Industry Resolutions For Waterproofing The World

No one wishes to be soaked by the weather. Rain, snow and hail can cause deterioration of one's most precious possessions. Before the invention of good waterproofing materials a number of attempts were made to treat fabrics. This included using wax and lanolin and pitch or tar was used on boats, but for various reasons these methods were not satisfactory.

In the 1800's Otis Ferrin, an inventor, developed oilcloth by using heavy oil on heavy material. Later, in that same era, a chemist, Charles Macintosh, using liquid rubber over wool cloth developed a waterproof cloth. This was used for years to cover items from the weather and was especially popular for raincoats. These raincoats were most commonly known as the Mackintosh.

The discovery of plastics in the 40's caused a huge development in the production of products for preventing water damage. Silicon, Polymer, Teflon, and Scotchgard produced miracle results when applied to various products. This became extremely important in places like hospitals where various items needed to repel liquid. With this coating, there is no danger that germs or disease producing organisms can cause problems.

This protection is used in building structures (basements, decks, roofs, and other areas that get wet), in paper (milk and juice cartons), watercraft, canvas, and clothing. Exposure to the weather can cost thousands of dollars in materials and lost time for the building industry. Without its use on paper it would be impossible to have inexpensive containers. For watercraft, canvas, and clothing this protects and prolongs its life.

This process has also progressed into the paper industry with its use on various items that protect the contents from leaking. The most well-known is the milk carton still seen in stores today.

Extreme caution must be taken to ensure the proper materials are used and complete sealing is accomplished. Because of previous problems, most cities have a building code that requires this work to be done and it would benefit one to research the codes in your city in order to ensure your home is safe from environmental threats.

For many years the boating industry fought against damage to their crafts caused by salt water and storms. There was nothing they could do except keep painting and patching. With the discovery of water resistant materials they have finally been able to preserve the finish on their boats. People who scuba dive and do other things connected with the water have been delighted to find water resistant equipment that provides additional protection as well as provides a barrier against the elements.