Carl Zehr Square
Waterproofing restoration of this podium deck was a unique challenge due to the seasonal amenities it houses, including an ice rink and fountain.
Waterproofing restoration of this podium deck was a unique challenge due to the seasonal amenities it houses, including an ice rink and fountain.
The Carl Zehr Square at Kitchener City Hall in Ontario, Canada, needed restoration for its podium deck housing seasonal amenities—an ice-skating rink in winter and a fountain in summer—above an underground parking garage. The project involved removing pavers, planters, water features, overburden, and old waterproofing, a failed hot rubberized asphalt membrane. Leaks and concrete damage were repaired before installing new waterproofing to withstand water exposure, heavy loads, foot traffic, and drainage points, safeguarding the surface and garage below.
This restoration aimed to beautify and protect this community hub while ensuring watertightness over the parking garage beneath City Hall, which was crucial due to past waterproofing issues. After evaluating project needs, Tremco's Dual Waterproofing System (DWS) with TREMproof® 250GC polyurethane membrane and TREMproof TRA sheeting was chosen for its suitability with intricate details, foot traffic, weight load, and submerged conditions at the ice skating rink and fountain.
In challenging spots where removing the old asphaltic membrane was tough, Tremco® Epoxy Primer acted as a bond breaker to enhance compatibility between any residual asphaltic material and the new waterproofing system.
TREMproof 250GC can be installed in cold temperatures and on damp concrete to minimize delays during concrete repairs, which was applicable on the podium deck. Its ability for roller and trowel application on various surfaces provided flexibility for extensive horizontal areas and upturns, ensuring long-lasting flexibility and waterproofing beneath complex landscape finishes to safeguard the city's investment.
