Essential Spring Guide to Building Envelope and Exterior Inspections

Now that spring is arriving with warmer weather, it’s a good opportunity to get outside and check your building. Long winter periods often keep us indoors, limiting routine inspections of the roof, building envelope, and exterior areas like we would normally perform. Cold temperatures, harsh winter weather, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can quickly cause building damage during the season.

Spring is an ideal time to perform exterior inspections, identify damage that occurred over the winter, and develop a short repair list.

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Roof Inspections

If you can safely access your roof, take a quick survey and look for any damage:

• Loose or damaged roofing materials

• Roof penetrations with cracks or holes

• Dormer windows and skylights for damage or signs of water leaks

• Chimneys for cracking or signs of water infiltration, such as efflorescence on masonry surfaces

• Rooftop equipment to ensure it is in good condition and all covers are in place

• Excess dirt or debris that should be removed

• Roof drains—clear them and test for proper operation if necessary

• Gutters to ensure they are clean and directing water away from the building

Any significant damage observed to the roof membrane, drains, or roof substructure should be inspected by a professional roofing contractor immediately.

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Building Envelope Inspection

• Check soffits and fascia for damage

• Verify the condition of exterior paint

• Inspect siding or primary envelope materials (siding, stucco, or brick masonry)

• Check areas around doors and windows for damage

• Inspect exterior equipment, such as HVAC units, to ensure no damage and that covers are in place

• Examine the base of the building near the foundation for cracks or deterioration

• Look for signs of standing water around the foundation

  
  

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Walkways and Hardscapes

• Check walkways and steps for visible damage

• Look for changes in elevation that could create trip hazards

• Ensure benches and handrails are secure and have a smooth, safe grip surface

• Verify that walkway and stair lighting is functioning properly

• Inspect landscape beds and grass areas for holes or depressions

• Survey shrubs and trees for broken or damaged limbs that should be removed

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Parking Areas

• Confirm that site lighting is working properly

• Check the parking surface for cracks and signs of winter damage

• Note and address any potholes immediately

• Verify that pavement markings (lines and arrows) are still clearly visible

• In multilevel structures, ensure expansion strip transitions are secure and flush

• Confirm that concrete deck expansion joints are intact

Parking structures need to be examined by a professional contractor who understands the structure's specifics, load tolerances, and the acceptable condition of the concrete or other materials. Check with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to determine the guidelines and inspections required in your area.

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Taking action on your findings

Taking time to perform these inspections provides a clear overview of your building’s exterior condition and helps you create a focused list of necessary repairs caused by winter weather.

Address small repairs promptly to maintain the property's condition and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Regular maintenance enhances the building's longevity. Immediate attention to safety concerns like exposed wiring or loose handrails is crucial to prevent accidents. Larger repairs, requiring specialized skills, should be evaluated by professionals and scheduled appropriately. These repairs should be documented and included in a capital improvement plan for long-term investments. If you are unsure as to the extent of repairs needed or their priority, call out a qualified contractor.

Remember: When in doubt call someone out.

During inspections, if serious damage is found, especially in critical areas like roofing or parking structures, contact a qualified contractor immediately. The contractor will assess the situation and determine necessary repairs, ensuring they are performed to code with appropriate materials. Documenting these actions aids future maintenance and provides a comprehensive property history.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, an exterior building inspection is essential for safeguarding both the occupants and the structural integrity of a property. By meticulously prioritizing any damage identified during the inspection, property owners can make informed decisions about necessary repairs. This proactive approach not only mitigates potential safety hazards but also enhances the longevity of the building, ultimately protecting the investment made. Regular inspections and timely repairs ensure that the structure remains sound and resilient against environmental factors, thereby providing a safe and secure environment for all who inhabit it. Investing in thorough exterior inspections is not just a maintenance task; it is a commitment to the well-being of people and the preservation of valuable assets.

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