We don’t have to tell you how important elevators are especially for commercial buildings. Although many people don’t think much about them, they are a vital part of the functioning of a building. Everyone notices when the elevator is not working and they have to trudge up many flights of stairs to get to their destination floor.
If you’re in the process of constructing a commercial building, now would be a great time to start thinking about elevator waterproofing. Too many people leave this until the last minute; when water has seeped into the elevator pit and is causing problems in elevator operation.
Elevator waterproofing is something that ought to be done during the construction phase in order to ensure the lifespan of the elevator and its components. A lot of planning is required to ensure that the elevator pit is not only structurally sound but also waterproof. This is because the elevator pit is essentially below grade.
Considering the options
The elevator pit lies underground. It should therefore be given similar consideration as in the construction of a basement. This is because it will suffer the same water problems that a basement suffers including hydro-static pressure and seepage. The difference is that if water should make it into the pit, the mechanical and electrical systems of the elevator will most likely be damaged, spelling doom for your elevator system.
There are various methods that can be used to achieve elevator waterproofing. One of the most common involves the application of waterproofing membrane around the pit. This is an effective method for waterproofing the pit however, it can fail if not applied correctly. Many project managers make the mistake of not hiring professional waterproofing contractors to carry out the job. After all, they reason that the elevator pit is only a small part of the construction.
Applying a waterproof membrane is a tedious job. It requires precision to ensure that it is installed correctly. In addition to this, care must be taken to ensure that the membrane isn’t damaged during the pouring of concrete. This will result in leaking in the future.
Another popular method of achieving a waterproof elevator pit is by applying a liquid waterproofing product. This is especially beneficial as construction of elevator pits often results in spaces in the joints. A liquid system will ensure that these spaces are filled and the joints protected.
Consider planning to include elevator pits in the overall design of your construction project in order to achieve the best results. Ensure that you work with a professional waterproofing contractor for the best long term results.