Articles and News

Precision Meets Performance: The Next Evolution in Ladtech Installation

• LADTECH INC.
• May 07, 2026

Precision Meets Performance: The Next Evolution in Ladtech Installation

At Ladtech, we are constantly looking for ways to streamline the installation process while maintaining the uncompromising quality that prevents Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) in our infrastructure. For years, our standard for creating a watertight seal has been the 1/2″ diameter butyl rope. While highly effective at passing vacuum tests, it presented a specific physical challenge in the field.

The Challenge: The “Height” of the Problem

As many installers know, a proper installation of Ladtech adjustment rings begins with a “dry fit” to ensure the stack perfectly matches the grade. However, adding layers of butyl rope to create that essential seal introduces a variable: height. Each layer of butyl increases the overall stack height by 1/16″ to 1/8″.

As Sales Director Dan David points out, the math adds up quickly. “If you are looking at a stack of five Ladtech adjustment rings, you are dealing with six layers of butyl,” Dan explains. “That can lead to a potential stack height increase of 3/8″ to 3/4″.”

To get the stack back down to the dry-stacked height, installers have traditionally been required to use heavy lifting equipment to apply downward pressure. Without this mechanical compression, the stack could settle over time, potentially causing the surrounding concrete to crack or wear out prematurely.

The Search for a Smarter Sealant

Our goal was clear: find a material that provides the same watertight integrity but is significantly easier to manage. Dan David and the engineering team set out to identify a solution that met five strict criteria:

1. Hand-compressible (or compressible by simply stepping on the rings).
2. Easy to apply and readily available.
3. Fast-curing (within 24 hours).
4. Chemically resistant to the harsh environments of sewer systems.
5. Vacuum-test ready.

Rigorous Testing and Proven Results

The methodology was exhaustive. After narrow-listing several silicone-based materials, Ladtech partnered with Jason Jones, owner of McCain Waterworks, to conduct initial vacuum testing. Together, we put several ring configurations through the ringer using the new sealant materials.

Once we identified the top performer, we moved to independent agency testing. The results were definitive. Using two different Ladtech ring configurations, the new sealant passed the vacuum test with flying colors—holding 10 lbs of vacuum for a full 90 seconds.

A Win for Installers and Partners

“We are thrilled to bring this advancement to our customers,” says Dan David. “It directly addresses the feedback we’ve received from the field and makes the Ladtech system more competitive than ever.”

The switch to our new sealant offers several key benefits:

• No Heavy Equipment Required: The stack can now be compressed by hand, eliminating the need for heavy machinery to seat the rings.
• Cleaner Application: The sealant is delivered in a standard 10.1 oz caulking tube, making it much cleaner and more precise to work with than traditional butyl rope.
• Streamlined Installation: Hand-compressibility allows for a faster, more intuitive installation process.
• Perfect Grade Every Time: We have effectively eliminated the “above grade” stack height issue, removing a common talking point used by competitors and ensuring a flush, durable finish.

By evolving our materials, Ladtech continues to lead the way in sustainable, easy-to-install engineering solutions for the wastewater industry. For more information on transitioning to the new sealant for your next project, reach out to Dan David or your local Ladtech representative.

Written By - Dwight Wiedrich

Dwight Wiedrich is the founder of LadTech, an innovative, DOT-approved, patented HDPE manhole ring manufacturer. He has solved problems in the underground space for over 40 years.