PMMA Waterproofing for Strata Buildings

High-Performance Liquid-Applied Waterproofing for Balconies, Decks & Localized Building-Envelope Repairs

Water intrusion can quickly turn a localized waterproofing problem into a much larger building-envelope repair.

Northstrata Construction provides PMMA waterproofing solutions for strata buildings in Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver. PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) liquid-applied waterproofing systems can provide a seamless, durable waterproofing solution for balconies, decks, walkways, transitions and other areas where reliable protection from water penetration is critical.

We work with strata managers, property managers, strata councils and building professionals to assess existing conditions and determine an appropriate waterproofing and repair approach.

Request a Site Assessment

What Is PMMA Waterproofing?

PMMA is a liquid-applied waterproofing technology that creates a continuous membrane over a properly prepared substrate.

Unlike sheet membranes, liquid-applied systems can be detailed around complex areas such as penetrations, drains, curbs, corners and transitions. This makes PMMA an option for projects where conventional waterproofing approaches may be difficult to install or where minimizing disruption is an important consideration.

PMMA systems are available in different configurations depending on the application, substrate and project requirements.

For strata buildings, PMMA may be considered for waterproofing rehabilitation, localized building-envelope repairs and renewal projects where a durable, carefully detailed waterproofing system is required.

PMMA Waterproofing Applications for Strata Buildings

PMMA waterproofing systems can be used for a variety of exterior and building-envelope applications, subject to the existing substrate and system requirements.

Balconies & Decks

Protect exposed balcony and deck surfaces from water penetration and deterioration with a properly designed and installed liquid-applied waterproofing system.

Walkways & Exterior Corridors

Waterproof exposed pedestrian areas where water penetration can contribute to deterioration of the underlying assembly.

Concrete Slabs & Podiums

PMMA systems can be considered for selected concrete waterproofing and rehabilitation applications.

Door Thresholds & Transitions

Transitions around doors, walls, curbs and other changes in elevation require careful waterproofing detailing. Liquid-applied systems can be useful where complex geometry makes detailing challenging.

Drains & Penetrations

Proper treatment of drains, penetrations and other openings is critical to the performance of a waterproofing system.

Localized Building-Envelope Repairs

PMMA waterproofing may form part of a larger localized repair where water intrusion has contributed to deterioration of surrounding building-envelope components.

Why Consider PMMA Waterproofing?

Rapid-Curing Waterproofing

One of the potential advantages of PMMA systems is their rapid curing characteristics. Depending on the specific system, conditions and installation requirements, this can help reduce the time an area needs to remain out of service.

For occupied strata buildings, minimizing disruption can be an important consideration.

Seamless Liquid-Applied Membrane

A liquid-applied system forms a continuous waterproofing layer when properly installed.

This can be particularly useful around details where water commonly finds a path through the building envelope.

Detailed Around Complex Areas

Balconies, decks and building-envelope components often contain numerous penetrations, drains, corners and transitions.

PMMA systems can be detailed around these areas to create a continuous waterproofing assembly.

Suitable for Repair & Rehabilitation Projects

Not every waterproofing project requires complete replacement of an assembly.

Depending on the condition of the existing substrate and the project requirements, PMMA can be considered as part of a targeted rehabilitation or localized waterproofing strategy.

Is PMMA Waterproofing Right for Your Strata Building?

There is no single waterproofing system that is appropriate for every building.

The right solution depends on factors such as:

Existing substrate and construction
Condition of the existing waterproofing
Extent of water damage or deterioration
Exposure to weather and moisture
Drainage and slope
Movement and cracking
Existing penetrations and transitions
Access and occupant considerations
Expected service life
Project budget and objectives

At Northstrata Construction, we focus on understanding the existing condition before determining the repair approach.

Where PMMA is appropriate, we can install the selected system as part of the overall waterproofing and building-envelope repair.

PMMA Waterproofing & Building-Envelope Repairs

Waterproofing problems are not always isolated to the membrane itself.

Water intrusion can contribute to deterioration of adjacent building-envelope components, including:

Wood framing
Sheathing
Flashing
Deck assemblies
Window and door interfaces
Concrete
Sealants and transitions
Other waterproofing details

This is why simply applying a new membrane over a problem area is not always the right solution.

