When you’re having new construction done, it’s important to make sure your new building is protected from water damage. Below-grade waterproofing helps protect the lower parts of your building, such as the basement and foundation. Keep in mind you can only have this waterproofing done at one point during construction, so plan accordingly and take the following factors into consideration.
Surrounding Area
The amount of space around your building site helps determine what type of below-grade waterproofing you need. Positive side waterproofing is done on the exterior, while negative side waterproofing is done on the interior.
In terms of installation timing, there’s not much you can do about existing structures around your building. However, if new structures will be going up in the near future, you should plan to have your installation done as soon as possible. This allows workers to apply positive side waterproofing for better water protection.
If your building site is close to surrounding structures, such as in an urban area, this might not leave enough room for workers to use positive side waterproofing. In this case, your building might need to go with negative side waterproofing instead.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are usually more of a concern in colder climates where low temperatures can affect installation. Professional installation in the Miami area involves following manufacturer requirements for storing and installing waterproofing products in hot temperatures.
In terms of weather events, installation should ideally take place in dry conditions. Keep in mind your below-grade waterproofing installation might face delays due to rainy or stormy weather. Working in dry conditions helps ensure that your waterproofing is installed properly.
Water Conditions
Water conditions in the ground are another factor to consider for below grade waterproofing installation. Changes in the water table and the amount of hydrostatic pressure at your building site can occur due to frequent rain and other conditions. Waterproofing should be able to protect your building even when the water table and hydrostatic pressure are high.
This impacts the type of waterproofing system your building will need. For example, bentonite systems tend to hold up well under these conditions. Below-grade waterproofing experts take this into consideration while determining the type of system you need and when to install it.
If you need more information on below grade waterproofing for your commercial building, please contact A-1 Property Services.