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Sealant Removal and Replacement

May 20, 2025
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Sealants have many roles in commercial waterproofing. They are used to seal joints, gaps, concrete, windows, walls, and doors. Sealants protect against water infiltration, air loss, and corrosion. They are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your building. Sealant removal and replacement are essential in maintaining a watertight building and preventing costly damage.

Why Sealants Need to be Replaced

UV Degradation – While many sealants protect against UV damage, the constant exposure can break down the sealants.

Building Movement – As a building moves and settles, the sealant is stretched and compressed. If stretched beyond its limits, it can lose elasticity.

Age of the Sealant – The lifespan depends on the type of sealant and the location, but sealants can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years.

Signs that it’s Time for a Sealant Removal and Replacement

To ensure your waterproofing systems are up-to-date and watertight, we recommend having your building checked at least once a year. While a professional will perform the sealant removal and replacement, there are some signs to look out for.

Cracking or Splitting
Gaps Between the Sealant and the Building Material
Water Intrusion or Leaks
Stains on Walls, Ceilings, or Floors
Cracked or Chipped Concrete

Sealant Removal and Replacement Process

Identify Failing Sealants and Plan: The first step is to identify the failing sealant and determine what sealant will replace it. Our team will look at what material it is being applied to, what elements the area is exposed to, and the desired color or look, and recommend the best sealant or coating for the job.
Sealant Removal: There are a few ways to remove old sealant. The technique will depend on where the sealant is located, but it is often removed with utility knives, scrapers, or grinders. For outdoor applications where it is applicable, waterblasting may be used to remove the sealant.
Clean the Surface: To ensure optimum adhesion, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned, and a primer is often applied.
Apply the New Sealant: Common commercial sealants include silicone, polyurethane, and acrylic.

While sealants are great at protecting commercial buildings from water infiltration, sealant removal and replacement are inevitable. Even the most durable sealant will degrade with age. Having your waterproofing systems checked and updated will ensure your building is watertight.

Contact us today through our website here or call 713-699-4777 to talk to one of our waterproofing experts about your building’s waterproofing needs.

Check out our blog here to learn more about the services we offer.

Commercial Brick Waterproofing Services

May 7, 2025
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Brick is a durable building material, but it can deteriorate over time without waterproofing protection. Rain, humidity, and ice can cause damage to the brick. Commercial brick waterproofing services can protect the brick and preserve your building.

Why You Should Waterproof Commercial Brick

Without proper waterproofing measures in place, water can seep into the brick and mortar joints. This can cause the brick to crack and break. It can also cause spalling, where the surface of the brick flakes off, and efflorescence, when water intrusion leaves behind white salt deposits. Water infiltration can weaken the brick, leading to costly repairs and diminishing the appearance of your building.

Commercial Brick Waterproofing Services & Process

Cleaning: In order for the sealant or coating to properly adhere to the brick, the surface must be clean and debris-free. Our team will clean the brick and remove any dirt or old sealants.

Masonry Repair: If there are any cracks, gaps, or damaged mortar, it will be repaired before the sealant or coating is applied.

Applying Sealant or Coating: Depending on the type of sealant or coating and the location of the brick, it will be applied with sprayers, rollers, or brushes. We use many different types of sealers, from breathable, UV-resistant sealants and coatings for brick applications to siliconized products that create an impermeable exterior.

Curing: Sealants and coatings require time to dry and cure. Curing time will depend on the product used, anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. The brick and area will need to be blocked off during this time.

Sealants & Coatings for Waterproofing Brick

There are tons of different sealants, coatings, and application techniques for waterproofing brick. What is used on your brick will depend on the specifics of your building, but these are the ones that are most commonly used.

Siloxane Sealants: These sealants penetrate deep into the brick, chemically bonding in the brick’s pores. They are best used for exterior, vertical brick walls. Siloxane sealants maintain the natural appearance of brick and usually last 5 to 10 years.

Acrylic Coatings: These coatings enhance the color and appearance of brick by creating a glossy look. Acrylic coatings provide water resistance and are often used for indoor applications.

Elastomeric Coatings: These flexible coatings are great for applying over cracks to create a waterproof barrier. They are often used to seal aging and cracked brick and structures that need extra protection against rain.

