Waterproofing

From Fragmented Design to Integrated Performance in Healthcare Facilities

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As healthcare design responds to climate pressures, aging infrastructure, and increasingly complex renovation cycles, the industry must move beyond fragmented specification toward integrated, continuous envelope design.

Reducing Risk Through Integrated Rainscreen Design

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

This article explores the significant design, engineering, and long-term performance benefits of an integrated rainscreen system compared to a non-integrated component assembly.

An Iconic Boston School Undergoes Building Enclosure Renovation

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Gale Associates, Inc., a consulting engineering ﬁrm, announce the completion of the comprehensive building enclosure renovation of the iconic Josiah Quincy Elementary School, which occupies a full block in Boston’s Chinatown.

Assessing and Repairing Plaza Deck Waterproofing

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This article explores waterproofing challenges, strategies for assessment, pathways to appropriate repair solutions, and best practices for long-term performance.

Advanced Waterproofing: Polyurea Solutions for Complex Building Enclosures

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Advancements in fluid-applied technology have introduced an option: polyurea coating systems. Engineered for strength, flexibility, and installation efficiency, polyurea offers a reliable alternative suited to modern design and construction requirements.

The Six Sides of Waterproofing

john_paragon@ameritech.net (John D'Annunzio) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Due to the potential problems associated with moisture infiltration, it is imperative that continuous waterproofing is applied at all six sides of the building enclosure.

Western Specialty Contractors Waterproofs Concrete Decks at Plaza De Monaco in Denver

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Western Specialty Contractors – Denver Branch was recently challenged with waterproofing multiple condominium decks at Plaza De Monaco in Denver, CO.

Western Specialty Contractors Mitigates Building Envelope Air, Moisture Infiltration Issues at Chicago Medical Center

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Western Specialty Contractors - Chicago Facades Branch recently completed Phases 1-5 of a multi-phased, interior AVB and exterior facade repairs to a building at a medical center campus in the north suburbs of Chicago.

Vapor Barriers vs. Vapor Retarders

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Whether you’re selling, specifying, or installing building envelope materials, here’s a quick overview of vapor retarders versus vapor barriers.

What Building Science Professionals Need to Know About Solving Challenges in Building Envelope Transitions

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

While Weather-Resistive Barriers (WRBs), flashings, and sealants perform reliably in controlled conditions, the true challenge arises at joints, corners, and penetrations—where distinct components and trades meet.

Coatings & Membranes: AWRBs in the Modern Building Envelope

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

At the center of this envelope is an essential component: the air and water-resistive barrier (AWRB). These barriers play a crucial role in preventing moisture and air infiltration, maintaining structural integrity, and enhancing energy efficiency.

Mastering Waterproofing: Essential Strategies for Building Envelope Integrity

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Waterproofing buildings during construction is vital for maximizing building longevity. If industry professionals move beyond the fundamentals, they can master weatherproofing. What essential strategies must they learn?

Western Specialty Contractors Protects Office Building from Salt Deterioration

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Western Specialty Contractors’ Orlando, FL recently completed a four-month project to restore and waterproof the façade of 444 Seabreeze Blvd. in Daytona, Fla.

Moisture Surveys and Roofing Forensics

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Forensic and maintenance inspections of roofing systems provide huge benefits to all stakeholders. Regular visual inspections can ensure early detection of problems such as leaks, ponding water, punctures, cracks, or membrane damage.

Surfactants and Their Impact on Building Wrap Performance

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Without a basic understanding of surfactants and how they impact the performance of building wrap, builders and contractors could potentially jeopardize the long-term durability of the exterior wall assembly.

Successful Air and Water Barrier Design

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Tyler Gilpin from Polyglass joined us to chat about his webinar, "The Critical Aspect of Air and Water-Resistant Barriers Within the Building Envelope."

View Our 2025 Issue

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:53:47 -0500

Our 2025 issue is here! Browse topics from best practices for improving window openings, to how polyiso enhances building performance, and the importance of low-VOC insulation.

