Regular building assessments are an essential part of a proactive restoration strategy. Here, we look at how regular building assessments can prevent costly repairs.
What is a Building Envelope Assessment?
Building envelope assessments identify deterioration in the early stages. An experienced inspector looks for critical issues that impact the following:
- Energy efficiency
- Occupant comfort
- Water and air infiltration
- Building aesthetics
Upon completion of the assessment, the inspector provides a detailed report as well as recommendations for repairs. This helps prolong the life of building envelope components.
Inspectors are a partner that share ways to prevent damage and avoid the consequences of envelope fatigue. They explain the dangers of deferring critical repairs that can impact the structural integrity of the building, as well as the property’s value.
Addressing Failures
Building envelope failures are costly. They lead to issues related to energy efficiency, water damage, interior issues including mould and more. Attention to thermal barriers and small details that seem inconsequential such as cracks in cladding or old caulking around windows ensures repairs are made in the early stages.
Common issues can occur in the following areas:
- Roofing
- Balconies
- Windows
- Doors
- Junctions and seals in exterior walls and cladding
- Seals and caulking for exterior elements including chimneys, electrical boxes, vents, pipes, etc.
- Moisture and water intrusion
- Structural integrity risks
The inspector identifies the components presenting the highest cost risks. They then prioritize work to increase protection against future/further damage. As a result, you save money by extending life expectancy for key building envelope components.
Why Building Envelop Assessments are Critical
Building envelop assessments are critical for several reasons, including:
- Energy savings: A sound envelope improves energy efficiency to reduce operation costs. Studies show potential savings from improved building envelope efficiency as high as 75% to 80%. As well, about 50% of AC and heating energy consumption is related to building envelop heat transfer in residential buildings and 60% in commercial buildings.
- Reduced insurance costs: Exterior failures lead to interior damage that can increase insurance premiums. You not only face increased risk for claims regarding common areas, but also tenant units if the damage is a result of negligence. Worse, you could also find claims denied if the insurance company finds you failed to take reasonable maintenance steps to prevent damage.
- Proactive restoration and maintenance: Proactive maintenance addresses costly issues such as concrete deterioration on balconies, damaged cladding, roof, and window issues, etc. that can cause serious damage to structural and interior elements of the building. Through regular building assessments you introduce effective risk management strategies to avoid damage and injury.
- Record keeping: Assessment records prove reasonable care was taken for insurance claims and lawsuits related to property damage and injury.
- Avoid tenant churn: Air/watertight buildings increase occupant satisfaction to help reduce tenant churn. As a result, you also improve investment profitability.
Building assessments are a critical element of proactive restoration and maintenance plans for condos, multi-unit residential rental buildings and commercial buildings. They are the best maintenance strategy to realize cost effectiveness, improve comfort through energy efficiency, and maintain property value.
At Welldone Inc. we work with high-rise and low-rise condominium buildings, rental apartment buildings, hotels, and commercial buildings to prolong the life of key building envelope components. Speak to our team today to learn how we can help you take a proactive approach to building maintenance.