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4specs Discussion Forum » Archive - Product Discussions #3 » Synthetics International - Water Vapor Emission Control System « Previous Next »

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Anonymous
 
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 02:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

We're being marketed heavily by Synthetics International for their water vapor emission control system. Does anyone have any experience with their products? They've got an OK website, but don't seem to have a lot of track record.

Thanks.
Anonymous
 
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 04:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

In my area, the former sales rep for "Advanced Moisture Control" moved over to "Synthetics International", so I am getting a lot of the kind of call where they spend the time knocking the other guys product. I believe I have had 4 calls from 2 reps at "Advanced Moisture Control" in the last ten days alone.
Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski

Post Number: 779
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 - 04:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Those making that kind of call are simply salespeople. A Product Representative doesn't do that. He/she understands the difference and is willing to work with us to get the information we need for the best possible result. Salespeople just want to sell something - anything.
Anonymous
 
Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 06:16 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Anon #2:

I, too, am getting those calls. BTW - Didn't that same sales rep (along with their chief chemist) move from Floor Seal Technology to Advanced Moisture Control not that long ago - 4 or so years ago, maybe?

My understanding - at least back then - was that the two products were very similar, both in chemistry and performance. Is there any assessment on whether the Synthetics International product is also of the same ilk?

Thanks.
John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: john_regener

Post Number: 402
Registered: 04-2002
Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 10:54 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

As I understand it, this topical application of a sealer replaces the curing compound and provides a permanent seal of moisture in concrete floors. It is offered, in my experience, with a great big credit to the Owner because it is a "spray-it-and-forget-it" application, compared to the sheet method of curing concrete.

So, instead of a 7 day moist cure under a sheet product, followed by air drying, the sealer encapsulates the moisture from the get-go. And it must be a good product because it has a great warranty. Well, actually, it is an insurance policy and not a warranty and it has a dollar limit, and it doesn't address moisture that comes out at control joints and cracks that open up as the concrete eventually dries (or it never dries?) and it is not valid if the surface is damaged (i.e., no construction activity on the concrete that was sealed early in the construction schedule). Like, nothing is ever dragged across a concrete floor slab during construction. And mold will never grow in the moisture that comes out at cracks. And subsequent hardening and sealing the surface at concrete to remain exposed in finished construction must not be a problem or else the sales person would have said so.

I find the hard sell repugnant. But money talks. And the CM is the smartest person on the jobsite and pushes hard for use of this product. But the CM is only responsible for the cost and the schedule, and not the quality of construction. Remember, the Architect must give an okey-dokey to use of the topical product and take professional responsibility for its performance.

Caveat emptor.
Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: rlmat

Post Number: 281
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 - 08:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I've been getting the same kind of phone calls as anonymous #2 - It sounds like the same guy.

He calls me about every 2 weeks or so.
He just called today again.

I finally told him that we were reviewing our specs for moisture emissions control (we really are) and would get back to him when we decided what we are going to do.

I dislike salespeople who constantly call to see about putting their product in my specs. It can be the fastest way for their product not to get specified, regardless of how good it might be, especially if they knock their competitors in the process.

My personal opinion is that most, if not all of their stuff is "Snake Oil" and I've actually told some of the reps that! The way that some of the reps use high pressure selling tactics tends to reinforce my opinion. I don't like the high pressure "hard sell" - it turns me off on the product.

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