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When temperatures rise and fall, buildings can expand and contract. Expansion joints are built into the building’s walls, floors, and roofs. Without these joints, the concrete or bricks could break and crack over time as the building shifts. They also absorb vibration and help the building withstand stresses. It is important to make sure these joints are properly waterproofed. 

Why Do You Need to Waterproof Expansion Joints? 

If an expansion joint isn’t waterproofed correctly, water can infiltrate the concrete or wall, causing water damage. If water soaks into the concrete through the pores, it can corrode the steel reinforcing bars. If water gets into the building through the roof or wall expansion joints, it can cause mold and mildew growth, water stains, and weaken the structure over time. 

How We Waterproof Expansion Joints

Waterproofing materials and methods will depend on the type of expansion joint being waterproofed but there are general steps to follow.

Clean the Joint – Remove any debris, dirt, or loose material from the joint. This will ensure a clean base and help the sealant stay in place. 

Apply a Primer – Once the area is dry from cleaning, we apply the proper primer to the joint. This ensures proper adhesion of the waterproofing material.

Choose the Sealant – There are many options when it comes to sealants and waterproofing materials. Our team will choose the appropriate material for your specific joint. This could include silicone, polyurethane, or a specialized joint sealant.

Apply the Sealant – When applying the sealant to the joint, we make sure to fill any gaps or cracks. Our team will smooth out the sealant using a putty knife or other tool and remove any excess with solvent so that the area looks clean and professionally done.

It is very important to make sure that the expansion joints in your building are waterproofed and not vulnerable to water infiltration. This will protect your building from water damage. Our team can waterproof your building’s expansion joints and make sure there are no other areas that need addressing. Contact us through our website here to learn more about how we can help protect your building. 

A parking garage is part of your building and an asset you will want to protect. It is a good idea to have your garage inspected at least annually. Garage inspections will ensure that minor problems don’t turn into larger repairs later down the road. 

When our team conducts an inspection, we make sure that the concrete and structure of the garage are in good condition. Here are some of the items we check when we perform a parking garage inspection:

Concrete – Our team will check all concrete areas of the garage to see if any issues need addressing. This includes concrete slabs, walls, and support beams. Signs of concrete damage include cracks, white or rust stains, chipping or flaking, exposed steel rebar, and water stains. Concrete can become damaged in various ways, but a lot of damage can be caused by water infiltration and improper coating. 

Drainage – If your garage has drainage issues, it can cause the structure to deteriorate. A team member will check to see if the drain is clogged or if there is any standing water in the garage. When water pools on the surface of the concrete, it can break down the structure and cause potholes, and standing water can potentially be a health concern for you and your customers. 

Expansion Joints – These are joints that are built into the structure. They sit between concrete slabs and allow for movement in a garage or building. Expansion joints can become a place of water infiltration if not properly sealed and can fail due to age, mechanical damage, or incorrect design or installation. Our team will check to see if there are any signs of damage, such as rust around the joint or cracks.  

It is very important to make sure your parking garage is structurally sound and in good condition. This will help protect the occupants who use the garage and your investment. To learn more about parking garage inspections and how our team can help, contact us through our website here. 

If your commercial building has a balcony accessible to clients or employees, you’ll want to make sure the balcony is in good condition. Our team offers a variety of balcony repair and preventive maintenance services that not only help the aesthetics of your building but increase safety. Balconies can be constructed with many different materials. Our team works with sealants and coatings for a wide variety of materials so you can be assured your balcony is properly waterproofed or repaired.

Waterproofing Your Balcony 

There are many different types of products and ways to waterproof your balcony, depending on the material and if it is new construction or existing. 

Liquid Membrane – If it is an existing balcony and in good condition, we can apply a sealant or coating directly on the surface. This will create a barrier so water cannot soak into the concrete or wood. 

Rolled Membrane – Another popular waterproofing option is a rolled membrane. This is a sheet of rubberized asphalt or other waterproof material. It can be self-adhering or heat-welded. These sheets are placed on the decking and installed before the concrete slab. 

Balcony Concrete Repair 

Like other concrete in your building, if the concrete that makes up your balconies is not waterproofed properly, it could be at risk of corrosion. Water can soak into the pores of the concrete and corrode the steel reinforcing bars. You could also see cracks, spalling, and scaling on the surface. If the concrete is compromised, our team can rebuild it and make sure it is structurally sound. 

