Architectural

Maintaining the integrity of a below-grade insulated concrete form (ICF) wall (slab, crawl space, or basement) requires an application of the best ICF waterproofing, like Poly Wall® Home Stretch™ Peel’ N Stick ICF waterproofing membrane and 650 TRM. Strong, durable ICF foundations support a structure and give it protection against the forces of nature […]

Architects and builders of homes in cold regions must include sufficient cold climate insulation and quality air and moisture barrier systems to ensure airtight, comfortable, healthy, durable, and energy-efficient homes. In addition, building cold climate houses challenges builders to stay on time and make a profit. Construction in cold weather can slow or even stop […]

When it comes to building science, hydrostatic pressure plays a vital role in designing and constructing any structure, particularly regarding the waterproofing systems for below-grade walls. You can simply define hydrostatic pressure as resting water exerting a load on an adjacent solid entity, like a concrete foundation wall. The consequences of hydrostatic water pressure on […]

Sealing the seams of an efficient vapor barrier with high-performing tape helps create a continuous air barrier and reduces moisture intrusion and accumulation into the wall system. The proper sealing of a vapor barrier with easy and quick to apply vapor barrier seam tape provides several significant benefits to a home and building.  At Polywall, […]

Both waterproofing and damp proofing are methods of preventing moisture intrusion. Although they are often used interchangeably, the terms damp proofing and waterproofing carry distinct meanings in foundation construction. Damp proofing refers to keeping soil moisture (dampness) out of a structure, while waterproofing means protecting a structure from both moisture and liquid water. The level […]

Weather barriers have one important job to do: keep outside weather out and conditioned interior air in. A weather-resistant barrier, or WRB construction, is part of the wall and roof assembly. A sturdy weather barrier prevents wind, rain, and moisture from intruding on the structure. The best way to ensure maximum structural weather resistance is […]

It’s common to build a foundation or outbuilding from either concrete blocks or from poured concrete. Both types of foundations and walls have advantages — concrete blocks are a uniform size, stacking concrete blocks is sometimes easier than pouring a concrete wall, and concrete blocks are sometimes easier to get if there’s not a ready […]