DON’T WAIT FOR WINTER: A CONCRETE WATERPROOFING SOLUTION THAT WORKS

Prepare Your Building For The Winter Freeze

Winter is coming, bringing blowing snow and disappearing sun. While the weather turns cold, your building envelope should be your top priority. Small leaks or drips require a professional waterproofing solution immediately, before the window for repairs closes for the season.

A Proactive Approach to Maintenance

We recently helped a client who shared these exact concerns. Their retail space sat beneath a walkway and parking area that showed visible cracking. Although they hadn’t noticed interior leaks yet, they refused to risk a major failure during a mid-winter blizzard. As shown in the photos, the site suffered from ponding and several deep cracks.

The Danger of Alberta’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Alberta’s harsh weather patterns cause rapid deterioration. Freezing and thawing cycles expand existing cracks, leading to “spawling” and potholes in concrete slabs. This client’s surface already looked worn, especially compared to their newly renovated interior.

Our Waterproofing Solution

To prevent the concrete from failing or leaking into the retail space, Desco implemented a comprehensive waterproofing strategy:

• Crack Repair: Our team chased and caulked all existing cracks.
• Wall Patching: We reinforced the surrounding walls to ensure a tight seal.
• High-Wear Coating: We installed a traffic-grade coating to protect the caulking and provide a slip-resistant finish.

Don’t Delay Until Spring

The new finish will easily withstand foot traffic, ice-melting salts, and snow scraping. If you are considering delaying a project until spring, think again. Winter weather often accelerates structural damage, which significantly increases your eventual repair costs.