Selection Process
As Google chips away at the new construction of their new 400,000 sq ft office in Downtown Toronto, one flooring requirement for their cafeterias, kitchens, mechanical rooms, change rooms, washrooms, and more were radiant floor heating installed to create an ambiance in the office unmatched by any other competitive tech company.
The radiant heating piping is placed directly below the subfloor, and to protect the concrete substrate and raised flooring just above from possible future leakage, AppliedeX was consulted for solutions.
Knowing how difficult it is to access the radiant floor piping in the case of leakage, we opted for a 5-part application of Sika’s durable 390 polyurethane waterproofing membrane to act as a perfect layer of waterproofing between the piping within the subfloor and the raised access flooring above. This would ensure that should any piping leak or burst, the concrete foundation beneath will remain perfectly protected and undamaged. This also allows for a much easier and lower cost cleanup than should this happen without any concrete waterproofing protection.
Project Details
Project Name: Google Toronto Offices, Subfloor Waterproofing
Location: 65 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario
Application: 5-Part Waterproofing Membrane onto subfloor
Materials Used:
Environment Exposure:
- Constant Temperature fluctuations of piping beneath subfloor
- Slab penetrations for floor drains and piping
- LEED raised-access flooring system
The Solution
As with every flooring installation, new or refurbished, we only install on a perfectly prepared surface to ensure the longest possible lifespan for your new resinous flooring application. Our fleet of Diamond Grinders were put to work, preparing the surface for increased bonding of the polyurethane for superior durability. We had to hand grind all smaller spaces around the piping to ensure all crevaces were prepared and provide the longest-term durability upon applying the waterproof coating system.
Day one of our five-day install consisted of sealing all corner beads and penetrations with Sikaflex 2C, similar to an industrial-strength caulking. On day two, we returned for the application of a Sikafloor 1610 primer, followed by the Sikalastic 390 Polyurethane Waterproofing Membrane, and finished off with two coats of Sikafloor 2540 Epoxy top coat for ultimate durability.
The Results
AppliedeX is proud that this solution not only solved the needs and specifications of Google’s waterproofing requirements. This application was installed over 5 consecutive day installations and finished ahead of schedule for this new construction project. This solution was also validated by Sika Canada, meaning that it meet’s Sika’s strict waterproofing application procedure.
Google was so pleased with the sealed waterproof, that they have elected AppliedeX to complete the decorative raised-access flooring to be installed above our waterproofing system. This floor will last for a very long time given the high stress the floor will endure, and is aesthetically-pleasing too.
To learn more about AppliedeX’s waterproofing membranes for parking decks, garages, and outdoor spaces, and waterproof seamless flooring installations, click here.
