Commercial Waterproofing Solutions

Comprehensive Commercial Waterproofing Services

Water infiltration is one of the most destructive forces that can affect a commercial building. Unlike roof leaks that often produce visible symptoms quickly, below-grade and structural water intrusion can go undetected for years, silently degrading foundations, corroding reinforcing steel, promoting mold growth, and compromising the structural integrity of the entire building. When water problems finally become apparent, the damage is often extensive and the cost of remediation far exceeds what prevention would have required.

Windward Roofing & Construction brings more than 40 years of waterproofing expertise to commercial and industrial projects across Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida. Our waterproofing division works with building owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors to design and install waterproofing systems that provide lasting protection against water intrusion at every level of the building envelope.

Below-Grade Waterproofing

Below-grade waterproofing protects the portions of a building that are in direct contact with soil and groundwater. Basements, lower-level mechanical rooms, storage areas, and occupied below-grade spaces all require effective waterproofing to remain dry and functional. In the Midwest, where seasonal water table fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles create constant hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls and slabs, below-grade waterproofing is not optional but essential.

Windward Roofing installs below-grade waterproofing systems using a range of proven materials and methods selected to match the specific conditions of each project. Our below-grade solutions include fluid-applied membrane systems that create seamless, monolithic barriers over foundation walls and footings. These membranes bridge cracks and accommodate minor structural movement without losing their waterproofing integrity. We also install sheet membrane systems using self-adhering rubberized asphalt or thermoplastic membranes that provide consistent thickness and reliable performance. For projects where exterior access is limited, we offer interior waterproofing solutions including crystalline treatments, injection grouting, and negative-side membrane applications.

Foundation Waterproofing

Foundation waterproofing addresses the critical junction where the building structure meets the ground. This is where hydrostatic pressure is greatest and where water intrusion can cause the most severe structural consequences. Moisture penetrating through foundation walls and slabs corrodes reinforcing steel, causes concrete spalling, and creates conditions for mold and mildew that affect indoor air quality.

Windward's foundation waterproofing systems are designed to resist both positive-side hydrostatic pressure from the soil and negative-side moisture vapor transmission. Our approach includes thorough surface preparation to ensure membrane adhesion, application of waterproofing membranes extending from the footing to above the finished grade line, protection boards or drainage composites to shield the membrane during backfill, and proper detailing at all transitions including wall-to-footing joints, penetrations, and tie-hole locations. For existing buildings experiencing foundation water problems, we provide diagnostic assessment to identify the source and pathway of water intrusion, followed by targeted remediation using the most appropriate technique for the specific conditions.

Plaza Deck Waterproofing

Plaza decks, terraces, green roofs, and elevated pedestrian areas present unique waterproofing challenges. These assemblies must support foot traffic, landscaping, pavers, or other finish materials while providing a watertight barrier over the occupied space below. The waterproofing membrane in a plaza deck application must withstand mechanical loads, root penetration, thermal cycling, and prolonged exposure to standing water.

Windward Roofing designs and installs plaza deck waterproofing systems using high-performance membranes specifically formulated for this demanding application. Our plaza deck solutions include hot-applied rubberized asphalt membranes that provide exceptional adhesion and self-healing properties, reinforced fluid-applied systems that combine flexibility with puncture resistance, protection and drainage layers that channel water to collection points while protecting the membrane from damage by overburden materials, and proper slope design to ensure positive drainage even under the finish surface. We work closely with architects and landscape designers to ensure that the waterproofing system integrates seamlessly with the overall plaza design while providing long-term watertight performance.

Parking Garage Waterproofing

Parking structures are constantly exposed to water, road salts, chemical contaminants, and the mechanical stress of vehicle traffic. Without effective waterproofing, these elements penetrate the concrete deck, corrode the embedded reinforcing steel, and cause progressive structural deterioration that is extremely expensive to repair. Parking garage waterproofing is both a waterproofing challenge and a structural preservation strategy.

Windward Roofing provides comprehensive parking garage waterproofing services for both new construction and existing structures. Our parking garage solutions include traffic-bearing membrane coatings that provide waterproofing and wear-resistant surfaces for supported decks, expansion joint treatments that accommodate structural movement while maintaining a watertight seal, penetrating sealers and densifiers that reduce moisture absorption in concrete decks, crack repair and injection grouting to seal active water paths through the concrete, and comprehensive drainage system design to manage water flow and prevent ponding. For multi-level parking structures, we address each level according to its specific exposure conditions, from the exposed top deck that receives direct weather and traffic to the intermediate levels and the lowest slab.

Membrane Systems and Materials

The effectiveness of any waterproofing installation depends on selecting the right membrane system for the specific application and conditions. Windward Roofing works with waterproofing products from leading manufacturers to offer a full range of membrane technologies including fluid-applied membranes in both cold-applied and hot-applied formulations, self-adhering sheet membranes with rubberized asphalt and composite construction, thermoplastic sheet membranes including PVC and TPO for below-grade applications, bentonite clay systems for blind-side waterproofing where exterior access is not possible, and cementitious waterproofing coatings for interior and negative-side applications. Our technical team evaluates the specific demands of each project, including water table conditions, soil chemistry, structural movement expectations, and long-term access considerations, to recommend the membrane system that will deliver the most reliable, cost-effective performance.

Drainage Solutions

Waterproofing membranes work most effectively when they are part of a comprehensive water management strategy that includes proper drainage. Reducing the volume of water that reaches the waterproofing membrane reduces hydrostatic pressure and extends the life of the system. Windward Roofing designs and installs drainage solutions that complement and support the waterproofing system.

Our drainage services include perimeter drain tile systems around foundations, drainage composite boards that provide a channel for water between the soil and the waterproofing membrane, interior drain systems and sump pump installations for existing buildings, under-slab drainage layers for new construction, and surface drainage design for plaza decks and elevated walkways. By combining high-quality waterproofing membranes with effective drainage design, we create systems that manage water comprehensively rather than relying on a single line of defense.

Contact Windward for Waterproofing Solutions

Whether you are planning a new construction project that requires below-grade waterproofing, renovating a plaza deck, addressing water intrusion in an existing parking structure, or dealing with a wet basement in a commercial building, Windward Roofing & Construction has the expertise and resources to solve the problem. Contact us at (844) 880-8844 to discuss your waterproofing needs and schedule a site assessment.