Any commercial structure will begin to degrade over time, regardless of the level of maintenance put into its care. However, some options enable a building to last much longer than it otherwise would, and this is where NJ commercial waterproofing comes into play.
Waterproofing comes in many forms, from concrete sealing to liquid permeable membranes and more. Which option is right for your structure depends on where your building is located, what sort of function it serves, and how exposed it is to the often unpredictable New Jersey weather.
No matter what type of structure you have, commercial waterproofing should be a priority if you want it to stand the test of time and avoid significant repair costs later.
Remember—repairs not only factor into your budget, but they often mean that your employees will need to avoid that area of the building or stay home altogether, impacting business processes.
Here are four main reasons why NJ commercial waterproofing should be at the top of your list of long-term maintenance goals.
Facilitating Proper Air Transfer
When people think of waterproofing, the last thing they envision is that the waterproof barrier allows air to pass through. Isn’t the purpose of waterproofing to make an impenetrable barrier? In reality, this is not the case.
Waterproofing that is done correctly will still facilitate air transfer, especially from inside the building. While water from outside will not be able to get in, the humidity inside the building must have a means of escaping. Otherwise, you will face mold and mildew problems as moisture has nowhere to go but into the walls.
Mold is an insidious issue, and it can develop completely unnoticed until it is already a severe problem. By the time you spot mold, it has likely already begun to rot the supportive structures of your building, so be sure to invest in commercial waterproofing that keeps this moisture in check before you need expensive, time-consuming remediation.
Increasing UV Resistance
People assume that brick and stone are strong materials that can last for a long time, but one element that impacts their longevity is their exposure to the sun. UV radiation from the sun’s rays will break down most building materials over time, making them brittle and more prone to damage and degradation.
By applying a commercial waterproofing solution, you can protect your building’s exterior from UV rays and keep it in good condition for much longer. As an added benefit, this helps materials such as brick or paint retain their color, so your structure will still look striking and professional years from now.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Those who have ever enjoyed a light mist on their skin during a hot day understand that water is an excellent source of heat transfer. When moisture from outside penetrates the exterior layers of your structure, it draws heat from inside and outside the building into areas where it doesn’t belong.
This can cost you more in utility bills, as hot summer air is wicked indoors or comfortable winter heating is funneled outside. As a result, your HVAC system will need to work harder to keep up with the temperature exchange, wearing down the machinery sooner and using more energy, which translates to a higher bill.
Waterproofing your building prevents this temperature transfer so your employees and visitors can enjoy a consistently comfortable experience inside.
Protecting Against Water Damage
Of course, one of the main benefits of commercial waterproofing is preventing the damage that water can cause. When water seeps into the gaps and cracks of your structure’s textured surfaces, it expands and contracts and the temperature outside changes.
This creates bigger gaps, through which more water can enter, and the cycle repeats until your building faces collapsing areas and bulging or flaking walls.
Commercial waterproofing creates a barrier that prevents moisture from intruding into your building. This keeps the interior more comfortable by battling humidity and ensures your structure’s exterior materials do not succumb to water damage.
Because water cannot gain a foothold, waterproofing also reduces the incidence of algae, mold, moss, and fungus growing on the outside of your building and making a negative impression on visitors.
Get Comprehensive NJ Commercial Waterproofing from Industry Experts
Whether you are still deciding on waterproofing or you are ready to commit to this important project, rest assured that you don’t need to choose the correct method by yourself.
The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration will carefully examine the unique attributes of your structure to recommend the waterproofing solution ideal for your specific building and your goals. Contact Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to discuss your options or schedule an appointment to begin protecting your building.