Investing in commercial brick waterproofing services is a smart way to protect your property from the elements. By preventing water infiltration, you’re maintaining your building’s appearance and extending the life of the brick.

Contact us today through our website here or call 713-699-4777 to talk to one of our waterproofing experts about your building’s waterproofing needs.

Check out our blog here to learn more about the services we offer.

Why It’s Important to Waterproof Expansion Joints

April 24, 2025
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Expansion joints are essential for maintaining a commercial building’s structural integrity by allowing movement caused by temperature shifts and building settling. The joints are separations between the building sections, such as concrete slabs in a parking garage or between walls and floors. Without these joints, the concrete or walls could crack as the building expands and contracts. These joints are a critical area for waterproofing that often gets overlooked. To protect the commercial building from water intrusion and structural damage, it’s essential to waterproof expansion joints.

Benefits of Waterproofing Expansion Joints

Structural Integrity – Without waterproofing, water can seep into the joints and surrounding materials. This can lead to corrosion, warped and damaged materials, and overall weaken the building. If this leak isn’t repaired, it can lead to structural damage.

Reduce Repair Costs – When it comes to waterproofing, it’s important to be proactive. Waterproofing the joints will prevent damage from starting. This will greatly reduce repair and maintenance costs in the long term.

Extends the Life of the Building – The sealant used to waterproof expansion joints adds an extra layer of protection to the area. This seals out moisture and reduces wear and tear, extending the life of your building and keeping it looking better for longer.

Energy Efficiency – When you waterproof expansion joints, it not only protects against water intrusion but also air loss. If there are holes or gaps in the joints, the air from the interior of the building can leak out, causing your HVAC system to work hard to cool the building. This can cause a huge increase in energy costs. Waterproofing the joints prevents this and ensures your building stays energy efficient.

How We Waterproof Expansion Joints

Expansion joints are often waterproofed with polyurethane or elastomeric sealants. The sealant is applied to the area and then cured to create a seamless, flexible waterproof membrane. Expansion joints can also be waterproofed with pre-formed joint systems. These are often constructed from EPDM or rubber. The system is designed to expand and contract as the joint does. This method is often used in parking garages or other horizontal applications.

Expansion Joint Maintenance

Expansion joints should be checked by a professional for damage at least twice a year and after any major weather event, if external. If there is any cracking, joint separation, or bubbling in the sealant, repairs should be made. Expansion joint waterproofing systems usually last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.

Expansion joints are designed to allow for structural movement, but without proper waterproofing, they can become a point of water intrusion. This makes it critical to waterproof expansion joints with high-performing, quality sealants and systems.

Contact us today through our website here or call 713-699-4777 to talk to one of our waterproofing experts about your building’s waterproofing needs.

Check out our blog here to learn more about the services we offer.

Epoxy Flooring for Warehouses

April 11, 2025
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In warehouses, constant wear and tear from foot traffic, chemicals, and heavy machinery can take a toll on the floors. Epoxy flooring for warehouses protects against this damage and adds an extra layer of protection over the concrete. This flooring is a resin-based flooring system that is applied over concrete to create a seamless floor.

Epoxy flooring is a durable, long-lasting solution that extends the lifespan of your warehouse floors and prevents safety hazards.

Benefits of Epoxy Flooring for Warehouses

Durability

Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for industrial and commercial buildings because it is extremely durable and strong. It can withstand compressive pressures of more than 10,000 psi. Extra-strength epoxy formulas can withstand 25,000+ psi. This makes it stronger than concrete. It is highly abrasion and impact-resistant, meaning it can last a long time without getting scratches, cracks, or scuffs. With proper maintenance, epoxy flooring can last decades.

Chemical Resistant

Because epoxy creates a non-porous, seamless surface, it doesn’t absorb liquids and chemicals like untreated concrete would. Any chemicals stay on the surface, making it easier to clean. Epoxy is resistant to oils, grease, acids, solvents, bases, alcohol, and fuel.

Customizable

Epoxy is available in many colors and finishes. Work areas and safety zones can be marked using the different colors of epoxy. You can choose high-gloss or matte epoxy, depending on your preference, and logos or other decorative features can be incorporated.

