Below-grade space can be a valuable asset for commercial property owners, offering several benefits that boost the functionality and value of a building. From keeping parking and mechanical systems out of leasable square footage to providing secure storage and service access, this subterranean space does real work for a property.
The major challenge of maintaining a below-grade level is its susceptibility to water infiltration, which can quickly turn usable square footage into a damp, flooded liability. Below-grade flooding can compromise your building’s structural integrity, damage equipment and inventory, and create health hazards through mold growth.
Professional below-grade waterproofing services can protect your Plano, TX, commercial property from those disruptive and costly water issues. This process typically involves applying layered, specialized techniques and materials to prevent water from penetrating foundation walls and slabs.
At KPost Company, our foundation and roofing experts will assess your building’s waterproofing needs and formulate and execute a customized plan to ensure the space remains dry, safe, and fully functional regardless of weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Most envelope leaks start above grade. Wall systems, window perimeters, and joints between materials are where water most often gets into office and retail buildings.
- Deck failures stay hidden until they reach the space below. Membranes under pavers and topping slabs fail out of sight, and the first sign is usually a stain in a lobby or tenant ceiling.
- Sealant has a service life. Roughly ten to twenty years, shorter on south and west elevations that take the most sun.
- Plan sealant replacement by elevation. Replacing joints on a schedule spreads the cost over several budget years and prevents the damage a failed joint causes.
- Survey before you specify. The right repair depends on where water actually enters, which testing confirms before money is spent.
