Today in LA, Feb. 7

Waterproofing Issue

Last Updated: Mar 22, 2010

To All:

I’ve gotten a request to consider using Laurenco Cold Synthetic Rubberized Asphalt Waterproofing in the New England area.

Anyone familiar with the quality and application of cold synthetic rubberized asphalt for waterproofing?

I understand one of the advantages is that it can be applied to concrete after only a 2 day cure and still bond. This characteristic makes me uneasy. I’m not sure I believe that a good bond will occur on a damp surface.

I’m familiar with the hot applied rubberized asphalt that demands a minimum 14 day cure and dry concrete surface, but I’ve done hundreds of applications over 30 years and have never had a failure. We’ve always made arrangements for the proper cure time, and it’s never been an issue in the long run.

I’ve always felt that it’s been worth the trouble to apply the material properly for 30 years of perfect performance. As you know, a below grade waterproofing failure is the most expensive penalty to correct in comparison to the original cost of construction to install it. That’s why it’s not as critical to worry about the upfront costs of that compared to the quality of performance.

However, I’m open to hearing whether there is a better or equal system out there that we should consider.

Anyone familiar with it?

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