Big Project, Bigger Challenges.

How Henry® Tackled Waterproofing Challenges at Kalahari Resort

The Kalahari Resort in Virginia is an expansive development spanning 135 acres, including a 907-room hotel, a 175,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, a 90,000-square-foot adventure park and a 150,000-square-foot convention center. Given the scale of the project, waterproofing the below-slab and foundation walls was a critical step to ensure long-term durability and protection against water infiltration.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges was convincing the architect and building owner to switch from the originally specified GCP PrePrufe to the Henry Blueskin® PreSeal® waterproofing system. “Convincing the architect and owner to switch from GCP PrePrufe was not easy, but once we laid out the cost savings, ease of installation, and strong local support from Henry, they saw the benefits,” said Michael O’Connor, Owner/Project Manager, Tidewater Caulking & Waterproofing.

Solutions

Henry Blueskin PreSeal 435, Blueskin PreSeal 320, and Blueskin WP200 were selected for their reputations for superior performance. The decision was heavily influenced by the long-standing relationships and trusted expertise of Henry Representatives Jordan Merritt and Todd Skopic, as well as Mark Gero from Architectural Exterior Solutions and Drew Glomb from Beacon/Metro Waterproofing Supply.

During installation, the project encountered challenges transitioning PreSeal from the beneath-slab area to the foundation walls—a critical step in ensuring a continuous and effective waterproofing barrier. To resolve this, Henry’s technical team, including Merritt, Tom Duggar, and Gerry Hangsleben, provided on-site support and customized installation details. Their immediate response ensured the issue was addressed promptly, keeping the project on schedule and preventing costly delays.

“Every large project has its obstacles, but Henry’s team was instrumental in helping us work through the technical challenges quickly. Their immediate on-site support and detailed guidance ensured that we stayed on schedule,” said O’Connor.

In addition to superior performance, O’Conner highlighted several other key reasons the Henry Blueskin PreSeal system was chosen over the competition:

• Material availability – Ensuring a steady supply to meet the construction schedule.
• Cost savings – Providing a more economical alternative without compromising performance.
• Ease of installation – Enabling a faster, more efficient application process.
• Technical support – Immediate and hands-on assistance in overcoming on-site challenges.

Impact & Results

The Henry Blueskin PreSeal system delivered a reliable, long-lasting waterproofing solution tailored to the demands of this large-scale resort project. Their successful application contributed to the project’s efficiency, durability, and long-term structural protection. “Henry’s technical team made all the difference. When we encountered issues with the transition from the slab to the foundation, they provided immediate support, ensuring we didn’t lose valuable time,” said O’Connor.

The Kalahari Resort in Virginia is set to become a premier family destination, and Henry’s waterproofing solutions will help safeguard the structure for decades to come.

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