we choose World of Concrete to announce these new product lines?

Jason: The old saying is, ”Concrete does two things: It gets hard and it cracks.”  It is the latter of these that below-grade waterproofing systems exist to address. As such, The World of Concrete tradeshow, where there is significant focus on the use of concrete for below-grade construction, was a perfect fit.

Tech Talk:  What background does MAPEI have with these products?

Jason:  MAPEI has been engaged in the below-grade waterproofing market for over 10 years in Europe, the Middle-East and elsewhere.  This introduction represents MAPEI entry into the North American construction market.  That said, MAPEI Group has been engaged in various aspects of concrete repair and waterproofing for almost 80 years, and we have leveraged that knowledge and experience heavily in designing and developing these products.

Tech Talk:  What is the best way to get in touch with someone about the new lines?

Jason:  For more information please contact me: Jason Covington, Below-Grade Waterproofing Business Development & Product Line Manager at 954-246-8613 or via email at jcovington@mapei.com