When putting up a building and you face the risk of water intruding the structures which appear below the grade such as underground garages, basements and elevator pits, it is absolutely important to make sure that these places have a guaranteed and safe way of keeping them completely dry.
This article talks about keeping the elevator pit dry through elevator waterproofing .
Why is the Elevator Pit Leaking?
There are several reasons why the pits leak, but most of the time, a combination of these reasons will lead to the leaking:
- Incorrect application or damage to existing elevator waterproofing system during construction.
- The pit being so old that no waterproofing system could have been installed originally for effective performance.
- Alteration of water table by adjacent construction.
- The time and season. For instance, water table may be raised by wet weather.
- Sometimes water runs in, for example, from the bucket or cleaner’s mop. This may fool you into thinking that ground water is seeping out. To prevent this, you need to sensitize the occupants (family members or employees, for instance) about the importance of keeping the water from flowing into the pit.
How is the Water getting in?
There are several ways through which water could get inside the pit:
Walls and the floor of a concrete building could shutter leading to a “kicker joint”. This point is weak enough for water to pass through. Presence of imperfections or any cracks on the base or walls will lead to more water getting in.
In the traditional concrete or brick block built elevator pit, the wall is the structure retaining earth. Ground water enters through a weak point in the block or brickwork, especially the floor/wall pointing or joint.
In Conclusion
During the construction of your building, ensure that the correct elevator waterproofing is installed to prevent future damages and costs. If you cannot be present in person, have someone aggressive represent you. Most importantly, hire an expert who is committed to the job and wants nothing better than to give you the best service for your money.
