CIM Industries Blog

As we step into the twenty-first century, the design, construction, and maintenance of industrial and commercial structures, residential homes and buildings, and our environment continue to be a focus. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, the manufacture and use of eco-friendly construction materials are not just receiving visibility but are becoming a crucial aspect in the architectural and engineering design communities. This is particularly true for the structural elements within a project’s design scope of work and the potentially impacted surrounding environment: recreational areas, wetlands, rivers, and streams.

Erosion occurs when winds or water interact with soil and rock, causing the affected earth to wear away. The most common example of erosion is at the beach, where tide patterns cause water to move up onto the shore and away from the shore, dragging the sand out to sea and changing the landscape. 

To remedy this, communities have built retaining walls that follow parallel to the shoreline to help stop surface and subsurface erosion. While the beach may be the most thought of place where erosion occurs, it also happens onshore. Torrential downpours can wreak havoc by causing flooding and extreme soil erosion. Like beach erosion, there are ways to mitigate this issue.  

Joint sealants are typically available in cartridges (either single or dual components). Each cartridge style is designed for specific applications and environments. Generally, cartridges are ideal for small applications such as penetrations, joints, cracks, and many other repairs requiring waterproofing or chemical containment. Partially used cartridges can be stored and reused later. Instant mixing and dispensing of sealants are often performed via a hand, air, or battery-powered caulking gun.   

In this article, we'll discuss:

1. The advantages of using cartridges over other application methods
2. The basic differences between single-component and dual-component cartridge sealants
3. How to set up a sealant dispensing gun
4. How to store a partially used sealant cartridge

Understanding and following the manufacturer's written guidelines and technical data sheets are essential to achieve the best application of coating possible. Focusing on critical factors, such as choosing the right type of coating, surface preparation, and application methods will ensure everything is done correctly. By doing so, you can be confident you'll get the desired results and have a coating that looks great and performs well in its environment.

Here, we'll discuss the importance of adequately mixing multi-component coatings before application. When mixing single-component coatings, the applicator brings them to a uniform color or condition. However, when mixing multi-component coatings, the process is more involved.

Let's take a look.

Winter is here, and you may have surfaces that need coverage despite the cold weather.  It is important to understand the environmental conditions and limitations of cold weather application before proceeding with the application of any coating.

Review the cold-weather fluid-applied application instructions for detailed application guidelines. However, the application guidelines alone will not paint the full picture. Follow along for professional advice on applying in the (cold) field.

In our last installment, Waterproofing Coatings Terminology 101, we reviewed some central concepts and terms in waterproofing to define the processes and materials common to our industry.  In this installment, we take a deeper dive into coating terminology with a focus on the concepts documented in important product information sheets--specifically Technical Data Sheets (TDS).

TDS' are essential for every applicator as they outline, in great detail, significant product and material attributes that are essential to firmly grasp prior to coating. Let's look at what it takes to fully read these important documents.

Drinking water infrastructure provides clean, potable water to countless people around the globe. In the United States (including territories) alone, there are over 145,000 active public water systems and nearly 2.2 million miles of underground pipes delivering safe, reliable water to millions of people. Continued maintenance and upgrades to this infrastructure are critical to the communities and asset owners they serve. 

Industrial waterproofing projects require a specialized coating system to meet specific coating specifications. The size and scope of work will influence the application method of these coatings. 

For this discussion, we will review factors to consider when spray-applying waterproof coatings on large-scale projects and the types of spray equipment needed to apply waterproofing materials. Projects with an abundance of vertical walls, overhead surfaces, and minimal risk for overspray are generally excellent candidates for utilizing spray equipment.  

Typically, the spray equipment used for waterproofing products can be classified as airless, air-assisted airless, or plural component spray equipment. Always use equipment recommended by the waterproofing material manufacturer.

The definition of waterproofing is very straightforward: to protect an object from water-based damage. Often, the main function of waterproofing material is to keep water out from an area or to keep water contained within an area. Regarding the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industries; there are many common terms to define the concepts and materials involved with waterproofing. Words and phrases related to product selection, site preparation, physical specifications, application conditions, installation, and testing, are just a few categories of terms that you may come across.

It’s said that two heads are better than one. The same principle applies to waterproofing membranes. Typically, you apply a layer of CIM waterproofing, wait for one to four hours, then apply your second layer. This is all after choosing a waterproofing membrane, of course. This is the recoat window for most membranes, and it marks the period of maximum adhesion between layers. That said, there are innumerable reasons why you may miss this recoat period.

It happens, and it isn’t an issue for experienced applicators. With the right tools and technique, you can abrade (rough up) the surface of the membrane to improve its ability to bind well after the surface has set.