Maintaining a Building Envelope

4/11/2020 (Permalink)

The envelope is composed of all the barriers between the interior and exterior of the building

Rain damage to your West Dundee, IL, building can lead to serious problems, including black mold. The best way to protect your commercial property is to ensure the building has a sound envelope to keep out rain, wind, and other elements.

Purpose of the Building Envelope

The envelope is composed of all the barriers between the interior and exterior of the building. Major components include the following:

• Roof
  
• Walls
  
• Doors
  
• Windows
  
• Foundation
  
  

Seals around doors and windows are also part of the building envelope. The envelope should provide insulation, control light, and noise that enters the building and keep the interior dry. Envelopes that provide good insulation and moisture control are referred to as tight envelopes. Loose envelopes allow more air and moisture to enter the building. Buildings with tight envelopes are less prone to mold growth, rain damage and other problems. They are also more energy-efficient. However, tight envelopes minimize airflow so it is important to maintain proper ventilation.

Maintaining the Envelope

There are several steps you can take to keep your building's envelope in good shape. Make sure there are no flat areas where water can accumulate, as this will put pressure on the envelope and speed deterioration. Perform biannual inspections to check for cracks and other openings as well as joints that have come apart and sealant that has deteriorated. Do additional checks after major storms. Repair any damage as soon as possible. If you notice mold growth, address it quickly to prevent structural damage. When it is necessary to repair or replace parts of the envelope, invest in quality materials and experienced workmanship. Make sure the materials are appropriate for the weather conditions in your area.
Unfortunately, even buildings with tight, well-maintained envelopes can suffer rain damage. If your business suffers water damage or other issues, a certified restoration service can help you get the structure back to normal quickly and safely.