The construction industries method of choice for note taking and filling out paperwork is still, generally speaking, pen and paper. That can pose a problem when trying to fill out paper documents on a jobsite that’s not only dusty, dirty, and muddy, but also when it’s raining. It’s kind of a hassle to bring back a soggy stack of notes to the office and trying to figure out what that big smudge blob. I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen a set of plans with several coffee ring stains on them, as well.
I just recently came across a waterproof, rip proof, copy paper from a company called TerraSlate and, while I haven’t tried it yet, it seems like it could potentially solve a common problem for the industry. The company says that the paper can be printed on any standard laser printer (but NOT inkjet printers) and can be written on with a ballpoint pen, Sharpie, or pencil (although they say a pencil could smear). It comes in a variety of different sizes and weights, although if you wanted a paper big enough full size set of drawings, you will need to reach out to them for a custom order.
The thicker the paper you choose, the more durability you’ll get, but the price rises with it. Although it shouldn’t tear, it can still be folded and hole punched. Perhaps most importantly in these times of COVID-19, it can also be sanitized.
Unless your company is swimming in money, this isn’t going to replace your standard copier paper – it costs considerably more than the good ole ream of the standard stuff. For the smallest pack of the thinnest 8.5” x 11” waterproof paper, you’ll pay a little over a dollar a sheet, but the price drops with higher quantities, all the way down to $0.64 per sheet if you buy 10,000. Still expensive, but could definitely provide value in specific situations, such as jobsite signage or the community set of construction documents.
If you want a weatherproof notebook for yourself personally, there’s always the trusted Rite in the Rain notebook, which comes in many different sizes and varieties. As I was looking through their website, I also saw that they too offer an all-weather printer paper in various sizes and colors. They don’t tout and rip-proof qualities, but they do provide the trusted water resistance that Rite in the Rain users have taken advantage of for years. You can also use ball point pens, Sharpies, and pencil on these notebooks and paper.
Below is a video from TerraSlate showing the features of their waterproof, rip-proof paper. Tell me what you think of these two options in the comments below!
Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.