When Should You Call a Commercial Waterproofing Contractor?

Waterproofing your commercial building is essential in protecting it from water damage and preserving its structural integrity. The most obvious signs of water damage can be difficult to spot, but several telltale clues indicate that your building needs attention. But, how do you know when to call a professional for waterproofing services for your hotel, hospital, campus buildings, shopping center, office building, warehouse, or other commercial structure?

In this article, we’ll discuss what waterproofing is, common signs of water damage, the benefits of waterproofing services, and when you should call a professional to help identify if your commercial building needs waterproofing services.

What is Commercial Waterproofing?

Commercial waterproofing is a process that helps keep water out of properties designated for commercial use. It involves applying a waterproofing coating or industrial sealant to the building’s envelope and joints, which strengthens it and prevents water infiltration. This process prevents water from entering and damaging the structure. 

The most common waterproofing material used on buildings is an elastomeric membrane, designed to be flexible enough to move with the building’s foundation while protecting against moisture infiltration. When properly installed, elastomeric membranes can offer additional benefits, such as insulation value and fire resistance. Other waterproofing materials include polyurethane coatings, liquid-applied membranes, sheet-applied membranes, bituminous coatings, cementitious coatings, epoxy coatings, acrylic sealers, and more.

When selecting a waterproofing system for your building, it is essential to consider factors such as climate conditions (e.g., temperature extremes), soil type (clay versus sand), exposure level (sunlight), and drainage patterns around the property before making any decisions about which product will be most suitable.

 It is also imperative to consult with experienced professionals familiar with local regulations concerning waterproofing systems to ensure compliance with all applicable codes when installing your new system. 

Common Signs of Water Damage

Water damage can be a costly and time-consuming problem for commercial buildings. Knowing the common signs of water damage is essential to preventing more serious issues from developing in your building.

1. Peeling Paint: Peeling paint is one of the most obvious signs that you may have water damage. If you notice any peeling or bubbling on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, it’s essential to investigate further, as this could indicate moisture seeping into your building’s structure. 
2. Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew growth are also telltale signs of water damage. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, so if you start noticing patches growing on walls or ceilings, it’s likely due to a leak inside your building. The same goes for musty odors; if an unpleasant smell comes from certain areas of your business premises, chances are there’s a moisture issue that needs addressing quickly before it causes further problems down the line.
3. Discoloration of Walls or Ceilings: Discoloration on walls or ceilings can also indicate a water leak within the structure of your commercial property. Stains caused by leaking pipes or roofing materials will often show up as dark spots around windowsills and door frames – these should not be ignored as they could point towards underlying structural issues with your building that need resolving sooner rather than later. 
4. Standing Water Pools: Finally, watch for standing water pools near foundations or low points around the exterior perimeter. These, too, could signal potential drainage systems problems that require professional attention immediately to avoid major repairs later.

Awareness of common water damage signs is essential to prevent further issues. Knowing the benefits of waterproofing can help you make an informed decision about protecting your commercial building. 

Benefits of Commercial Waterproofing 

Commercial waterproofing offers numerous benefits for businesses and commercial buildings, from significant cost-savings to competitive advantages. Here are just a few of the advantages of waterproofing:

1. Prevent Deterioration: Waterproofing can help to protect the structure of a building from deterioration and financial loss caused by water damage over time.
2. Reduce Risks: Waterproofing also helps reduce the risk of accidents due to hazardous conditions such as slippery floors. Waterproofing can help prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to both staff and customers if inhaled or otherwise exposed. And in some cases, it may even be required by building codes and regulations to comply with safety standards.
3. Prevent Pests: Waterproofing also helps keep pests away by blocking potential entry points into the building structure itself, further improving the overall air quality inside the space.
4. Energy Efficiency: By preventing water from entering the building, waterproofing can help to keep energy costs down by reducing the need for heating and cooling systems to work harder.
5. Reduced Maintenance Costs: By protecting against water damage, waterproofing can help to reduce maintenance costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged materials or components due to water infiltration over time.
6. Prevent Structural Damage: Waterproofing can help to reduce the risk of structural damage due to water infiltration, protecting against the weakening of foundations walls. Waterproofing can also prevent any water intrusion from causing harm to windows, electrical wiring, or plumbing systems.
7. Competitive Advantage: A building that is properly waterproofed has distinct advantages over a competitor who does not invest in this important protection. Waterproofing can help to create a more comfortable environment for occupants inside the building by reducing humidity levels and preventing drafts. It will also remain more aesthetically appealing due to its enhanced protection against water damage.

Overall, commercial waterproofing provides peace of mind knowing that both building occupants and assets are safer from potential water damage. It’s important to work with professionals to ensure quality workmanship that will last for years to come.

When Should You Call a Commercial Waterproofing Professional?

Waterproofing your commercial building can help protect it from water damage and extend its lifespan. Knowing when to call a professional is essential in ensuring the job is done right, so let’s look at when you should contact one for waterproofing services.

If you notice any of the above signs indicating your commercial building may have water leaks, don’t hesitate to contact a professional immediately. By understanding the common signs of water damage, you can be proactive and call a professional for waterproofing services before the problem becomes too severe. Regular maintenance and inspections ensure that your building remains safe and secure for years to come.

Conclusion 

If you own or manage commercial properties, you must ensure they are adequately waterproofed. Water damage can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Paying attention to the signs of water infiltration in your structure will help protect against future issues such as mold growth, structural weakening, and other health hazards. 

If you suspect water is compromising your commercial structure, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. Our award-winning team can inspect your building for any signs of leakage or water damage, apply best-practices waterproofing measures, and provide ongoing maintenance and support as needed. 

Don’t take chances when safeguarding your investment – contact us today for reliable solutions to protect your business for years to come.