A Guide To Waterproofing Building Façades

Constantly under attack, today’s buildings are threatened not by marauding bandits or barbarians, but by a far more insidious and subtle force. Contrary to what you may think, structural collapse or fire is not a building’s most tenacious enemy – though such catastrophes can and should be protected against. No, the biggest enemy for buildings today is water. Simple moisture can, when left unchecked, infiltrate the envelope of your building quietly and wreak havoc throughout.

For this very reason, waterproofing building façades has become a popular, if not extremely crucial, part of construction.

Waterproofing Systems That Are in Place

To prevent water from seeping into a structure, buildings have specific mechanisms. But even in tip top condition, these systems can’t provide complete waterproofing. Yes, to resist water infiltration, they are extremely helpful. How well these systems are maintained, and were installed in the first place, will determine how well they work and how dry they keep a building – to some degree.

If, for example, you want to make sure that the wall of a building is waterproofed, you need the following:

  • A contracted individual who understands wall waterproofing.
  • The right materials need to be used.
  • The proper applicator is necessary.

For a good number of years, a building can stay water resistant if all of those things are in place. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. Even with top contractors, specifications, and materials, leakage can occur in the most expertly constructed structures.

Though roofs play an important part in the waterproofing system of a building – and the drainage system can make or break a building’s integrity where the prevention of water damage is concerned – there are other areas that must be waterproofed, or, at the very least, water must be redirected.

Waterproofing A Building Façade

For commercial property managers – or construction companies tasked with waterproofing a façade – here are 10 important factors:

Always go with a trusted, reputable, experienced professional. Property managers: whoever is doing the waterproofing must be certified, insured, reliable, and more. If you’re in charge of the construction company tasked with building a structure, you’re still going to want to rely on another company that offers the highest quality products and materials. These are the items you’ll be using to ensure your client’s building remains intact and impenetrable against water.

High quality materials. As just mentioned, not only should the company providing products be reputable, the products themselves must be high quality and proven. Additionally, the product must be able to provide the type of waterproofing required according to the building’s orientation, location, etc.

To increase a building’s thermal insulation properties, consider ventilated or vented façades. An energy cost reduction may also be contributed to by this option as well as a lesser need for maintenance. Where environmentally friendly options are concerned, this is an excellent choice.

Energy consumption may be a consideration. When the waterproofing system for your façade is installed correctly – and the right kind of system is installed – energy efficiency can improve in many cases.

A humidity reduction can result from façade waterproofing. In all sorts of buildings, the effects of humidity can be reduced courtesy of waterproofing. Humidity can erode concrete, lead to extensive wood damage, and more.

The application process can be faster if, for the waterproofing material, an EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) façade waterproofing material is used. This means that, during installation, labor costs will be reduced. If heat sealing is required, EPDM is also suitable. Over a vast array of materials, EPDM is suitable for application in the interest of waterproofing. Water-based, cold adhesives can be used to apply EPDM.

External façades around doors and windows. One valuable installation consideration is that of external façades around doors and windows. For the seal around windows and doors, materials like EPDM are effective sealers. To eliminate moisture seepage, you stand a better chance of success by assuring absolute waterproofing through door and window sealing processes.

Basement tanking is another hot button. For an entire property, make sure that an effective water barrier is in place. The basement should not be ignored. Basements are notorious for mold, mildew, and dampness.

Consider temperature and UV resistance. EPDM is not only temperature stable, but the membrane is also UV radiation resistant. So, in numerous geographic locations, it can be installed. Even if extreme temperature fluctuations bombard your structure, it can stay far more intact and resilient with the right kind of protection. (From -45 to 130°C, EPDM should remain stable.)

Do not overlook curtain walls even if they are temporary structures. The fact of the matter is, just like permanent buildings, temporary structures need façade waterproofing – maybe more! (Example: Modular buildings with thin stone panels, curtain walls of aluminum, etc.).

Façade Waterproofing Facts

Remember, the façade of your building is the first thing seen by visitors, employees, clients, investors, etc. It’s important that your building’s façade be as presentable as possible, 100% of the time.

What’s more, against water infiltration that could seriously impact your building and its integrity, it’s also the first line of defense. Here are three facts every building owner and construction expert should be aware of:

  • Serious damage can be caused by water infiltration. More than you may realize, severe damage can result when water attacks your building. It can lead to mildew, mold, cracking, and more once it seeps into the façade of your structure. This could put the structural integrity of your building at risk as well as posing threats to the health of your guests, employees, etc.

 

  • Not only is it a painless process to waterproof your façade, it is absolutely essential to how long a building lasts, how well it performs, and much more. With the right materials, even if the façade has to be restored, it can be an excellent participant in the defense of your building.

 

  • Maintenance is the first step to façade waterproofing. A maintenance schedule for façade waterproofing should be set up. When your building is maintained properly, you can prevent serious repairs by detecting defects early.

Turn to Metro Sealant For Products That Offer Waterproofing

If you need commercial, construction grade waterproofing to prevent water damage in the structure you’re building, turn to Metro Sealant. We have a wide selection of products that are designed precisely for heavy-duty use in sizable buildings, and frequently used by those in the construction industry.

Across the entire country, we are a trusted supplier of top-quality materials for a vast array of contractors. Our goal and our commitment are to make sure our customers have the ability to complete their projects with confidence by offering only the best, top manufactured materials. No matter the location of their projects, we make our high-quality products accessible by offering capable shipping services and options.

For each and every construction project, we understand the unique challenges that are faced. We are dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs.

Please contact us to find out more about Metro Sealant and the variety of products and services we offer. You can reach us by phoning 866-748-8949, or by using our convenient online form. Fill it out, send it in, and we will be in touch.