Waterproofing your commercial building can prevent major water damage that you can’t always detect until it’s too late.
Commercial buildings need to be waterproofed to stay protected from moisture and floods. Even slight water damage can degrade a building’s structural integrity over time. Unfortunately, waterproofing is often neglected by property owners. If you’re wondering how you can waterproof your building, this article offers some excellent advice.
Why Is Building Waterproofing Important?
Waterproofing your commercial building maintains safety along with structural integrity, but it’s often pushed aside as an inconvenience. This means that any commercial building you own or manage might not be fully protected against water, risking lawsuits and damage during wet weather.
4 Reasons To Waterproof Your Commercial Building
Safety
The most important reason to waterproof your commercial buildings is safety. When a commercial building’s electrical wiring is exposed to leaks, waterproofing will prevent damage. If the wiring gets exposed to water and the building isn’t waterproofed, fires and electrocutions are likely.
Water leaks can also lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which can cause major health problems for people in the building. Many people are already sensitive to mold, while others can develop a sensitivity easily through even minimal exposure. The result is respiratory issues that can get worse over time.
There’s also the potential for lawsuits resulting from these health problems. Building waterproofing can prevent this from happening to you.
Broken or Missing Roof Shingles
Shingles protect your roof from the elements, including rain, snow, and sunlight. If any of your shingles are missing or broken, you’re asking for leaks and other problems. However, shingles are easy to replace and you can even buy one at a time if that’s all you need.
Longevity
Water damage breaks down the materials in your building. Over time, this damage will continue to weaken the structure and can eventually lead to severe damage and/or partial collapse, depending on the severity of the problem and how long it’s been there.
Waterproofing will keep water out and maintain the maximum lifespan of your building.
Energy Efficiency
Random or drastic temperature changes can cause your HVAC system to overengage the heater, air conditioner, or ventilation system, making it work harder to maintain your settings.
When your HVAC system works harder to compensate for temperature changes, it’ll consume more electricity and raise your energy bills. Waterproofing supports an energy-efficient building.
Property Value
Water damage can decrease your property’s value because of the expenses required to fix it. Early detection is ideal because you can schedule repairs before the damage becomes too serious. However, when damage is left for long periods of time, it can become severe enough to significantly lower your property’s value.
On the other hand, waterproofing increases your chances of selling it later on.
Waterproofing is easy with a professional contractor. If you need waterproofing in the Bay Area, Airtight Construction has you covered.
Get your building waterproofed with Airtight Construction
5 Ways To Waterproof a Building
There are five main methods of waterproofing in construction: liquid membranes, bituminous coatings, bituminous membranes, polyurethane membranes, and cementitious waterproofing. Here’s a breakdown of each type of waterproofing.
Liquid Membranes
This form of waterproofing involves three layers of protection that are somewhat flexible. For outdoor waterproofing, this is superior to cement. Because the layers coat the building’s materials thoroughly, it can greatly extend the service life of your property.
Bituminous Coatings
Also known as asphalt coating, this is a flexible option that works well on cement foundations and other materials. The only downside is this material breaks down when exposed to sunlight, so it needs to be mixed with polyurethane or acrylic.
Bituminous Membranes
Most commonly used on low-slope roofs, this waterproofing method uses self-adhesive materials like asphalt and polymers. Sometimes resins and oil are added to make it even more adhesive. This method requires adding a UV-resistant coating to ensure it doesn’t crack when exposed to sunlight.
Polyurethane Membranes
Mostly used to waterproof flat roofs, this coating is pretty flexible, although it’s more expensive than other options. Still, it’s worth the price if you need maximum protection.
Cementitious Waterproofing
Using cement to waterproof a building is the most popular method because it’s easy and all of the materials are readily available. Cement can be purchased at just about any hardware store and is easy to mix and use.
This material is perfect for waterproofing areas that contain large amounts of moisture, like restrooms. Cement won’t contract or expand when the temperature changes, so it’s an excellent choice for waterproofing the interior of a building. You can also use it for above-grade concrete waterproofing.
Waterproof Your Building With Airtight Construction
If you need to waterproof your property, we can help. We specialize in all waterproofing methods, including above-grade and below-grade coatings. Our team can inspect your foundation and determine the best course of action to protect your building from moisture. After assessing your situation, we’ll choose the best type of coating to apply based on your building’s materials.
If you haven’t gotten your commercial building waterproofed, now is the perfect time. Contact us to learn more about our waterproofing services. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and schedule an inspection. Don’t wait—get your building waterproofed ASAP!