Western Specialty Contractors Chicago Masonry Branch recently waterproofed and restored a terrace at Mondial River West luxury apartments in Chicago, IL.
Located at 910 W Huron St., the 15-story apartment complex has 141 units and was built in 2009. Western was contacted by property management firm Willow Bridge Property Company to restore a private terrace shared by three units that was leaking due to failing waterproofing.
In the winter, freeze-thaw cycles can cause significant problems with outdoor concrete structures, such as terraces. When water infiltrates concrete, it can freeze, causing the water to occupy nine percent more volume than in its liquid state. This expansion causes distress on the concrete, which can lead to fractures that will continue to grow exponentially as the material’s saturation increases.
Applied over concrete, wood or steel, a variety of deck coatings are available to prevent leaks from penetrating to areas below. These coatings can also maintain the surface’s color and keep it looking like new for years. Recent technology has provided materials for these special coatings, which are ideal for suspended slabs, recreational roof decks, garages, patios, balconies, sun decks, areas around pools and other areas that require a durable surface.
Western’s waterproofing experts started the Mondial River West project by removing the terrace’s pedestal pavers and its 2-Ply modified-bitumen roof membrane down to the concrete deck. Crews then installed a liquid-applied membrane roof system to the deck, consisting of a primer and a Sika RoofPro 3-Coat System. The system included a base coat with membrane reinforcement, followed by an intermediate and topcoat application. Western then installed overburden and flashing materials, followed by reinstallation of the terrace’s original pedestal pavers.
Western completed the project in 2.5 months to the satisfaction of architect Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associations, Inc., and the property management company.
About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for over 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology.