Commercial Waterproofing in Boston: 5 Areas Property Managers Should Check

Windows and doors are common locations for water intrusion, particularly when flashing and waterproofing were not properly integrated during construction.

A leak around a window does not necessarily mean the window itself needs to be replaced.

Problems with flashing, sealants, membranes, or the surrounding wall assembly can all contribute to water intrusion.

Recurring leaks around windows or balcony doors should be investigated rather than repeatedly patched.

Roofs are obviously exposed to Boston’s weather, but the transition between a roof and another exterior component can be just as important.

Roof edges, walls, penetrations, parapets, and connections to decks or balconies all need to work together as part of the building envelope.

A failure at one of these transitions can allow water to enter areas below the roof system.

Balconies and decks are another area that deserves close attention.

Horizontal surfaces collect water, while railings and other penetrations create additional opportunities for moisture to enter if the waterproofing system is not properly detailed.

Abacus’s Envelope Restoration Division provides roof and balcony waterproofing, including work involving multi-level deck integrations and waterproofing membranes.

Boston’s brick and masonry buildings require specialized care.

Cracked masonry, deteriorated mortar joints, staining, and other facade problems can allow water to penetrate the exterior wall.

Historic buildings can be particularly sensitive to inappropriate masonry repairs. The materials and methods used for restoration should be compatible with the existing building.

Abacus provides historic masonry and repointing services as part of its Envelope Restoration Division.

Exterior siding and trim help protect the building from weather, while penetrations for railings, utilities, fixtures, and other components create openings that must be properly integrated into the exterior system.

Damaged or rotting trim, deteriorated siding, and moisture around penetrations can be warning signs that water is entering where it shouldn’t.

Water intrusion rarely stays confined to the exact location where it first enters.

Moisture can travel through exterior assemblies, damage insulation or framing, deteriorate masonry or other materials, and eventually appear inside the building.

That’s why the right solution isn’t always simply applying another layer of sealant.

The source of the water intrusion needs to be identified first.

Waterproofing is often one component of a larger building envelope restoration project.

A commercial building may need a combination of waterproofing, flashing, masonry repair, facade restoration, siding or trim work depending on the source of the problem.

Abacus Builders approaches envelope restoration as an integrated system rather than treating each exterior component as an isolated problem.

The company works with HOAs, condo associations, property managers, and building owners throughout Boston Metro and MetroWest.

If your building has recurring leaks, deteriorating exterior materials, or signs of water intrusion, addressing the problem early can help prevent further damage.

A professional evaluation can help determine whether the issue involves waterproofing, flashing, masonry, the facade, balconies, roofing transitions, or another part of the building envelope.