How To Maintain a Building Envelope To Prevent Rain Damage

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a commercial business in Eagle Lake, FL.

How to Keep a Building Envelope Clean to Avoid Rain Damage

Rain damage to your Eagle Lake, FL, business can cause serious problems, including black mold and structural issues. Fortunately, maintaining your building's envelope helps protect it from inclement weather.

Components

The building envelope is the membrane between the indoors and outdoors. The envelope keeps out wind and rain and minimizes heat loss. The barrier consists of several elements, including the following:

• Roof
  
• Doors
  
• Walls
  
• Foundation
  
• Seals
  
  

An envelope that keeps out most external elements is referred to as "tight," while a barrier that allows more airflow is called "loose." A tight envelope will prevent rain damage more effectively and provide better climate control than a loose envelope.

Maintenance

Although even tightly sealed buildings occasionally incur damage that requires the skills of a professional restoration team, routine maintenance is still the best way to protect your building from the elements. Perform regular inspections of all components of the envelope. Depending on your skill level and the size of your building, you may be able to examine the structure yourself. Inspections should be performed at least twice a year. If a particularly strong storm hits your area, go out afterward and do a visual check to make sure no damage was done.

If an inspection reveals any damage or weak spots, perform the necessary repairs as quickly as possible. If any building materials need to be replaced, a professional can guide you to the best solutions for the weather patterns in your area.
Even when no damage is present, you may decide to upgrade some components of your building envelope to increase their energy efficiency or weather resistance. Make sure all upgrades are installed correctly. Otherwise, your building may be at risk during the next storm.

Rain damage is a common issue among business owners, but it is preventable in many cases. A tight envelope that is properly maintained will decrease the chances of your building suffering storm damage and minimize any damage that does occur.