Press Release
Waterproofing Using Kraton Polymers
Gives Ultimate Protection
HOUSTON (January 14, 2004) – MAR-FLEX® Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of waterproofing and basement products, turns to Kraton D polymers to improve the performance of MAR-FLEX 5000™, which is used to waterproof below-grade structures.
Tested and proven in tough environments, MAR-FLEX 5000 is a Kraton® D polymer-based asphalt membrane that when applied over almost any substrate, protects the structure and prevents erosion and deterioration due to moisture or excess water. Because moisture and water vapor cannot penetrate through the barrier, the membrane ultimately can protect against moisture and condensation that contributes to mold and mildew attacks.
The high viscosity provided by Kraton D polymers gives the membrane a higher level of protection versus other waterproofing substances. The tensile strength and thickness of the membrane, along with the membrane’s resistance to soil degradation, add to the product’s lifecycle.
Joe Haas of Architectural Waterproofing Systems, exclusively uses MAR-FLEX 5000 systems because of their long life. “The elasticity of this product is permanent,” said Haas. “It is superior because it can be applied in fewer coats and it adheres to uncured (green) walls, which saves time and money.”
Haas recently used MAR-FLEX 5000 to waterproof a 22,000-square-foot basement in a Tennessee home.
“With a project this size, the only choice would be to use MAR-FLEX 5000,” said Haas. “The ease of application, along with the strength and quality of the membrane, made a seemingly large and demanding project painless.”
MAR-FLEX 5000 is recommended for waterproofing basement walls of poured concrete or unit masonry construction. The membrane has permanent elasticity which provides excellent elongation and recovery properties and allows the waterproofing membrane to move with a structure when it settles.
“We offer one of the best product warranties in the industry, because we are confident that the high quality membrane will perform throughout the life of the warranty,” said Brett Oakley, president of MAR-FLEX Systems, Inc. “MAR-FLEX 5000 will not become brittle, evaporate, lose its flexibility, or lose its waterproofing ability.”
The waterproofing membrane also is resistant to cold temperatures. It resists freeze-thaw cycles and testing shows that MAR-FLEX 5000 outlasts conventional damp-proofing protection methods. The flexibility of the membrane remains consistent through all seasons and weather changes, allowing the membrane to be applied any time of the year without fear of ruin or reapplication.
MAR-FLEX 5000 is available in both solvent and water-based formulas, and can be applied by brush, roll or spray. Kraton D polymers allow for quick and robust adhesion to concrete ensuring faster dry time. Additionally, the MAR-FLEX 5000 membrane cures within 24 hours after application making the substance environmentally friendly.
MAR-FLEX Systems, Inc. has received confirmation by the National Evaluation Service, Inc. (NES), that MAR-FLEX 5000 complies with the foundation waterproofing related provisions of the three U.S. model building codes (BOCA National, ICBO Uniform, and SBCCI Standard) in addition to the new 2000 International Building and Residential Codes, with 2002 supplement, of the International Code Council. This confirmation, as evidenced in the NES Evaluations Report No. NER-658, provides guidance to code officials faced with approving the use of MAR-FLEX 5000 under these codes.
Since 1984 MAR-FLEX Systems, Inc. has supplied the construction community throughout the United States with various new and innovative waterproofing systems. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing and blending facility, MAR-FLEX Systems, Inc. is able to provide waterproofing systems to fit today's needs. The research and testing facility continues to review new and improved compounds, keeping in the forefront of contractors’ needs and government compliance.
The Kraton Polymers Group of Companies pioneered the production of styrenic block copolymers in the 1960s and today retains its position as the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of the technology. Manufacturers and formulators around the world use Kraton polymers in their compounds and applications to add value to their products through improved finish and advanced manufacturing processes. For more information, e-mail info@Kraton.com, or in the United States call toll-free 1-800-4Kraton.
Kraton and the Kraton logo are trademarks owned by the Kraton Polymers Group of Companies.
® MAR-FLEX and the MAR-FLEX logo are trademarks owned by MAR-FLEX Systems, Incorporated.
About Kraton
Kraton Polymers LLC is a premier, global specialty chemicals company and is the world’s largest producer of styrenic block copolymers (“SBCs”), a family of products whose chemistry was pioneered by Kraton over forty years ago. SBCs are highly-engineered synthetic elastomers, which enhance the performance of products by delivering a variety of attributes, including greater flexibility, resilience, strength, durability and processability. Kraton polymers are used in a wide range of applications including road and roofing materials, numerous consumer products (e.g., diapers, tool handles and toothbrushes), tapes, labels, medical applications, packaging, automotive and footwear products. Kraton has the leading position in nearly all of its core markets and is the only producer of SBCs with global manufacturing capability. Its production facilities are located in the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan.
Polymer Holdings LLC is the parent company of Kraton Polymers LLC and has no material assets other than its investment in Kraton Polymers LLC.
Kraton, the Kraton logo and design are trademarks of Kraton Polymers LLC.
Forward Looking Statements
This presentation may include “forward-looking statements” which are statements other than statements of historical fact and are often characterized by the use of words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “intends,” “plans” or “anticipates,” or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. All forward-looking statements in this presentation are made based on management's current expectations and estimates, which involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update such information.