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Prepare For New High Tech Water Management Systems

Residents of the Triangle Area anticipate innovative water management systems will grow more widespread soon. This change may help reduce property losses from accidental flooding. It appears likely to impact the waterproofing field in exciting ways!

The field of waterproofing has witnessed important technological changes during the past century. Now, many inventors work to develop “smart” computerized gadgets linked to an Internet of Things (the “IoT”). The IoT provides a means of tracking data from multiple locations in real time. It holds the potential to assist property owners in responding to flooding emergencies more quickly.

About The IoT

The rapidly developing Internet of Things has generated a lot of media attention recently. Around the world, engineers search for ways to connect useful everyday machines to the Internet. These smart devices increasingly help create safer, more comfortable, living and work spaces.

For example, some homebuilders currently specialize in designing highly automated, IoT residences. Just a few years ago, certain popular modern conveniences might have seemed like science fiction. Today, many residents of Raleigh protect their homes with computerized door locks. Some rely on home security systems linked via the Internet with emergency services. Homeowners often select programmable “smart” heating and cooling systems to optimize energy conservation, too.

How Water Management Systems Revolutionize Waterproofing

Intelligent water management systems appear likely to form an intergral part of luxury homes in the future. Currently developers frequently study yard drainage and water runoff issues on a subdivision-wide basis. By tracking the flow of water through a location, skilled builders find ways to minimize preventable water damage.

Recently, some designers have begun envisioning internal residential water management systems, as well. The use of computerized systems holds great potential in protecting homes against accidental damage (e.g. from broken water pipes). The Internet of Things offers inventors a way to link inanimate objects to resources in cyberspace. Imagine if a broken pipe in your home contacted your plumber for you automatically?

One IoT Example: Programmable Yard Sprinkler Systems

Just consider one recent example of a high tech residential water management system. Today, several companies market programmable yard sprinkler systems. A homeowner simply presets the dates, times, and locations for the system to operate. Although sometimes pricey, these devices greatly assist vacationing realty owners. They can maintain a lush green yard even during extended absences from home.

Sophisticated yard sprinkler systems gained popularity during recent years. Yet many avenues remain to increase the “smart” features of this technology. For example, some farmers use tractors connected via cyberspace with satellites. The machines receive specific plowing instructions based upon topography and soil conditions. Will water management systems eventually benefit from similar high tech capabilities?

Another IoT Illustration: An Automated Sump Pump Monitor

Some evidence suggests waterproofing in general will soon benefit from the developing Internet of Things. This year, the popular consumer electronics tradeshow CES met online (instead of in person). Several manufacturers unveiled innovative new gadgets at the event.

Moen, a well-known housewares manufacturer, introduced the Flo by Moen Smart Sump Pump Monitor. The device offers continuous monitoring of water flowing through a homeowner’s existing sump pump in real time. It helps reduce flooding risks by issuing an alert if it detects unusual conditions. This technology should become available during the second half of 2021.

Request Waterproofing Services

Would you like to explore available high tech water management systems to help enhance waterproofing? Note that investing in this type of improvement enhances the comfort of homes and businesses. Expenditures to promote dry interiors ultimately contribute to the value of real estate. Therefore, consider speaking with a licensed contractor about effective long term water management systems in North Carolina.

Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers a full spectrum of waterproofing services. That is why we are happy to help install high tech sump pump monitors. We also perform experienced inspections to detect signs of possible water damage. Our services include performing waterproofing excavations, crack injections, and other moisture control measures. Call us for comprehensive waterproofing assistance.

We serve residents in the Greater Triangle Area of North Carolina and of course our company service zone includes Raleigh, NC. We also visit sites in Durham, Chapel Hill, and outlying areas. To speak with us, simply call 919-877-9969. We look forward to assisting you!

Monsoon Conditions: A Driving Force Behind Many Modern Weatherproofing Innovations

Geography And Waterproofing/Weatherproofing

Around the world today, waterproofing as a goal inspires innovators in a growing number of industries. From the construction trades, to clothiers to electronics manufacturers, developing new, cost-effective ways to safeguard products against damaging leaks and water damage holds great value.

The rise of global trade has spurred commercial interest in some waterproofing systems. Geography plays a significant role in this trend. For instance, many populous nations in tropical locations such as Southeast Asia, parts of equatorial Africa and South America and the Pacific endure seasons of harsh monsoon weather. Beating rains impact the quality of daily life for weeks at a time in these areas. By developing enhanced waterproofing technologies, companies in a variety of economic sectors gain a competitive advantage in some emerging markets.

