Delaware commercial buildings, whether near the water or inland, face the threat of water year-round. From deep snow to heavy rains and wind that blows moisture onto the walls, your structure must be adequately prepared to avoid water damage all year.
Delaware commercial waterproofing seeks to give your building a long life by addressing the areas where moisture penetrates and preventing the water molecules from entering and causing damage.
When water invades the cracks or gaps of your commercial structure, it can widen those vulnerabilities and bring unwanted invaders, such as mold spores, that populate your interior.
These water channels also facilitate heat transfer, so you’ll spend more on heating and cooling bills to maintain a comfortable indoor environment if you don’t address the moisture problem.
Here is an overview of the waterproofing essentials that can protect your business assets in Delaware, including the types of waterproofing you should consider and how to ensure they are functioning as intended.
Foundation Waterproofing
One of the most important elements of your building is its foundation. This sturdy structure gives your facility a stable place to bear its weight, and if issues with the foundation arise, the entire building could be at risk of severe damage or even collapse.
Because foundations are placed dozens of feet underground (depending on the size of your structure and its location), they are inherently exposed to consistent moisture as rain and snow soak into the earth.
Commercial structures should be waterproofed when they are still being built to achieve the best results. At this point, the foundation is most accessible, and the waterproofing can be comprehensive.
However, not all commercial building owners have the luxury of making this decision for their structure. Whether they learned about waterproofing at the time or purchased the building after it was constructed, the foundation may have been sealed underground without waterproofing.
However, this is not the end of the line! A commercial building’s foundation can still be waterproofed after it is built—it will simply take more effort. This process is called below-grade waterproofing because it addresses structures underneath the dirt level surrounding the building.
The right type of waterproofing for your building will depend on the material it’s made of, how the structure is most commonly used, and what sort of foundation you have. In general, a permeable membrane will be applied to prevent water molecules from fitting into the microscopic matrix of your foundation’s material.
Basement Waterproofing
If your building has a basement, waterproofing this area is essential for protecting your business assets. The basement is likely home to necessary machinery, such as water heaters or HVAC systems, and the ductwork that keeps your structure functional.
You could face more than just an uncomfortably musty room if water damage occurs here. Basement waterproofing can be approached from inside, outside, or both. If there are windows to the outside, applying sealant stops water from leaking into the basement.
Waterproofing membranes are also a powerful tool here, as they serve a dual purpose. They prevent water from entering the basement but also allow interior moisture to escape.
Without this added benefit, your basement will likely become damp and contribute to the growth of mold and fungus, which can circulate in the HVAC system and make people sick.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Multiple types of waterproofing are available for commercial structures in Delaware, and the right one for you is best determined by an expert who can provide a customized recommendation.
Regardless of which type you choose, you will still need to keep up with regular maintenance and inspection to ensure the solution is working as intended. Some waterproofing membranes may become damaged if your building is harmed.
For instance, imagine a delivery driver accidentally backs their truck into your building, and a brick comes loose or cracks. This new area may have split the membrane and requires expedient repairs to preserve the waterproofing qualities you invested in.
So do not neglect to inspect your structure a few times each year to find issues while they are still small.
Get Comprehensive Delaware Waterproofing from Industry Experts
Whether you are ready to waterproof your commercial building or still in the research phase, you’ll find the answers you need from industry professionals.
The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration have helped dozens of Delaware’s commercial buildings achieve a waterproof seal that protects their assets against water damage. Contact Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to schedule an appointment to discuss the waterproofing strategies suitable for your building and budget.