Are you considering waterproofing your building? Not sure what waterproofing entails, or how it could benefit you? This introduction to industrial waterproofing will detail all of the ways that water intrusion can damage a building, the many ways that industrial waterproofing benefits you and your building, and how waterproofing contractors diagnose, prevent, and resolve water-related issues.
What is Industrial Waterproofing?
Industrial waterproofing is the process of making a building water-resistant. Waterproofing can be achieved through specially-formulated sealants, coatings, and treatments that repel water and prevent it from entering a building. Waterproofing prevents leaks, flooding, mold, and most importantly – structural damage.
Why is Industrial Waterproofing Important?
Industrial waterproofing is important because it protects your business from costly water damage. Waterproofing prevents water from entering and destroying inventory and equipment, or causing water damage to the structure itself. Even a few inches of water entering a business can ruin inventory and machinery, along with interrupting normal business operations.
Waterproofing provides peace of mind and protects your building’s roof, walls, and foundation from water damage.
Benefits of Industrial Waterproofing
The benefits of industrial waterproofing are numerous. It prevents water damage, protects the building’s foundation, increases energy efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, lowers your insurance premiums, and protects your most valuable investment – your business.
Prevents Water Damage
As you would expect, waterproofing prevents water damage. Waterproofed facilities keep water from leaking in and helps you avoid costly cleanups and restoration. Water intrusion can cause stains, uneven flooring, corrosion, mold and mildew growth, and even ruin the building’s foundation. Waterproofing prevents moisture in the air and rainwater from getting in and disrupting your business.
Prevents Foundation Damage
Protecting your building’s foundation is essential. Water damage can cause the foundation to crack, resulting in a building that’s unstable and could potentially collapse. Waterproofing the foundation prevents water-damage and soil erosion, both of which can harm the foundation. The importance of waterproofing a building’s foundation can’t be understated.
Strengthens the Building’s Envelope
A building’s “envelope” is the seal created by the roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation of a building. Waterproofing treatment strengthens each part of the building’s envelope, keeping out moisture, dust, wind, and helps control the interior temperature of the building. A weak envelope — like one that hasn’t been waterproofed — allows moisture to seep into the building through cracks and seams.
Increases Energy Efficiency
Waterproofing seals up gaps and cracks in a building’s exterior where air conditioned or heated air would otherwise leak out. This makes the building more energy efficient and saves money.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Water leaking into a building is going to disrupt any business. Waterproofing helps increase a company’s operational efficiency by preventing leaks and keeps water from seeping into the business. Disruptions like patching a leaky ceiling or closing down parts of the building due to minor flooding disrupts productivity and costs you money. Avoiding water-related issues through waterproofing makes a business more efficient.
Improves Interior Air Quality
Waterproofing can improve a building’s interior air quality by keeping out moisture and pollutants that would otherwise seep in. Without moisture, mold and mildew can’t develop. This makes it easier on your air filtration system as it has fewer pollutants to remove. The end result is a cleaner, fresher interior air quality for your and your employees.
Reduces Maintenance Costs
Waterproofing prevents moisture-related damage, saving business owners money on both maintenance and repairs. Water intrusion damages paint, flooring, and drywall. Not having to replace water-damaged items saves you money on maintenance. When mold develops in an HVAC system, it needs to be cleaned and disinfected. Waterproofing keeps moisture out and prevents these types of expensive maintenance.
Preserves Aesthetics
Water damage can severely impact the look of your building’s interior. Water stained walls and ceiling tiles can make a building’s interior look old and negatively reflects on your business. Waterproofing prevents these types of stains and helps maintain the high-quality look of your building’s interior.
Regulatory Compliance
Waterproofing helps businesses stay compliant with applicable regulations. Building codes may state that a building must be waterproofed or face a fine. Regulations will vary based on location and industry, and in those instances having a waterproofed building will keep you compliant with the law.
Insurance Compliance
Many insurance policies require a business to waterproof their facility. Waterproofing your building makes you compliant with this aspect of your insurance policy. You may also receive lower insurance premiums by having waterproofing.
Protects Your Investment
Your company’s building is your most valuable asset. A waterproofing treatment helps extend the life of that asset by preventing flooding and leaks that can damage the roof, walls, and even the building’s foundation. Not only does it protect your investment, but waterproofing actually increases the value of the building. An investment in industrial waterproofing pays for itself, and provides you with peace of mind.

What Waterproofing Contractors Offer
Waterproofing contractors offer a number of different services to waterproof your building. These include regular inspections, repair and maintenance, leak detection, crack repair, drain installation, and waterproofing installations.
Inspections
The first task of a waterproofing contractor is to provide a site inspection. The contractor will inspect the building and its foundation, then make an assessment about potential water damage issues, and provide waterproofing recommendations.
Diagnosis and Leak Detection
If there’s a leak on the premises, waterproofing contractors will provide diagnosis and leak detection to determine the source of the leak. This can include a visual inspection, moisture meters, pressure testing, and dye testing.
Waterproofing Installation
The most critical service that waterproofing contractors provide is the waterproofing installation itself. This includes tasks like applying waterproof sealants, coatings, and applying waterproof membranes; a thick sheet of waterproof fabric that attaches to a surface.
Crack Repairs
Because cracks can allow water to enter a building, waterproofing contractors provide crack repair service. Once located, the cracks can be repaired with waterproof sealant, caulking, or repair to the structure and prevent future leaks.
Drain Installation
Waterproofing contractors will install drains to assist in drainage during heavy rainfall. Drains collect and direct water away from the building to prevent damage.
Dehumidification Systems
In regions with high levels of moisture in the air, waterproofing contractors can install dehumidification systems that remove the moisture and prevent the growth of mold and mildew in a building.
Repair and Maintenance
Waterproofing contractors provide repair and maintenance services to ensure that the existing waterproofing systems are still effective. These include periodic inspections of waterproofing systems, repairs where necessary, and preventative maintenance.
Contact Alpine
Industrial waterproofing is a necessity for your business. Waterproofing is a smart investment that could potentially save your business from disaster. Don’t wait for the next major storm or hurricane to arrive, begin the process of waterproofing today.
If you need waterproofing services in the Philadelphia area, contact the experts at Alpine Painting & Restoration. Our certified waterproofing contractors will perform a state-of-the-art assessment of your building’s water damage risks and provide a comprehensive plan for preventing water intrusion. Your building is your most important asset; protect it today with professional waterproofing services.
Contact Alpine Painting & Restoration by phone or email for a free consultation.