Hurricane heading towards Florida.
The Critical Need for Exterior Waterproofing Before Hurricane Season
As the hurricane season approaches, healthcare facilities face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and continuity of their services. These institutions are not only responsible for the health and well-being of their patients but also must protect their infrastructure from severe weather events. One of the most effective ways to safeguard these facilities is through comprehensive exterior waterproofing. This measure not only enhances the resilience of buildings but also ensures that healthcare services remain uninterrupted during critical times.
Why Exterior Waterproofing is Essential
- Ensuring Structural Integrity:
Healthcare facilities must remain operational during hurricanes, providing essential services without interruption. Water infiltration, a common consequence of hurricanes, can lead to significant structural damage, such as weakened walls, corroded metal supports, and compromised foundations. By implementing robust waterproofing measures, facilities can prevent these issues, thereby maintaining structural integrity even under extreme weather conditions.
- Preventing Mold and Contamination:
Water intrusion in any building can create an ideal environment for mold growth. In healthcare settings, the presence of mold and other contaminants can pose serious health risks to patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems or respiratory issues. At Remediation Specialists, we aim to have a response time for water damage within 24-48 hours to prevent mold from growing. The US EPA provides a helpful Water Damage Cleanup Table. Effective waterproofing helps to seal out moisture, thus preventing the growth of mold and safeguarding the health of patients and staff.
- Protecting Critical Equipment:
Hospitals and healthcare facilities house critical medical equipment that can be highly sensitive to moisture. Diagnostic machines, electrical systems, and computer networks are crucial for day-to-day operations and patient care. Waterproofing acts as a barrier against moisture, ensuring that these essential components function flawlessly, even during a hurricane.
- Reducing Maintenance and Repair Costs:
The cost implications of post-hurricane repairs can be substantial. By investing in preventive waterproofing measures, healthcare facilities can avoid the high costs associated with water damage repairs. This proactive approach not only saves money but also minimizes disruptions to healthcare services. We are happy to help you with a building envelope audit before hurricane season arrives.
Key Waterproofing Strategies
- Roof Inspections and Repairs:
The roof is often the first line of defense against heavy rains and hurricanes. Regular inspections and timely repairs of any cracks or damages are crucial. Waterproofing membranes and coatings can also be applied to enhance roof resilience. We work with a variety of these coatings and sealants, including Tremco, Dow, and Sherwin Williams.
- Sealing Windows and Doors:
Windows and doors are common entry points for water. It is essential to ensure that all openings are properly sealed and waterproofed to prevent leaks. There are usually two sets of joints on your windows, both of which can leak. The perimeter joint is the window frame to building joint and the glazing joint is the glass to window frame joint. The use of storm shutters or impact-resistant glass can provide additional protection during hurricanes.
- Foundation Waterproofing:
Protecting the foundation from water ingress is vital, especially in flood-prone areas. Techniques such as the application of waterproof coatings and the installation of proper drainage systems can significantly reduce the risk of foundation water damage. We have found that sub-grade waterproofing can be very difficult to pinpoint, so please reach out as soon as you become aware of a potential problem.
- Landscape and Drainage Solutions:
Proper landscaping and drainage systems can effectively direct water away from the building. Sloping landscapes, French drains, and other water management solutions can be critical in minimizing the impact of heavy rainfall. We frequently work with sidewalks that are sloped into entry doors, which is an area you may want to check into before the rains start.
Conclusion
As hurricane season nears, it is imperative for healthcare facilities to prioritize exterior waterproofing. This is not just a preventive measure but a strategic approach to ensure resilience, maintain health standards, and protect vital infrastructure. By addressing these concerns proactively, healthcare facilities can continue to provide critical services during adverse weather conditions, making a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on them most.
For healthcare facility managers and administrators, now is the time to assess your building’s waterproofing needs and implement necessary upgrades. Remember, the well-being of your patients and the functionality of your facility depend on these critical preparations.
Give us a call to schedule a complimentary building envelope audit to discover these issues before they become internal problems.
