Chamberlin-Washington Inc.

Chamberlin-Washington Inc. (CWI) has been a cornerstone of weatherproofing and exterior restoration industry for over a century. Originally founded in 1898 as ACME Weatherstripping Company, the firm grew quickly to over 100 branches and more than 3,000 employees under the name of Chamberlin Corporation of America, a leader in designing and installing various types of windows, awnings and more efficient metal weather-stripping products.

“We have been in business for over 110 years and worked on thousands of projects,” explains Randy Alverson, president and owner. “I think that’s what gives us a competitive advantage, because not very many of our competitors have the history and extensive variety of experience in these specialty trades.”

It was in 1975, however, that the company reincorporated in the District of Columbia, and today the company remains dedicated to providing high-quality caulking, weatherproofing, sealing, decorative coatings and exterior restoration services to valued commercial and residential partners throughout the D.C. Metropolitan region.

“We just have our one location here in Takoma Park, Md., but we work all over the D.C area and in West Virginia also,” says Alverson. “We’re very proud of our history and take pride in upholding the reputation of our company. I started working in the field over 30 years ago, and my father was the previous owner of CWI, so it was a natural choice for me to work here.”

Well-versed in Many Areas
From fire-resistant sealants to waterproofing to decorative and stenciled concrete, CWI has the experience to self-perform all of the company’s work. “We don’t sub anything out, which allows us to have better control over the finished product. It is why we have been able to stay in business for so long,” asserts Alverson.

The company is always looking to apply the latest technologies to increase a structure’s energy efficiency, reinforce its integrity and add to its aesthetic value. The firm offers a wide variety of services, including a full-range of sealants such as fire resistant, exterior and interior, and submergible sealants, clear sealers, waterproof coatings for pedestrian and high-traffic areas, exterior restorations and repair, drainage, and rainwater management. CWI can even provide a customer with an altered photograph of an existing patio, terrace, deck or exterior building façade to demonstrate the various finishes and help make the decision process easy and swift.

One of the company’s specialties is being certified by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) for installation of air barriers. Alverson explains, “Sometimes owners will overlook the air barrier of a building, but a proper air barrier will determine the energy efficiency of most buildings. We have the experience to install a variety of air barrier systems, and also take care of the extra weatherproofing measures that keep a building or house energy efficient for decades. Keeping the warmth in during the winter, and the coolness during the summer are key.”

In addition to these services, CWI’s staff also specializes in Building Sciences Engineering and using Thermography (infra-red imaging) to detect moisture and air penetrations in commercial buildings and private homes. The firm’s extensive experience also makes it a popular choice not just for general contractors, but also for homeowners and property management companies.

Preserving Monuments, Building New Structures to Last
CWI has had the opportunity to work on some of its region’s showcase projects, including the Pentagon Memorial, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, and Arena Stage, as well as numerous churches, schools, theaters, hotels and government buildings. “We were part of the team working on the Washington Nationals Stadium, which was a really proud time for our crew,” beams Alverson. “Of course, we never forget about our many residential customers in single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.”

Though the company experienced the pinch of a slower economy, it has recovered. “Our biggest focus moving forward is to maintain the relationships we have built over the past century and to stay on top of developments in the field,” says Alverson. “We strive to make sure that our employees stay on top of their knowledge, skills and abilities, so we can continue to uphold the reputation we have built with our customers, and to keep a confident attitude.”

Upholding a long legacy of excellent craftsmanship and honest business practices is no small job, but the team of hard-working and dedicated employees at Chamberlin-Washington Inc. is capable of handling the most demanding of tasks, sealing each with satisfaction.