EQUIPMENT

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Typically a Type N mortar is used above grade in an exterior or interior wall with non-load bearing purposes. It is generally used for clay brick or soft stone walls. Often you will see the term 1-1-6 in relation to Type N mortars, which refers to the mix design consisting of 1 part Portland cement, 1 part lime and 6 parts sand. It has a relatively low compressive strength that allows the mortar to crack under stress rather than the masonry unit itself cracking as it is much easier to repair the mortar than the masonry units.

Masonry grouts or core fill grouts are used to reinforce hollow concrete masonry units (CMU’s), commonly referred to as concrete block walls. The grout is poured into the hollow cavities of the block wall during construction. It is a fluid, cementitious, non-shrink material designed to reinforce CMU’s to increase the strength of the wall as well as bonding the adjacent CMU’s to each other and any steel reinforcement that may be used within the wall.

Silicone based sealants can be used for many diverse construction applications and are considered to be high performance sealants. Those applications include not only sealing the building envelope but will also include bonding or adhesive applications as well as structural glazing. Depending on the type of silicone chosen, suitable substrates will include glass, metal, concrete, masonry, some rubbers and plastics, stone, ceramics and many more. Silicones can withstand the widest temperature range compared to any other conventional sealant and will maintain a great degree of movement capability throughout its lifespan regardless of the service temperatures involved.

This is a relatively new category of sealants, commonly referred to as “hybrids” but more accurately they are MS (modified-silane) Polymers or SMP’s (silyl-terminated polymers). They are solvent and isocyanate free with extremely low or at times no VOC’s. Many can be used as adhesives or sealants or as both at the same time as they have a very high “green strength” compared to most adhesives. They are not a blend of silicones and urethanes as they are often portrayed, rather they possess the best attributes of both and are quickly becoming more commonplace as their attributes become better known.

There are other types of sealants without the same high performance aspects that are generally used in areas that are less demanding or critical. These sealants include butyl and acrylics. Also available are specialty sealants such as polysulphides, acoustical sealants, high temperature or refractory sealants and others for certain niche applications.

Pouring new concrete or any cementitious material onto an existing cured concrete surface creates a cold joint. It may appear to be bonded but the new concrete is essentially just sitting on the old surface and with movement or any other stresses it can often delaminate if a proper bonding agent is not utilised prior to the new pour. Concrete bonding can be accomplished with a few different types of adhesives including latex, epoxy and other types. The correct choice is dependent on many factors that include speed, type of overlay, open time, anticipated loads among other considerations.

General purpose construction adhesives have various chemistries that include polyurethane, acrylic resin, hexane, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) among others. These adhesives can be used for adhering many common building elements including wood, drywall, moldings, styrofoam, metal, tile etc.

Ice dams are a significant contributor to residential sloped roofs leaking and self adhered underlayments have been the best solution to that problem for many years. As this has become better understood this material is no longer a “specialty” item and is almost considered a necessity for a properly functioning sloped, shingled roof. Fully adhered underlayments are one of our most popular products in our roofing division.

Hot or cold fluid applied materials offer a seamless waterproof membrane for use in low slope roofing systems primarily. These products can be used to completely roof a building or as a repair material for an existing roof system.

Roofing systems often require ancillary items, primers, rollers, squeegees, reinforcement materials as well as many other specialty tools and accessories. Confirm with CDS Technical that you have all the materials you need before the job commences as some of these items are often overlooked.

Sheet applied or more commonly known as “peel and stick” membranes are typically used for smooth substrates without a lot of penetrations or detail work. Permeable sheet membranes are considered Class III with a perm rating between 1 and 10.

Fluid applied air barriers are ideal for irregular substrates or applications with a large number of penetrations or detail work. They are also used to tie in penetrations in conjunction with sheet applied air barriers. Permeable fluid applied membranes are considered Class III with a perm rating between 1 and 10.

As mentioned previously, air barriers are always part of a system approach to any building envelope. The systems employ a variety of primers, termination mastics, protection and application tools among other ancillary items to properly apply these systems or products. The right tool or accessory can not only make the job go faster it will also likely ensure the performance of the system will be up to the specification parameters.

If your waterproofing membrane will be exposed to any type of traffic, ultraviolet light, furniture etc. it is necessary to protect the membrane from all of those things that will potentially damage or shorten the life expectancy of your membrane. Traditionally this was accomplished with a two-step application of the membrane itself (base coat) followed by a protection layer (top coat). This method is still employed in the majority of circumstances although there are also some one-coat materials available for lighter traffic areas.

Cold, fluid applied waterproofing membranes are traditionally used for below grade or split slab construction applications. Fluid applied membranes have the advantage of creating a seamless, monolithic coating to withstand head pressure and prevent water ingress to the structure. The lack of seams, which are a potential weak area, make these types of materials an integral and often specified component in the building or structure.

Preformed pressure sensitive butyl gasketing tape for window installations. Tremco 440 tape is an extruded, pre-formed putty-like tape available in a number of size configurations to act as a flexible seal between the glass and window frame in non-compression glazing. It absorbs the expansion and contraction between the two substrates to keep your window both air and watertight. It can also be used between other surfaces like metal or wood to allow movement to occur without losing integrity.
Polyshim II is also an extruded, pre-formed 100% solids butyl tape with a continuous EPDM rubber shim running along the length of the tape to control compression. This tape is used in compression glazing systems for curtain wall, punched or ribbon window compression glazing or sloped glazing applications.

Levelling shims are essential to maintain the correct slope or level for windows as well as many other building components. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials to ensure the job gets done efficiently and cost effectively.

Abrasives, diamond blades, drill bits, empty buckets, garbage bags, extension cords, hand cleaner, job site protection, Kraft paper, lubricants, paper towels, rags, rock salt, scrapers, shrink wrap, toilet paper, wheelbarrows, windshield washer fluid are among the many maintenance accessory items we stock.

A wide selection of tapes in stock or as special order include: masking, painter’s masking, duct, red sheathing, aluminum foil, strapping, carton sealing, filament, VHB and others.