In South Florida, water is the most persistent and damaging of these elements, which makes waterproofing essential. For years, construction in South Florida has improved and changed to prevent catastrophes like Hurricane Andrew. But despite new technology and advancements in the field, no building is completely safe from the elements. On the contrary, all structures must constantly be able to withstand wind, rain, heat and other harmful natural elements, whether it’s during hurricane season or an average April shower.
Water is one of the primary causes of structural damage, particularly in warm climates like in South Florida. That’s because aside from rainfall, flooding, and other occasional showers, warm climates are also very humid. If you’ve stepped foot outside this summer, you know exactly what that feels like. For buildings and other structures, humidity can cause a lot of structural damage and affect a building’s long-term structural integrity. Humidity can seep into most interiors, creating damage within the walls and leading to a host of other problems like mold growth.
This is a process that makes your building impenetrable by water. The process involves certain key elements and routine maintenance in order to be most effective. Without waterproofing, you leave your building vulnerable to the threat of water intrusion in the home or office. These are the kinds of intrusions that occur year-round, not just during rainy season or because of a major storm.
If left unchecked, this moisture in the building can cause extensive damage which can be much more costly to repair. Over time, it can erode the building’s foundation, which will leave it building more vulnerable in the face of high winds and heavy rains. This is especially true if your building is primarily wooden, though water intrusion can also erode tougher materials, like concrete.
A properly waterproofed structure is better equipped to withstand seepage from rain, flooding, or humidity. It will reduce the risk of major damage when it comes to natural disasters, maybe even eliminating them. But more importantly, it will keep your building interior dry throughout the life of the structure. This ensures that no mold and mildew can grow inside. In humid climates, this problem can be very serious, as it is the cause of respiratory illness.
In order to protect your building from water damage, you should employ trusted experts to help waterproof your structure. A team of knowledgeable consultants can help identify any areas in your building that are at high risk and need waterproofing. They can help design and put in place drainage systems to ensure that water flows away from your property, instead of pooling in areas where it can penetrate. These evaluators can also help you with existing repairs, even at the structural level. You will be able to rest easy knowing that damaging water intrusion is no longer a risk in your building and its inhabitants.