"Up-Date" Newsletter Archives

Customers have been receiving the "Up-Date" quarterly newsletter since 1998. In each edition, you'll find valuable information about product applications, success stories, and new technologies to make your job easier and your projects more effective and efficient.

  2008 - Winter (download)
   

Feature Story – Silicone sealants and coating stop leaks, provide extra protection under extreme weather conditions.  Built in 2001, Brighton Condos at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, began experiencing widespread water leakage problems soon after construction.

   

Congratulations to Nick – Nick Harpel, our inside sales specialist, and his wife, Ashley, became proud parents with a baby boy, Jaxon.

   

Grace Waterproofing – The first truly effective blind side waterproofing system from Grace. In the past, specifiers had little choice in blind side waterproofing systems.  Problems in accessing the positive side of the structure led to either partial solutions or to no waterproofing at all.

   

Application Note – Early joint movement and one-part sealants.  Early movement of a dynamic joint, after a sealant has been applied and before it has time to cure, will sometimes result in cracking or crazing of the sealant.  The problem only seems to arise when one-part moisture curing sealants are used.

   

Pacific Polymers' Elasto-Deck 6500 Series – A 2-component aliphatic, 100% solids, low or no odor, zero VOC, liquid elastomeric pedestrian and traffic coating systems.

   

Sikaflex AT Connection – The specialist for vinyl windows premium-grade, on-part joint sealant for building connection & perimeter joints based on Sika's advanced technology.  

   

Great Stuff Pro from Dow Chemical – Two popular foam sealants for "Gaps & Cracks" and "Window & Door".

   
 

2007 - Fall (download)

   

Feature Story – Phase two of Atlanta condo sealed with silicones after ten years' service.  Architect and consultants for the Mayfair Renaissance Condo Tower in Atlanta wanted to identify the optimum weathersealing system for window glazing and for expansion joints in EIFS panels.  All sealing materials were required to withstand rigorous laboratory evaluations and on-site testing prior to construction to ensure weatherproofing performance.

   

Aquafin – Water penetration vs. water vapor transmission.  Water can be encountered in concrete, concrete masonry, brick and natural stone structures in either liquid form or vapor (gas) form.

   

Mike Powell – Mike is our new addition to our Seattle customer service / inside-sales staff.

   

Chemical Grout – Chemical grout stops infiltration permanently. Chemical grout was first developed and applied in 1955.  Since that time it has been used to stop leaks in sewers, manholes, tanks, vaults, tunnels, and many other applications all over the world.

   

Avanti International – Leaks in concrete structures keep coming back unless they are permanently sealed with chemical grout.

   

Protecto Wrap – Energy sill sealer...the only self-adhesive air and moisture sill barrier.

   
 

2007 - 1st Quarter (download)

    Feature Story: 17 Years At Atlas Supply – January was Amy Anderson’s 17th anniversary in sales with Atlas Supply.
    New Pier 1 Imports Corporate Headquarters Relies on Clean Sealant Technology – An innovative silicone sealant formulation has been specified for the new 20-story corporate headquarters of Pier 1 Imports to help preserve the unique aesthetics of the building’s stone and glass curtainwall design.
    Liquid Applied Flashing – Building Envelope Innovations LLC (BEI), has developed a new installation method and flashing material.
    Roof Underlayments – Among the complete waterproofing and weatherproofing systems Protecto Wrap offers, their high performance Rainproof –40 and –60 together with their 180 day high-performance Rainproof 60 Plus, are one of the most popular underlayment systems used in the Northwest.
    EIFS Restoration – Some typical waterproofing failures center around sealant joints and coatings. Sealants may fail in EIFS joints in different ways that can all be avoided.
    AllGuard Silicone Elastomeric Coating – See drip edge designs that eliminates dirt streaking off ledges, window sills and scuppers.
   
 

2006 - 4th Quarter (download)

    Feature Story: Silicone Coatings Help Orlando Hotels Stand Out – To the tourist, International Drive is the gateway to vacation fun. To the hotel owner, it’s ten miles of competition. Many factors determine a hotel’s success, including building aesthetics.
    Differentiating Water-Based and Solvent-Based Formulations - Hydrozo® offers water-based and solvent-based formulations of high quality commercial grade penetrating water repellents…know their advantages and disadvantages.
    New Products From Sika - Sikadur® Crack Fix is a low-viscosity, high-strength epoxy sealing system. Sikaflex® AT-Connection is a universal construction sealant for perimeter and connection joints.
    Backer Rod and Its Uses – Know the proper applications and the differences between open-cell, closed cell, and non-gassing backer rod materials.
   
