New Products to Reduce Building Maintenance Costs

Submitted by Charles Yoder

MMaintenance 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 buildingís 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 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.

coating, the protection lasts only for a limited time. Instead, a completely waterproof material is impermeable and pemanently unaffected by water. ïNon-absorbent - liquids and fluids will not attack and soak into material ïNo swelling - material will not bulge or become engorged with water molecules ïNo browning - water will not permanently stain or alter surface color ïDoes not attract nor support bacterial or fungal growth no food for colonies to grow and spread ïDoes not attract insects - no cellulose for bugs to eat ïWashable - to maintain sanitary conditions and the ìclean-lookî 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. ïNo rotting - no organic material that will decompose ïNo odor - no putrid smells or rancid stenches from unventilated dampness

ïDoes not attract insects - no musky odor to draw hungry bugs ïRemains sanitary - cleaning is minimized ïHygienic durability - health concerns are reduced ïMold growth does not spread - no penetration to underlying and supporting materials ïDoes not promote regrowth - mold is not likely to germinate again after sanitization

Building Green

Green building protects ecosystems, conserves natural resources, and reduces solid waste and pollution. Environmental benefits include cleaner air and water, and better overall quality of life. Using recycled/ recyclable goods saves landfills and minimizes the mining of virgin materials. Economic reimbursements from more efficient building result in lower operating costs from repairs and maintenance over the life of the building. In the long run, not only are you helping to save the environment, you are saving more money. ïEnvironmentally friendly - preserving nature and its natural resources while reducing solid waste ïReusable material - products that can be remanufactured into a good ïPermanently recycled material - durable goods made from recycled material ïRecyclable material - perpetuate recycling programs ïTax deductions - receive credit from your state for qualifying environmentally-friendly designs and construction ïEnergy conservation - reduce bills with better thermal insulation and cost efficient lighting .

Permanently Solving Moisture Problems

SpectraTile lay-in panels eliminate the most common ceiling tile problem: water-stained fiber-based tiles resulting in sanitation and health issues. These are the only tiles 100 percent guaranteed not to water spot. SpectraTile has a Class-Afire rating and is lab-proven with the highest possible score of resistance to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Expensive replacement and mold remediation costs are virtually eliminated. To keep clean, just wash SpectraTile because they are waterproof. Permanently replace tiles in restrooms, gyms, locker rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, and natatoriums.

DuroBase protects Tuff Sheet, a hammer-resistant fire-

Wal-Mart base boards.

rated wall covering. This waterproof system extends paneling life from normal wear-and-tear to withstand against violent vandalism. For the past eight years, Durobase has been used in Wal-Mart stores to protect walls from shopping carts, pallets and fork lift damage because of its indestructible nature. Tuff Sheet is the most cost-effective wall panel for use in schools and hospitals. Similar more expensive products have been specified for years, but no comprehensive system has ever been developed until now.

PLAS-TEXÆ is Parkland Plasticsíproprietary technology of recycling plastic scrap and extruding fiberglass-free sheet. A USDA/CFIAcompliant building material and approved alternative to FRP, expect to save money and build green with products like 0.060î PolyWall and 0.090î NRP, as well as 5/8î DuroBase.

Distributing Nationally

Visit www.WaterProofPanels.com for complete product information or call toll-free at 800-835-4110 for personal assistance to receive additional information, free samples and literature, help with a construction project, or more technical data.