Increases Safety

Anti-slip additives can be added to the epoxy to create a textured surface to help prevent falls. This is especially important in any areas that may become wet or have heavy foot traffic.

Epoxy Flooring Installation Process

Surface Prep – Our team will start by cleaning and repairing the current concrete floor. This ensures maximum adhesion.

Primer – The primer is a bonding agent that helps the epoxy adhere to the concrete.

Epoxy Application – We will apply multiple layers of epoxy to achieve the proper thickness and allow it to cure.

Top Coat – This final layer seals the epoxy. This is when we apply the anti-slip layer or any custom markings.

To learn more about epoxy flooring for warehouses, contact us through our website here or give us a call at 713-691-1430.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!

What Building Materials Can Be Waterproofed?

March 26, 2025
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Water intrusion can be costly and cause extensive damage to your building. Failing to properly waterproof your building can lead to structural damage, odors, warped materials, and other issues. So, what building materials can actually be waterproofed? The answer: All of them! The waterproofing process for your building’s materials depends on the type of material and requires different techniques and supplies.

Concrete

Over time, water can seep into the pores in concrete. This can cause the concrete to crack and weaken. Water intrusion can also cause spalling, in which the surface of the concrete breaks and peels off, or efflorescence, which is a white salt deposit that leaves behind a chalky residue. Concrete can be waterproofed by applying a sealant or coating to the surface. For outdoor concrete that is used in a driveway or parking garage, penetrating sealants such as silane or siloxane are usually recommended. For concrete on the interior of your building, an acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy sealant is usually used. Elastomeric coatings are often used for basements and foundations.

Steel & Metal

Without proper waterproofing, the metal and steel components in your building can rust and corrode, causing serious structural damage. Steel is often galvanized with a zinc coating to prevent rust. Silicone and polyurethane sealants can be used on metal joints and fasteners to prevent corrosion.

Brick

Brick and other masonry are building materials that can be porous and susceptible to water damage. Water can be absorbed into the brick, leading to freeze-thaw damage. Silane sealants are often used to create a water-repelling layer on brick walls. Siloxane sealants are often used for outdoor applications and penetrate the brick or masonry to create a long-term waterproof barrier.

No matter what you need waterproofed at your commercial property, our team of experts will ensure that your building materials are fully protected. Contact us through our website here or give us a call at 713-691-1430.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!

How to Spot Early Signs of Water Damage

March 6, 2025
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It’s important to catch leaks and water damage early to prevent costly repairs. Water damage can affect commercial buildings in many ways. It can cause safety issues and compromise the structural integrity of the building. Identifying early signs of water damage, repairing the issue, and having a professional waterproofing company seal the area will protect your building and ensure long-term prevention.

Unexplained Stains

Water that is allowed to sit on your building’s materials will cause visible signs. This includes stains on the walls, ceilings, and floors. On brick or concrete, look for efflorescence, a white, powdery residue caused by water intrusion.

Warped Materials

Walls, floors, and ceilings can all warp because of water damage. As the water sits on the building’s materials, it can cause them to expand and buckle. This can be seen on hardwood and laminate floors, drywall, ceiling tiles, and around window frames.

Musty Odors

When building materials absorb water and remain damp for extended periods, they can develop musty odors. This is usually accompanied by unexplained humidity or dampness. These odors can be a sign of water infiltration and lead to air quality issues.

Peeling Paint

One of the early signs of water damage is peeling paint. As water and moisture become trapped between the wall material and paint, it breaks down the paint, leading to bubbling and peeling.

Missing or Damaged Sealant or Coatings

It’s important to occasionally check your waterproofing systems. Many sealants and coatings are made to last for years, but eventually, they will need maintenance and replacement. Missing or damaged sealant can be a warning sign of water intrusion. Check around windows, doors, expansion joints, and other vulnerable areas to ensure the waterproofing membrane is intact.

The key to maintaining a waterproofed commercial building is detecting the early signs of water damage and putting the proper preventative measures in place. Recognizing the warning signs of water damage early can help you take action before costly repairs are needed. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your building’s waterproofing needs here or give us a call at 713-691-1430.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!