Install New Railings 

The railing is one of the most important safety features of a balcony and must have a height of at least 36 inches. They can also be customized to fit your design needs and add to the aesthetic of your commercial building. 

It is extremely important to keep your balcony safe and up-to-date on repairs. Our team can help with all of your commercial balcony repair and preventive maintenance. Learn more on our website and contact us here to talk to one of our team members about your balcony needs.

What Causes Concrete Corrosion? 

When carbon dioxide enters the pores of the concrete, it creates carbonic acids or concrete carbonation. This makes it easier for chlorides (salts) to break down the reinforcement rods. The rust on the rods can increase the original size of the rods by six times. This type of corrosion, also referred to as concrete cancer, usually goes unnoticed for years until it starts to break and chip away at the surface of the concrete. 

There are other factors that can cause damage to your concrete, such as temperature changes, chemicals, and oils. If water gets into the pores of the concrete in the winter, it can expand and crack the concrete as the water freezes. 

How to Prevent Concrete Corrosion?

The best way to prevent your concrete from corrosion and extend the life is to apply a sealant. This creates a hydrophobic barrier that water can’t penetrate. Besides preventing water infiltration, concrete sealers also protect against UV rays, salts, oils, and other chemicals. There are many types of concrete sealants and water repellents, depending on the concrete location and the look you want to achieve. 

Protecting your concrete from corrosion is just one of the many benefits of concrete sealant. Other Benefits of Concrete Sealant:

–Protects against mold and mildew – Mold and Mildew can grow if the concrete is wet and doesn’t dry. Since the sealant acts as a water barrier, the pores are sealed and mold and mildew can’t grow within the concrete. 

-Improves the appearance of the concrete – Sealants help the concrete look like new. There are also different tints, glosses, and colors so you can customize the look of your building. 

-Increases the concrete’s longevity – Your concrete will last much longer with a sealant because it prevents and reduces damage.

Our team is highly skilled in sealing and repairing concrete. We can help you choose what sealant is right for the job. Give us a call or contact us through our website here to talk to one of our team members about your building’s needs.

What is an External Wall Coating? 

External Wall Coatings are elastomeric coatings that are applied like paint on the outside of your building. This protects the building from becoming damaged. These coatings act as a moisture and chemical barrier.

Benefits 

• Concrete is constructed with steel bars for reinforcement that are prone to corrosion when cracks in the concrete allow water to enter. Wall coatings extend the life of your building by protecting against corrosion and outside exposure, such as dirt, chemicals, moisture, UV rays, and more. 
• Wall coatings are usually done in thicker layers than paint, so you can cover the wall’s imperfections and blemishes. 
• These coatings also improve the appearance of your building. They come in different colors and styles. They also prevent the walls from chipping, cracking, and breaking.

Types of Elastomeric Wall Coatings

There are different types of elastomeric coatings to choose from. They can be water-based or resin-based and become flexible and stretchable once dried. This helps prevent the coating from cracking or chipping as your building expands and contracts over time. These coatings are the leading coatings in the industry for waterproofing external walls and structures.

Epoxy – Many people associate epoxy with floor and garage coatings, but there are epoxy coatings created for vertical use. These epoxy products are chemical and abrasion-resistant and compatible with concrete, wood, brick, and stone walls. 

Urethane – Not only do urethane coatings offer waterproofing properties, but they are also resistant to mechanical damage. This makes them perfect for industrial applications.

Silicone – These coatings are resin-based and are highly resistant to being washed away and better at withstanding weathering compared to some acrylic coatings.  

Having an external wall coating installed is a great way to protect your building and concrete. Without a wall coating, your building is exposed to the elements and could have water infiltration and damage down the road. This could lead to crumbling walls, structural issues, mold growth, and even structural failure. Contact us today to talk to one of our waterproofing experts about your building’s needs. 

What is Urethane?

Urethane is a chemical compound used in many everyday items. When used in liquid form, it makes great sealants and coating for commercial building applications. It’s a versatile material that has been widely used in the waterproofing industry. Urethane sealant is an excellent choice for sealing various types of surfaces, such as concrete, metal, and wood. It is a highly durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

Benefits

• Versatility: This sealant can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including concrete, metal, wood, and plastic, and can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
• Durability: Urethane sealant is highly resistant to weather and abrasion, making it a long-lasting choice for sealing joints and gaps. Urethane sealant is also resistant to water, oil, and chemicals, which makes it a popular choice for sealing parking garages, industrial structures, and other areas that come into contact with these substances.
• Flexibility: One of the main benefits of urethane sealant is its flexibility. Urethane sealant remains flexible even in extreme temperatures, allowing it to expand and contract without cracking or breaking.
• Adhesion: Urethane sealant forms a strong bond with surfaces, providing excellent adhesion and preventing moisture from penetrating joints and gaps, in return, protecting your commercial building from water infiltration.
• Paintability: These sealants can be painted over once it has cured, allowing it to blend seamlessly with surrounding surfaces.

