What to Know about Commercial Waterproofing

Waterproofing is the formation of an impervious barrier that prevents water from entering through or escaping through various sections of building structures. Commercial waterproofing is essential for all commercial buildings due to the exposure to rain water and other sources that could let in water into the building's wall. Waterproofing can also be done in areas that are prone to wet conditions such as bathroom walls and areas around sinks. Commercial waterproofing can involve liquid applied membranes, structural engineered injected solutions and adhesive applied sheeting, among others. All these materials and solutions are waterproof and create a protective barrier on the building.

Reasons for commercial waterproofing

While commercial waterproofing is optional, it is very essential in ensuring the durability of your building. Buildings with no waterproofing properties are prone to rotting of timber, rusting metals, cracking and chipping as a result of exposure to water. With time, a building that is structurally unsound due to the effects of water becomes a potential disaster.

For buildings with electrical wiring, there is a need to waterproof in order to prevent contact between the electrical wires and water. Wiring that is exposed to leaking water can cause a fire or even electrocution. This poses a safety risk for users of such a building.

Exposure of buildings to water also leads to the growth of mold and mildew which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory complications to the inhabitants or users of such a building. Inspection of such a building can lead to discovery of bacteria, which thrive in damp areas. Such a building can be blacklisted as unhealthy, making it difficult to rent out or lease portions of it.

When to waterproof

There are various methods that can be used for commercial waterproofing. These are applied to newly built buildings, existing buildings and buildings that are already having leakage and damage. For new commercial buildings, waterproofing ensures that the building remains water resistant over the course of its existence. For buildings that are already damaged by water, commercial waterproofing aims at sealing the existing cracks and damages in order to avoid further leakage in the future.

Methods of commercial waterproofing

There are different methods used in commercial waterproofing depending on the areas of the building that are being waterproofed, such as bathroom walls, outer building walls, roofs and basements, among others. Some of the common methods of commercial waterproofing include brick bet waterproofing, box type waterproofing, bituminous treatment, metallic sheet wrapping and poly acrylic chemical coating waterproofing, among others.

Brick bet, bituminous and poly acrylic chemical coating waterproofing methods are used for basement and exterior waterproofing on both new and old buildings, even those that have already suffered from damage by water. Box type waterproofing is only applicable in basement waterproofing and for structures that are below the ground level.

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