Why Commercial Buildings Need Waterproofing

Commercial properties are vulnerable to water damage without proper waterproofing. If water damage occurs, it can lead to expensive repairs to restore the structural integrity of the property. The best way to deal with water damage is to prevent it from occurring in the first place, which can be achieved through professional commercial waterproofing.

Beyond minimizing the risk of structural damage to your commercial building, there are various other reasons to consider commercial waterproofing. Commercial waterproofing may also be important for ensuring the tenants of the commercial property are able to conduct business in a comfortable and safe environment, free from mold growth, poor air quality, and other potential concerns that can develop in buildings that are not waterproofed.

The following is an overview of some of the most important reasons to consider waterproofing for your commercial buildings. Ultimately, the goal is to prevent water from damaging the structural integrity of your property to ensure optimal building safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Rain and Snow Storms

Commercial buildings that are not waterproofed are more vulnerable to water damage when rainstorms and snowstorms occur. Severe storms bring large amounts of rain, which increases the risk of roof damage, water, and moisture entering the property through small cracks and gaps in the foundation walls, and flooding developing along the property’s foundation.

Some commercial properties may have the ability to prevent water damage for minor storms without professional waterproofing, but they may still be vulnerable to damage when severe storms occur. To reduce this risk, professional waterproofing companies may recommend things such as installing a drainage system that allows water to drain away from the property or sealing and caulking the foundation and foundation walls.

Risk of Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common types of damage to commercial buildings. This can occur as a result of a large storm, or it can occur slowly over an extended period of time. If water does not drain away from your property and builds up along the foundation, the risk of water entering your property increases significantly.

Commercial waterproofing can ensure the water has a place to go after a storm. Professionals can also ensure the building is properly sealed and caulked and there are no small cracks and gaps that water can infiltrate, along with checking the roof for any issues that may increase the risk of water damage.

This allows building owners to avoid early repairs to the structure of the property, which is often very expensive to do. Avoiding water damage also has aesthetic advantages as well and can help your property remain in its ideal design much longer.

Business Interruption for Tenants

If you are a landlord of a commercial property, then you understand the importance of keeping good tenants happy. There is nothing worse than constantly searching for new tenants each year. One great way to ensure a tenant’s continued business is to provide them with a property that is energy-efficient, free from mold, and prevents flooding.

When water infiltrates a commercial property, it can affect the aesthetic appeal, comfort, and functionality of the commercial location. Waterproofing seeks to prevent business interruptions for tenants by ensuring water drains properly and is not able to enter the building.

Prevent Mold from Growing

The more water exposure a commercial property receives, the greater the risk of mold growth. If mold develops inside a commercial property, it can lead to unsafe conditions for employees, customers, and clients. Additionally, mold is incredibly difficult to remove, and it often requires the removal and replacement of large areas inside the building.

Professional commercial waterproofing can prevent mold growth by keeping water away from the interior. This can give business owners peace of mind that mold will not develop and create a health hazard and aesthetic concern for employees, customers, and clients.

Increase Energy Efficiency

Commercial waterproofing can also improve energy efficiency. This is because it properly seals the foundation of a commercial property, which prevents outside air from coming into the building and keeps the temperature-controlled air inside of the commercial building.

There are many benefits of an energy-efficient building. Of course, it can help keep the cost of utilities down, which helps tenants keep financial costs at a minimum. An energy-efficient building also makes the building more comfortable. A comfortable building can make employees more productive and happy and attract prospective customers.

Improve Air Quality

The air quality in a commercial building can suffer if water gets inside. This can occur for several reasons. If mold and mildew develop inside of the property, the mold can release unstable organic compounds that compromise the air quality. Additionally, outdoor air entering into the property through the foundation, exterior siding, or roof can hurt the air quality, especially in more urban areas.

On the other hand, a commercial building that is properly waterproofed often has much better air quality. This is because the property is kept clean and free from mold and mildew and other harmful things that could diminish the air quality.

Protect Foundations

Commercial building owners should also consider waterproofing to protect the property’s foundation. If flooding occurs and leads to a buildup of water along the perimeter of the property, then soil erosion can take place. This can cause the foundation to sink over time, which can require significant repairs that can become very expensive.

Business owners can protect their foundation by ensuring water properly drains away from the foundation of the property and does not accumulate along the foundation. This can significantly reduce the risk of the foundation developing issues that require repair.

Contact Dirt Connections Today

Get in touch with our team at Dirt Connections to learn more about the importance of waterproofing your commercial buildings. We can help you keep your building safe and protected from water damage during and after large rainstorms and snowstorms. Our professional and friendly team is willing and able to answer any questions you may have about commercial waterproofing or to set up an appointment to help you waterproof your commercial building.