The Work You Don’t See—Until It Fails
Most people never think about waterproofing. It’s not flashy. It’s not visible. You won’t see it on the cover of design magazines or highlighted in ribbon-cutting ceremonies. But when it’s not done right—you notice.
Flooded basements. Leaking roofs. Cracked parking decks. Failing bridges. Those are the moments when waterproofing goes from invisible to critical. And as someone who has spent over 30 years leading ProTech Coatings and Infrastructure, I can tell you this: the strength of a city often lies in what you don’t see.
Waterproofing isn’t just about sealing out moisture—it’s about protecting people, property, and long-term investment. In the face of climate change and increasingly severe weather, it’s one of the most important tools we have to build climate-resilient cities.
Climate Change Doesn’t Wait
Let’s face it—weather patterns aren’t what they used to be. We’re seeing more intense rain, more flooding, and unpredictable temperature shifts that stress even the toughest materials. Storm surges are rising. Freeze-thaw cycles are becoming more severe. Infrastructure that was built 30 years ago is now facing conditions it was never designed to withstand.
That’s where waterproofing comes in.
At ProTech, we’re not just patching leaks. We’re applying protective systems that extend the life of critical infrastructure—from bridges and tunnels to hospitals, schools, and government buildings. When these systems are installed correctly, they act like armor, shielding structures from the accelerating impact of the elements.
What We Protect
People are often surprised to learn how many parts of a city rely on waterproofing to function safely and efficiently. A few examples:
- Highway bridge decks: Constant exposure to road salt and precipitation causes deterioration, corrosion, and cracking. Waterproof membranes help prevent that.
- Subway stations and tunnels: Underground systems depend on waterproofing to keep water out, maintain structural stability, and ensure passenger safety.
- Hospitals and healthcare buildings: Roof failures can result in mold, shutdowns, or worse. Waterproofing is essential for patient protection.
- Parking garages: With exposure to rain, snow, and oil, parking decks need coatings that resist water and wear.
- Public housing and schools: Waterproofing protects these community anchors from becoming dangerous or uninhabitable due to leaks and structural damage.
These aren’t luxury projects. These are essential systems that keep cities moving, families safe, and communities thriving.
The Sustainable Side of Waterproofing
Sustainability is more than solar panels and green roofs. True sustainability means making things last. Every time we waterproof a structure and extend its life by 10, 20, or 30 years, we reduce the need for demolition, material waste, and carbon-heavy reconstruction.
At ProTech, we’ve shifted toward low-VOC, cold-applied, and recyclable products that minimize environmental harm without sacrificing performance. We also use precision tools and efficient project timelines to reduce the footprint of our work—both literally and environmentally.
In other words, waterproofing isn’t just a maintenance task. It’s a climate strategy.
The Challenge of Being “Invisible”
One of the hardest parts of this industry is how behind-the-scenes it can feel. We don’t always get the recognition that other sectors of construction do. But the truth is, without waterproofing, so much of that construction wouldn’t survive.
We’re used to being the “invisible layer.” And we’re okay with that—because we know how important our work is. But I also believe it’s time we start talking more openly about what waterproofing does for resilience, safety, and sustainability. Especially as cities everywhere face aging infrastructure and new climate realities.
It’s time to elevate the conversation. Because invisibility should not equal insignificance.
A Call to City Leaders and Developers
If you’re a city planner, public official, developer, or facility manager, I encourage you to think beyond the surface—literally. Waterproofing isn’t where you cut corners. It’s where you invest in long-term protection.
Incorporate it early in your planning. Ask the tough questions. Partner with contractors who understand not just the materials, but the science and systems behind them. And most importantly, don’t wait until there’s a leak to realize how vital this work really is.
Legacy Through Protection
I’ve spent a lot of time in my career thinking about legacy—what we build, who we build it for, and how long it will last. My team and I aren’t chasing headlines. We’re chasing high performance, safety, and reliability.
We’re protecting buildings that house generations of families. We’re safeguarding the structures that support emergency response, education, transportation, and commerce. That matters deeply to me—not just as a CEO, but as a mother, a community member, and a lifelong believer in building things that last.
That’s the quiet strength of waterproofing. It’s not always loud, but it’s always working—and it will still be working when the next storm hits.
Let’s Build Resilience—One Layer at a Time
So the next time you walk into a dry, well-lit tunnel… park in a smooth, safe garage… or drive across a bridge in the rain without giving it a second thought—remember: someone made that possible.
Someone waterproofed it. And in doing so, they protected more than just concrete—they protected people, progress, and possibility.
Let’s keep doing that. Let’s build cities that last.