Behind the booth: Maxell 

Air and water leakage at pipe penetrations is a small detail that can create big problems. Maxell’s M.A.P. System is designed to deliver a consistent, airtight and waterproof seal wherever pipes or wires pass through a building envelope. In this Q&A, Cheryl Severini, National Sales Manager at Maxell, discusses improving penetration sealing practices and bringing proven butyl adhesive technology to the U.S. construction market. 

 

Tell us a bit about Maxell and the M.A.P. System, as well as the role it plays in sealing pipes and penetrations in buildings. 

 

The Maxell MAP System Pipe and Wall Sealer offer an airtight and waterproof seal for anywhere that there is pipe penetration. Maxell has been manufacturing butyl backed adhesive products in our Japan factory for several years, and the MAP System was developed to solve the problem of air and water leakage at the point of penetration. We wanted to tackle an issue that is often seen when sealing penetration points: spray foam sealer applied sporadically, or over cut spaces for pipes which are often filled with insulation and even just regular tape around the pipe, which really provides no long-term viability.   

 

For people who may not be familiar with it, how does the MAP System work in simple terms, and what problems does it solve on site? 

The Maxell MAP System is a simple to use solution that ensures a perfect seal anywhere that pipes (or even wires) penetrate a structure. MAP System is a butyl backed adhesive, peel and stick barrier that is pre-formed in 6 sizes, to fit pipes up to 7” and provides an airtight and waterproof seal. 

 

 

Firestopping, waterproofing, and long-term durability are major concerns for building owners and contractors. What trends are you seeing in how the industry is approaching these challenges? 

As newer energy codes and overall awareness surrounding air exchange and waterproofing become increasingly prevalent, newer and better methods for measuring these attributes and keeping them under control have emerged, including the MAP System. Since it’s in our wheelhouse, we are specifically seeing some of the larger home builders in America becoming stricter with their penetration sealing practices and moving away from methods that are inconsistent. 

In addition, pro companies care about the integrity of their warranties and process improvement teams are always looking for ways to raise quality (preferably without additional costs,) which has aided MAP System in its recent success as the industry’s top choice for penetration sealing.  

 

Finally, what are you hoping to get out of New York Build, and how does taking part in the event support Maxell’s plans for growth in the US construction market? 

Although we have been established in the US since 1969, we are relatively new to the construction industry in the United States. Maxell is a recognized leader in butyl adhesives in Asia, and we are pleased to be able to expand our products globally.  We are hopeful that NY Build 2026 will help to make meaningful connections within the industry to expand our distribution.