Concrete floor waterproofing is a beneficial option for businesses. It can protect the floors from damage, lengthening the time before repairs or replacement is necessary. This process is technical, but not prohibitively expensive. With the right equipment and plenty of experience, a qualified professional can help your business protect its floors. As a business owner you may want to research the benefits of concrete floor waterproofing to get a better idea of the process. It is also a good idea to know the myths about this procedure and separate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Paint is a Perfectly Acceptable Waterproofing Material.
Some people believe that by painting a concrete floor with a black tar or latex-based paint that it will prevent water from penetrating. However, this is untrue. In fact, painted concrete that has a moisture problem can be worsened by the application of paint. The moisture in the concrete will cause any type of paint to bubble and peel from the surface of the floor. It cannot adhere to a moist surface and will only cause a bigger mess.
Myth #2: Waterproofing is Not a Guaranteed Solution.
This myth comes from a misunderstanding about what constitutes waterproofing. This process includes preparing the concrete floor and applying a waterproofing material in a coat over the surface. In most locations, an epoxy primer and several layers of urethane are sufficient. Repairing a cracked or damaged area where water is leaking in will not prevent water from simply entering from another location. To truly waterproof a room, this protective coating must be installed over the entire surface.
Myth #3: Concrete Companies Can Damage Your Facility.
A few unprofessional people have created the image that a contractor will do a shoddy job and disappear. This could not be further from the truth. It is important to work with a company that has experience and offers a guarantee on its work. The professionals that you hire will stand by the work that is done. They should be available to troubleshoot any unexpected problems that arise after your project, as well as help with necessary maintenance further down the road.
Myth #4: Waterproofing the Floor will Cause Leaks Elsewhere.
This myth seems to make sense because was does have to go somewhere. However, a thorough waterproofing plan can include methods for directing this water. On the exterior, gutters and downspouts can be used to direct water away from the building. Inside, a system can direct water to a drain and into pipes to carry it out of the building. Water will not be directed towards other rooms in your building.
Myth #5: One Solution Works for Any Concrete Floor.
Every building is unique, even those that follow a similar blueprint. Many factors affect the structural integrity of your facility, including weather, climate, usage, size, and many others. There are multiple types of waterproofing materials and the choice will depend on your facility and the specific cause of your moisture. A contractor can evaluate your floors to determine the best course of action.
When You Need to Hire a Professional
If you need a qualified professional installers to help with your building’s moisture problems, contact ICS Coatings. Simply enter your basic information in the Got a Project formand a contractor will contact you to talk about concrete floor waterproofing solutions. In some cases, you may need additional concrete work, such as crack repairs. ICS Coatings can handle your particular situation with a customized plan. Contractors are available for work throughout the New England area, including Albany, NY; Bangor, ME; Manchester, NH; and Worcester, MA. Ask about availability in dozens of other cities.