Water can come in at any available entry point in a commercial building. The most common entry point is from ground water seepage invading low areas in the building, such as the basement or any room below ground level. When moisture enters these areas, it is almost often hard to remove. These areas remain damp for long periods of time unless waterproofing is installed.
Waterproofing low-lying areas of commercial buildings require skilled and experienced contractors who specialize in basement waterproofing. They design the best waterproofing system suitable to the needs of the particular basement or area. Underground waterproofing often involves the application of barrier systems inside the basement walls and floors. The waterproofing membrane is literally applied to the inner chambers, lining the basement with an effective water-tight seal. The alternative is draining the basement cavity first to keep it dry.
For the rest of the commercial building, structural waterproofing systems are installed. The membranes used are commonly multi-coat systems, or concrete-based coatings, epoxy and bituminous formulations. Water cannot penetrate these types of barriers. To make the area “breathe”, drainage systems complete the commercial building’s waterproofing system. The drains are pre-formed channels or sumps installed strategically in walls and floors within the membrane. The goal of these channels is to direct water out of the building in the event it does come in.
