Commercial Waterproofing Tips from Projex Group

For owners of commercial building who lease out to other businesses, you have a responsibility to ensure that it is correctly waterproofed. This article provides some tips on why you need waterproofing and what your best options are.

Why you need waterproofing
There are several important reasons why your commercial premises must be waterproof.

• Prevent loss of rent - The last thing you want as a building owner is to have your property uninhabitable due to water leakage, so it's essential that you have the property waterproofed properly from the start.
• Safety reasons - Water and electricity don't mix, so if you have wiring that is exposed to leaks due to insufficient waterproofing there is a very real danger of fire or electrocution. And as the building's owner, you would be liable for any damages or injuries incurred by your tenants.
• Structural reasons - Water rots timbers, rusts metal and causes a form of degradation known as concrete cancer. A building that is structurally unsound due to the long term effects of water damage can be a major disaster waiting to happen.
• Health reasons - Mould and mildew caused by water penetration can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems in a building's occupants, and can lead to long-term illness. Bacteria can also thrive in damp areas, and can lead to a building being labelled a 'sick' building that then becomes difficult to lease.
• Hygiene reasons - Termites, cockroaches, rats, mice and other pests are attracted to damp areas in a building, which not only poses a health risk for the occupants but also an ongoing cost for the owner, who must bring in exterminators on a regular basis.