Commercial building maintenance will inevitably encounter emergency leak repairs in the structure’s building envelope. While commercial building flood damages account for more than $13 billion annually, as reported by CNBC, there’s another way that water infiltration can enter and damage your building: in the building envelope. Whether damage to the building envelope occurs over time or swiftly, in some cases an emergency repair might be essential. Knowing when it is time to replace commercial windows and doors and when temporary repairs will suffice is crucial for building owners to the total cost of ownership.
What Are Emergency Leak Repairs and Their Typical Causes?
Unfortunately, no one is safe when it comes to building and maintenance repairs. Situations like commercial roof flashing system failure or cracks in concrete that will sabotage the building’s envelope will develop in a matter of time. Emergency leak repairs keep everything functioning temporarily, and if done correctly, they will fix the issue. Emergency repairs happen when the weather, age, physical damage, and broken windows or doors wear down the building and the protective layers and coatings. Erosion and decay occur naturally, but everyday use and poor weather conditions can accelerate these problems. In addition to these issues, faulty HVAC systems, sprinkler systems, and unchecked damages on the roof and windows can lead to untimely repairs. It can be unpredictable at times, so getting ahead of the issues is best.
Steps Common in Emergency Leak Repairs
A few common steps can be helpful when tackling these repairs. Typically, the repairs process involves materials like commercial concrete sealers and sealants, as well as documentation and testing. Here are some examples:
- Temporary Sealant: When the structure is complete, permanent sealants are used, but age and weather can wear these down. After identifying the issue, one of the first steps for emergency leak repairs would be to use a temporary sealant to prevent further damage.
- Temporary Caulking: Much like the sealant, caulking also keeps unwanted issues out of the building envelope and assists with resealing.
- Water Testing: Water testing helps confirm that nothing can penetrate the barrier between the elements and the property.
- Photo Documentation: Outsourcing to contractors can be nervewracking for small to midsize businesses. If working with a limited budget, you want to ensure that the work is done properly and in a timely manner. Photo documentation will help assure proprietors their asset is protected to the fullest.
How to Help Prevent Failure of the Building Envelope
Preventing the failure of the commercial building envelope begins with preventative maintenance. Whether building maintenance is performed in-house or outsourced, the right information, knowledge of materials, training for the upkeep of the building and the materials it is made of will be the difference between emergency leak repairs and a replacement or remodel. Utilizing resources for commercial glass repair, replacement and maintenance and hiring contractors will help keep the integrity of the building intact. The skills and professional quality ensure the repair is made correctly the first time and will save money on repairs in the long term if the job is not completed properly.
Streamline Emergency Leak Repairs With the Right Partner
The best avenue to bolster building maintenance and streamline emergency leak repairs is to hire the right contractor for the job. Contractors with the skill and experience to make the repairs and document their work will keep the building envelope intact and hold them accountable for their job performance. Harm to the building’s envelope is inevitable between natural wear and tear and unpredictable, unforeseen circumstances such as damage to the building or inclement weather. Contact the Valcourt today for a job done right the first time
