News and Press
Shockwave by Mar-flex™ Introduces Next Generation Technology to Protect Foundation Walls
Middletown, Ohio (August 25, 2006) -- Foundation walls and the waterproofing membranes that protect them can suffer damage from backfill operations during construction. That’s why Mar-flex Waterproofing and Basement Products developed Shockwave by Mar-flex™, a crush-resistant drainage board that acts as a powerful shock absorber to protect walls during backfill.
Shockwave’s rubber-like texture makes it different from anything in the industry. Its unique construction uses a closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam that absorbs pressure and bounces back to its original configuration when compressed during the backfill process. Competing drainage boards utilizing less sturdy polystyrene insulation sustain dents and depressions. Instead of bouncing back, they stay mashed and compromise the protection provided by the waterproofing membrane.
“Once the waterproofing system is installed and the backfill process is complete, you can’t go back and change it,” said Mar-flex President Brett Oakley. “We developed Shockwave for the architects, builders and homeowners who know that waterproofing is one of the single most important decisions in home construction. The era of the basement being out of sight and out of mind is over. It’s not the place to cut corners. Shockwave gets it right the first time.”
Shockwave reduces the load factor on below-grade walls. Specially engineered for flexibility, Shockwave moves with the soil as it expands and contracts during the freeze-thaw cycle. Water is effectively channeled away from the foundation and the home is protected from moisture-related problems such as mold and mildew.
Another important feature is the drainage silt backing cloth designed to prevent small pebbles and dirt from infiltrating the board and clogging drainage channels. Polystyrene boards, lacking the filter fabric, can develop grooves that silt in.
Pest control is easier and more efficient with Shockwave. Termites and other nesting bugs can be treated from above grade. With polystyrene boards, the extermination process frequently requires excavation.
Shockwave has a higher resistance to heat flow (higher R-Value) than polystyrene boards, meaning it provides better basement wall insulation and saves on home energy costs. The easy-to-hang product comes in 3-foot by 4-foot sheets for 12 percent to 15 percent less waste during installation. Made of recycled products, Shockwave comes in thickness levels of one-half inch, one inch and two inches.
Shockwave drainage boards are available nationally through concrete and poured wall distributors, and construction supply houses. Warranty coverage is up to 60 years. More information about Shockwave can be obtained by visiting the Mar-flex web site at www.mar-flex.com, or by calling 1-800-498-1411.
Shockwave photos are available on request. Contact Tim Sansbury 1-937-278-0681, tim@ponweb.com.
ABOUT MAR-FLEX WATERPROOFING AND BASEMENT PRODUCTS
Mar-flex Waterproofing and Basement Products supplies the construction community throughout the United States with new and innovative basement products. The Middletown, Ohio-based company manufactures and distributes window wells and accessories, and offers a comprehensive line of waterproofing solutions. The company’s premium products and services are used in residential, multi-family and commercial construction. Founded in 1984, Mar-flex Waterproofing and Basement Products has earned a reputation for the superior quality of its products and its complete approach to the supply of materials for lower level living.
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