Maximizing Longevity With Innovative Building Envelope Restoration Techniques

When we restore building envelopes, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution for every project. We have to look at what we are starting with, what the problems are, whether it is a residential or commercial project, HOA (Home-Owners Association) or jurisdictional limitations, building codes, whether a property has historical value and restrictions, what the property owner wants, and the budgetary considerations.

Nevertheless, as technology and building materials evolve, we always try to implement innovative techniques and materials to increase a building’s longevity. In today’s blog, we are going to talk briefly about some of the newer materials and techniques used in building restoration. This is not an exhaustive treatment of the subject.

Windows

Windows have evolved considerably in the last 50 years. They are now more energy efficient than ever, but windows also now have all kinds of other interesting features available. There are, for example, several types of responsive windows such as those with a thermochronic glazing that darken as more and more sun shines on them to act as a more efficient heat barrier.

Another possibility is windows that have a shade built into the inside which are operable at a distance with a remote control. There are also windows now that have thermal breaks inside which cut down on heat conduction and convection.

Water

Keeping water out of a building is a perennial problem. Today we can sometimes use through-wall flashing as a superior technique to funnel water out from behind a wall cladding, such as brick, before the water can wreak havoc inside the building.

Roofing also continues to evolve. We can now find metal shingles which have a longer life than asphalt ones. Metal roofing has a very long life and is almost 100 percent recyclable.

Ventilation

Ventilation is always something that those working on restoring building envelopes pay particular attention to. The quality of the ventilation both in and out of a building directly affects the air quality inside. Ventilation is always addressed during a building envelope restoration especially if the roof has been redone or the furnace has changed.

We are experts on building envelope restoration and would be happy to discuss the newest technology that we use on the Lower Mainland to maximize the longevity of your building. Please feel free to contact us at (778) 881-2877.

Westerly Restoration provides building envelope and restoration services in Vancouver, BC, and throughout the lower mainland.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about building envelopes or restoration, please call us at (778) 881-2877 or use the convenient form on our Contact page.