How Will The Coronavirus Pandemic Impact The Waterproofing Industry in North Carolina? Raleigh Waterproofing, NC  Weatherproofing

An Illustration: Southeast Asia

For example, today some analysts cite nations such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia as especially attractive sites for marketing waterproof products. Consumers in these countries value goods capable of withstanding the impacts of frequent heavy rains.

From stylish outdoor water-resistant recreational products and gear to building materials capable of enduring heavy soaking without damage, water-resistant products hold an especially strong appeal to many value-conscious Southeast Asian shoppers. For instance, between 2016 and 2021 alone, sources estimate the marketplace for waterproof construction materials and waterproofing systems in this region will grow to a staggering $5.35 billion dollars!

Seasonal Monsoons

Climate experts define monsoons as significant seasonal winds resembling powerful sea breezes. Loaded with moisture, these gusts create rainy seasons in some parts of the world, typically producing comparatively dry winters but very wet, rainy summers. This type of weather pattern today impacts roughly 25% of the globe.

The downpours generated by these massive weather systems exceed even the drenching rains sometimes encountered in Southeastern states in the USA. For instance, residents of Cherrapungi, India expect an average yearly rainfall of 34 feet due to summer monsoon weather! Under these circumstances, waterlogged, swampy conditions impact many daily activities. Consumer products with a poor ability to withstand water won’t sell well in this type of setting.

A Renewed Emphasis Upon Green Technologies

One trend which some marketplace observers have noted with interest involves the gradual development and growing popularity of so-called “green” environmentally friendly waterproofing technologies. Many places which experience monsoon rains also possess exceedingly fragile ecosystems coupled with rapidly expanding urban areas. Some chemicals and materials formerly used for waterproofing can seriously damage these environments unless manufacturers pay close attention to long term impacts.

Perhaps in part due to this concern, a renewed interest in developing environmentally safe innovating waterproofing technologies has obtained a friendly reception in many parts of the world afflicted with significant monsoon conditions. Many marketers have detected a distinct consumer preference for safe, “green” approaches to enhancing waterproof properties in a variety of products. In this respect, consumers in both developed and developing nations today share a common interest in protecting the environment for future generations while also obtaining the benefits of new, more effective waterproofing technologies.

Waterproofing Today

For the latest products to assist your home and business in remaining dry, rely on our outstanding brands. We appreciate the importance of waterproofing systems and materials.

Give us a call or visit us online for more information about these useful products! Wherever you reside, we want to assist you in obtaining high quality, dependable water-resistant systems to enhance the quality of your daily life. By safeguarding your property against water damage, you’ll increase the value you obtain from your investment!

The Long Quest For Waterproof Fabrics

Waterproof Fabrics

Today, waterproofing as a field encompasses many fascinating areas of research. A variety of popular waterproof fabrics testify to the far-flung nature of many breakthroughs: latex fabrics, vinyl, fluoropolymer fabrics and Gore-Tex.

Many people do not realize efforts to produce cloth with water-resistant properties actually formed an important area of research for hundreds (and possibly thousands) of years! Early people struggled to create clothing items which would keep them dry and protected from the effects of soaking rains. The story underlying the creation of wearable waterproof materials proves quite intriguing. It demonstrates how numerous independent and seemingly unrelated discoveries may eventually contribute important elements to commercially useful products.

Waterproof Fabrics Concrete Waterproofing

Innovators in South America

The research leading to the early mass-production of waterproof textiles likely owed a lot to innovations undertaken by aboriginal residents of the Amazon River basin centuries ago. Some reports indicate that as early as the 1200s, some communities in that part of the world likely learned to manufacture rain-resistant canopies and capes by coating materials with a covering of natural latex, the raw-material used for rubber production. The names of the individuals responsible for this innovation remain lost to recorded history. However, the idea likely helped inspire scientists in later centuries. Early latex-coated products remained too sticky in hot weather to wear comfortably in hot climates, and the latex degraded rapidly in milder temperatures.

A Breakthrough Raincoat

For example, just as people in the modern era marvel at the development of new water resistant nanotechnology-assisted formulations, the public in the British Isle during the 1800s considered the development of rubberized cloth a significant improvement in rainwear. A Scottish chemist named Charles Macintosh (1766-1843) worked to develop waterproof fabrics. In 1823, he discovered that cloth reinforced with an interior rubberized lining offered greater protection from the rain. His research became the basis for the development of new, more water-resistant raincoats.

Mass Production of Rubber

The transport of latex-producing trees from the Amazon to England, and from England to Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia contributed to the development of the early global rubber industry, too. As scientists discovered an increasing number of new uses for latex, agribusiness owners found they could cultivate groves of latex-producing trees in some tropical locations to produce larger yields. A species of latex trees imported from Brazil contributed significantly to the expansion of organized latex production efforts in Southeast Asia. Ultimately, contributions of botanists seeking to develop more productive latex groves likely facilitated the development of modern waterproof fabrics.

