Commercial buildings should get some waterproofing whether they come into contact with wet conditions or not. It is not as complex as many people assume. For instance, a simple perimeter drain is a type of waterproofing that is ideal for commercial buildings. Perimeter drains prevent water from seeping into the basement. Unclogging perimeter drains and sump pumps or repairing their breakages is also a form of waterproofing because they cause water to back up into a basement when they are not functioning well.
Create Breathability
Water and moisture buildup causes the steel that builders used to rust, and it can produce a failure of the building’s structure. Waterproofing increases breathability for the two to escape rather than accumulate. A breathable structure means that unavoidable vapor and liquid moisture buildup will escape. Wooden building walls without breathability get mold, mildew, and rot that ruins the wood or can even cause buildings to collapse.
Increases UV Resistance
Waterproofing makes structures UV resistant. UV resistance is critical in commercial buildings with roofing membranes or serves as a parking structure. UV rays can weaken or threaten the integrity of a building. A guaranteed way to prevent one or both from happening is by Rapid Response Waterproofing.
Energy Efficiency
Lower energy costs are one of the reasons why waterproofing is ideal for commercial buildings. A building without waterproofing allows a buildup of water and moisture. The accumulation can cause temperature changes. The condition causes HVAC systems to work harder to compensate for the fluctuation in temperatures, increasing the cost of electricity. Waterproofing maintains temperature regulation by preventing moisture from getting into a building and causing changes that make the HVAC work harder than it should.
Prevent Mildew and Water Damage
Waterproofing is a preventative measure in protecting a structure against water damages that happen due to various reasons. Water intrusion can occur from multiple points, including:
• Base of a wall
• Panel joints
• Leaks from windows
• Exterior cracks
• Balconies
In addition to water damage, water intrusions also cause mold and dry rot. They become costly if there are no preventative measures. It costs much to get rid of mold, especially if the extent is wide and dry rot. Contractors in such cases must remove and replace the damaged areas, which are expensive repairs. The environment also becomes unsafe for living. For instance, dry rot on a balcony compromises the integrity, and residents might get hurt from structural failure.
Prevent Inconveniences
Failing to waterproof can lead to the accumulation of moisture that gradually supports the formation of mildew. The mildew causes ugly marks that leave occupants unhappy. Unwanted water also causes cracks in the walls and leaking ceilings. All these happenings make people unhappy, and they start complaining.
In conclusion, waterproofing in advance is a beneficial exercise on commercial buildings because it creates a protected living/working environment, saves unnecessary repairs, and cancels out high electricity bills.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
