Reasons Elevator Waterproofing Should Be Completed By A Pro New Brunswick, NJ
Elevator pits are just like small basements. This is because these pits are almost always below ground level. Even when a building has a basement, the elevator pit will still be the lowest part of the building. Elevator waterproofing is therefore important for the health and safety of the building as well as ensuring the elevator operates at its maximum ability.
Like basements, elevator pits are vulnerable to water seepage. Water from the surrounding soil can seep into the elevator pit and cause problems. Waterproofing the elevator pit helps to prevent this.
However, it isn’t enough to waterproof the elevator pit and forget about it. Regular maintenance is required to ensure that the elevator pit remains in good condition. Without maintenance, the elevator pit‘s waterproofing may fail. The following are some of the most common reasons for elevator waterproofing failure.
- Errors During The Waterproofing Process
Some people try to save money on waterproofing their elevators by doing it themselves or hiring the cheapest contractor. This often results in errors during the waterproofing process. The waterproofing may not be installed properly or poor-quality materials may be used. This may result in the failure of the system after a short while.
- Cracks in the elevator pit wall
Like basements, elevator pit walls can develop cracks. These cracks may be the result of a wide range of factors including hydrostatic pressure acting against the walls of the elevator pit or movement of the building’s foundation. Wall cracks can act as channels through which water can seep into the elevator pit and cause moisture problems.
- Deterioration of construction elements
This may occur as a result of various factors including the use of poor-quality material during construction, failing to apply the right construction techniques or cutting corners in other ways during construction. When the structure of the elevator pit fails, the waterproofing elements will fail along with it, resulting in water seepage.
- A change in the water table
Water may seep into the elevator pit as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure against the elevator pit walls. This occurs when the water table rises. This often occurs due to flooding, heavy rainfall or melting snow.
It is important to have your elevator pit inspected every once in a while. Make it part of your annual building maintenance schedule. This will ensure that problems that could cause elevator waterproofing failure will be identified early and solutions implemented to prevent further damage. You will save money by preventing major damage and elevator failure.
Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770