Charles Goodyear

Another significant rubber-related discovery in 1839 would eventually unintentionally impact efforts to design more waterproof fabrics. The American scientist Charles Goodyear helped move this process forward through his effort to conduct basic research into creating temperature-resistant rubber products. In hot weather, natural rubber becomes gummy. It crack in cold temperatures. After five years of research, Charles Goodyear discovered he could stabilize rubber through the addition of sulfur, a process he described as producing “vulcanized rubber”. Sadly, the inventor’s efforts to exploit his discovery commercially did not bear fruit during his lifetime. He died in poverty in 1860, some 40 years before his invention revolutionized the automobile tire industry. Vulcanized rubber would also ultimately contribute to more waterproof fabrics and spur interest in developing new, synthetic forms of rubber.

Many Contributions

The history of the development of waterproof fabrics indicates the importance of numerous individual, seemingly unrelated discoveries. Today, exciting new discoveries continue to raise interest in the waterproofing field!

Some Important Waterproofing Technology Breakthroughs?

Waterproofing Technology: A Timely Issue

Waterproofing technology today plays an important role in numerous industries. From the application of waterproof paints and sealants, to the development of new fabrics and protective instrument casings, this topic generates a lot of attention from scientists and business leaders alike. Recently, some significant breakthroughs in waterproofing technology have excited widespread interest.

Waterproofing Technology  Waterproofing Contractor

Developing An Ultra-Water Resistant Surface

A group of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently announced a stunning breakthrough in the development of an exceedingly water-resistant surface. Their research focused upon repelling water droplets. They announced they had discovered a way to increase exterior ridges in silicon in a way that deflects water falling onto the surface.(1)

Their research could lead to the eventual production of very “hydrophobic” i.e. water resistant garments and mechanical and electronic parts. Since the fine ridging pattern will reduce the contact time between water droplets and a surface, it could hold great value in terms of enhancing ice-resistance. Frozen water clinging to aircraft parts poses a significant aviation issue in many situations. By installing a more water-resistant coating, manufacturers might enable products to display superior deicing properties.(1) Similarly, ultra-water resistant fabrics would help protect people from exposure to the elements more effectively in some settings. Camping gear, swimming pool furniture and many other products will likely eventually benefit from this new technological innovation!

Spray-On Waterproofing Convenience

Another research team, this one working at the Australian National University (“ANU”), also reported a significant breakthrough in waterproofing tech this week. A spokesman from the educational institution’s Nanotechnology Research Laboratory revealed a team of scientists had succeeded in blending together two different plastics to create a new spray-on coating with a highly water-resistant surface. Water droplets will not remain on surfaces coated with the product.(2)

Antonio Tricoli and William Wong worked on the development of the sophisticated nanotechnology formulation. They hope their research will eventually contribute to the creation of many effective new spray-on waterproof surfaces in a variety of industries. For instance, Antonio Tricoli explained that the new formulation will prevent bathroom windows from misting over. He hoped the coating would also help keep glass windows appearing cleaner longer, too. The scientists from ANU envision an array of useful applications for their invention.(2)

A New Era of Commercial Materials

The two new discoveries in waterproofing technology both function on a very small scale to produce significant benefits. During recent years, inventors have paid considerable attention to developing sealants and coatings to enhance the water resistance of certain commercial items. Protective “skins” and cases covering sensitive mobile electronic devices have achieved widespread popularity among consumers, for example.(3)

Ongoing research in this field testifies to numerous other useful applications for new waterproofing materials. Recently, researchers discovered a way to produce “self-cleaning” paints. By incorporating water-resistant sealants into their products, they will move closer to this goal.(4)

Potential Real Estate Applications

The housing industry will likely benefit significantly from these discoveries in the near future. For example, consider the usefulness of water-resistant surfaces in low-lying rooms? As scientists develop new industrial coatings, hydrophobic paints will likely serve an important function in helping to reduce water and mold damage in these environments.

Additionally, very water-resistant surfaces might help prevent the accumulation of ice on driveways, walkways and rooftops. Coatings to protect glass surfaces from water stains will eventually reduce the cleaning challenges posed by residential windows. All these innovations promise to make life easier for homeowners in coming decades!

References:

(1)http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-09/08/c_135672123.htm
(2)http://www.techtimes.com/articles/1630/20131126/scientists-make-breakthrough-in-waterproof-technology.htm
(3)http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/30/technology/personaltech/a-review-of-protective-and-waterproof-cases-for-smartphones.html?_r=0
(4)https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0315/050315-self-cleaning-surfaces