Uses

The compound is a vital ingredient in many types of sealants and coatings. Some of the most common uses of this sealant in the waterproofing industry include sealing joints in concrete structures, such as parking garages. It is also used to seal roofs, walls, and other surfaces that are exposed to the elements. This sealant is an excellent choice for these applications because it can provide a long-lasting, watertight seal that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Urethane is a great option for many applications and brings many benefits to the table. Whether you need to seal an expansion joint or the concrete in your parking garage, urethane sealant is a reliable and durable solution that can provide long-lasting protection. Contact us today to talk to one of our team members about your commercial waterproofing needs. 

Waterproofing is an essential service that companies need to consider to prevent water damage to commercial buildings. One of the ways to determine if a building requires waterproofing is by conducting water testing for leaks. Water testing is used to identify areas of the building that are vulnerable to water infiltration.

Water Testing for Commercial Buildings

The first step in water testing is to conduct a visual inspection of the building’s exterior and interior. This inspection will identify any visible signs of water damage, such as water stains, mold growth, or peeling paint. The inspector will also look for any cracks, gaps, or holes in the building’s structure that may allow water to seep in.

Once the visual inspection is complete, the inspector will conduct a water spray test using a water bar. This test involves spraying water onto the building’s exterior walls using a regulated pressure hose to replicate rain. The inspector will observe the walls for any signs of water infiltration, such as water seeping through cracks or gaps.

After the water testing is complete, one of our team members will provide a detailed report of the findings and the recommended next steps. 

Waterproofing Services

Once we have water-tested your building, we may recommend waterproofing services, sealants, or coatings.

• Below-Grade Waterproofing: Many times this is done while the building is being constructed, but a sealant barrier can be applied to the interior of the building to protect the basement and foundation. This is also called Negative-Side Waterproofing.
• Chemical Grout Injections: These repair and seal your foundation and stop water from infiltrating the building.
• Commercial Window and Wet Glazing: There are a few options for waterproofing commercial windows. Our team will give a recommendation on the type of sealant you need. Learn more here. 
• Sealant Replacement: Over time, sealant can wear down for various different reasons. If you have had a waterproofing service with sealant in the past but think that it needs to be redone or replaced, our team can inspect the area.

Water testing is an important step in determining if a commercial building requires waterproofing services. By identifying areas of the building that are vulnerable to water infiltration, we can help you take proactive measures to prevent water damage and protect your investments. Contact us here to learn more. 

By waterproofing your commercial windows, you can protect your building from water damage. There are several ways Taylor Waterproofing can make sure your windows are good to go, depending on your building’s needs. 

Sealing The Perimeter 

One effective method is wet glazing. This involves using a sealant to attach the glass directly to the frame without the need for a gasket. Wet glazing creates a stronger bond and better seal against water intrusion. Before applying the sealant, our team will clean and dry the window surfaces thoroughly. Then, apply the sealant in a continuous bead along the joint or seam, making sure it’s evenly applied. We use a high-quality sealant that is compatible with your windows and can withstand weather and temperature changes. Our team will make a recommendation of what sealant is best for your needs.

Expansion Joints 

Another important aspect of waterproofing commercial windows is addressing the expansion joints on the surface of the walls. Expansion joints allow for movement in the building due to temperature changes or settling. However, if not properly waterproofed, they can become a source of water intrusion. Our team will use a flexible silicone-based sealant for this application.

Risks of Not Waterproofing

Waterproofing commercial windows is an important step in maintaining the integrity of a building’s structure. Without proper waterproofing, water can seep into the building through the windows, causing damage to the frame, walls, and interior and over time can cause mold growth.

Regular maintenance and inspection can also help identify any areas that need resealing to ensure long-lasting waterproofing. When waterproofing, it’s important to choose the right method and materials for your specific windows and building type. Our team can assess your windows and create a plan to waterproof your commercial building and windows. Reach out to one of our team members here to learn more about how we can ensure your windows are protected from the elements.