Basement Waterproofing for Commercial Spaces [The #1 Thing Every Business Owner Needs]

Is your basement a ticking time bomb for water damage? 

You may be managing a high-traffic commercial space like a shopping mall, hotel, office building, or warehouse. But never ignore basement waterproofing. Water damage in basements causes costly repairs, safety hazards, and a loss of your property value. 

Do not let leaks ruin your investment or reputation. Successful businesses keep their spaces safe, clean, and dry. 

Keep reading to protect your building and save big in the long run.

3 Commercial Basement Water Issues You Must Be Facing

These are the most common problems you probably deal with in your commercial basements:

Moist Black Patches & Mould

A wet, smelly basement can harm the image of your building. For retail or commercial businesses that rely on client visits, having a poorly maintained basement with visible water damage will affect your brand reputation. And not to mention the allergic reactions that mould can cause. 

Flooding Risks

In flood-prone areas, basements are the first to take on water. Then, you are looking at expensive damage to electrical systems, stored goods, and infrastructure.

Weak Foundation

A damp basement means a foundation that could corrode, crack and crumble slowly, causing safety and durability concerns.. 

On that note, have you waterproofed your commercial under-sink areas? Be it a kitchen, laundry room, or a restaurant, these high-moisture zones are prone to water damage. Get your under-sink areas protected with the right waterproofing solution by reading our guide: Why Waterproofing is Essential in Commercial Under-Sink Areas.

 

4 Basement Waterproofing Systems for Commercial Buildings

Check out the details of these 4 basement waterproofing options for your high-volume commercial building:

HDPE Membrane: Exterior Waterproofing Membranes

If you are constructing a new building, exterior membranes are a great basement waterproofing method. These are installed on the outside of your foundations and prior to casting the concrete raft to keep water from getting anywhere near your basement floor in the first place.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) membranes are a type of exterior waterproofing membrane that is highly popular in the case of deep basements where there is a high water table. They are made from high-density polyethylene plastic, which is flexible but really tough. 

These are the benefits of HDPE membranes:

• withstand extreme weather conditions
• resistant to punctures and tears
• resistant to chemicals and corrosive substances
• eco-friendly

Drainage Systems

If your building faces heavy flooding, drainage systems like these 3 can keep water from invading your basement:

• Sump pump: A system installed in a sump pit in the basement. When water fills the pit, the pump is activated to direct it away from the foundation.
• Subsurface drainage: It consists of perforated pipes buried under the soil around the foundation. It collects groundwater and redirects it away from the building basement.
• French drain: A trench filled with gravel, designed to redirect water away from a building’s foundation. 

Do you have factories where you are planning to use epoxy coatings? Then, you should know the 7 common mistakes to avoid when applying epoxy coatings. Head to it now so that you can avoid these mistakes. 

Cementitious Waterproofing

Cementitious coatings are great for minor leaks and cracks in existing commercial spaces. These coatings bond well to the concrete to form a barrier that prevents water penetration. They are usually applied on walls and floors and are highly effective for basement waterproofing in small-scale commercial buildings.

Here are the benefits of cementitious waterproofing: 

• affordable option
• resistant to high water pressure
• can be directly applied to concrete surfaces
• reduced installation time and cures quickly
• environmentally friendly solution

Polyurethane Injection Systems: Interior Sealants

If you are renovating your basement, interior sealants are the best. They are specialized coatings used to seal cracks and joints where water may seep in. And they do not require excavation, making them ideal for retrofitting older buildings without disrupting daily operations.

Polyurethane injections are your go-to interior sealant for more serious basement issues like foundation cracks. The polyurethane material expands inside the large cracks and completely stops water in its tracks.

Read the benefits of polyurethane injections:

• ideal for sealing localized cracks and joints
• highly flexible, so moves with the substrate
• easy application
• resistant to chemicals, oils, and other hazardous materials

Should You DIY or Go Professional for Basement Waterproofing?

You might think about tackling waterproofing yourself to save money, but trust us, going professional is always the smarter choice. DIY methods can be unreliable and often lead to costly repairs down the road. 

Sunanda Global is an expert waterproofing company where you get professional applicators who know the best techniques for your building’s unique needs. We have waterproofing contractors in Lucknow, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and other major Indian cities. 

Do not risk your property. Connect with us today for the best waterproofing solutions.