 

2006 - 1st Quarter (download)

    Feature Story: Las Vegas Mondalay Bay Resort & Casino – At 43 stories, the resort’s 660,000 square foot exterior window wall and glass slab gleam with 24-carat gold. Custom-colored Dow Corning® 790 Silicone Building Sealant was selected for its superior movement capabilities. Dow Corning® 795 Silicone Building Sealant, also gold, was used to seal glass to metal.
    The Truth About Sealant Paintability – While Silicone sealants are known for their long life and superior weather resistance, urethane sealants have a reputation for paintability…there’s a problem with that thinking.
    Triple-Guard Energy Sill Sealer – Concrete shrinks as it cures, creating a rough and uneven surface on the top of the foundation wall. Protecto Wrap has an answer to this problem.
    Waterproof Coatings – Excellent Coatings, Inc. can offer you the optimal blend of durability, beauty and waterproofing after 15 years of product development.
    Effective, Attractive, and Versatile – Dow Corning® 123 Silicone Seal was designed as a fast, efficient way to repair failed building weatherseals without having to remove the old caulk
    We Have Tools and Accessories – Check out the tools and accessories we have for your convenience.
    Record Joint Movement Whenever It Occurs – Dow Corning has developed an easy-to-use device that lets you test virtually any sealed joint for expansion and compression.
   
 

2005 - 4th Quarter (download)

    Holiday greeting from John Ittes – President, Atlas Supply
    Feature Story: Cape Race Lighthouse, the Recipient of the Titanic’s Distress Call – Few of North America’s lighthouses have endured worse weather. When the steel-reinforced concrete structure was restored in 1996, the final touch was Dow Corning® AllGuard Silicone Elastomeric Coating.
    Selection and Use of Sealants – First in a multi-part series discussing the selection and application of commercial grade sealants.
    1199 SSL Silicone Sealant – The "no-contest" seam sealer from Dow Corning for better windows and doors.
   
 

2005 - 3nd Quarter (download)

    Feature Story: Eggshells and Elevators Leak No More, Thanks to Silicones – In 1997, it was obvious that 20 years of sun, heat and torrential rain had taken their tool on the glass curtain wall, stucco, split block, and EIFS exterior of the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix, Arizona.
    Sika Proudly Announces Two New Product Innovations – Sikadur 42, Grout-Pak PT, a 3-component, 100% solids, epoxy grout specifically designed with post tensioning construction projects in mind. New SikaPlan-SAF100 Self Adhered Flashing System, a flexible synthetic rubber mastic, combined with a high performance polypropylene facing to form a high performance, non-drying, non-hardening, self adhering industrial grade flashing material.
    Silicone Sealant Building Envelope Product Showcase – A summary of Dow Corning’s engineered, application specific, building sealants used in commercial construction. This describes specific application and features for Dow Corning’s 756 SMS Building Sealant, 995 Silicone Structural Sealant, 790 Silicone Building Sealant, 791 Silicone Weatherproofing Sealant, 795 Silicone Building Sealant, and Dow Corning’s Parking Structure Sealants that include the FC Fast Cure, SL Self Leveling, and the NS Non-sag specially formulated sealants.
    Filmtech – A leading provider of high quality products for the temporary protection of carpets, floors, windows and most other high value surfaces found in the construction, recreational vehicle, and marine and moving industries.
     
 

2005 - 2nd Quarter (download)

    Feature story: Top-To-Bottom Silicone Fix Ends Hospital's History of Leaks – The 200,000 sq. ft. Flagler Hospital complex in St. Augustine, Florida, began to leak soon after opening in 1989. All simple remedies failed, and the problem worsened.
    The Rule of Thumb Prevails Among Architects, Consultants and Contractors in and Around the World – Everybody knows that urethane sealants are for concrete, stone, masonry and brick, and silicones are good on glass and metal. Most of these myths are easy to disprove, but it's tough to change someone's mind about misconceptions they're perfectly happy to accept.
    Total Corrosion Management for Reinforced Concrete – According to the recently completed study by the Federal Highway Administration, the annual direct cost of corrosion to the United States economy is estimated at $276 billion, or 3.1% of the Gross Domestic Product.
     
