b'MembranesMembrane overviewTim P. McDonald, former CEO oftwo-part systemscomposed of powders and latex addi-Mer-KoteProducts,Inc./Mer-Kretetives such as LATICRETE 301/335 or Mer-Krete 300. These Systems, took a long look back atweregreatmembranes,rapid-curing,and100%water theevolutionofthin-bedwater- tight; however, they had little to no elongation. Single-proofing over the years, from wherecomponent liquid membranes followed, allowing for eas-it all began to where it is now. ier application. No mixing or measuring, they were easy Since the inception of thin bedto use in roll-on applications with fabric reinforcement. Tim P. McDonald waterproofing, (liquid membranesSheet-appliedmembranesdirectfromthefactorywith designed specifically for tile/stonegauged thicknesses such as Compotite or Nobleseal were application), early in the 1970s, the category has grownthe favorites of plumbing officials, since their application significantly. Early latex membranes were compounds was more familiar to the building inspectors who were used to seeing the age-old hot mop systems, or the dinosaur days of lead pans. These earlysheetmembraneswerealsonot designed to have tile set directly to them. Protect your finished flooring! This author can attestas Im sure oth-ers of this time canchanging the mind-Have you found cracks in yourset of both the tile installer and building ceramic or porcelain tile floors? codeofficialswasamonumentaltask. Do you hear the footsteps and voicesTile contractors had yet to see the advan-from the floor above? Do you needtages (and the profit) in installing their waterproofing or protection from moistureown systems. Building officials were slow vapor transmission on the floor? to grasp the new concept and its impor-Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI Choose the membrane systemstance. So where are we now, and where preferred by architects,are we going? contractors and consultants.Advancements in chemical technology NAC membrane systems are installedhave allowed for excellent upgrades to prior to the finished flooring, and provide crack isolation, sound reductionformulations over the last four decades. and waterproofing protection. Elongation,rapidcuringandincreased adhesionareafewofthechanges. Ted Stevens International Airport, Anchorage, AK We even see new chemical compound CRACK ISOLATION SOUND CONTROL WATERPROOFINGFor surfacesFor surfacesFor surfaceschanges such as urethanes entering the that requirethat requirethat require protectionimpactwaterproofmarket. Application methods, however, from structuraland audibleprotectionmovement sound reduction remain mostly unchanged even though Membrane Systemsweseelessandlessfabricaspartof That Protect Your Flooring Investment theoverallinstallationmethodology. Thefutureseemsstatusquofornow untilnewcomponentsandchemistry The Ritz Carlton Hotel at LA Live, Los Angeles, CA advance.Theneedforfaster-drying membranesandquickerapplicationis somethingtheapplicatorswouldwel-come overall. As we see building meth-ods change and we move deeper into the 1(800)633-462221st century as the saying goes, necessity www.nacproducts.comwill always be the mother of invention. The Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks, CA More to come!402019|TECH'