NEW PRODUCTS TO REDUCE BUILDING MAINTENANCE COSTS
Founded in 1990 by President Charles Yoder, Parkland plastics is based in Middlebury, IN. Mr. Yoder oversees building product development from market needs, and works to help facility managers cope with shrinking budgets and staffing.
Submitted by Charles Yoder
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Maintenance staffs are stretched thin and operating monies are in short supply in many educational institutions and health care facilities. Specializing in waterproof wall panels and ceiling tiles, Parkland Plastics addresses these constraints with cost-saving, low-maintenance building products.
SpectraTile ceiling tiles.
Waterproofing Interior Walls, Ceilings Water damage is the leading cause of degradation and deterioration in building materials. Annual costs for repair and maintenance average almost 10% of a building’s value. Furthermore, the presence of moisture fosters microbial growth that supports development of harmful fungi or bacteria. Whereas waterproofing an existing building material fills in the pores over the surface with a wax or silicone
coating, the protection lasts only for a limited time. Instead, a completely waterproof material is impermeable and pemanently unaffected by water. • Non-absorbent - liquids and fluids will not attack and soak into material • No swelling - material will not bulge or become engorged with water molecules • No browning - water will not permanently stain or alter surface color • Does not attract nor support bacterial or fungal growth no food for colonies to grow and spread • Does not attract insects - no cellulose for bugs to eat • Washable - to maintain sanitary conditions and the “clean-look” appeal Resisting Mould, Mildew, Bacteria Mold and its fungal family cause billions of dollars in facility damage each year. Wherever moisture is present, mold is not far away. Once mold is established in building materials, the building is susceptible to suffer from structural decay. Subsequent outbreaks reappear faster and with greater detriment. Moreover, some molds and bacteria produce harmful toxins that can cause respiratory dysfunctions and may lead to further health ailments. The best way to prevent mold, mildew, and bacterial problems is to build using completely waterproof materials. • No rotting - no organic material that will decompose • No odor - no putrid smells or rancid stenches from unventilated dampness School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2005 35
