Above-Grade Waterproofing for Philadelphia Towers, Condominiums, Hospitals & Lofts
Commercial Waterproofing Contractors in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia buildings take on water from every direction. Wind speed rises with height, so rain from summer thunderstorms and nor’easters hits upper floors of Center City towers almost sideways and finds every open joint. The remnants of tropical storms can soak a facade for days, and Ida in 2021 showed how fast storm water can overwhelm low-lying streets and buildings. Winter freezing and thawing then widens any crack water has already reached, and humid summers age the sealants and coatings that are supposed to keep it out.
Presto Restoration has more than 25 years of experience in above-grade commercial waterproofing. In Philadelphia, our crews reseal expansion joints, window perimeters and curtain walls, coat parapets, setbacks and terraces with silicone and elastomeric systems and protect masonry with breathable repellents on office towers, condominium and apartment buildings, hospitals, universities and converted lofts. We also make our own restoration products, including Glass Defender for glass and Leach Stop for precast concrete.
OUR COMMERCIAL WATERPROOFING SERVICES IN PHILADELPHIA
We handle every kind of above-grade waterproofing on Philadelphia buildings, from a leaking terrace door to a full envelope program on a high-rise.
Core Waterproofing Services
Expansion and control joints let tall buildings move with temperature, wind and settlement. As sealant ages, it tears and lets water into the structure. We remove failed joint materials, rebuild damaged edges and install sealants or preformed joint systems sized for the movement, and we rout and seal active cracks.
Window perimeters cause many leaks in Philadelphia apartments and offices. Sun, cold and wind-driven rain crack the sealant or pull it from the frame. We replace perimeter seals, reseal mullion joints and fix gaskets, and stained glass can be restored and protected with Glass Defender.
Setbacks, terraces, parapets, balconies and ledges collect rain and snow, and freeze-thaw cracks them open. We apply high-solids silicone coatings that tolerate ponding water, stay flexible in the cold and resist UV.
Many older Philadelphia office towers rely on dry glazing gaskets that have shrunk and hardened, letting wind-driven rain into the frame. Wet glazing adds a continuous silicone seal between glass and frame, stopping leaks without replacing the windows.
Concrete, stucco and EIFS walls crack with age and movement, and every crack lets water in. Elastomeric coatings span the cracks and flex as the wall moves, applied at full thickness after larger cracks are repaired.
Brick, brownstone, limestone and precast absorb rain that freezes and breaks them apart. Breathable water repellents cut that absorption while letting moisture escape, applied after cracks and joints are repaired.
Specialized Restoration-Waterproofing
Beyond sealing, Presto restores the glass, metal, stone and concrete beneath, using products we make in-house, so cleaning, repair and waterproofing happen in one project.
Precast panels leach natural salts that leave white streaks as water dries. Leach Stop is our treatment designed to reduce this. We clean deposits, treat the panels and reseal the joints.
Metal panels, Alucobond cladding, coping and curtain wall frames rely on sealant at every joint, and metal moves sharply between seasons. We replace failed sealants with products made for metal movement and reseal every lap and fastener.
Our Commercial Waterproofing Process in Philadelphia
Each Philadelphia waterproofing project follows five steps, and you see our findings and the cost before work begins.
Building Envelope Inspection
We review joints, glazing, coatings, flashings, terraces and penetrations on every elevation.
Diagnostic Testing
Water testing and moisture readings confirm the real entry point before repairs are planned.
Scope & Specification
We choose products rated for the building’s height, exposure and temperature range, and write a clear scope.
Waterproofing Installation
Trained crews install each system to manufacturer requirements in suitable weather.
Project Closeout & Warranty
You receive photos, product data and warranty documents.
Talk to Presto About Waterproofing Your Philadelphia Building
Leaks during storms, damp walls or caulking that is cracking and pulling loose? Call us or request a quote, and our team will respond to discuss your Philadelphia building.
Why Philadelphia Property Managers Choose Presto for Commercial Waterproofing
With more than 25 years of experience across the country, Presto knows how wind-driven rain behaves on tall buildings, which sealants last through Pennsylvania winters and how to work around residents, tenants and busy sidewalks.
Our Local Philadelphia, PA Support Network
Waterproofing lasts longest when the building gets steady care the rest of the year. Presto connects Philadelphia owners with a local support network for everyday upkeep.
For routine upkeep and everyday facility support, owners can also contact our sister companies:
Building Restoration Philadelphia: Hands-on exterior repairs for Philadelphia buildings.
Building Maintenance Philadelphia: Scheduled maintenance that keeps small problems from becoming leaks.
Building Services Philadelphia: General commercial building support across Philadelphia.
Recent Waterproofing Projects in Pennsylvania
PENNSYLVANIA PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
Browse Presto’s Pennsylvania masonry and precast work.
Philadelphia Commercial Waterproofing FAQs
How often should sealants be replaced on a Philadelphia building?
Most commercial sealants last about 10 to 15 years. Joints on upper floors and sun- or wind-exposed elevations usually fail first, so a check between facade inspections is worthwhile.
What is the difference between waterproofing and water damage repair?
Waterproofing stops water at the exterior. Water damage repair fixes what water has already harmed inside. We focus on stopping the water so interior repairs do not have to be repeated.
Can waterproofing be done while the building is occupied?
Yes. Almost all of our work is done from the outside, so residents and tenants stay in place, and noisy tasks are scheduled around building rules.
What is the difference between elastomeric coatings and water repellents?
Elastomeric coatings form a flexible film that bridges cracks and changes the wall’s look. Water repellents soak into masonry and block water invisibly. Brownstone, limestone and historic brick usually need a breathable repellent.
How do I know if waterproofing can wait another year?
Leaks during storms, damp walls or split caulking are reasons to act now, because each winter refreezes the water already in the wall. If sealants are still flexible and nothing leaks, planned replacement over the next few seasons is usually fine.
Can waterproofing work be done in a Philadelphia winter?
Most sealants and coatings need about 40 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to cure, so the main season runs spring through fall, with work possible on milder winter days.
Other Philadelphia Building Restoration Services
Keep Water Out of Your Philadelphia Building
A single failed joint on an upper floor can soak several apartments or offices below. Tell us what you are noticing, and we will help you get it sealed.
Call us today at 1-800-785-9927 or click Request A Quote.