Elevator Pit Restoration

Project Summary

When the management team at Laurentians Condominiums identified critical structural deterioration inside their elevator pits, they needed a contractor with the expertise and discipline to work safely in a confined, active building environment. McLeod's Contracting Solutions was brought in to assess and fully restore the concrete structure — protecting both the elevator system and the residents who depend on it every day.

Years of moisture infiltration had taken a severe toll on the elevator pit walls. Concrete had spalled away in multiple sections, leaving rebar grids fully exposed, heavily corroded, and compromised. Standing water on the pit floor had accelerated the deterioration, and staining on the walls indicated ongoing water intrusion. With the counterweight system running at a designed maximum runby of 12 inches (305mm), any further structural degradation posed a serious safety and compliance risk.

The work had to be performed in an occupied building, inside confined elevator shafts, with full respiratory and safety protocols in place — adding significant complexity to an already demanding repair scope.

Phase 1 — Assessment & Site Preparation

McLeod's crews began with a thorough inspection of both elevator pits, photographing and documenting the full extent of concrete spalling and rebar exposure. The pit floors were cleaned and pumped out, and temporary lighting was installed to allow safe, detailed work in the confined shaft environment. Plastic sheeting was used to protect adjacent areas from concrete dust and debris.

Phase 2 — Concrete Demolition & Rebar Preparation

Using rotary hammers and chisels, crews carefully chipped away all loose, delaminated, and compromised concrete surrounding the exposed rebar. The work required precision — removing only what was damaged while preserving sound substrate. Corroded rebar was cleaned and treated using wire brushes and grinding tools to remove rust and prepare a clean bonding surface. Industrial vacuums were used throughout to maintain air quality and contain silica dust.

Phase 3 — Concrete Patching & Surface Restoration

With the rebar properly cleaned and treated, crews applied structural patching mortar to rebuild the wall sections to original profile. Repairs were built up in layers and finished flush with the surrounding concrete surface. A waterproofing coating was then applied across the pit walls — visible in the photos as the dark grey membrane — providing a protective barrier against future moisture intrusion.

Phase 4 — Final Inspection & Documentation

Completed work was measured and documented to confirm restored dimensions met the elevator manufacturer's specifications, including the 12-inch (305mm) maximum designed counterweight runby. A final site walkthrough confirmed cleanliness and readiness for the elevator company to return the system to service.

The Results

McLeod's team restored full structural integrity to both elevator pits, eliminating exposed and corroded rebar, rebuilding spalled concrete sections, and applying a waterproof membrane to prevent recurrence. The project was completed safely in a confined, occupied building with zero safety incidents and minimal disruption to building operations.

The Laurentians can now operate their elevator systems with confidence, knowing the pit structures meet design specifications and are protected against the Florida moisture conditions that caused the original damage.