Among the most fundamental aspects of construction is waterproofing. When building a commercial property, waterproofing acts as a shield against moisture intrusion. Therefore, this is essential for all buildings in humid or wet regions.

Did you know that 80% of building defects are water-related? Without proper waterproofing, your structure will likely suffer from water damage and leaks. This could lead to more significant problems such as molds and dry rot.

In Palm Beach, FL, the hot and humid conditions speed up such damages. Waterproofing should be a top priority. At A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing, we aim to address these types of water-related issues. This ensures that your property is safe and long-lasting. Here are ways that distinguish commercial from residential waterproofing.

1. Manner of Application

Commercial buildings such as hotels, schools, and high-rise buildings are more extensive than residential properties. As a result, they are different when applying foundation waterproofing, roof waterproofing, and retaining walls waterproofing.

Roof waterproofing is often used for commercial buildings as they are larger and undergo more strain. In Palm Beach, the regular torrential rains mean that your building is more susceptible to leaks and floods. Puddles of water can form on flat roofs or concrete roofs without proper drainage. This, in turn, can hasten degradation and compromise the integrity of your ceiling.

Most residential properties have wedge-shaped roof designs that make it easy to drain off runoff water. Therefore, different materials are used since most residential properties don’t have flat roofs.

2. Products and Solutions

Commercial properties are generally huge and mostly have concrete tanks, swimming pools, or flat roof surfaces. Concrete is arguably the preferred building material since it is more robust and durable. A waterproof membrane is applied to concrete, giving it water-resistant properties.

There are different products in the market that are used for waterproofing. They include cementitious waterproof membranes, liquid-based waterproof solutions, and bitumen-based solutions. Liquid-based waterproofing materials are preferred since they are flexible and directly integrate with the concrete structure. One such solution is a polyurethane membrane solution, which has excellent adhesion to concrete. It is also UV-resistant and is highly resistant to weathering.

Residential properties, however, use wood and metal as the primary construction material. This makes such solutions inapplicable.

3. Cost and Maintenance

Waterproofing for residential properties is relatively cheap compared to commercial spaces. You can easily apply a waterproof membrane if you have any prior experience in construction. However, for commercial buildings, an experience professional is required. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupants.

Commercial spaces also tend to degrade faster since they are subject to more human and vehicle traffic than residential properties.

At A-1 Tropic Painting & Waterproofing, we have a team of certified contractors who can protect your building from leaks and water intrusions with a selection of waterproofing services. To learn more about our services, contact us to request a quote or visit our offices in Palm Beach, FL.