While thankfully it wasn’t a repeat performance of 2005’s Katrina, Hurricane Isaac swept through New Orleans at the tail end of August and caused a downpour of rain that seeped into a few notable landmarks of the city.

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) reopened its doors this September 11th after being closed for almost two weeks. Heavy saturation of the underground surrounding the facility resulted in hydrostatic pressure which led to water rising up from the earth and through the permeable concrete floors of the administrative levels of the museum. Instead of taking visitors on guided tours of the popular New Orleans attraction, staff was busy mopping the floors. Because of the hurricane damage sustained to the concrete foundation seven years ago, the current artwork collection contained within NOMA is stored above ground, and thus was left unharmed by recent elements. The appearance of the overall establishment remains unchanged to the untrained eye but the foundation of the museum is in question and continues to be a growing concern. Finding an efficient concrete waterproofing system has become a top priority for the New Orleans Museum of Art.

While NOMA has been planning for concrete waterproofing and repairs to account for the damage felt by Katrina seven years ago, they now must factor in the expense left by Isaac. In a climate infamous for hurricane season it is important that the New Orleans Museum of Art protect its legacy by securing a concrete waterproofing system than not only repairs the damage done, but one that will be preventative in nature and ensure that the structure stands as a part of New Orleans cultural landscape for an additional hundred years to come.

Contact Kryton International Inc. for additional information on concrete waterproofing systems to account for a wide variety of variables that may impact your existing structure/s or up and coming development/s.