My name is Cole. Something I always recommend is to check the date on stored foods. Also, I like injection waterproofing. Oh, and elevators are cool.
Whether you’re building a brand new slab on grade project or you’ve recently started managing an older property, it’s crucial that you check on your elevator pits and what is being done to keep them dry.
Waterproofing elevator pits is essential in maintaining their usability, as water in the pit can cause the parts to go bad or rust. In some states, inspectors won’t allow for any moisture to be present in the elevator pit.
Today we’re helping you keep your elevator pit dry with these 5 tips. If you need a professional commercial waterproofing company to help keep your elevator pit dry, reach out to us! Let’s get started!
Annual Inspections
To start, it only makes sense to ensure that you understand the importance of regularly inspecting your elevator pit. All states will require that your elevator is inspected, but some states allow for several years in between these inspections. The more time that is left between inspections, the better chance that you could have a water issue creep up on you.
Instead of waiting for mandatory inspections, next time it rains for a day or two, visit your elevator pits to make sure there isn’t any water present. It will be easiest to get rid of water in the pits if they never incur serious leaks or damage from neglect.
Apply a Membrane
If your elevator pit is leaking, there are several ways to solve the issue. Keep in mind, it’s always best to have a professional waterproofing company come out and do the waterproofing, as it’s not a DIY-friendly task. If you’re in need of a professional company, contact Spec 7 Group today.
Applying a membrane of some kind to the exterior surface of the elevator pit foundation is a great way to waterproof. Most of a membrane will be applied when a building is built, but in some cases, such as with an older building, it might be necessary to add a membrane in order to ensure that no more water infiltrates the foundation. This takes us to below grade waterproofing.
Below Grade Foundation Waterproofing
Elevator pit waterproofing is essential in almost all construction projects. In some cases where buildings are built in a slab on grade style, there might not be very much thought put into elevator pit waterproofing importance of waterproofing. But if that’s the case, even in slab on grade building projects, an elevator pit goes below grade. Being conscious of your need for below grade waterproofing, even before you have water issues, will help you to ensure that water stays out.
Bentonite based membranes are the ideal solution to any below grade waterproofing done on your foundation. These waterproofing systems work perfectly to mitigate water—and while there is a cost associated with installing these membranes—the benefits of keeping your building dry far outweigh the cost.
Bentonite Membranes
Bentonite membranes are commonly used in man-made ponds, tunnels, roof gardens, landfills, and around foundations of buildings to prevent any type of water from permeating whatever might be on the other side. These membranes are highly effective and are said to be almost impermeable. They’re made of natural materials so as not to pose any negative environmental effects.
Bentonite membranes are also extremely cost-effective. When placed around the poured concrete on an exterior wall of an elevator pit and properly compacted, they can create an impermeable barrier for years to come. Installing them after the foundation has been backfilled will require you to excavate the foundation in order to place the membrane around the poured concrete.
Drain Tile Systems
The last thing on our list is a drain tile system. These systems can be installed along the exterior or interior of an elevator shaft. They work wonders for managing water intrusion into elevator pits. The steps to install them include cutting back the concrete around the pit, digging out and draining any water that’s present along the concrete foundation, adding a membrane against the interior of the foundation wall creates a watertight barrier. Finally, a perforated drain tile surrounded by pea rock and wrapped in geo fabric are added to create an easy flowing water filter. All this leads to a sump pump which then discharges the water either to the exterior of the building or the storm sewer.
Drain tile systems aren’t always ideal because of the work that goes into installing them and because they don’t completely seal the concrete foundation. Nevertheless, in a worst case scenario they are a great elevator pit water mitigation solution.
A Professional Waterproofing Company
If you’ve discovered water in your elevator pit, then it’s time to seek out the help of a professional waterproofing company like Spec 7 Group. We provide elevator pit waterproofing as one of our primary services for commercial businesses. If you’d like more elevator pit waterproofing details, contact us today! We’re professional and increase in all forms of waterproofing. Interior concrete injection to exterior concrete foundation wall membranes, we’ve got you covered.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you keep your building dry!
