There are many common waterproofing problems that affect commercial properties, such as leaks, damaged sealant, and improperly sealed waterproofing solutions. Learning how to identify these problems is crucial to ensuring that damage does not go unnoticed, which could cause even more problems down the road. Below are tips for identifying common waterproofing problems and knowing when to bring in an expert.

Damaged Sealant

Sealant, like anything in a building, wears and tears with age. The sealant remaining intact plays an essential role in preventing water infiltration from locations such as windows and doors. Sealants have a long lifespan, but factors like extreme weather events can shorten this lifespan. Damaged sealants can be difficult to spot, so this is why general waterproofing investigations are important to verify the security of sealants on your building’s external walls and windows. However, major signs of damaged sealant are things such as water infiltration or water stains on walls. If sealant needs to be removed and replaced in your commercial building, our team is able to make recommendations for the best solution that will suit your building and provide the longest lifespan possible.

Damage and Cracks in Concrete

Damage to concrete is not always a sign that there may be a waterproofing problem in a building, but if it’s in a structure such as a parking garage, it’s a very likely cause. Parking garages are more exposed to the elements, so spalling or scaling in these structures is a common sign that water infiltration is to blame. These high-traffic areas need to be resurfaced with sealants more often than other surfaces due to their exposure to the elements and constant wear from vehicles. Reapplying coatings such as a polyurethane coating that can withstand wear from heavy-traffic areas is essential to preventing structural concrete damage.

Incorrect Waterproofing

It can be difficult to spot incorrect waterproofing techniques with an untrained eye, so this is why regular waterproofing investigations are important to protect your investment in a commercial building. Taylor Waterproofing offers waterproofing investigations, during which we will provide you with a detailed report of our assessment of your commercial building. These investigations can be vital to ensuring that your building is correctly waterproofed and protected from water infiltration. It can also help determine if sealant may need to be repaired or replaced if it’s been a few years since initial waterproofing was implemented for your building.

Waterproofing is an important component of protecting your investment in a commercial building and is not a step that should be skipped. By learning how to identify these common waterproofing problems, you can spot issues that may cause more damage if left unchecked. Our team can provide you with all of your commercial waterproofing needs. Learn more on our website and contact one of our team members about waterproofing for your building.

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