How do you know when your commercial building needs waterproofing?
There are telltale signs that it is time to consult a specialist waterproofing contractor. These include visible leaks, water stains on ceilings, water ponding on roofs and damaged flashing.
Inspecting a roof at least every two years will identify any problems with waterproofing early. By addressing any issues timeously, damage to property can be avoided. Enterprising property owners or operators will even request that Citi-Con inspect their roofs after a major weather event. In this way, they ensure that waterproofing is still effective.
As an expert, we know exactly what to look for. We will inspect for wear and tear, such as blistering and cracking membranes or roof surface erosion. This while also paying close attention to seams, joints and other transition areas where various materials meet. Leaks typically develop in these areas. Our experts will also inspect flashings around roof penetrations, edges and equipment installations. Poorly sealed and loose flashings are known to leak.
Damaged commercial waterproofing
Damaged commercial waterproofing will not serve one of its primary purposes which is to protect a building’s roof structure. Commercial waterproofing safeguards it from harsh environmental conditions. These include South Africa’s UV rays which are among the highest in the world. This is in addition to wind, rain and pollutants. Thus, by maintaining an effective waterproofing barrier, property owners avoid costly roofing material repairs and replacement. If left unchecked, water can also cause structural damage. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to the deterioration of critical components such as joists and beams.
There is also other cost savings associated with sound waterproofing. By mitigating the risk of water damage and related claims, monthly insurance premiums do not increase.
Safeguarding occupants and their property inside your building prevents fines. This is in addition to facilitating approvals for future renovations or expansions.
Commercial waterproofing makes business sense
Clearly, commercial waterproofing makes business sense due to the cost-savings it achieves for asset owners. In addition to preventing large and costly repairs, it makes a substantial contribution to building energy efficiency. Moisture and water ingress can affect the thermal qualities of buildings. By preventing this, heating and cooling systems can work more efficiently to maintain desired temperatures, reducing utility bills. Of course, this also lowers the carbon footprint of a building. This is something that has become increasingly important to responsible property owners.
Notably, a robust, well-maintained waterproofed roof is valuable in real estate transactions. This is by signalling to buyers or tenants that your building is well-protected and providing a welcoming environment. They are more likely to pay a premium for this.
Quality commercial waterproofing solution
Citi-Con has a quality commercial waterproofing solution to safeguard investments in property.
These are tailored to accommodate specific roof types, which have unique architectural and functional requirements. High-rise commercial properties, malls and warehouses all present distinct challenges.
High-rises are exposed to wind-driven rain and extreme conditions, compounded by their significant elevations. Their structural dynamics means that both the roof and exterior surfaces are continuously under stress. This increases their vulnerability to water penetration.
Malls and shopping centres usually have large, flat or low-slope roofs that can allow water to accumulate. Areas with high foot traffic also experience significant mechanical wear and tear.
Office buildings usually feature complex architecture with multiple levels and varied roof designs. To address the roof and building envelope, a comprehensive waterproofing solution is required. This is in addition to advanced membrane systems and sealants that protect against water ingress from various angles. Windows and façade panels in particular need to be thoroughly waterproofed.
Schools, universities and other educational buildings usually consist of multiple buildings. Each one of these often require different waterproofing needs, depending on their age, construction and application.
Healthcare facilities require high hygiene and safety standards. To prevent mould and water damage, waterproofing must be especially robust and implemented quickly and without disruption.
The hospitality industry needs functional and aesthetically pleasing waterproofing systems. Swimming pools, spas and other outdoor recreational areas must also be able to handle especially high moisture levels. Moreover, surfaces in these areas need to be slip resistant to ensure guest safety.
Warehouses cover vast areas which makes detecting leaks and small issues that can become large problems difficult.
Citi-Con has experience waterproofing all of these building types with their unique challenges.
Our commercial waterproofing coatings
Our commercial elastomeric roof waterproofing coatings are durable and flexible. This enables them to be stretched up to 300% of their original size and, thus, suited to sealing most roofs. They also expand and contract with roofing materials when temperatures fluctuations. Therefore, they do not easily crack or peel, reducing repair and replacement costs. Refer to https://plastics-rubber.basf.com/emea/en/performance_polymers/products/elastocoat.
We are also experts in the application of polyurethane coatings, another very robust waterproofing solution. They form a rugged and durable yet elastic surface that is resistant to punctures and abrasions. This makes them suitable for areas with foot traffic or over-roofing systems that need to be maintained regularly. It also maintains its integrity under varying thermal conditions. Refer to https://info.tremcoroofing.com/south-africa-products.
Citi-Con’s silicone coatings provide long-term weather resistance. It differs to other waterproofing coatings by being inherently moisture-cured. This means that it outperforms under heavy rainfalls or high humidity conditions. Because it is able to resist ponding water, the commercial waterproofing solution is suited to low-slope or flat roofs. Refer to https://usa.sika.com/sarnafil/en/products-systems/liquid-applied-products/roof-coatings/silicone-coatings/sikalastic-500.html.
Liquid-applied commercial waterproofing solutions
Citi-Con is also an expert in the application of liquid-applied commercial waterproofing solutions, a major breakthrough in our specialist field. This is considering that it can be applied quickly to cover every nook and cranny of a roof surface. Once it has cured it forms a completely monolithic, fully adhered system. We usually recommend this system for roofs with complex geometries where traditional sheet membranes may fail to provide adequate coverage. Refer to https://zaf.sika.com/en/construction/waterproofing-systems/liquid-applied-waterproofing.html.
Maintaining commercial waterproofing
Maintaining commercial waterproofing after installation will ensure that it continues to perform.
Minor issues such as leaks or seam gaps must be addressed as soon as possible. If left unattended, they can quickly become major concerns that are costly and disruptive to repair. This is not to mention the cost incurred due to water damage.
Maintenance is best left to an expert such as Citi-Con. However, property owners can try to keep roof surfaces clean and free from debris, dirt and other materials. These can degrade waterproofing materials. This is by trapping moisture and obstructing proper water flow on the roof. Ponding places increased pressure on the waterproofing system.
Even waterproofing that has been expertly applied will degrade over time. The frequency of reapplication will vary based on coating types and climatic conditions. Because Citi-Con is an approved waterproofing system applicator, we guarantee our workmanship to the maximum available term.