Waterproofing Commercial Buildings
How to Properly Waterproof a Commercial Building
Keep Up With Caulking
No commercial exterior painting or interior painting project is complete without proper caulking. Caulk acts as a waterproof filler and sealant that closes any gaps between floors and walls, walls and ceiling, windows and trim, etc. In addition to keeping water out of a commercial building, caulk can also keep pests at bay (namely insects) and improve insulation and climate control by preventing air leakage. Caulking should take place about every five years, as well as whenever a new coat of paint is being applied to a building, to ensure that the building remains thoroughly sealed.
Focus on Flooring
Water can enter a building from virtually every direction, including from below. Moisture from the soil can make its way upwards through any cracks and holes it can find in the floors, leading to gradual deterioration. Professional flooring contractors and/or interior commercial painting services with flooring experience can prevent this type of moisture intrusion by installing moisture mitigation systems and re-sealing floors to protect them from both directions. The more secure your floors are, the harder it will be for water to make its way into your building.
Regularly Clean Gutters
Of course, water comes from above, too. Sloped roofs and gutters are meant to send water away from the commercial building when it rains. However, if your gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, the water will have a harder time flowing through your gutters and can overflow as a result. If this happens, the excess water will begin to pool and glide down your siding, wearing away at your building’s exterior. So, maintaining clean gutters is one simple way to prevent serious water damage.
Pump Water Away From the Building
Whether water enters your building from below, above, or elsewhere, it’s important to remove it from the premises as quickly as possible. Sump pumps are designed to do just that. Located in the building’s basement, these devices collect excess water and actively pump it away from the building. While sump pumps don’t “waterproof” a building, they at least help prevent flooding and general moisture buildup that leads to various problems.
The Role of Quality Commercial Painting
Commercial painters arguably play the most important role in waterproofing commercial properties inside and out, namely via positive side waterproofing efforts. Positive side waterproofing refers to measures that protect surfaces from direct contact with water. By applying high durability coats with water-resistant properties, professional painters establish a protective membrane that water has a hard time penetrating. In addition to applying these high-quality exterior coatings, commercial painters also protect interior surfaces from water intrusion via sealant application. These sealants (often elastomeric, epoxy, or urethane) are especially important in commercial spaces that deal with plenty of liquids and chemicals.
Water has a way of getting where it doesn’t belong, especially if there are ample opportunities for it to do so. Stop water in its tracks with proper waterproofing measures. The experts at Endure Painting provide high durability, waterproof coatings and sealants for commercial and residential properties alike. For more information regarding our skills and services, call us at (510) 458-2120 or send us an email at hello@endurepainting.com.
