5 Reasons Why You May Require Building Envelope Restoration

It can be difficult to know precisely where the problem with your building envelope may be. Accurate problem detection requires specially-trained professionals such as building engineers. As building envelope restoration experts serving clients throughout Alberta, we know that there are signs that you can look out for before calling for assistance.

Your building envelope serves key purposes, including water management, preventing air leakage, and providing insulation. If your building envelope is failing in any of these areas, you may observe physical evidence.

Here are five things to look out for that may require building envelope restoration:

1. Dusty or humid occupied space.

If you have excessive humidity in your living or working spaces, this is a sign that there is a flaw in your building envelope. You can easily check humidity with a hygrometer. Low humidity can lead to physical discomfort in the form of sore throats, dry skin, and frequent static shocks. High humidity levels increase your chances of getting a cold or a respiratory problem, as well as leading to mildew and mold problems within the building.

Look out for wet stains on ceilings and walls, condensation on your windows, and mold and mildew growing on the walls or within the window frames. Black spots or grime is something to look for if you have condensation build up.

2. Hot or cold spots.

If you have hot or cold spots in your home, this could potentially indicate that there is a problem with your building envelope, causing drafty areas and or air leakage. The thermal barrier provided by the insulation of a building envelope is designed to prevent excessive heat exchange.

If you experience unexplained hot and or cold spots inside your home or commercial building, it is probably a good idea to contact your local building envelope restoration expert in Surrey to have it examined.

3. Mustiness or unpleasant smells.

If you have musty areas or other unpleasant smells in your home, this is a potential sign of poor air circulation and a vapor diffusion issue. The mustiness smell could mean that you have a mold and mildew problem. Left untreated, mold and mildew can be dangerous if not eradicated immediately and could lead serious health concerns, including respiratory disease.

4. Bubbling and staining of fixtures

Damage of this kind is an indicator of poor water management by your building envelope. If you can see bowing of your stucco or siding on the exterior of your home or commercial building, you should contact a building envelope restoration expert to have it examined. Thermal moisture testing can be performed before further damage can take place within the walls. Do not attempt to cover up bulging, bowing or new cracks or bubbles, as this would be a cosmetic fix for an underlying problem that require professional examination and repair.

5. Open joints around doors and windows

Faults with joints and sealant can let water in and can cause serious problems like mold or even structural corrosion. Cracking, peeling or lifting of the joints are signs to watch for; what appears to be minor looking wear and tear can cause major headaches and become costly if left unrepaired.

Building envelope issues can be hard to spot for the inexperienced eye; however, if you do see them it is important to act, and bring in a building envelope restoration expert.

If you’re concerned about a residential or commercial property in Surrey or anywhere in BC, make Westerly Restoration your first call for the best building envelope restoration professionals in the area. We will thoroughly assess the building envelope in question and determine the best way to repair the problem with minimal impact on anyone using the building. You can expect prompt service, quality workmanship, and peace of mind, knowing that your building is comfortable and safe again.