 

2005 - 1st Quarter (download)

    Feature story: Patented Non-Staining Sealant Technology Protects Stately Salt Lake City Hotel – Clad entirely in white granite, "possibly the whitest in the world" according to corporate architect Neal Stowe, the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, rivals the stately elegance of the grand hotels of Europe.
    Our Portland Office Moved to a New, Larger and More Convenient Location – In January our Portland staff moved from N. Albina to a newly renovated warehouse and office facility on SE 10th Avenue.
    Thanks from Granny's Attic and the Vashon Island Community Health Center – Did you know that every box of rags from Granny's Attic you purchase from Atlas Supply helps support the Vashon Island community Health Center?
    Weatherproofing With silicone – The successful performance of a building exterior is frequently defined by its ability to keep rain and the elements outside, away from the building's occupants.
    Failures, Avoiding Sealant/Flashing Incompatibility – Preventing water from intruding into a building is very important, but equally important – and often overlooked – is the compatibility of materials used to protect against moisture damage.
    Hydroduct Goes Anywhere Water Shouldn't – within the Hydroduct product portfolio are all the options contractors need to deliver added protection to every construction project.
     
 

2004 - 4th Quarter (download)

    Feature story: The silicone Skyline – silicone structural glazing is the adhering of glass, ceramic, metal, stone or composite panels to a building frame.
    MiraStop – MiraStop from Carlisle is a self-adhering, flexible, coiled strip of butyl rubber and expandable bentonite clay waterproofing joint compound. It is designed for use in non-moving joints to create water-tight concrete joints.
    Gunther Mirror Mastics – For most installations and with ample time to set up, an approved and tested mirror mastic will hold a mirror without any type of mechanical support systems.
    Rapid Cure Sealant Demonstrates Remarkable Success – Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (DOT) are so pleased with the silicone's performance that they have approved the product for other installation.
    Water and Secondary Containment Structures – In both clean and wastewater environments, concrete structures often can be exposed to aggressive influences – either continuously or cyclically.
     
 

2004 - 3rd Quarter (download)

    Feature story: silicones Stop Leaks at Block-Long Barrel Vault Skylight System – Skylight technology has advanced considerably since the first two barrel vault skylights were erected in the 1970's at the Denver Performing Arts complex.
    Liquid Adhesives – There are four general chemical groupings in liquid adhesives that work across a wide range of applications – rubber-based, polymer-solution, epoxy and water-borne adhesives. Liquid adhesives can be defined as a combination of an adhesive material and a suitable carrier, either an organic solvent or water.
    The Truth About Sealant Paintability – while silicone sealants are known for their long life and superior weather resistance, urethane sealants have a reputation for paintability.
    Self-Adhered Flashings – Frequently during the design of an assembly, the designer will question the chemical compatibility of self-adhered flexible flashings with other materials containing acids, bases, and salts.
     
 

2004 - 2nd Quarter (download)

    Feature story: Our New 2nd Edition Catalog is Now Available – We have combined our industrial and aerospace products with our construction products into one easy-to-use catalog…take a look!
    Dow Corning Contractors Weatherproofing Sealant (CWS) – Outstanding silicone performance at urethane competitive prices. This unique, weather-resistant formulation is ideal to withstand adverse conditions, including moisture, movement, sheer and deflection, in common installations.
    Tips for Successful Moldmaking – silicone rubber tooling has been used for replication, prototyping and even short production runs for about 30 years. Duplicates made from silicone rubber molds are highly accurate, with extremely fine detail and excellent dimensional stability.
    Record Joint Movement Whenever it Occurs – Dow Corning has developed an easy-to-use device that lets you test virtually any sealed joint for expansion and compression, and to record such movement over any period of time.
    Standard Field Adhesion Test – The field adhesion test for sealants is a simple screening procedure that may help detect application problems such as improper cleaning, use of improper primer, poor primer application or improper joint configuration.
     
