What Building Managers Need to Know about Commercial Waterproofing

If you own or manage a commercial building, your schedule is probably packed with a long to-do list. One thing that sometimes gets overlooked is waterproofing and inspections. This is a mistake when trying to protect and maintain the building. Being proactive with waterproofing will save you money in the long run on costly repairs. Here are some important things that building managers need to know about commercial waterproofing. 

Why is Commercial Waterproofing Important? 

Water damage not only causes cosmetic damage but can be detrimental to the health of the building occupants and cause structural damage to your building. If left untreated, water damage can cause mold and mildew growth in the building, causing health concerns. Waterproofing before these damages occur can ensure the longevity of your building and save you on repairs.

What Causes Leaks or Other Water Damage?

There are many places where water damage and leaks can happen. Water can leak out of pipes, from the roof, and even infiltrate the walls and interior of the building through concrete. A professional will assess the damage and determine the cause. 

Using the Right Sealant

There are many different types of sealants and coatings that are made from different materials, such as silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane. Some sealants go on clear or glossy, while some act more as paint. Others have a thicker consistency for filling in gaps and joints. The one you decide on will be based on your waterproofing goals, the material you’re planning on waterproofing, and the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Our team can give you all your options and help you pick what material is right for your project and building.

Concrete Needs to be Waterproofed

Whether it’s the concrete of the foundation, in the parking garage, or the floors inside of your building, concrete needs to be waterproofed. Water can seep into the pores of the concrete and cause the metal reinforcement to corrode or cause water damage to the surrounding areas. There are many options for waterproofing concrete and depends on where the concrete is located. 

Inspections are Key 

When it comes to waterproofing, inspections will help you stay proactive. A professional inspection will pinpoint where there is damage or where there could potentially be damage in the future and assess if any materials or sealants need to be replaced. This will prevent water intrusion and stop any leaks from getting worse. 

Our team can help building managers and owners with any of the above and more. Your building will be in good hands with our trained and experienced waterproofing professionals. Contact us here to learn more about waterproofing your building. 

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Commercial Balcony Repair Services

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.

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concrete corrosion

How to Prevent Concrete Corrosion

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.

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Building Restorations

Whether a building is an investment, has historical significance, or both, wear and tear on the building can cause issues over time that require building restorations. Your building is a unique structure and is made up of specific materials. Our team can identify the services your building needs for restoration and use quality materials for the job.

Building Restoration Services: 

Structural Inspections: If you see cracks in the wall or floors, chipping bricks, water damage, or other issues with your building, it may be tempting to hire someone to fix just that issue, but sometimes the damage can run deeper. Our team can perform a structural inspection to make sure there isn’t a bigger cause and get to the root of the problem. 

Historical restoration: When you have a historical building, you want to make sure the team you hire will take the best care during the building restorations.  

Brick and Stone Repair: Not only does brick and stone repair help the aesthetic of the building, it can play a huge role in making sure your building is structurally sound. If there are gaps or cracks in the brick or stone, water can leak through and cause issues on the interior of your building. 

Concrete Repair: Our team can repair both surface concrete and structural concrete. Over time, cracks in the concrete can lead to corrosion within the slabs and cause it to chip and break. There are different techniques for concrete repair such as grout injections and resurfacing. 

Sealants and Coatings: Once the repairs are made, it may be a good idea to apply a sealant or coating to the area, depending on the material and location. This will help prevent wear and tear and water infiltration. Our team can make a recommendation on what type of sealant or coating needs to be used. 

Making sure you choose an experienced waterproofing team to perform your building restorations is vital in protecting your property in the future. Our team has the proper qualifications, certifications, and training to make sure your building is in tip top shape. Give us a call today or contact us here to talk about your building restoration needs.

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External Wall Coating

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. 

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Urethane Sealant

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. 

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Water Testing

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. 

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Waterproofing Your Commercial Windows

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. 

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Waterproofing Your Building’s Foundation

Waterproofing your building’s foundation is essential to prevent water damage and structural issues. Water can penetrate the foundation in many ways, such as through cracks, joints, and porous materials. This can lead to problems like mold growth, musty odors, and weakened supports and compromise the structural integrity of your building. Luckily, there are several ways to waterproof your foundation.

The first step if your commercial building has issues with water penetrating the foundation or leaks, is to find where the water is coming from and the cause. Our team can inspect your building’s structure and concrete to identify the issues and develop a plan for repairs and maintenance. 

The first step is to ensure drainage sloped away from the structure. This allows water to be diverted away from the foundation before it can cause damage. Second, sealing any cracks or joints in the foundation can also help prevent water from entering. This can be done using a variety of materials, such as urethane or silicone sealant. It’s important to address any cracks or gaps as soon as possible, as they can quickly worsen over time. 

Below-Grade Waterproofing  This process is often done during the construction of the building by applying a waterproof barrier to the foundation walls and slab of a building to prevent water penetration and damage. This is essential in areas with high water tables, heavy rainfall, or flooding risks. It provides a protective layer that keeps water from seeping through the foundation and damaging the structure.

Negative-Side Waterproofing – This is a type of below-grade waterproofing that is done on the inside of the building if the external side cannot be reached.

Overall, waterproofing your building’s foundation is crucial for protecting your property and ensuring its longevity. By taking preventative measures and addressing any issues promptly, you can avoid costly repairs and maintain a safe and comfortable space for you and your building occupants. To learn more about waterproofing your commercial building’s foundation, reach out to one of our team members here.

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Structural Concrete Repair

Structural concrete repair is an essential maintenance activity for commercial buildings. Over time, concrete structures can become damaged due to various reasons, such as weathering, corrosion, and structural overloading. If left unattended, these damages can compromise the safety and integrity of the building. Here are some key points to consider when it comes to structural concrete repair in commercial buildings:

Inspection – A thorough inspection of the concrete structure is essential to identify any damage or deterioration. This may involve visual inspection and testing.

Repair Techniques – The repair technique used will depend on the nature and extent of the damage. Common repair techniques include chemical grout injections, patching, and overlay. Our team will assess your building and concrete and develop a plan for your building’s repairs. 

WaterproofingWaterproofing is an essential part of concrete repair, especially for areas that are prone to water infiltration. This is achieved by applying coatings, sealants, or membranes.

Maintenance – Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of the repair. This may involve cleaning, inspection, and repair of any damage that may occur over time.

Damages to Buildings’ Concrete: 

Cracks – These damages can be caused by a variety of factors such as temperature changes, moisture, and structural movement, and can lead to leaks in your building. 

Spalling and Scaling – This occurs when the surface layer of concrete flakes or peels.

Corrosion –  When the reinforcing steel inside the concrete begins to rust, it causes the concrete to crack and deteriorate.

Addressing structural concrete damage is important for preventing further deterioration and potential safety hazards, including tripping hazards, compromise the structural integrity of a building, or structural failure. There are many techniques and materials that can be used to repair your building’s concrete. Our team can help prepare a plan for repairing and preventing damage to your building’s structural concrete. Reach out to our team through our website here to learn more.

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