Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, Canada, is well-known for its harsh winter climate. With temperatures dropping to as low as -40°C and heavy snowfall, homes and buildings in Edmonton must be built to withstand these extreme conditions. One essential aspect of protecting a building's structural integrity is parging.
Parging is a process of applying a cement-like coating to the exterior walls of a building's foundation. This layer of coating serves as a protective barrier against the elements, including water, snow, and ice. Parging is especially important in Edmonton's harsh winter climate as it helps prevent damage to a building's foundation caused by frost heave.
Frost heave occurs when water freezes in the soil surrounding a building's foundation, causing the soil to expand and push against the foundation. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks and damage to the foundation, compromising the structural integrity of the building. Parging helps prevent frost heave by creating a smooth, even surface that water cannot penetrate.
Parging also helps prevent water damage to a building's foundation. Edmonton experiences heavy snowfall, which can melt and seep into a building's foundation, causing water damage. Parging creates a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping into the foundation and causing damage.
In addition to its functional benefits, parging can also improve the appearance of a building's foundation. Parging can be customized to match the existing exterior of a building, giving it a clean, polished look.
It is essential to note that parging should only be done by a professional. Applying the coating incorrectly can lead to further damage and compromise the structural integrity of the building. A professional will ensure that the parging is applied correctly and will last for many years.
In conclusion, parging is an essential aspect of protecting a building's foundation in Edmonton's harsh winter climate. It helps prevent frost heave, water damage, and can improve the appearance of a building's exterior. It is crucial to have parging applied by a professional to ensure it is done correctly and will last for years to come.