How Waterproofing Saves Money on Energy Costs

February 20, 2025
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Waterproofing is more than just protecting your building from water intrusion. A huge benefit of waterproofing your building is that it saves money on energy costs. Leaks, cracks, and gaps lead to air leaks and insulation damage, forcing your HVAC system to work harder, and increasing energy bills. Sealants and coatings protect against rising temperatures in more ways than one.

Prevent Air Loss

Up to 30% of the energy loss in commercial buildings is due to air leakage. Air leakage can happen around doors, windows, expansion joints, cracks, and anywhere else in the building that has a leak. Sealants and coatings can be used around these areas to prevent air loss and keep the HVAC system from overworking.

Protect Insulation

Insulation is used in the walls, between floors, in the roof, around the foundation, and in other areas of a commercial building. The job of insulation is to regulate the building’s temperature and reduce heat gain or loss, depending on the season. If insulation becomes wet, it loses a significant amount of its R-value. This is insulating capacity and ability to regulate temperature. By preventing leaks and water intrusion, you are preventing insulation damage and maintaining its effectiveness.

Combat Against Temperature Extremes

One thing that can overwork your HVAC system and cause your energy bills to jump up is extreme indoor temperature fluctuations. By creating waterproof barriers throughout your building, you’re creating stable indoor temperatures and reducing the strain on your heating and cooling systems.

Reduce Heat Absorption

UV-reflective coatings can be applied to your building’s exterior walls and help to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building. By reducing the amount of heat the building absorbs, the coatings keep the building cooler which leads to long-term cost savings.

Waterproofing does more than just protect your building from water damage. Your building’s energy efficiency and how well it is waterproofed are directly related. By sealing air leaks and creating waterproof membranes around key points in your building, you can lower energy costs. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your building’s energy efficiency here or give us a call at 713-691-1430.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!

Sealants and Coatings for Concrete Slabs

February 13, 2025
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Concrete slabs are commonly used in parking garages, commercial flooring, walkways, foundations, and basements. Without sealant, the concrete slabs that make up your commercial building are vulnerable to water damage, such as cracking, erosion, spalling, deterioration, and efflorescence. Adding a sealant to the surface of the concrete slab will go a long way in ensuring durability and longevity. Sealants for concrete slabs are crucial in protecting your building and investment.

Types of Sealants for Concrete Slabs

Acrylic Sealant – This type of sealant is often used on decorative concrete flooring, such as lobbies. It offers the protection of wear and tear in high-traffic spaces while enhancing the appearance of the flooring.

Epoxy Sealant – Epoxy sealants create a chemical and impact-resistant barrier to protect the concrete. Because it is strong enough to withstand heavy machinery and foot traffic, it is often used in garages, industrial buildings, and warehouses. It also creates a sterile environment, so it is also often used in the food and healthcare industries.

Polyurethane Sealant – Because polyurethane sealants are flexible yet durable, they are often applied to expansion joints, foundations, structural concrete, and anywhere else in the building that might experience structural shifts. This sealant is highly crack-resistant and provides long-lasting waterproofing benefits.

Silicone Sealant – Silicone sealants are great for outdoor applications. These sealants are UV-resistant, flexible, and can endure extreme temperatures. These are commonly applied on balconies, facades, and parking garages.

Benefits of Using Sealants for Concrete Slabs

The goal of using sealants is to protect the concrete and extend the life of the concrete slab. This helps you reduce your maintenance costs by adding a layer of protection against water infiltration and minimizing damage and repairs. Because sealant protects the concrete and reduces erosion, it also decreases the chances of injury due to uneven surfaces or unsafe building conditions.

When it comes to sealants for concrete slabs, there are many options to choose from. Our team of waterproofing experts can help you choose the right option for your building and ensure that your concrete is protected from water intrusion. If you think your concrete slabs need sealant applied or replaced, contact us today to learn how we can ensure long-lasting results.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!

How to Prevent Water Intrusion in Your Commercial Building

January 31, 2025
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Using preventive waterproofing measures before there is a leak will save you time and money. Damage caused by water intrusion can be costly and compromise your building’s structural integrity. Even small leaks can cause significant damage. The best way to prevent this damage is to be proactive and ensure your waterproofing systems are up-to-date and properly installed.

