Commercial Storm - The Importance of Maintaining the Building Envelope

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

The Importance of Maintaining the Building Envelope

Rain damage to your Thornton, CO, commercial building can cause a variety of problems, including structural damage and mold growth. Fortunately, a tight building envelope can protect the structure from moisture intrusion. 

Envelope Components
The building envelope is composed of all the structures that separate the interior of the building from the outdoors. The following are some of the major components of the envelope:

• Foundation
• Roof
• Walls
• Windows
• Sealants
  

Building envelopes are described as either “tight” or “loose.” Tight envelopes effectively keep out air and water. Such envelopes are more energy-efficient and better at preventing rain damage. Loose envelopes, on the other hand, allow more air and moisture to enter the building which can lead to black mold and other problems.

Envelope Maintenance
There are a variety of reasons that an envelope may be or become loose. The building may have been poorly designed or constructed, or the materials making up the envelope may be defective or inappropriate for the conditions. However, even the best building envelopes will eventually wear out from storm damage or the simple passage of time. Therefore, it is important to perform routine maintenance. An inspection is the first line of defense. Look for cracks in the foundation, deteriorating sealants, shifting building materials, and other signs of wear. This should be done twice a year. If you notice any problems, a contractor can help you determine the best course of action to take. Additionally, a professional inspection should be completed every five years. A professional can do a more thorough evaluation and catch problems the business owner missed.
Although a tight envelope can prevent rain damage and other issues, there may be times when your commercial building does experience moisture intrusion. In these cases, it may be necessary to hire a qualified restoration team to help with the cleanup process, so you can get back to business.