Building envelopes are essential for preventing moisture penetration. Exterior walls, foundations, doors, windows, roofs and eaves all play vital roles in averting moisture out of the walls. In Northern or coastal climates, even small leaks in the building envelope can lead to huge problems. If issues with a building’s envelope are identified early on they can be remedied relatively inexpensively. If left unnoticed, the cost of repairs increases dramatically. Regular inspection of the building envelope can protect you from this risk. Particularly if your structure has had reoccurring leaks, routine envelope inspections are important. Identifying separated sealants, cracked concrete, missing flashing, deteriorated trim and leaking membranes will help you to take the right steps forward in conserving the structural and aesthetic integrity of your building.

RAC regularly inspects historic and antique buildings for signs of wear and potential further erosion of concrete, plaster and antique facades.

Special Note on British Columbia High & Low Rise Residential

Due to failures in oversight, changes in taste and a powerful real estate market boom, BC’s coastal region regularly sees massive failures in the building envelopes of residential complexes built from 1983-1998. Condo towers are the most at risk, but a number of other residential and commercial buildings are also affected. Mimicking the design styles of California, these buildings have minimized overhangs, reduced wall thicknesses and are sometimes constructed with substandard materials. Increased exposure caused by reduced overhangs and wall thickness causes seals on rooflines, doorways and windows to fail. Substantial moisture leeks develop rapidly and can lead to swollen walls, damage to structural components and interior mold.

If you manage or maintain a residential complex built during this era on BC’s coast, RAC is proud to offer you fast and effective building envelope inspections for monitoring preventative and repair needs.