The underlying substrate needs to be properly assessed and prepared before waterproofing is installed.

A Complete Repair Approach

Northstrata Construction provides localized building-envelope repairs and waterproofing services, allowing us to address the waterproofing work as part of the larger repair scope where required.

This can be particularly valuable when a strata building has both waterproofing deterioration and localized rot or building-envelope damage.

PMMA & SOPREMA ALSAN RS

Northstrata Construction is a certified SOPREMA ALSAN RS Detail Liquid Applied Membrane Installer.

ALSAN RS systems use PMMA resin technology for a range of waterproofing and building-envelope applications.

The appropriate ALSAN RS system and detailing approach will depend on the specific application, substrate and project requirements.

Learn More About SOPREMA ALSAN RS →

Our Waterproofing Process

1. Site Assessment

We review the affected area and existing conditions to understand the source and extent of the waterproofing concern.

2. Repair Scope

Where deterioration is present, we determine what preparation or localized repair may be required before the waterproofing system can be installed.

3. Surface Preparation

Proper preparation is critical to waterproofing performance. The substrate is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the selected system.

4. PMMA Waterproofing Installation

The waterproofing system is installed and detailed according to the project requirements, including critical transitions, penetrations, drains and other vulnerable areas.

5. Completion & Review

The completed work is reviewed to ensure the waterproofing and associated details have been properly addressed before the area is returned to service.

Working With Strata & Property Managers

Managing a waterproofing problem in an occupied strata building requires more than simply selecting a membrane.

There may be residents to coordinate with, access restrictions, multiple affected areas and a need to minimize disruption.

Northstrata Construction works with strata managers, property managers and strata councils on localized waterproofing and building-envelope repair projects.

Our goal is to provide a practical repair solution based on the actual condition of the building.

Serving Vancouver’s North Shore & Lower Mainland

Northstrata Construction provides waterproofing and building-envelope repair services in:

Vancouver
North Vancouver
West Vancouver

If your strata building is experiencing water intrusion, deteriorated balcony waterproofing, deck leakage or localized building-envelope deterioration, we can assess the affected area and discuss potential repair options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PMMA waterproofing?

PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) waterproofing is a liquid-applied membrane system that cures to form a continuous waterproofing layer over a properly prepared substrate.

Can PMMA be used on strata balconies?

PMMA systems can be suitable for certain strata balcony waterproofing applications. The appropriate system depends on the existing construction, substrate condition, exposure and project requirements.

How quickly does PMMA waterproofing cure?

PMMA systems are known for rapid curing compared with many conventional liquid-applied waterproofing systems. Actual cure times depend on the specific system and environmental conditions.

Can PMMA waterproofing be installed over an existing membrane?

This depends on the existing membrane, substrate condition, compatibility and the requirements of the selected system. Existing materials may need to be removed or appropriately prepared before installation.

Can PMMA be used for localized building-envelope repairs?

Yes, PMMA waterproofing can be considered for certain localized repair applications. However, the underlying cause of water intrusion and the condition of adjacent building-envelope components should be assessed first.

What is ALSAN RS?

ALSAN RS is a family of liquid-applied systems using PMMA resin technology manufactured by SOPREMA. Different system configurations are designed for different waterproofing and building-envelope applications.

Does Northstrata Construction install SOPREMA ALSAN RS?

Yes. Northstrata Construction is a certified SOPREMA ALSAN RS Detail Liquid Applied Membrane Installer.

How do I know if PMMA is right for my building?

The best way to determine the appropriate waterproofing approach is to assess the existing conditions, substrate, source of water intrusion and project requirements. Northstrata Construction can review the affected area and discuss potential solutions.

Have a Strata Waterproofing Problem?

Whether you’re dealing with balcony leaks, deteriorated waterproofing, water intrusion or a localized building-envelope repair, the first step is understanding what is actually causing the problem.

Northstrata Construction can assess the affected area and help determine an appropriate repair and waterproofing approach.

Request a Site Assessment ( 604-722-1522 )

Northstrata Construction
Wood-Frame Strata Repairs • Building Envelope • Waterproofing
Vancouver • North Vancouver • West Vancouver