Mar-flex on Google+

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products has arrived on the fastest growing social network on the internet, Google+! Check out Mar-flex’s Google+ page for tips of the day, as well as upcoming news and all the information you need about Mar-flex’s outstanding products and service.

Mar-flex UltriSeal

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is one of the biggest innovators in the entire waterproofing industry. Keeping up with this reputation for ingenuity and invention, Mar-flex introduces the new UltriSeal concrete sealant. UltriSeal is built to protect against radon and other harmful chemicals in the environment around your home. Its built with versatility in mind, in that it can be applied to any concrete surface, from walls to driveways. This makes UltriSeal one of the most dependable and efficiet sealants in the entire marketplace. Check out UltriSeal today!

Twip of the Day – The Causes of Moisture

Basement moisture is dangerous, in that it forms mold and mildew, as well as degrades the durability of your foundation. Eradication of this moisture is vital, and in order to successful remove it, you must find the causes of it. Much of your basement leakage could be due to inadequate grading. Inadequate grading refers to the scenario where the ground near the foundation of a structure slopes toward it. This leads to the collection of moisture in the basement, as it isn’t redirected to another location. This problem can be solved by increasing the slope away from the foundation of the building, as well as getting rid of any level places in the soil. This can be done by placing soil around the structure. Another common source of basement moisture is defective gutters or downspouts. The absence of gutters during the rainy season is one of the most common causes of basement moisture. The reason for this is because rainwater hits the foundation perimeter and since it isn’t hindered by gutters or downspouts, it drains directly into the basement. This is the reason why you must keep gutters and downspouts clean, as well as maintained. Poorly installed window wells are another serious issue. Many homebuilders place window wells in a way that they drain any excess water directly into the basement. The water is left to flow against the wall and into the ground. Installing drainage tiles and window wells that effectively drain water will solve this issue. Finally, the most serious source of basement moisture is structural cracking. Water leaks through cracks in the foundation wall, and allows moisture to enter your basement environment. Most of these volume change cracks appear along stiff corners and masonry joints, as well as fireplaces. This can be protected against by installing concrete control joints, as well as ensuring proper connections are made between structure and foundation.

Mar-flex For Architects

Mar-flex caters to architects, with premium products for multi-family, residential, and commercial construction. Our labs are continuously pursuing new solutions to keep pace with changing codes, regulations and requirements, meaning that architects can count on Mar-flex for reliable products and proper spec’s. Mar-flex sets the industry standard for superior water-based and solvent-based membranes, including the extensive “Green” product assortment, and wide range of waterproofing products to complete any job. Architects can rely on us for complete technical specifications, hands-on training, 24/7 job support, equipment installation, sales support, and LEED certifications, all backed by industry leading warranties. 

Twip of the Day – Waterproofing Systems Explained

Every year, during the rainy season, many homes are plagued by flooded basements. There are several types of dry basement systems that help prevent damage from moisture that enters the structure. The best solution to fix a wet basement is to the regulate the water flow from the roof, through siding and gutters. However, even if prepared for, the rainy season may put more of a strain on your outside drainage systems than your basement can handle, causing water to pool inside the basement, this is where dry basement systems come in. Dry basement systems are installations that waterproof your basement, or drain off the water that finds its way in. The simplest and least expensive dry basement system is waterproofing. The only thing you have to do to install this system is to reinforce the foundation and floor with waterproof cement. This doesn’t guarantee a water-free basement though, and the only guaranteed way is to combine this method with a drainage system. Drainage systems are systems that pump water out of your home, like a sump pump. Sump pumps remove any water that collects in their basins, at the lowest point in the floor. The pump automatically engages and discharges the water into a sewer via a drainage hose. Proper installation guarantees that the water level above the basement floor or slab never reaches such levels as to allow hydrostatic pressure to build up. The result of installing these systems is a guaranteed dry basement, free of the risk of mold and mildew, and the risk of structural damage.

Mar-flex Complete Air Barrier System

In larger structures, moisture laden air migrates into the inner environment from the outside climate. This moisture migrates far enough into the assembly to become cooled down and formed back into puddles of water. This liquid water corrodes metals in the building assembly, providing one of the ingredients for mold growth. Also this moisture saturates building materials, causing water damage. This is why air barrier systems are essential, because they are designed to stop the infiltration of moisture laden air, preventing condensation in the wall assembly. Air barrier systems provide climate control, so air leaking in from the inside or outside is barred from entering the environment. Mar-flex offers full Air Barrier Systems, so check us out today!

Twip of the Day – Best Fix For Floor Cracks

If you find basement floor cracks, using a concrete floor filler is one option for repairing the problem. Concrete floor filler is similar to concrete, but will adhere to the surface of existing concrete and not crack out. You can apply this solution with a trowel, or by squeezing it into smaller cracks with a caulk gun.

Mar-flex Cavity Wall Treatment

Dampproofing the cavity side of walls reassures that water won’t penetrate the masonry. Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products offers treatments specially designed for cavity walls. Mar-flex Moisture Block 361 is a patented, asphalt emulsion coating, which is designed to dampproof concrete and masonry surfaces. Its a single component liquid applied coating with great resistance to changes in temperature. It has excellent resistance to water penetration and the weathering process. Mar-flex also offers DampFusion. DampFusion is an excellent water-based acrylic dampproofing membrane approved for masonry, block, pre-cast, and poured concrete wall foundations. DampFusion is a spray-on membrane, and can be applied to pre-existing damp walls and the top of foundation walls. This  product has no odor and dries to a gray color to match the concrete.  Mar-flex offers the best cavity wall treatments in the industry, so check us out today. 

Twip of the Day – Crawl Space Waterproofing Tips

Crawl spaces are notorious for flooding, and being habitable places for mold and mildew. This means it is essential to waterproof your crawl space. Carefully study the terrain where you plan on building your home. Crawl space flooding will be a problem in areas where the water table is just below the crawl space. If the soil is always damp, or your property is near a body of water such as a lake, pond or river, you must provide exterior drainage and waterproofing around the exterior of your foundation. This includes a waterproofing agent applied to concrete, clean gravel the same depth as the foundation footing and two feet out from it, and finally a tile drainage system around the footing. Cover perforated plastic tile with more gravel, and pour in topsoil to about 5 inches deep. Inside your crawl space, you should install a sump pump that drains water to a water source. Also, install adequate gutters and drain pipes to drain away rainwater at a distance of at least eight feet from the house. Use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture content to a minimum and reduce air ventilation of the crawl space as much as possible. If moist, humid air enters the crawl space, it encourages mold growth. Measure a sufficient polyethylene vapor barrier to cover interior walls, and attach it to concrete with a duct sealer, this reduces moisture seepage through the concrete. Following these steps will help you ensure your crawl space stays dry.

New E-Reader Program

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is the leading innovator in the entire waterproofing industry. With a whole line of “Green” environmentally friendly products, and innovations changing the industry, Mar-flex’s reputation is well earned. Now you can view our product catalog in full right on our website, through a brand new E-Reader program. The pages flip just like you are holding the brochure in your hand. Mar-flex is constantly working to innovate in all areas, even in web design, so keep checking back with us to see what we’re up to.