Maintenance is key to keeping your HOA looking beautiful. Waterproofing your buildings is of vital importance, not just for looks, but for longevity. Keeping wood rot at bay should be at the forefront of your mind as a building manager.
Waterproofing the exterior, and in some cases the interior, of your structures should be done routinely.
The Importance of Waterproofing
Waterproofing is especially crucial in areas that have a high probability of moisture, as the dampness can invade a structure and create a myriad of hazards and issues for the owner.
You may be confused as to the difference between a waterproof barrier and a water resistant barrier, so let’s review the uses of both.
According to Corrosionpedia is used “to protect building structures from the basement to the roof. This waterproof barrier protects the various parts of the structure from corrosion and degradation caused by moisture that can penetrate even the smallest holes and cracks.”
As for water resistant barriers, they are not as strong as waterproof barriers. In fact, this is the lowest form or moisture repellent. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the meaning of ‘water-resistant’ is ” to able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely.”
This is why complete waterproofing is recommended to all HOAs.
Benefits of Waterproofing
There are many benefits to taking the time and money to waterproof your structure. Here are just a few:
By creating this water-tight barrier, you can prevent:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Staining
- Rust
- Odors
- Breakdown of paints or coatings
- Damaged insulation
- Structural damage
- A rich environment for pest invasion
As you can see, there are many reasons for waterproofing that are beneficial to your home or building that you might not have known or thought about before.
Waterproofing Interiors
Not only should you consider waterproofing the exterior of your structure, but in some cases you should consider waterproofing the interior as well.
When starting new construction or building new condos, homes, etc, consider having a moisture barrier applied to concrete floors. Doing this can prevent seepage or other future problems.
If you have basements, it’s a good idea to apply a moisture barrie on the inside as well, as moisture from within the ground can seep into the walls and create mold.
Types of Waterproofing
Many different types of waterproofing exist. They include:
Elastomeric Coatings – This can be used on both the exterior and interior portions of walls.
Caulking – Should be added around all openings within or on the structure, such as windows, areas where there are any gaps within the walls, and around all vents and areas of exposure on the roof.
Waterproof Membrane – This should be added at the time that the roof is being applied, as it enhances an additional layer of protection between the roofing material and your structure.
Just remember that before you start waterproofing your structure to make sure that all the surfaces are clean and free from debris. Doing so will ensure the best possible adherence of the waterproofing substance.
Waterproofing is an importance step in building maintenance. Taking the time to waterproof will save you money in the long run. As a building manager, it’s your responsibility to keep your structures in the best possible shape. Contact a qualified painting contractor to help you achieve the best preventive maintenance possible.