When it comes to environmental phenomena impacting commercial buildings in the Bay Area, earthquakes are often the first thing to come to mind. The development—and redevelopment—of our city has been shaped by these massive forces and their fiery aftermath.
But while earthquakes may be acutely devastating, water presents a more insidious threat. Working with the best waterproofing company in the Bay Area can help you preserve your historic building and protect your investment.
The High Cost of Water Damage
Mold is the most common type of water damage across the United States, but is particularly prevalent in San Francisco. As Karen Cohn, program manager for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, explains, “We are in a moist, humid environment. We have an extremely old housing stock—the fourth-highest number of pre-1978 housing in the country—and in old homes, windows were single pane and walls were badly insulated.” However, residential buildings are not the only buildings affected; commercial and mixed-use properties are just as vulnerable.
Water damage, dampness, visible mold, and mold odor can all have a significant impact on health, particularly when it comes to respiratory diseases. The California Department of Public Health notes that “the more extensive, widespread, or severe the water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor, the greater the health risks.” As a result, California has enacted the Toxic Mold Protection Act of 2001. The Act gives landlords of commercial properties unique responsibilities when it comes to protecting tenants, and failure to remove mold can have significant legal consequences.
Mold, however, is not the only risk presented by water. Water can quickly damage building materials and building contents, including valuable equipment and critical building systems. As materials dissolve, contaminants may be released, compromising air quality. These effects can result in major financial losses due to repairs and remediation, replacing damaged items, and potential loss of income.
While this can be devastating anywhere, it can be particularly painful for historic buildings. These properties typically contain original materials and features that cannot be easily replaced. And the value these buildings add to the community as sites of cultural significance may be erased.
The Best Waterproofing Company in the Bay Area
Protecting the Bay Area’s historic buildings from water damage is an increasingly important concern as these properties become more vulnerable with age, climate change brings more severe weather events, and rising sea levels increase flooding risks. To ensure your building stays safe, partnering with the best waterproofing company in the Bay Area can be invaluable.
The right waterproofing company will have the experience and expertise to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of the building envelope and facade and address vulnerabilities using the right materials and methods. How waterproofing happens depends on the building. As such, the company you choose should be able to provide a full range of waterproofing services that can address multiple, complex needs, including:
- Waterproof membrane systems: Waterproof membrane systems consist of impervious, flexible material that protects surfaces from water intrusion. When installed correctly, these systems effectively prevent leaks.
- Joint sealants: Using the right materials and installation techniques preserves the integrity of expansion joints and protects against water intrusion.
- Masonry repair: Damaged masonry can leave building facades vulnerable to water damage. Correct repairs, restoration, and preservation protects your building from the elements
- Window restoration: As temperature and humidity change, window materials expand and contract, which may cause sealants to fail and water to come in. Wooden windows are particularly susceptible to water intrusion due to the rotting and warping of the frames.
It’s also critical that the waterproofing company understands the unique challenges of historic properties. This includes identifying potential sites of moisture intrusion and creating waterproofing strategies that support the integrity of the building as well as its architectural heritage.
Rainbow helped bring new life to the Marin County Civic Center.
Protecting the Bay Area’s Historic Buildings
Rainbow has long been recognized as the Bay Area’s most trusted waterproofing and building restoration company. That’s why we’ve been entrusted with many of the region’s most important historic building restoration projects, such as the recent replacement of the Marin County Civic Center’s iconic blue roof. This project included total removal of the existing coating systems, extensive concrete repairs, and the application of fully-reinforced SikaRoofPro coating to fully address the building’s water issues. Throughout the project, the team worked to ensure the aesthetics of this Frank Lloyd Wright gem remained uncompromised.
We bring the same dedication to each of our projects. Whether your historic building needs a complete waterproofing overhaul or minor building envelope repairs, Rainbow offers a comprehensive range of services for innovative and effective waterproofing solutions. Not only is this a wise investment in your property, it also helps ensure the building is a safe, healthy space for occupants and remains a part of our Bay Area community.
Rainbow is the premier waterproofing company in the Bay Area. Reach out to the Rainbow team today.
The Rainbow Team is Northern California’s most trusted waterproofing and restoration company. We have the craftsmanship and expertise to handle any commercial or historic building envelope, masonry, or waterproofing project in the San Francisco Bay Area.
