Elevator Pit Waterproofing
Specializing in Hydraulic and Electric Elevator Pit Waterproofing
Industrial and Commercial Applications
Standard industry practice in elevator pit waterproofing involves applying several coats of reinforced epoxy sealant around the entire pit and, subsequently, offering no warranty. The same epoxy is used for minor moisture and for humidity control on walls that are sweating, in standard foundation waterproofing.
Great Lakes Waterproofing uses a higher standard than what is typically found in the industry. We identify all of the areas of water intrusion and tailor our response to address each concern. In doing so, Great Lakes Waterproofing is recognized by leading elevator manufacturers and by state inspectors as a leader in achieving solutions for elevator pit waterproofing concerns.
Here is an example of an elevator pit waterproofing solution that was developed by a Great Lakes Waterproofing sales engineer.
The basic construction of a pedestrian elevator includes a pit that is 10-20 feet below the last floor for placement of counterweights, wiring, and a giant hydraulic safety stand. In this particular example, the building had a three-stall elevator pit located next to a large, limestone-filled hill situated about 200 feet from a river. The poured concrete walls were in good to excellent condition. A pre-existing cove drain tile system was in place only along one wall that led to a sump pump. It eventually became apparent that water seepage was occurring through bolt holes in the floor that were part of the elevator track. Additionally, water seepage started to occur at the wall/floor seam (cove) along other previously untreated areas, including a pencil-width sized continuous stream.
GREAT LAKES WATERPROOFING SOLVED THE PROBLEM BY DRILLING HOLES NEAR THE SEEPAGE AND USING OUR EXCLUSIVE BENTONITE CLAY INJECTION SYSTEM.
The seepage immediately stopped coming through the bolt holes. Waterproofing the perimeter of the pit was the next step. The waterproofing team drilled holes every couple feet through the floor and into the water and sand. Bentonite clay was efficiently pumped into the holes, which were then capped off with hydraulic cement to create a permanent waterproofing solution.
In another example, Great Lakes Waterproofing installed a solution for an industrial elevator containing a large hydraulic lift that was buried as deeply as the building’s height. The floor surrounding the lift was previously replaced by another contractor and eventually developed several leaks due to hydrostatic pressure. In other words, water was coming straight up through the floor that was actually built about 5 to 10 feet lower than a nearby river. The pre-existing sump pump was running 24 hours a day to remove standing water of about 2 to 3 feet in depth.
The Great Lakes Waterproofing team drilled through the pit’s floor and pumped in its waterproofing blend of Bentonite clay. After the pit started to dry, the waterproofing team capped the drill holes with hydraulic cement resulting in a now dormant, pre-existing industrial sump pump.
These examples demonstrate the solution-approach uniquely offered by Great Lakes Waterproofing, providing satisfaction at competitive pricing.
A job well-done is priority #1.
Great Lakes Waterproofing is one of the largest and most dependable basement waterproofing companies serving the greater Michigan area.
