Water is an incredible force with the power to erode coastlines, swallow ships whole, and flood buildings. The destruction water inflicts on buildings is two-fold — both cosmetic and structural. The appearance of water stains within a building is a sign that serious, possibly even irreversible, damage has occurred. Waterproofing is subsequently essential to the preservation of building structures.

It’s time to take a deeper look at the importance of waterproofing before commissioning your new building project.

Why Waterproofing Is Necessary

Concrete is a highly-porous material subject to water damage and deterioration without waterproofing. Water rusts the chloride ions found within reinforced concrete structures, which causes the ions to expand and the concrete to spall, or crumble.

The liquid enters buildings via other access points, such as roof deck insulation that traps moisture. Without waterproofing, roof insulation is subject to decay because it rusts the steel supporting a roof’s carrying beams and relieving angles. Waterproofing also prevents structural building damage that can result in plasterboard swelling, ceramic tile debonding, paint blistering, power source short-circuiting, and damage to beams, floors, skirting, studs, and frames.

Additionally, the decision to waterproof a building keeps mold growth from becoming severe. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, moisture-rich conditions. It can cause an array of allergic reactions and other health problems, particularly if exposure is long-term. Mold also affects a building’s structural integrity if left unchecked because the fungus consumes cellulose materials such as wood, drywall, and plywood.

The waterproofing experts at Central Pacific Specialty Contractors provide an array of services that keep water from entering your building, including urethane and epoxy coatings, concrete spall repair, and concrete crack injections. The concrete contractors proudly serve the island of Oahu. Call Central Pacific Specialty Contractors at (808) 262-2527 to discuss waterproofing options, or visit the website to learn more about services. You can also review the contractors on Yelp.