Wisconsin Home Improvement has provided insulation services for many decades, giving us firsthand insight into the area’s unique climate. The Milwaukee region has a humid continental climate, with ample rainfall during the warm weather months and significant snow in winter.
For residents and visitors, that translates into having four gorgeous seasons to enjoy. For commercial buildings and other structures, it demands waterproofing considerations for moisture control, mold prevention, and improved indoor air quality.
Outside of its contained locations, water and buildings don’t mix. Evaluating commercial building waterproofing should be among your top priorities to avoid the problems that come with water getting into structures.
Wisconsin Home Improvement is here to help, providing expert services and advice to help you protect your investment with everything from insulation to sealing and waterproofing.
Waterproofing Techniques That Protect Your Commercial Building
Sealing and waterproofing prevents moisture from creating water damage, which can cause a cascade of costly problems. At Wisconsin Home Improvement, we utilize various techniques to ensure your building has optimal moisture control.
To start, we conduct a thorough energy audit, during which our BPI-certified professionals will examine every square inch of the building to identify problem areas. From there, we will create a customized plan that involves treating both the interior and exterior to achieve optimal results.
Indoor Commercial Building Waterproofing
Using caulk, waterproofing sealants, and membranes, our highly trained professionals will seal the interior spaces, both below grade and above grade. We start at the foundation, treating surfaces and structural elements to keep water from entering the building. Technicians also evaluate and treat above grade areas, ensuring no cracks or gaps remain unsealed, including areas around windows and doors.
Exterior Commercial Building Waterproofing
Sometimes referred to as the “positive side,” or the side of your building where water enters, the outside is a critical part of effective waterproofing. We will thoroughly inspect the entire structure to determine the optimal materials and strategy for keeping unwanted water out. Doing so allows us to ensure that the exterior of the building provides your first line of defense against moisture.
The Problem with Water in Structures
Water damage costs billions in insurance claims every year. Structural damage from flooding alone cost commercial properties more than $13 billion in 2022. From small leaks to larger roof and wall leaks, water affects building structures in various ways. It can cause foundation erosion, lower the structural integrity of the building’s frame, create sagging in the roof, and seep into drywall and wood where it breeds mold and mildew.
The Benefits of Waterproofing Commercial Buildings
One of the significant benefits that accompanies commercial building waterproofing is the improvement in indoor air quality. Moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. In turn, these elements create irritating and sometimes dangerous conditions that can trigger allergic reactions and cause serious health problems.
Other benefits include:
Reduced Structural Damage
Water and water vapor can wreak havoc on building structures. Water damage, mold, mildew, and moisture-loving termites can weaken structures and create additional challenges, including indoor air quality issues.
Boosted Energy Efficiency
Is it possible to protect the building while helping it work more efficiently? Yes, waterproofing can do all of that. It helps regulate interior temperatures, enhancing comfort while requiring less energy for conditioning interior spaces.
Protection for Foundations
Waterproofing can also provide a measure of erosion control, preventing the concrete of your building’s foundation from degrading over time. Maintaining a strong, solid foundation preserves the integrity of the rest of the structure as well.
Decreased Maintenance Costs
The investment made in waterproofing your commercial building comes with a significant return on investment (ROI). Any leaks or flooding that does occur will require less cleanup. Additionally, you minimize the odds of having to undergo costly water damage restoration.
Preservation of Aesthetics
Many waterproofing solutions provide a measure of UV protection and can minimize normal wear and tear. In turn, it helps keep treated areas looking great for longer periods.
Waterproofing Services for Commercial Properties
Wisconsin Home Improvement understands how essential waterproofing services are for the health and wellbeing of every commercial property. As Pearl-certified contractors, we work hard to ensure you always get the highest quality products and services. We’re here to help you enhance the safety, comfort, and efficiency of your commercial building and property.
Preventative vs. Reactive waterproofing
We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to waterproofing, the relevance of that comment can’t be understated.
Preventative waterproofing helps avoid the damage and havoc that water can cause. It can save you costly repairs, mold remediation efforts, and losses of inventory, equipment, and productivity. However, even the highest quality preventive measures can degrade over time. If you notice leaks or wear, reactive waterproofing can patch over weakened areas and restore your building’s defenses against moisture.
Whether you need preventative or reactive waterproofing, Wisconsin Home Improvement promises to deliver effective results.
Commercial Crawl Space Waterproofing
Crawl spaces are often overlooked problem areas that are prone to moisture and pest problems and other challenges that affect your entire property. We specialize in providing commercial waterproofing for crawl spaces, basements, foundations, and beyond.
Are you ready to take the next step in commercial building waterproofing? Let us assess your building and make recommendations to help improve comfort, safety, and efficiency. Contact us at 262.345.9922 or click here to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Waterproofing is often overlooked or misunderstood. Browse through some of the common questions we get about waterproofing commercial buildings to find the answers you’re looking for to determine your course of action. If you don’t see your question listed, get in touch with us, and one of our friendly professionals will provide the assistance you need.
Why is waterproofing my commercial building important?
Waterproofing protects the structure and can reduce maintenance costs. It also positively impacts indoor air quality, aids in mold prevention, and seals off openings that could otherwise let in pests. As an added benefit, waterproofing can also result in improved energy efficiency, helping you save money on energy costs.
Is it really mold or just stains on my industrial building?
Stains and mold can look identical. However, mold can trigger allergic responses and pose a respiratory hazard. Depending on the strain of mold, it may be slimy or fuzzy. It may look like staining, but it often grows in patches in warm, damp areas. If the stain is in an area exposed to moisture or humidity, it could be mold. Also look for curling or peeling on the surface. Mold damages surfaces; stains do not.
What are the benefits of waterproofing our commercial roof?
First, it can help extend the life of your roof and prevent you from having to replace it earlier than necessary. Waterproofing also helps regulate surface temperatures to reflect radiant heat and enhance the building’s energy efficiency. On average, waterproofing your roof could save you significant amounts of money. It helps you avoid spending on water damage repairs, premature roof replacement, and the costs of mitigating damage to equipment or inventory.
Can liquid rubber be used underground?
Yes, liquid rubber can provide an effective seal, both above ground and below grade. It can safely be used in basements, crawl spaces, and on foundations.
Can you inspect our commercial business for moisture and mold?
Wisconsin Home Improvement provides thorough inspections of homes and commercial properties as part of our Energy Audit. During the assessment, we will look for signs of moisture and mold, as well as other potential red flags, to determine the actions necessary to improve the conditions, comfort, safety, and efficiency of your commercial property.
What waterproofing techniques do you use for protecting commercial buildings?
At Wisconsin Home Improvement, we evaluate the entire building but focus predominantly on basements and foundations, where water is most likely to infiltrate. We use various types of insulation and coatings, including Tremco’s TUFF-N-DRI and Owens Corning Commercial Building Insulation for optimal results.