18 Mar Waterproofing Contractors in the Construction Industry

A Guide on Commercial Waterproofing Contractors in Miami

What is waterproofing? Water proofing is the process of applying an extra protective layer which protects the surface of concrete. It’s applied to the steps on stairs like in a stairway, floors, roofs, walkways, and walls. The primary purpose of waterproofing is to ensure no water can enter, penetrate, and damage the concrete. When repairs are ongoing, you want to make sure the surface you’re repairing can be strong enough to withstand any water. Over a building’s lifetime, water will somehow land and damage that surface whether it’s from poor weather conditions, water spills from accidents, or in severe cases of pipes bursting in a building causing water damages. Waterproofing is essential for these types of surfaces: basement, walls, bathrooms, kitchen, balconies, decks, terrace or roofs, green roofs, and swimming pools. You can ensure we are one of the best contractors when it comes to waterproofing in South Florida. We’ve completed projects involving waterproofing from Miami to Hallandale Beach. Take a look at our services page regarding Waterproofing

The Importance of Waterproofing in Commercial Construction: Mitigating Risks and Protecting Investments

Why is waterproofing important? Well, waterproofing is crucial to the success of your building. If you’re a property owner or property manager, you want to ensure that your building can withstand any type of water damages. There’s a reason why we consider ourselves one of the best waterproofing contractors in Miami. It’s because of our knowledge and experience on the subject. We know how important it is to mitigate risks and protect your investment property. Without proper mitigation, water damage can cause significant financial losses for property owners which consists of repair costs, decreased property value, and opening yourself up to all types of legal liabilities. We know by properly waterproofing the surface you can mitigate these risks and increase the strength of your building. 

For example, suppose you complete repairs on a building and don’t use any waterproofing contractors. Fast forward and now there are significant water damages affecting the concrete of the building. This means you’re going to have to do even more repairs because proper steps were not made. This is why it’s important and why when we complete repairs for any of our clients, we ensure we utilize waterproofing tactics to ensure the longevity of your property. 

Many contractors in Miami will specialize in waterproofing because it goes hand in hand with any construction project. It ensures the building will be kept dry, humidity will be kept low, and it maintains the structural integrity of the building intact. 

How do I know if I have water damage?

An easy to look for water damages or any water seepage in your building is by checking all surfaces of the building. You can easily perform a visual inspection of the walls and detect if moisture is present. A moisture detection tool is easily accessible and can help determine the level of moisture found in the building. 

Waterproofing is done in a multi-step process which helps avoid any seepage and any capillary rise of water into the building. We typically apply multiple layers of barrier protection to stop any flow of water penetrating the concrete surface. 

Key Waterproofing Solutions for Commercial Roofs: Comparing Membrane Systems, Coatings, and Sealants

What do we use and cover the surface of the roof? When it comes to waterproofing a roof, we’ll use a different number of systems, coatings, and sealants which are all solutions for waterproofing commercial roofs. 

EPDM(Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) membranes are composed of synthetic rubber and are extremely strong and resistant to UV radiation and ozone. Typically, on a flat roof, they are rolled out which makes for a fast installation. However, TPO membranes differ because it blends polypropylene and ethylene-propylene polymers and PVC offers exceptional chemical resistance. These systems are highly valued because of their ability to cover large roof areas. 

Another option for waterproofing your building is by coating the surface. We can coat the surface. Coating involves applying the protective layer directly on the surface to create the protective barrier and shield against any water penetration or seepage. Coatings are offered in acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane; each with their own advantages for your commercial roof.

Sealants provide protection for any joints, gaps, penetrations, or any openings found on the roof or any concrete surface. Polyurethane sealants offer flexibility and durability, while silicone variants excel in UV resistance and maintain elasticity across temperature ranges. Butyl rubber sealants boast exceptional adhesion and flexibility, making them ideal for sealing seams and penetrations. Choosing the right waterproofing solution depends on factors like cost, longevity, and environmental conditions, emphasizing the importance of professional installation to ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity of the chosen system.

Understanding Building Envelope Waterproofing: Strategies for Ensuring Long-Term Structural Integrity

So, which areas are most likely to be impacted by water and benefit the most from waterproofing? Well, depending on the structure of the building; typically, it will consist of the roof, walls, and the foundation. The building envelope consists of the shell of the structure. Water penetration can weaken the structure over time by compromising the strength of materials and causing erosion or deterioration. Waterproofing helps maintain the structural integrity of the building by preventing moisture-related damage. Here we will look at various strategies on how to protect your building from any water and moisture intrusion.

