Elevator shafts built with hollow blocks represent a constant danger of leaking and water damage. Unlike a concrete wall, such blocks continuously accumulate water from the surrounding environment. Even though nothing can be done to prevent this natural process from happening, there is a solution that ensures proper drainage for a block wall, thus making complete waterproofing of the wall and the floor possible.
Drainage System for Block Walls
As shown on the image, a special drainage system is put in place. First, holes are drilled in the blocks to allow the water to drain. Instead of having it flow freely, though, drainage tubes are installed, connecting each hole to the drain on the elevator shaft floor. Then the walls and the floor are coated with a triple application (primer, fiberglass, basalt paint) to ensure permanent waterproofing.