Adapting Building Envelopes for Water-Based Communities

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Constructing on top of the water instead of retreating from it lets cities expand without fighting for available inland space or worrying about rising tides. However, it’s not an easy process. Building envelopes will need to adapt to support these towns of the future.

PODCAST: Electronic Leak Detection for the Building Envelope

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:00:00 -0500

Shaun Katz, Product Line Manager for Detec Systems, joins us to chat about his webinar, “Electronic Leak Detection for Roofing, Waterproofing and the Building Envelope.” This one-hour course will cover Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) testing methods used for quality assurance of roofing and waterproofing membranes.

Waterproofing Penetrations 102

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This article is the author's second in a series on waterproofing penetrations. Waterproofing Penetrations 102 takes a deep dive into unique penetrations and often challenging conditions. The types of assemblies that will be explored include cluster penetrations, fireproofed penetrations, and extreme temperature pipes (hot or sub-freezing).

Best Practices for Weatherizing Low-Rise Multifamily Projects

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Effective weatherization techniques are critical to keeping out air and moisture to preserve longevity, ensure energy efficiency, and promote indoor air quality.

Guidelines for Proper Waterproofing Specifications

john_paragon@ameritech.net (John D'Annunzio) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

The proper development of specifications is essential due to the complexity of the waterproofing process that occurs with the integration of other building components and trades. It is the responsibility of the architect and/or designer to ensure that all divisions of waterproofing application are addressed.

Evaluating and Detailing Pre-Applied Air/Water Barrier Sheathing Products

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

This article discusses the benefits and challenges associated with preapplied water/air barrier sheathing systems, including detailing considerations, recommended enhancements, and how to avoid common construction pitfalls.

VIDEO: Building Science and Life Safety in Wood Framed Construction

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:59:00 -0500

Erin Andes, Director of Design Outreach, for GAF | Siplast, joined us recently to chat about her upcoming webinar, “Building Science and Life Safety in Wood Framed Construction.” Watch as Erin talks about how building codes have begun to challenge designers when it comes to safety and energy efficiency requirements.

PODCAST: Key Takeaways From the ICC’s Annual Conference

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 23:59:00 -0500

The International Code Council’s annual conference wrapped up recently where experts gathered to discuss the future of building safety. We were joined by Ryan Colker, Vice President of Innovation for the ICC, to talk about this year’s conference, what was on the agenda and what to expect in the coming year from the ICC.

PODCAST: Overcoming Common Challenges with Blindside Waterproofing

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 23:59:00 -0400

Bart Rowland, the Director of Product Management for Henry Company, joined us to discuss his webinar, “Overcoming Common Challenges with Blindside Waterproofing". Listen in as Bart discusses some of the biggest challenges that blindside waterproofing can assist with.

Optimizing Below-Grade Insulation

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Effective insulation strategies that enhance energy efficiency, prevent moisture intrusion, and contribute to a durable and sustainable structure are crucial in this process.

PODCAST: How Instant-Setting Cold Fluid-Applied Waterproofing Systems Solve Problems

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 23:59:00 -0400

Chris Panczner, the Waterproofing Product Manager for Henry Company, joined us to discuss the upcoming webinar, "Why Instant-Setting Cold Fluid-Applied Waterproofing Systems is the Sensible Choice.” Listen in as Chris chats about what an instant setting membrane is and what it does, and the benefits of cold fluid-applied waterproofing systems.

SPRI to Canvass TDP-1 Test Standard

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

SPRI announced that it is partnering with FM Approvals to create a new standard “Test Standard for Comparative Adhesion Strengths of Waterproofing Membranes, Membrane Adhesives, and Board Stock Materials or Other Suitable Substrates Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems.”

Enhancing Performance Overhead with Tapered Roof Insulation

lewisl@bnpmedia.com (Lindsay Lewis) — Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Justin Koscher, President of PIMA, joins us to discuss tapered roof insulation and how it can help improve drainage and reroofing challenges.