BIM Sydney is the premier provider of waterproofing solutions and remedial works for commercial and industrial sites across Sydney, including basements and car parks.
If you are a strata manager, property owner or builder and require specialist below-ground waterproofing solution for a commercial site, basement or car park, make sure to reach out to our team today.
Why Commercial Basements and Car Parks Require Expert Services?
In many instances, commercial basements and car parks require below-ground waterproofing. This relatively non-standard process is required due to the constant exposure to groundwater and hydrostatic pressure.
Plus, there are often a range of other structural and environmental challenges that need to be taken into account on a case by case basis.
Without the right, effective waterproofing solution, commercial properties are exposed to ongoing water ingress, corrosion, and mould growth. What does this mean for you?
More costly remediation works in the future, unsafe commercial properties and a significant amount of work, time and effort.
That’s why it is important to call our specialists here at BIM Sydney. We deliver tailored, regulatory compliant, and highly robust waterproofing solutions for even high-risk and below-ground environments.
What Are the Common Basement and Car Park Waterproofing Issues?
Some of the most typical waterproofing issues in commercial basements and car parks include:
- Groundwater seeps through concrete slabs and retaining walls, which can escalate into significant dampness, mould, and internal leaks.
- Hydrostatic pressure which can result in structural cracks and water penetration.
- Moisture ingress causing reinforcing steel corrosion (also known as concrete cancer)
- Water leaks at joints, penetrations, pipes, and service conduits which can require ongoing and costly maintenance
- Water from rain being carried in by vehicles can pool and cause surface deterioration
What Is Below-Ground Waterproofing and How Does it Help?
Below-ground waterproofing solutions address all of the structural elements that exist below the natural ground level.
This can include:
- Basements
- Foundations
- Retaining walls
- Underground car parks
The aim is to ensure that water ingress, and the destruction it causes, is prevented.
Below-ground waterproofing employs unique methods not required of above-ground solutions (which focus on rain, weather and UV exposure) to ensure effective dealing with:
- Soil moisture
- Soil chemicals
- Groundwater
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Long-term adhesion issues
How Does Above-Ground and Below-Ground Waterproofing Differ?
The core differences between above ground and below-ground waterproofing include:
- Application
- Problem
- Solutions
1. Application
With above-ground waterproofing, you are most likely looking at working on roofs, walls or balconies. Whereas below-ground is focused on foundations, basements and car parks.
2. Problem
The problems resolved by above-ground and below-ground waterproofing differ as well. For the former, the main issues involve rain, UV and weather exposure. For the latter it is about dealing with soil moisture, groundwater and hydrostatic conditions.
3. Solutions
For above-ground applications, the waterproofing membranes require additional qualities such as UV resistance and flexibility in application. Whereas below-ground solutions need to be durable but also highly chemical resistant and highly adhesive for long-term effectiveness.
What Below-Ground Waterproofing Solutions does BIM Sydney offer?
The BIM Sydney are the go-to remedial specialists for waterproofing solutions across the Sydney region.
Our extensive and fully compliant waterproofing services include:
- Internal and external waterproofing
- Roof waterproofing
- Basement waterproofing
- Bathroom waterproofing
- Kitchen waterproofing
- Balcony waterproofing
- Exterior wall waterproofing
- Window waterproofing
- Foundation waterproofing
When it comes to below-ground waterproofing solutions, we ensure to investigate onsite and engineer a customs approach that will address any and all key risk areas of the basements and car parks in question.
High-Performance Waterproof Membranes
High-Performance Waterproof Membranes include the installation of a sheet (membrane) or even liquid-applied material along the underground walls, floors and critical joints of a building.
This creates a continuous and impermeable barrier to prevent further seepage of water, dampness and hydrostatic leaks across the slabs and wall surfaces.
High-Performance Waterproof Membranes provide:
- Long-lasting protection
- Regulatory compliance
- Reduce risks of water ingress
Joint and Crack Injection Repairs
If your commercial basement or car park is deteriorating as a result of active leaks and water egress you may need to consider joint and crack injection repairs.
Active leaks can cause cracks and deteriorating construction joints reducing the building’s structural integrity over time.
The BIM Sydney team use specialised resins or hydrophilic foams, injected directly into the cracks to seal them from the inside and insulate them from pressure.
The benefits of joint and crack injection repairs include:
- Rapid solution application
- Minimal disruption
- Maximised lifecycle of structural elements
Negative-Side Tanking
One of the challenges with under-ground waterproofing is that the existing leaks are inaccessible for conventional membrane application.
This is where negative-side tanking can be used.
This application involves the use of tanking systems internally on the negative side of the pressure location. It ensures that the moisture is prevented from entering habitable spaces.
Negative-side tanking can be used to:
- Effective remediate instances of moisture penetration
- Prevent the need for excavation
- Minimise the cost of waterproofing works
Surface Preparation and Detailing
Surface preparation and detailing is a fairly straight forward form of waterproofing and ensures that any adhesion failure and leaks as a result of subpar substrate preparation is fixed.
After comprehensive cleaning of the application site, the surfaces are repaired and primed. Then the actual membrane application takes place with detailed treatment around the penetrations and terminations.
The benefits of professional surface preparation and detailing include:
- Greater longevity of the waterproofing solution
- Stronger waterproofing performance
- Cost effective waterproofing solution
Why choose BIM Sydney?
BIM Sydney is a leader in remedial and structural waterproofing for high-value commercial sites across the region.
When you choose our team, you’re opting for a fully licensed and Master Builder certified.
Our team are experts in ensuring projects are secure and solutions are effective. In fact, with our proven expertise in managing complex and large-scale waterproofing works for commercial and strata buildings, you can rest assured that you’re receiving end-to-end service.
From design to delivery and from initial assessment to warranty-backed assurance, a BIM Sydney is a guarantee of uncompromising commitment.
If you would like a free site inspection and tailored below-ground waterproofing consultation for your building, make sure to contact BIM Sydney today on 02 9938 1740 or email us at quotes@bimsydney.com.au.
