Strategic Sealant Replacement: Knowing the Right Time to Replace Building Sealants
What is the key to building longevity? For the Romans, with structures still standing 2,000 years...
Waterproofing is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity and longevity of your property. Whether you’re dealing with a basement, foundation, windows, or any other part of your commercial building, a professional waterproofing contractor can help protect your investment from water damage, mold, and structural issues.
As reported by Facility Executive, “Building envelope leaks typically occur at transitions between enclosure systems. All the products on the market—glass/window systems, weather-resistive barriers, and architectural panels, among others—are tested to see how long they will be effective. The systems that are installed on a building are expected to perform for the duration of the warranty. Moisture issues typically occur when one system transitions into another. These can lead to gaps in the protection of the building. Unfortunately, during construction, the responsibility for making sure these transitions are held to the same level of expectation can be a void in the matrix.”
However, finding the right contractor for the job requires careful consideration. Keep reading for the top ten essential factors to keep in mind when hiring a waterproofing contractor.
Experience is the key to success for each waterproofing project. The more extensive the understanding and capability of commercial waterproofing contractors, the smaller the margin for error and delay.
Experience reduces costs and streamlines work with a proven approach to comprehensive waterproofing services that consider the whole needs of the building and the budget. Executing each assignment accurately will avoid any delays that could lead to interruptions for businesses and clients. Remember, time is money.
Experienced commercial waterproofing contractors help the facilities management team stay proactive and achieve core goals, including the following:
Look for contractors that have successfully completed similar projects in the past. Review their portfolio, ask for references, and inquire about the types of projects they have worked on. To minimize risk, ask candidates to provide references from projects that span across at least the past 5 years.
Always prioritize contractors who are properly licensed and insured. A valid license indicates that the contractor meets industry standards and has the necessary skills to perform waterproofing work. Verify your candidates’ warranties, insurance, and bonds. Unpleasant surprises don’t happen often, but when they do, you need to be prepared. Not all insurance policies cover all types of waterproofing and restoration work.
Different waterproofing contractors may specialize in specific areas. Choose a contractor whose expertise aligns with your project requirements. Specialized contractors are more likely to understand the unique challenges associated with the area you need waterproofed.
Ask probing questions. For example, if water is leaking into one of your tenant’s suites, can the contractor quickly mobilize and correct the problem without causing a major disruption to building operations? What does that process look like?
Online reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into a contractor’s reputation and the quality of their work. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to gauge customer satisfaction and identify any recurring issues.
A reputable waterproofing contractor should offer a warranty or guarantee on their work. This demonstrates their confidence in the quality of their services and gives you peace of mind knowing that they stand behind their workmanship.
Before providing a quote, a trustworthy contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of the area in need of waterproofing. Be cautious of contractors who offer estimates without first evaluating the project in person. A proper assessment allows the contractor to identify potential issues and tailor their approach to your specific needs.
For example, commercial waterproofing contractors will regularly perform water tests to help identify the various entry points of water that are causing the building issues. Not all solutions are the same so careful investigation, scope design, and planning are critical to assure the specific scope of work solves your issue.
Effective communication is essential throughout the entire project. A reliable contractor will keep you informed about the progress, challenges, and any necessary changes to the plan. They should be open to answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly.
Inquire about the materials and techniques the contractor plans to use for your waterproofing project. They should be knowledgeable about the latest industry advancements and be able to explain why certain materials and methods are suitable for your situation. Request from the contractor documentation from the material manufactures that supports the use of the proposed materials for your project. This will help you avoid warranty issues that may arise if the wrong material is specified or used.
While cost is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor. Be wary of significantly low quotes, as they may indicate subpar materials or rushed work. Obtain quotes from multiple contractors and request a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.
Discuss the expected timeline for the project and ensure it aligns with your needs. A clear project schedule helps manage expectations and prevents unnecessary delays.
In conclusion, hiring a waterproofing contractor requires careful research and consideration. By evaluating their experience, credentials, reputation, and communication skills, you can make an informed decision to help your property remain protected from water damage for years to come.
Remember, the right contractor will prioritize the longevity and integrity of your property above all else. Working with an expert helps to maximize the value and maintain the integrity of the building envelope, lowering costs and risks along the way and ensuring all the right materials are used.
With decades of experience, Valcourt is highly specialized in keeping water out and revitalizing your buildings and parking garages. We’re here to help with any waterproofing need you have—large or small. We provide inspection, repairs, facade and structural restoration, and waterproofing services for your buildings, parking garages, and below-grade areas.
Contact us today online, by phone (1-800-222-9533) or email us at info@valcourt.net.
