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Flexibility: The Game-Changer in Waterproofing Systems

Waterproofing is a fundamental aspect of the controlled environment that is today’s building envelope. It’s a critical consideration not just from roof to foundation, but also within countless diverse penetrations ―large and small―through which water, dampness, humidity can potentially infiltrate the envelope.

A cold fluid-applied waterproofing membrane like Henry® Pumadeq System is a smart, high-performance, cost-saving choice to protect these vulnerable areas. It cures to a rubber-like membrane with excellent water-tightness and the ability to expand and contract without permanent change to its surface, shape, or strength, rendering any weak spots or penetrations impervious to water.

The quest for superior elasticity

In the late 1970s, commercial waterproofing projects saw dramatic progress in the form of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). A transparent thermoplastic, PMMA produced a fast-curing durable membrane― impact-, scratch-, and water-resistant, and even strong enough to withstand vehicular traffic shortly after installation. Its reliably quick cure accelerated many project schedules…but it wasn’t perfect. With PMMA, the resulting waterproof membrane was rigid, and its rigidity made it prone to micro-fractures.

As building projects began employing more interesting angles and creative materials, architects, builders, and installers started to demand greater flexibility from waterproofing membranes, more flexibility than PMMA could offer. This property is critical in building materials which will experience―throughout their lifecycles―extremes of heat and cold, the shock of rapid thermal cycling, and other climate extremes such as wind and hail, not to mention normal structural movement and settling.

Enter PUMA technology, a waterproofing game-changer. Thanks to a unique combination of methyl methacrylates and polyurethanes, PUMA delivers all the high-speed application benefits of PMMA…but with one essential extra―excellent flexibility and elongation properties. PUMA, in fact, has typical elongation of up to 400%, compared to about 45% for PMMA.

These exceptional features allow PUMA technology to tackle a range of projects that call for ruggedness + elasticity, from common installation obstacles to scenarios where unusual design features and construction requirements make the project complex or unique.

Henry® Pumadeq System delivers Building Confidence

It’s not a stretch to say that the Henry® Pumadeq System has become a front-line choice for a wide variety of commercial waterproofing projects. Based on PUMA technology, this cold fluid-applied waterproofing system offers a rapid cure―even under low temperature application conditions―and long-term stability and durability.

With no special installation equipment needed, the completely waterproof, mold-free membrane adheres to a wide range of substrates, preserving and protecting them from weathering, UV exposure, and damage from chemicals, oil and gasoline, and so on. It is appropriate for heavy-duty application surfaces, resisting high impact, abrasions, scratches, punctures, and slips.

This durable profile makes Henry® Pumadeq System an ideal―and seam-free―solution for weatherproofing commercial balconies and walkways, plaza decks, terraces, split slabs, parking structures, loading docks and ramps, standard and green roofs, foundations, flashings, fountains, pool decks, and more.

For example, at The Almr, a mixed-used building in Portland, OR, a unique detail was needed to prevent water intrusion and give long-term durability to an unsupported gap on three sides of a deck that might shift and become problematic over time. Henry® Pumadeq System provided the solution.

Meanwhile, in Cambridge, MA, a split-slab segment of fresh concrete―situated atop an underground garage and beneath a loading dock―was quickly able to support heavy construction traffic, thanks to a Henry® Pumadeq System waterproof membrane. The coating cured within an hour, shaving weeks off the project schedule.

Pumadeq System has no detailing limitations on laps, welds, seams, irregular surface flashings or termination bars, and can withstand constant water immersion, even at zero pitch.

This flexibility makes it particularly suited to treating complex or dramatic architectural details, such as those found within The Culture Shed, Hudson Yards, New York (pictured). Remaining true to the designer’s aesthetic vision was the primary driver at The Shed installation, according to TQ3 a Henry® Company. Pumadeq System was identified as a critical element to coat the approximately 46,000 sq. ft. of fixed and retractable rooftop on The Shed.

This approach included application of several layers of Pumadeq System components, including Pumadeq Primer 20, Pumadeq Flex 30 SL with Pumadeq N-Fleece, a flood coat of Pumadeq Flex 30 SL for a uniform extra-smooth finish, and a topmost layer of Henry® Deqcoat 50 to deliver the custom Signal Grey topcoat specified in the building design.

Explore to learn more about the durability and flexibility of PUMA and Henry® Pumadeq System.

Schedule a meeting with your Henry Advisor today