Channin Building Mechanical Room

122 East 42nd Street N

PROJECT DETAILS
System: Freedom Chemical DefenderDeck RI
Completion Date: February 2026
New Construction or Renovation: Renovation

PROJECT TEAM
Location: New York, NY
Sub-Contractor: Benjamin Maintenance
Engineer/Specifier/Consultant: Caseworks Architects

PRODUCT DETAILS
FT‑6061 Epoxy Primer – High‑performance primer formulated to maximize adhesion to prepared steel and concrete substrates.
FT‑4265 Polyurea Base Coat Waterproofing Membrane – Rapid‑curing waterproofing membrane based on polyurea technology designed specifically for fiberglass strand mat reinforcement.
FT‑1022 Glass Strand Reinforcement Mat – Used as a reinforcement enhancement specially designed for use with FT-4265 polyurea waterproofing membrane.
FT‑4295 Aliphatic Polyurea Top Coat – A Tuff aliphatic polyurea top-coat used for aesthetic and performance applications.

SOLUTION
The Chanin Building is a 56-story Art Deco skyscraper located at 122 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Completed in 1929 and designed by the firm Sloan & Robertson, it was built by developer Irwin S. Chanin.

Rising next to Grand Central Terminal, it was briefly one of the tallest buildings in the city and remains a classic example of late-1920s New York skyscraper design.

The 55th floor of the Chanin Building is within the upper tower zone, and like most 1920s skyscrapers, the highest floors contain a mix of mechanical and service infrastructure in

addition to office space. As part of a large extensive restoration project for the landmark building included the replacement of the concrete structural slab floor which housed cooling room equipment, and the need of a new waterproofing membrane to protect the building from occasional flushing of the equipment and ensure a dry environment. Freedom’s DefenderDeck RI was chosen which provides a chemical resistant, watertight and long lasting waterproofing membrane that was completely seamless and contractor friendly.

Challenge
The installation of the waterproofing had limited access and maneuverability making the installation challenging as the existing steel beam equipment framing was mounted only inches over the concrete slab and did not allow much clearance to install the system which could be problematic for many other waterproofing systems. The advantage of the DefenderDeck RI System’s glass strand mat that dissolves in this unique polyurea formulation makes it easy to install in tight working conditions and with ease.

The other challenge was meeting the project deadline to re-install the mechanical equipment. The fast curing of the FT-4265 in only a few hours allowed installation of the FT-4295 to be installed the same day with a 12 hour final cure back to the owner.

Gallery

The FreedomTuff® product line is a revelation of what Polyureas, Polyurethanes, Polyaspartics and Epoxies are about. When so many products have been “made” for maximum impact, at Freedom® Chemical Corporation we’ve been content to let our products speak quietly. No need to shout when you have something special to say.