Water Damage in Commercial Buildings

Water intrusion can cause your building’s materials to break down and weaken, deteriorating your building over time. This can include metal elements starting to corrode, concrete cracking and chipping, paint peeling from walls, or, in extreme cases, the building’s structure failing. Water can also lead to water damage such as stains on walls, ceilings, and floors.

Common Causes of Water Intrusion

Cracks That Developed Over Time
Old or Damaged Waterproofing Membranes
Improperly Installed Waterproofing Systems

Steps to Prevent Water Intrusion

Seal Windows and Doors – Gaps in windows and doors can allow water to seep into the interior of your building. This can stain and damage the walls and floors around the window or door. These areas should be checked regularly for worn weatherstripping or caulking. Our team can apply a sealant to the perimeter to ensure that your windows and doors are watertight.

Replace Sealant When Needed – Depending on the type of sealant used, it can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Although many commercial waterproofing sealants are extremely durable, they will degrade over time. Replacing waterproofing sealants when needed is an important step to ensuring your building is protected from water intrusion.

Seal Cracks in Concrete – Cracks are common in foundation and high-traffic areas. Cracks in concrete often act as entry points for water intrusion. These cracks can be filled with epoxy or polyurethane sealant or chemical grout injections for more extreme cracks.

Use Coatings and Sealants on Exterior Walls – Waterproof coatings and sealants can be applied to exterior walls as a first line of defense. These coatings and sealants can be customized to meet your specific needs and are available in various colors to complement your building’s design.

Our team can help with any of the above and more. We understand the importance of protecting your building from water intrusion and will help you take the right preventative measures.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!

Why Waterproofing is Important for All Commercial Buildings

December 20, 2024
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Waterproofing your commercial building creates a barrier to stop water from infiltrating the building. Water intrusion can corrode the steel in concrete, warp walls and flooring, cause cracks in the foundation, stain the building’s interior, and more. Adding preventative measures to your building is the best way to address the issues before they begin and protect your investment.

Problems Caused by Outdated or Poor Waterproofing Systems & Prevention Tips

Structural Issues: Over time, water exposure can cause the steel framework to rust and corrode, causing structural damage and potentially dangerous conditions. Water intrusion can also weaken and crack foundations and concrete in the basement.

How to Prevent: Applying sealants and coatings to the exterior walls and building joints will create a waterproof membrane. To protect the foundation, a sealant can be applied to the concrete slab to prevent water seepage.

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Health Concerns: When water sits on building materials for an extended period of time, it can impact the air quality and cause musty odors. This can lead to respiratory issues and allergies for the building’s occupants.

How to Prevent: Creating a waterproof membrane using sealants where needed will help prevent these issues. It is also important to make any necessary repairs at the first sign of a leak such as pooling water on the floor or watermarks and stains on walls and ceilings.

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Weakening Building Materials: Waterproofing is important because it will reduce how many repairs you have to make. Water intrusion can weaken and corrode most building materials. Without proper waterproofing, your building is vulnerable to this damage.

How to Prevent: Have your waterproofing systems checked regularly and update as needed. Our team can address any issues such as cracks, leaks, and worn sealants.

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Rising Energy Costs: Along with damaging your building’s materials and causing structural issues, leaks can lead to air leakage which results in your HVAC system working harder to cool the building. This increased strain on the system will result in rising utility bills.

How to Prevent: While this air leakage can happen anywhere in your building, it is common around windows, doors, and building joints. Checking and repairing weather stripping and sealants in these areas will help reduce air leakage.

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More Spent on Repairs Long-Term: All of the issues above will lead to costly repairs over time. Minor leaks can turn into extensive damage that can require you to replace walls, concrete, flooring, and other materials.

How to Prevent: Waterproofing is important because it will save you money and protect your building. Investing in waterproofing solutions will prevent water intrusion before it causes damage.

To learn more about waterproofing solutions and how our team can help protect your building, contact us today here, or give us a call at 713-691-1430.

Check out our blog to learn more about our waterproofing services!