Below-Grade Waterproofing

Below-Grade Waterproofing for Commercial Buildings of All Sizes

Does Your Building Need Below-Grade Waterproofing?

Most modern commercial buildings include areas that are underground, or “below the grade.” These areas are often used for things like parking garages, storage lockers, utility rooms, basements, or tunnel passages connecting one part of a building to another.

In addition to being useful spaces, these underground areas are also designed to be foundations, which are support structures for the building itself. These below-grade areas (generally made from concrete or block foundation walls) must be sealed and protected from moisture and flooding.

The process involves the use of below-grade waterproofing membranes, sheets, and other materials to protect these areas from water intrusion and direct it away from the building to prevent water damage. Since 2002, Airtight Construction has been providing below-grade waterproofing services for buildings of all sizes in the Bay Area and throughout Northern California.

The planning and execution of the job was very evident and the workmanship cannot be matched. I have and will continue to recommend Airtight Construction.

– Vern Cummings
Park Shadelands Business Park

Warning Signs of Foundation Water Damage

In most cases, below-grade concrete waterproofing is applied during the new construction phase, but that isn’t always the case, especially in older buildings. Below-ground walls carry a heavy load, which can quickly lead to deterioration and structural problems. Signs of water damage to the foundation of a building include blistering or peeling paint, dampness, dripping water, the presence of mold or mildew, cracks, wood rot, efflorescence (presence of a white powdery substance), rust, or moist odors.

Benefits of Below-Grade Waterproofing

Fixing commercial foundation leaks is a must for any commercial or industrial facility. Any water leaking to the inside of your building can cause serious damage and costly repairs. Below-grade waterproofing helps fight water damage by deterring and preventing water from entering the building. Water damage can happen both above or below-grade, so waterproofing measures should be taken sooner rather than later.

Leak Detection and Early Foundation Repair

Water leaks are never a good sign, but when you hire ATC for your waterproofing and/or concrete foundation repair, we perform a comprehensive inspection of your commercial property for all leaks and fix any underlying issues—even if they haven’t become a major problem yet. Generally, the earlier a leak is repaired, the less damage it can cause and the cheaper it will be to fix.

Does Your Building Also Need Above-Grade Waterproofing?

With Airtight Construction, we can keep your building watertight at every level—above ground and below!

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Our Waterproofing Systems and Solutions

Airtight Construction offers commercial-grade waterproofing contractor services for all San Francisco Bay Area businesses. Our service area extends throughout Northern California and nearby states, and our approach to below-grade concrete foundation waterproofing guarantees your facility stays dry so you can safely store merchandise and equipment, conduct daily operations, and meet the needs of your customers without hassle.

We offer a wide range of waterproofing services including:

Breathable memory sealers
Water plugging
Clear penetrating sealants
Complete membrane system installation
Membrane replacements
Waterproof decorative coatings
Post-tension concrete repairs

We can provide these services for building foundations, building facades, underground parking garages, elevator pits, and more.

How Serious Are Below-Grade Leaks and Concrete Foundation Repairs?

Unfortunately, the visible water in your below-grade areas generally isn’t the major issue. That water will evaporate at some point. It’s the water that isn’t coming through but sitting against the concrete foundation walls that’s the real problem. Sitting water causes deterioration, efflorescence, cracks, structural problems, and a host of other concerns. If you’re unsure, our contractors are trained to spot even the subtlest of signs of water damage and educate you on your options to remedy the situation as efficiently as possible.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait to call for foundation repair information or scheduling. Not addressing a water breach in the foundation of your building can lead to devastating consequences. In the most severe cases, flooding can result.

Need Any Other Asphalt and Concrete Services?

Explore all of ATC’s asphalt and concrete services.

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Waterproofing Products for Your Commercial Property

ATC is familiar with all major waterproofing systems, including:

Fluid-applied membranes
Self-adhering sheet membranes
Bituminous and thermoplastic sheet membranes
Composite rubberized asphalt membranes

We also place an emphasis on sheet metal detailing and integration into your waterproofing system because this can mean the difference between the success and failure for your building. While handling your below-grade waterproofing needs, we’re also happy to help with any above-grade waterproofing issues you might be experiencing.

How Much Does Below-Grade Waterproofing Cost?

Every commercial property is different, and several variables come into play when determining the cost of a below-grade waterproofing project. You have to consider things like the square footage to be waterproofed, what the surface condition is like, the materials being used, and time constraints to come up with an accurate cost.

Airtight Construction is happy to provide you with a no-obligation estimate for your below-grade waterproofing or foundation repair needs. You can schedule a visit to your property, at which time we’ll evaluate the scope of work to give you an accurate estimate for the job. It’s important to remember that any below-ground surface can be waterproofed during construction, but once a building has stood for years, additional construction or repairs or even excavation may be necessary before waterproofing measures can be taken. We will let you know if these things are a concern when we come to make our estimate, so you have a clear idea of what your below-grade waterproofing project will cost.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Water Damage in Your Commercial or Industrial Facility

How do you use the underground space in your commercial building? Whether you use it to store extra merchandise, a utility space for cleaning supplies and the like, or as part of your actual workspace, you can’t afford for water and dampness to take their toll. We can provide expert inspection and repair services to ensure that your facility stays dry and protected from further water damage for years to come.

Water damage doesn’t just wreak havoc on a building’s structural support—it also causes a variety of problems and damage to anything inside the space over time. Don’t ignore obvious signs of water damage in your building’s underground spaces. If you’re looking for a commercial waterproofing contractor in the Bay Area or Northern California, contact ATC today.

The Benefits of Hiring Professional Below Grade Water Proofers

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