Before any type of waterproof coating or any waterproofing contractors are involved, we need to look at the design. The design or remodel design of the building is crucial for utilizing the proper waterproofing strategy. When plans are drawn and created, the licensed architect or engineer should look at factors such as climate, building orientation, proximity to the coast of Florida, building codes for the corresponding building department, and the materials to be used for the repair project. 

The types of materials for waterproofing your building matters as well. It’s essential for long-term durability and performance. Whether we’re assigned or another company is assigned, the assigned general contractor should look at the membranes, coatings, sealants being used on the building envelope. The general contractor should be at the construction site frequently to ensure the level of quality for the installation of waterproofing. They will want to make sure the waterproofing is installed correctly and tested appropriately. Performing as a general contractor, you need to be very familiar with waterproofing and also someone who is detail oriented. The lack of attention to detail, particularly in the visual inspection process, often results in issues with the waterproofing system going unnoticed. This lack of oversight can lead to potential problems such as leaks or inadequate water protection.

There are many different types of waterproofing methods; however, the most common are cement waterproofing, liquid waterproofing membrane, bituminous membrane, bituminous coating, and polyurethane liquid membrane.

Waterproofing Considerations for High-Rise Buildings: Preventing Water Intrusion in Vertical Structures

Due to a commercial buildings’ size, it would mean a more complicated process involving waterproofing. In Miami, we are no stranger to this fact. Near the beaches of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, there are many high-rise commercial and residential buildings. A majority of these buildings are going to need waterproofing to ensure no water can penetrate or seep through the concrete surface. 

Attention to vulnerable areas such as windows, doors, and balconies is crucial in high-rise waterproofing strategies. Proper flashing around any open areas will direct any water accumulation away from the building envelope. Balconies and terraces are well known for having water sit and collect on their surface. Therefore, it’s important that all of the balconies in your building are properly waterproofed so water does not seep in through and create any cracking in the concrete. Joint sealants will also ensure a tight seal at transitions between the balcony and the adjacent structure such as an apartment entry. 

Lastly, water will also accumulate on the roof of your building. When it rains, water will collect and remain on the top of your roof structure. Now, it is important to have a proper draining system to allow the water to spread elsewhere and not completely remain on the top of the structure. However, having a proper waterproofing system on the roof including sealants, coatings, and membranes will be crucial to your success. 

Types of waterproofing methods

Cementitious waterproofing stands out as one of the simplest waterproofing methods in construction. The materials are available from masonry product suppliers and are straightforward to mix and apply. Often utilized in internal wet areas like toilets, this method typically involves a rigid or semi-flexible waterproofing approach. Since it’s mainly used indoors, such as in bathrooms, it isn’t exposed to any sunlight or weathering, avoiding contraction and expansion processes.

Cementitious waterproofing finds application in various locations, including water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, bridges, dams, railway and subway systems, marine cargo ports and docks, river locks/channels and concrete dykes, parking structures and lots, and tunnels.

The liquid waterproofing membrane method, on the other hand, involves applying a thin coating consisting of a primer coat and two top coats via spray, roller, or trowel. Offering more flexibility compared to cementitious waterproofing, this liquid membrane cures into a rubbery coating on the wall. 

Bituminous coating waterproofing, also known as asphalt coating, serves as a waterproofing and protective layer, with its flexibility and water resistance influenced by polymer grade and reinforcement. Commonly used in areas beneath wet surfaces, it’s particularly effective on surfaces like concrete foundations. However, exposure to sunlight can make it brittle unless modified with more flexible materials like polyurethane or acrylic-based polymers.

Lastly, the bituminous membrane waterproofing method, favored for low-sloped roofs due to its proven performance, includes torch-on and self-adhesive membranes. It consists of asphalt, polymers, filler, and optional resins and oils, and has a limited shelf life due to reduced bonding properties over time. Torch-on membranes come in exposed and covered types, with exposed membranes often featuring mineral granular aggregate to withstand weathering. These methods offer effective waterproofing solutions, each catering to specific construction requirements and environmental conditions.

Wrapping things up

In conclusion, it’s important to understand the various waterproofing methods and their applications; it’s essential for ensuring the long-term structural integrity of buildings. Water damage is a serious issue and if it is not taken care of promptly, it can have serious consequences for your building. Whether you are a property owner, property owner, or an occupant of your building, it’s in your best interest to contact professionals such as ourselves as soon as you notice signs of possible water damage. Visual signs of water intrusion typically indicate a much bigger problem. With our years of experience and knowledge, we are well equipped to handle the repairs on your property and ensure the waterproofing is handled by proper waterproofing contractors.