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Elevators are of commercial importance and a crucial element of transportation within a building. A properly functioning elevator is vital for the daily life of people. If the elevators are not waterproofed, then moisture and water accumulate within the shaft. Eventually, the water goes down the elevator pit. Any water leakages or pit flooding have a tremendous effect on the elevator. Such damages cost an enormous amount of money to the building owners. The elevator damage can be traumatizing for the people and destroys the whole experience. Thus, waterproofing the elevator shaft and pit is essential to get rid of concrete leakages, accumulation of water, and moisture, and to avoid any accidents.

What is waterproofing elevator shaft and pit?

Water, dust, and certain debris tend to accumulate within the metallic shaft. A proper shaft and elevator pit ensure the smooth flow of the elevator through different floors. The elevator pit is the foundation of the elevator. The elevator pit is situated at the bottom of the elevator, acting as a foundation, ensuring smooth elevator traveling. The debris, waste, and waterfall in the pit. When the pit is filled with waste, it disrupts the flow of the elevator. Elevator shaft and pit waterproofing is the process of ensuring that the water leakage from line blockages, water line damages, and wall cracks does not penetrate the shaft or flood the elevator pit. There is a coating or membrane, covering the interior or exterior wall of the elevator. Waterproofing the elevator pit avoids future damage.

Why is waterproofing necessary?

Waterproofing is necessary to avoid future water leakages within the shaft and pit. The elevator shaft starts leaking when the water system is damaged, the nearby water line has broken, concrete walls have cracked, and the waterproof has not been installed before the construction of the current system. Usually, the walls around the elevator are made of concrete. The concrete walls have cracks, and leakages when the nearby water line is blocked or damaged. These blockages and cracks are avoided when the shaft and pit are waterproofed. The membrane utilized in waterproofing protects the wall from leakages and flooding of the elevator pit. Waterproofing is essential to avoid the accumulation of water and moisture in elevator shafts and pits. Malfunction elevator due to water leakages costs an enormous amount and damage the building. Waterproofing pits depend on the number of pits in the building. The larger the number of shafts and elevator pits, the more it will cost. But waterproofing beforehand is essential to avoid future damage.

What are the ways of waterproofing the elevator shaft and pit?

Waterproofing the elevator shaft and pit has many ways depending on the interior and exterior of the elevator. Positive side proofing, negative side proofing, integral waterproofing, and crystalline waterproofing are the types of waterproofing of elevator shafts and elevator pits. Call us in to get a free assessment for waterproofing services we offer.

• Positive Side Waterproofing: The proofing from outside the foundation is called Positive waterproofing. The exterior proofing means using the material to create an external barrier to avoid water penetration and moisture. The coat is applied outside the shaft to create a barrier and protects the interior of the elevator. Installing a coat through positive proofing during the pre-constructive phase is the best method to avoid future damage and have a long-lasting impact.
• Negative Water Proofing: The proofing from inside the pit is called negative side waterproofing. The internal waterproofing depends upon the structure of the elevator pit. The internal system puts restrictions on the process of waterproofing, whether the elevator pit accepts waterproofing or allows continuity. Negative proofing is required when the external elevator pit is not accessible or does not allow continuity. However, the decision to choose between negative waterproofing and positive proofing depends on a myriad of factors, for instance, thermal changes, environment change, hydraulic pressure, stability of the structure, soil condition, etc. After proper investigation, you should choose the best method for elevator pit and shaft proofing.
• Crystalline Elevator Waterproofing: Crystalline waterproofing is modern technology. Crystalline powder is blended with cement, reactant chemicals, and silica. In crystalline waterproofing, the powdered application is poured onto the surface. After the crystalline chemical reacts completely, the crystalline powder concretes the surface and reduces the pores on the surface. The crystalline surface blocks the penetration of water and moisture in the pit.
• Integral Water Proofing: Integral waterproofing is the initial step involved in some waterproofing cases. This mixture is an admixture. The mixture is poured onto the surface before negative or positive waterproofing. The integral waterproofing process ensures another safety measure to prevent moisture or water seeping.

How to avoid water leakage in the elevator shaft and elevator pit?

Water leakage in the elevator shaft and pit needs to be checked beforehand. Waterproofing is the method of avoiding future damage to shafts and elevator pits. Prevention is the best method to avoid such problems. Building owners should focus on waterproofing during the construction phase. If there is no such system, then you need to look for signs and follow tips to keep the elevator dry.

• Focus on the annual inspection of elevator shafts and pits. The elevator pits inspected yearly have fewer chances of flooding. When the main line of water is damaged, excessive rainfall and moisture cause the elevator pit to flood. After such signs, do look for flooding in the elevator pit.
• Install drains tiles on the surface. Drain tiles are effective in preventing water flooding, leakage, and stopping moisture.
• Apply a concrete membrane to the surface. The membrane on the exterior surface prevents the infiltration of water seepage through the floor.
• Bentonite membrane is also effective for elevator shafts and pits. The bentonite member acts as a layer on the already concrete surface. The membrane on the surface additionally protects the surface. It prevents any leakage from the concrete surface.

What are the difficulties in waterproofing the elevator pit and shaft?

During the process of elevator shaft and pit, there are a few challenges. When the membrane coat is applied the surface is left exposed for a while. Exposure to the surface lets the concrete settle down or dry for some time. During this drying time, the surface is exposed to containments that might disrupt the waterproofing process.