My name is Glen, I am 5'2" and my birth sign is Aquarius. I am a professional waterproofer by trade. However, my real passion is light bulbs. I have 26,982 different light bulbs in my collection. Fun fact, they all work!
An elevator pit is a critical component of an elevator system, and it is important to keep it dry to ensure the safety and longevity of the elevator. Elevator pits are prone to water damage, and if left unaddressed, can lead to costly repairs and maintenance issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of keeping an elevator pit dry and the best methods for waterproofing.
Why Keep an Elevator Pit Dry
Water damage in an elevator pit can cause a variety of problems, including rust and corrosion of the metal components, electrical malfunctions, and even structural failure. These issues can be costly to repair and can also cause the elevator to shut down, leading to costly downtime and inconvenience for building occupants.
Interesting Fact:
Elevator pit waterproofing is often overlooked because contractors think, “this is in the middle of my building, it will never see water”. What they need to keep in mind the elevator pit is often the lowest part in a building. When the water table fluctuates it leaves the elevator pit the first area to be prone to leaks.
To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the elevator pit dry. This can be achieved through proper waterproofing, which will prevent water from entering the pit and causing damage.
3 Methods for Waterproofing an Elevator Pit
Ranked worst to best.
Drainage Systems: (Beware!)
Installing a drainage system in the elevator pit can help to remove any water that does enter the pit, preventing it from causing damage. This option is least ideal because it is a costly installation and is a maintenance item the moment it is installed. Drainage systems also allow water to continue to pass through the concrete which further degrades the structure. The only drainage you are required to have is a floor drain inside the elevator pit that leads to an external sump which is there to pump water from the elevator pit in the event that water ends up flooding the elevator pit.
Injection Waterproofing:
This method involves injecting a waterproofing material into cracks and voids in the concrete, creating a watertight seal. This is a perfect reactive solution to water intrusion. Injection waterproofing methods allow you to seal the issue permanently at a fraction of the price compared to cutting concrete, excavating and installing a membrane on the positive side of the wall.
Membrane Waterproofing:
This method involves the installation of a waterproof membrane at the walls and below the floor of the elevator pit during the construction process. The membrane will prevent water from entering the pit and causing damage. Cost effective membranes we recommend using are Bentonite Composite Sheet Membranes. Multiple manufacturers make both standard rolls for the vertical walls and lagging grade rolls for the floor slab which is waterproofed before the floor is poured. This is the most proactive solution to keeping an elevator pit dry for the long-haul.
Choosing the right waterproofing method will depend on the specific needs of the elevator pit and the building, as well as the budget and timeline for the project.
Keeping an elevator pit dry is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of the elevator. By waterproofing the pit, you can prevent water damage and reduce the risk of costly repairs and downtime. Whether your situation calls for membrane waterproofing, drainage systems, or injection waterproofing, be sure to work with a reputable contractor (Spec 7 Group) to ensure the best results.
