General contractors’ profitability is tied to their reputations. That’s why when you are in the middle of a build, you want subcontractors on the job who can help them solve difficult issues — before they become full-blown problems.
Take foundation issues on building sites, specifically those that can lead to waterproofing issues. The foundation of a building is the most critical element to a successful build.
The last thing you need as a general contractor is for a new owner to take possession of their home or office and find:
- Mold or mildew
- Musty odors
- Peeling paint
- Electrical dangers due to contact with moisture
- Warping of flooring or paneling
- Structural damage
- Concrete breakdown
These and other issues can make it seem like there was poor workmanship involved in the build, dinging your reputation or even making you liable for legal action.
Plus, these issues can cause serious delays to the project, requiring significant adjustments in scheduling that can lead to increased negative impact to the project’s profitability.
The Contractor’s Guide to Waterproofing Concrete for Project Success
As a general contractor, you are responsible for every aspect of your build. To ensure your subcontractors know what they’re doing when it comes to waterproofing concrete, take these two important factors into consideration.
1. Be Aware of Outdated Waterproofing Methods
An old-fashioned, easy-to-deploy method of waterproofing foundations, basements, and other concrete structures is the French drain or perforated piping system.
Typically, a perimeter is dug around the building’s exterior and lined with gravel and/or filter fabric to keep the perforated pipe from clogging once it is installed in the trench. Once installed dirt is backfilled, and the drain is ready for use.
Problem is, the soil will continue to settle and require further backfilling and eventually the drain will clog, allowing water into the foundation and requiring further management.
Traditional drain tiles are another option, but they present the same problem — over time, they can get blocked with dirt and debris and contribute to water build-up and seepage.
If your subcontractor uses one of these methods, it could solve the problem in the short term but leave the home or building owner with a long-term issue that put a definite dent in your reputation — and your wallet.
2. Choose a Subcontractor with Leading-Edge Knowledge
If you suspect there is a drainage issue or a foundation/basement concern on your building project, you want to call in subcontractors that are experts in dealing with these matters in your specific geographic area.
For example, in the Chicago area, there are clay soils that hold water and cause lateral pressure on foundations while runoff from snow melt and rainstorms can raise water table levels, bringing hydrostatic forces into play — another way for water to make its way through foundations and into basement areas and crawl spaces.
Then, you want to ensure that your subcontractor has the expertise necessary to handle the industry’s most current solutions to waterproofing concrete.
For example, today’s smart contractors rely on products such as the Hydraway 2000 Drain Tile System, a product that, when installed correctly, overcomes the negatives of traditional drain tiles and French drain systems for long-lasting waterproofing protection.
With its omni-directional construction, the Hydraway 2000 lets in 70% more water for quick, efficient drainage into the sump basin. This rapid water movement minimizes moisture accumulation and relieves the excessive hydrostatic pressure that is typically created when a conventional rock and pipe system is used.
Plus, the innovative Hydraway 2000 is designed with a geotextile fabric bonded to polyethylene lattice to ensure the system will never clog for assurance that your client will have a dry, leak-free foundation and/or basement for years to come.
Atlas: Your Choice for Waterproofing — and Project — Success
At Atlas, we are your trusted source for the most innovative — and successful — concrete waterproofing systems available.
We’ve been working with general contractors in the Chicagoland area for decades, supporting them with high-quality workmanship and state-of-the-art technologies like the Hydraway 2000 system.
Our knowledge of the specific conditions of our area such as soil and water table issues gives us a head start when it comes to designing effective concrete waterproofing solutions.
Importantly, we treat every project as a one-of-a-kind situation, designing creative, actionable solutions based on the needs and challenges of each specific project.
Our experienced installers are highly trained to provide fast, reliable waterproofing that will stand the test of time and our project managers are there at every job to ensure work goes as planned — so you don’t have to.
For those projects where you need to call in an expert for repair, we offer time-tested, proven repair techniques with transferable warranties to give you — and your clients — the assurance you need for peace of mind.
Need a competent waterproofing partner for your next project? Call Atlas Restoration at 847-415-9600 for a free consultation.
