M-City
Toronto, Canada (Mississauga, Ontario)
Client: Bothwell Accurate
Project Manager: Vince Caserta | Robert Jahnsen
Scope & Systems
- Surface & System Type: Below-grade foundation waterproofing for a 5-story basement
- AVM Systems Used:
- Aussie Skin 550G
- Drainboard 6000
Construction Process Overview
- The M-City development in Mississauga, Ontario, required a waterproofing system that could be installed during harsh Canadian winter months without schedule delays. The installation of Aussie Skin 550G and Drainboard 6000 was coordinated by Bothwell Accurate, who faced frigid temperatures, wet conditions, and a rugged shale-rock substrate.
- Despite these challenges, the system’s UV-resistant, single-layer design allowed crews to begin waterproofing during December and January without costly weather-related downtime. Bothwell Accurate’s crews were able to install approximately 10,000 sq ft per day with a minimal crew—even in extreme cold and wet weather.
Challenges & Solutions
- Challenge: The original two-layer torch-applied system posed a fire risk and slowed installation, making winter scheduling nearly impossible.
- Solution: Aussie Skin 550G provided a single-layer, heat-weldable membrane with high durability and cold-weather performance, eliminating the torch requirement and accelerating installation.
- AVM Industries also supplied custom job-specific details and performed onsite inspections during excavation to confirm that the 5-story-deep basement’s shale-rock substrate met warranty requirements.
Results
- Achieved rapid winter installation with no delays to the waterproofing schedule
- Eliminated the fire risk associated with torch-seamed systems
- Delivered a durable waterproofing solution fit for rough shale substrates, backed by AVM’s warranty
Design Integration
- The original specification called for a two-layer torch-applied system to achieve warranty standards—an approach that increased fire risk and slowed progress in sub-zero temperatures. By selecting Aussie Skin 550G, a singlelayer, fully bonded, 75-mil-thick membrane, the team gained a fasterinstalling, UV-resistant solution that could be heat-welded in extreme cold.
- This design decision prevented schedule delays, avoided additional safety risks, and delivered a robust waterproofing barrier suitable for the rugged shale conditions.
System Selections & Benefits
| System | Purpose | Design Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Aussie Skin 550G | Fully bonded belowgrade waterproofing membrane | 75-mil thick, UV-resistant, heat-weldable, excellent on shale |
| Drainboard 6000 | Drainage and protection course | Reduces hydrostatic pressure, adds durability and efficiency |
Technical Collaboration
- AVM Industries worked closely with Bothwell Accurate and the general contractor, Ellis Don, to address the unique demands of a 5-story-deep basement on shale rock.
- AVM provided custom project-specific details in a short timeframe and made early site visits during excavation to ensure the substrate met warranty requirements.
Outcome
- Faster installation: Over 10,000 sq ft/day installed despite winter conditions
- Improved safety: No open-flame torching required
- Reliability: Membrane’s granule surface and strength performed exceptionally on a rough substrate
- Schedule adherence: Avoided delays despite wet, freezing weather
Project Objective
Deliver a durable below-grade waterproofing system capable of withstanding extreme winter installation conditions and a rugged shale-rock substrate while staying on schedule for the M-City multi-phase development.
Owner Goals
- Avoid schedule delays caused by extreme winter weather
- Ensure long-term waterproofing performance on a challenging 5-storydeep basement substrate
- Minimize safety risks from torch-applied systems
Key Challenges
- Starting waterproofing during December and January in Mississauga’s freezing temperatures
- Shale-rock substrate that required special attention for warranty compliance
- Original two-layer torch-seamed system posed fire hazards and longer installation times
AVM Solutions Delivered
- Aussie Skin 550G: A high-strength, 75-mil, UV-resistant membrane designed for fast, cold-weather installation without torching
- Drainboard 6000: Enhanced protection and drainage behind the waterproofing membrane
Value Delivered
- Accelerated Schedule: Installed ≈10,000 sq ft/day even in extreme cold, keeping the project on time
- Safety & Efficiency: Eliminated open-flame torching while reducing labor and material steps
- Durability: Provided long-term waterproofing performance on a rough shale substrate
- Collaboration: AVM’s early site visits and project-specific detailing ensured a substrate-compliant, warrantable installation
