Pennsylvania is notorious as a humid, wet state, receiving more than 40 inches of rain yearly. Thanks to record-breaking precipitation over the last ten years, PA residents are more aware of how soggy their environment can get. However, people are not the only ones inconvenienced by these moist weather patterns; buildings also suffer when the rain and snow keep coming.
PA commercial waterproofing is a comprehensive solution for businesses facing moist environments. Even if you do not see visible damage caused by water on your property, this does not mean that harm is not occurring.
Here is an overview of how you can save your business from Pennsylvania rain, including the benefits of waterproofing and what it can do for you beyond simply keeping water out of your structure.
What Does Waterproofing Mean?
The term “waterproofing” may sound like the process of completely stopping water from penetrating a barrier, but that is not always true. Ideally, skillful waterproofing will stop water from entering a building.
However, it will still allow moisture and vapors from the inside to escape. This ensures that the structure does not become a humid box, with all the problems that such moisture brings.
Waterproofing can be achieved in numerous ways, from permeable membranes to inherently water-repellent materials. The right choice for your business will depend on factors unique to you, such as the type of structure, location, potential water exposure, and more.
The Benefits of Commercial Waterproofing
Commercial waterproofing in Pennsylvania offers numerous benefits for businesses, both large and small, in this rainy state. These include:
Longevity
When water penetrates the exterior of a structure, it leaches into cracks and gaps. Thanks to the widely varying climate in PA, which ranges from hot and moist to frigid cold, this water expands and contracts with the temperature.
The constant change widens any cracks and nooks where the moisture is hiding, gradually opening up holes, loosening bricks, and more. Untreated, these areas will go from minor eyesores to structural hazards quickly.
Waterproofing prevents moisture from infiltrating the small vulnerabilities in a building’s exterior. If water cannot get in, building owners can avoid the costly repairs required when addressing the harm caused by moisture. Work may continue uninterrupted without threat to employees or production schedules.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Moisture can cause more problems than just cracks in masonry. Living organisms such as mold begin to thrive when the humidity reaches around 50%. In addition to most humans becoming uncomfortable at these higher humidity levels, they may experience allergenic signs of mold, and mildew should their structure remain wet.
Waterproofing your PA commercial building dries the air to the appropriate level so that employees, visitors, and more are comfortable. The air smells clean rather than musty, and allergies will not be aggravated by spores growing in the moist environment.
Reduced Utility Bills
One area that most business owners do not associate with moisture and humidity is temperature. Water is an excellent conductor, which means that if a path of moisture connects your outdoor and indoor spaces, it can be difficult to regulate temperature consistently.
Fully waterproofed commercial buildings cut off this wet connection, preventing cold air from infiltrating during the winter or leaking out during the summer.
When a building is properly protected against this mass loss of ambient temperature control, its internal systems, such as the HVAC equipment, will not need to work as hard to compensate. This draws less energy, resulting in a lower utility bill across all seasons.
Higher Resale Value
Not every business owner is considering selling their property in the future. However, investing in improvements that increase the value of the structure is still a wise choice. Waterproofing prevents significant damage—including hazards that are invisible to the naked eye until they become severe.
A fully waterproofed building will become less damaged over time due to water, instilling confidence in future buyers. They can rest assured that the structure does not have underlying water damage they cannot see and will hold up to moisture in the future without as much effort on their part.
Get Comprehensive Waterproofing from the Pros
Whether you are frustrated with the moisture in your structure or want to invest in long-term protection for your commercial building, waterproofing is a smart choice, thanks to the PA climate.
The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration have helped dozens of Pennsylvania commercial building owners protect their structures against rain and snow year-round. Contact Waterproof Caulking & Restoration to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.