 

2004 - 1st Quarter (download)

    Feature story: EIFS Restoration System Revitalizes Prestigious San Francisco Towers – A water-based silicone elastomeric coating was used to rejuvenate the facade of the Daniel Burnham Court condominium and commercial towers in San Francisco, California.
    Sealant Aesthetics – How sealants look on a building is part of the overall aesthetic appeal of the project.
    Flexible Flashing – Vycor® Plus Self-Adhered Flashing provides superior protection against water, air and moisture infiltration in window and door openings, corner boards, under stucco finishes, masonry walls and other flashing areas.
    Construction Chemicals & Mortars – The use of cement, mortar and concrete admixtures to seal against water pressure to increase water-tightness of plaster, to prepare air-entrained concrete, to improve the workability of fresh concrete, or to achieve other specific properties—both of fresh as well as hardened concrete or mortar—has become an obvious necessity today for most construction applications.
     
 

2003 - 4th Quarter (download)

    Feature story: Spiderman's Forensics Lead to Dow Corning Solution - He's a wall climber. He is a curtainwall consultant, past president of the Exterior Design Institute, a forensic expert on waterproofing failures, and a certified waterproofing contractor in his own right.
    Containment Through Firestopping - Increased awareness of comprehensive fire protection systems has led to the development of innovative firestop products and solutions.
    FlameSafe® by Grace - Selecting the right firestop systems could literally be a matter of life and death. The experts at Grace and Atlas Supply guide you with knowledge of current fire and building codes and over three decades of experience solving even the toughest problems.
    Impact Resistant Glazing Sealants - Building codes and other agencies are increasingly requiring that windows that could be subjected to hurricanes be impact resistant. Learn how you can be in compliance the first time.
     
 

2003 - 3rd Quarter (download)

    Feature story: Leaking Problems Plague New Stadium - The weakest links in outdoor stadiums can be the weatherproofing sealants used in the miles of control, expansion and other complex concrete joints.
    Leaks in Concrete Structures Keep Coming Back - Unless they are permanently sealed with chemical grout, cracks appear. In spite of the best efforts of architects, engineers, and contractors, concrete structures sometimes move in unanticipated places, and the problem reoccurs.
    Hydrozo Breathable Sealers - Hydrozo clear sealers protect commercial buildings from water and chloride intrusion, airborne contaminants, and general wear and tear.
    silicone Sealants Increase IG Unit Life Expectancy - The "life expectancy" of insulating glass units is a hot topic today. Insulating glass unit failures in the field lead to customer complaints that may mean lost business and income to the IG unit manufacturer.
     
 

2003 - 2nd Quarter (download)

    Feature story: The Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino Struck by 170mph Winds - The following day revealed widespread damage to the surfaces of the shop-assembled EIFS panels. Rather than resurfacing the panels, it was decided to coat the entire curtainwall, nearly 600,000 square feet, with Dow Corning® AllGuard coating technology.
    Low-Pressure Applied Polvurea...The Next Generation - It is apparent that polyurea is gaining in popularity and formulators are becoming more familiar with the chemistry of polyurea resulting in more user-friendly formulations.
    EIFS Restoration Procedures - Three restoration methods are described for your reference on the repair and restoration of EIFS and EIFS Joints.
    Case Study...Sika Solution - Problem: Reinforced concrete access ramps, approximately 20 years old, were suffering from water and deicing salt penetration causing corrosion of reinforced steel.
     
 

2003 - 1st Quarter (download)

    Feature story: Trouble at the Villa of Buckhead - In the spring of 2000, the Villa of Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia, was a luxury high-rise condominium that no longer looked or acted the part. The joint sealants protecting the EIFS cladding on the 20-story structure had failed, resulting in severe water intrusion and tenant complaints.
    New at Atlas - Gunther Mirror Mastics - We're please to announce the addition of the Gunther Mirror Mastics complete line of mirror installation and maintenance products, including mirror clips and J-bar, to our Fenestration and Glazing Product Group.
    The Importance of Effective Drainage - Without proper drainage, ground water seepage may cause structural leakage and hydrostatic pressure which can result in severe structural damage.
    Albion's New E-Drive System - Dispensing Tools that offer performance, portability and more control.
    EIFS Joint Failure Overview - Adhesive failure is a loss of bond or adhesion of the sealant to a substrate. This failure may occur for three primary reasons: Improper use of primer, failure to use a primer or improper surface preparation.

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