PA commercial waterproofing is essential to maintaining the structural integrity and operational functionality of any commercial building. However, it’s common for businesses to put off or delay necessary waterproofing projects due to the upfront costs and potential disruption.
Let’s explore some of the biggest hidden dangers of putting off commercial waterproofing in PA.
Gradual Structural Damage
Over time, water penetration from the outside or interior leaks can cause gradual but substantial damage to a building’s foundations, walls, and roofing. When water seeps into concrete and steel, it accelerates corrosion and deterioration.
When exposed to moisture, brick, stone, and wood will also weaken and crumble over time. The longer waterproofing is delayed, the more these essential structural components erode.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Moisture that seeps behind walls, above ceilings, and into tight crawl spaces promotes rapid mold growth. This mold infestation remains out of sight, silently damaging wood, drywall, and insulation.
However, the spores it releases circulate through the HVAC system and can lead to health issues for occupants. Headaches, allergies, and respiratory problems are common symptoms of this “sick-building syndrome.”
Removing entrenched mold and mildew that has increased over the years can require extensive remediation.
Higher Energy Costs
Water damage reduces the effectiveness of insulation inside exterior walls and attic spaces. This damaged insulation allows more heat transfer through building envelopes.
This increases the energy required for heating and cooling the interior, raising monthly utility bills. The longer insulation remains wet, the more it degrades. Restoring proper insulation through waterproofing early on prevents energy costs from spiraling out of control.
Roof Collapse Risk
A compromised roof structure has to bear much weight – from roofing materials to rain, snow, and foot traffic. When water accumulates in roof assemblies over many rainstorms and seasons, it adds hundreds or thousands of extra pounds.
Waterlogged roof components become strained and destabilized. And if pushed beyond their load capacity, they can fail catastrophically and without warning.
Plumbing and HVAC Damage
Inside wall cavities, leaky water, and drain pipes can saturate surrounding materials and HVAC ductwork. Prolonged moisture exposure corrodes pipes and eats holes in ducts.
Neglected long enough, a small leak behind walls can become a major pipe rupture or full-blown duct failure. Don’t wait for total system breakdowns to address deficient waterproofing. Catching leaks early prevents exponential plumbing and HVAC repairs down the road.
Devalued Property
Long-standing moisture issues manifest through stains, mold, leaks, and visibly damaged building materials. These aesthetic problems don’t just look bad – they diminish property value substantially.
Tenants and buyers aren’t eager to lease or purchase properties with neglected upkeep and structural shortcomings. Owners lose out on earning and selling potential when they allow deterioration related to poor waterproofing to persist year after year.
Disrupted Business Operations
Leaking roofs, flooded spaces, and failing plumbing eventually disrupt normal business operations. Depending on the damage, this may require temporary closure for repairs or complete relocation until issues are fully resolved.
Relocating staff and business activities costs time and money. Closure of facilities means loss of revenue. Whether it’s a few hours or a few weeks, unplanned downtime cuts into productivity and the bottom line.
Expensive Emergency Repairs
Putting off necessary waterproofing often leads to emergency leak situations that require urgent, complex, and costly repairs. A small roof leak can turn into a flooded office space overnight.
The damage caused by these incidents prompts emergency calls to mitigate the flooding, extract water, and make repairs immediately. But emergency repairs always cost exponentially more than preventative maintenance and waterproofing would have.
Property Damage Lawsuits
In addition to building damage, water intrusion incidents can cause injuries to tenants, employees, customers, and other visitors. Slips and falls, mold-related illnesses, and structural collapses can leave people hurt or worse.
When this happens on a property with a known waterproofing issue that was put off or ignored, the property owners are often deemed negligent.
Injured parties tend to sue for sizable financial settlements, and many win their cases. These massive settlement payouts can ruin businesses financially.
Reputation Damage
Word spreads quickly when a business has a major water disaster, health hazards from water leaks, or collapses due to neglected maintenance.
News reports, social media, and community discussions can rapidly tarnish the company’s reputation with customers and surrounding neighborhoods. This bad press can have long-lasting impacts and seriously hurt revenue. It’s challenging to rebuild trust after such PR catastrophes.
Protect Your PA Property from Water Damage with Waterproof Caulking & Restoration
Postponing necessary waterproofing allows moisture to wreak havoc on buildings over time. But even if problems are not visible yet, the clock is ticking. Don’t wait for substantial structural damage, astronomical energy bills, health hazards, and disrupted operations to make repairs an emergency.
Waterproof Caulking & Restoration offers comprehensive waterproofing solutions for commercial facilities across PA. We identify vulnerabilities, recommend cost-effective solutions, and perform waterproofing with minimal disruption to tenants and operations.
Contact us today at 484.265.9646 or schedule a consultation online to schedule an inspection and get started on protecting your property.