Commercial waterproofing is an important construction measure to preserve a building’s longevity. It is often overlooked and considered an inconvenience, rather than a matter of vital importance. 

Water seepage poses a grave threat to your commercial building’s health.

Waterproofing is more than just preserving the structural integrity and appearance of your commercial building. 

This article will help you to choose the best way to waterproof your commercial building. You will learn more about commercial waterproofing practices after reading this article.

Here are the main reasons and benefits of waterproofing.

Safety is priority one.

It is not a good idea for water and electricity to mix. There is a danger of fire and electrocution if wiring is exposed to water leakage due to inadequate waterproofing. 

Water can penetrate into buildings and cause mildew and mold to grow. 

This can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory problems in those who work there.

Commercial waterproofing increases energy efficiency.

Water and moisture can easily enter a building if it isn’t waterproofed. 

Temperature changes will fluctuate and this will cause temperature changes in the HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system. It will need to work harder to compensate for the temperature fluctuations. Your electricity bills will increase accordingly.

It will increase the life of your building.

Water seepage can cause extensive damage to building materials and reduce their durability. Commercial waterproofing is a great way to keep water out and promote comfort. This will help you stay ahead of mold and mildew. 

With commercial waterproofing, your building will maintain its property value.

Water ingress can cause significant damage to your building that will cost you a lot to fix. It can cause significant damage to your property if it is not caught early enough to allow for effective repairs. 

A commercial waterproofing system will decrease the risk of water seepage throughout your building.

Top 5 commercial waterproofing solutions.

We now have a better understanding of the benefits and importance of waterproofing your commercial building. Let’s look at the current market for waterproofing solutions.

Cementitious

Cement is one of the most common methods of commercial waterproofing. A manufacturer of masonry products can easily provide the necessary materials. They are easy to mix and use.

This is the best solution for areas that are moist, such as around showers or toilets. Because it is strong and does not change with the environment, it can be used inside buildings. As cementitious waterproofing does not protect against UV, it is important to add a UV-resistant safety coating.

Polyurethane membrane

This method is especially popular for flat roofs. It offers high flexibility and can be used for many different applications. 

This flexibility comes at a high price.

Because polyurethane membranes can be sensitive to moisture, it is important to have concrete slabs professionally evaluated. The layer can easily peel off if it is not treated properly and placed on the right surface. This could lead to debonding in a matter of months.

Bituminous membrane.

This waterproofing membrane is self-adhesive and can be used on low-slope roofs. They are made up of self-adhesive materials like asphalt, polymer, and fillers. The adhesive properties can be enhanced by adding oil and resin to the mix.

Bituminous waterproofing is similar to cementitious waterproofing. However, it is not UV-resistant, so it is important to apply a safety creed to it. Cracks may form within a few years, which can lead to expensive repairs.

Bituminous coating.

Another popular option for waterproofing buildings is bituminous coating. 

This coating is often referred to as asphalt coating. This coating is flexible and similar to liquid membranes, but it uses a different formulation that allows for better adhesion to certain materials. This method is used extensively on concrete foundations.

The coating becomes fragile and frail when exposed to the sun for long periods of time. It is necessary to use a modified coating if the area will be exposed to sunlight regularly. Mix it with acrylic acid-based or polyurethane polymers. 

Liquid Membrane.

Liquid waterproofing is composed of three layers of a protective coating that provides protection and flexible membranes. This method is more effective than cementitious waterproofing, especially when used outdoors.

This can increase the durability of the materials it is applied to by a significant amount. This type of waterproofing is versatile and can be sprayed or rolled on a variety of surfaces.

We Can Help

Make the commitment now to enhance the quality of your building by hiring a commercial waterproofing contractor. 
Call A-1 Tropic & Waterproofing today at (561) 670-2653  or click here for a free estimate.