Constructing and maintaining a commercial building are monumental prospects in and of themselves; you have to think about all of the materials at play, your budget and the reality that failure to maintain the structure will lead to even more expenses later. When most businesses think of the maintenance they should be doing, one facet that often goes overlooked is waterproofing. Especially if your business is made of brick or other types of masonry, you may think-isn’t stone naturally waterproof? What’s the point?
In reality, waterproofing your commercial building regardless of the type of material used can save you in the long run on serious (and maybe even dangerous) repairs, all while maintaining comfort. Here are some of the main reasons to waterproof your commercial building, even if that means carving out a chunk of your budget for the task.
Can You Waterproof Your Building Yourself?
You could do it yourself, but it’s unlikely to go well. When people think of waterproofing, they most often think of the type of process that something like a deck goes through: a glossy sheen is applied and dried, after which water wicks off the surface. However, waterproofing commercial buildings is a lot more nuanced. Failure to do it properly can actually make your water problems worse by preventing moisture from leaving the structure and evaporating.
If you want to waterproof your commercial building, it’s best to leave the task to a pro. They understand not only how to complete each type of waterproofing correctly but also how to identify which types would suit your building and how to work with what’s already there.
Why Waterproof Your Commercial Building?
Perhaps you haven’t noticed any leaks, and nothing seems to be amiss-so why waterproof? This question becomes a bit less of a priority if you aren’t actively dealing with moisture problems, but make no mistake: just because you don’t notice moisture doesn’t mean that it’s not wreaking havoc on your interior walls or the pores of your outer surfaces. Here’s why you should waterproof your commercial building.
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Reduces maintenance costs
When your exterior is taken care of and properly shielded, it is less likely to suffer from many of the problems it might normally be exposed to on its own. You’ll have to deal with the upfront cost of the waterproofing, but don’t forget to factor in the repairs you won’t be making later due to a reliable surface job.
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Boosts your aesthetic appeal
Commercial buildings play an important role in retaining customers just based on how they look. If the business is not customer-facing (like a warehouse), it still needs to be in good repair to keep what’s inside safe. Waterproofing can defend against color leeching, stains from mildew and even cracks that form as too much water penetrates.
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Improves energy efficiency
When a building is sealed properly, water cannot get in or out in excess of what’s intended. This means that your HVAC system will be working as planned, rather than needing to pull extra power to compensate for the indoor temperature and humidity changes that excess moisture can cause.
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Facilitates breathing
You don’t want to fully seal up your building-which is why DIY waterproofing is not recommended. A properly waterproofed structure will allow moisture from inside to escape so that it does not collect on interior surfaces and drywall. Failure to properly waterproof your building allows these areas to become havens for mold, rot or rust, which can be both dangerous for your structure and hazardous for your health.
Types of Waterproofing
The exact waterproofing details for your structure will depend on what it’s made of and what systems are already in place. In general, waterproofing might include some or all of the following:
- Pressure washing to remove buildup that catches and holds moisture
- Clear coats that repel water
- Elastomeric coatings that push water away
- Painting to protect underlying materials
- Chemical cleaning to remove hazards like algae or mold and prevent regrowth
These are just a few of the many examples of waterproofing that a professional can help you to achieve at your commercial building.
Trust the Pros to Help You Make Your Structure Last as Long as Possible
Your commercial building is just as unique as your business-which means that it will have its own commercial waterproofing needs. The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration can help you to identify areas where moisture intrusion is causing a problem and implement a plan to fix it. Reach out to learn more about our waterproofing services or to schedule an appointment to get started.