Image Credit: Adam Gdowski Chicago Masonry Branch recently waterproofed and restored a terrace at Mondial River West luxury apartments in Chicago, IL. Located at 910 W Huron Street, the 15-story apartment complex was built in 2009 and has 141 units. Western was contacted by property management firm Willow Bridge Property Company to restore a private terrace shared by three units that was leaking due to failing waterproofing. In the winter, freeze and thaw cycles can cause big problems with outdoor concrete structures, such as terraces. When water infiltrates concrete, it can freeze, causing the water to occupy nine percent more volume than in its liquid state. This expansion causes distress on the concrete, which can lead to fractures that will continue to grow exponentially as saturation of the material increases. Applied over concrete, wood or steel, a variety of deck coatings are available to prevent leaks from penetrating to areas below and can maintain the surface’s color and keep it looking like new for years. Recent technology has provided materials for these special coatings that are ideal for suspended slabs, recreational roof decks, garages, patios, balconies, sun decks, areas around pools and other areas that require a durable surface. Western’s waterproofing experts started the Mondial River West project by removing the terrace’s pedestal pavers and its 2-Ply modified-bitumen roof membrane down to the concrete deck. Crews then installed a liquid-applied membrane roof system to the deck, which consisted of a primer followed by a Sika RoofPro 3-Coat System. The system included a base coat with membrane reinforcement, followed by an intermediate and topcoat application. Western then installed overburden and flashing materials, followed by reinstallation of the terrace’s original pedestal pavers. Western was able to complete the project in two and a half months to the satisfaction of project architect Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and the property management company.