An effective façade restoration strategy improves building performance, occupant comfort, lifespan, and value. It also increases ROI. In this blog we compare partial repairs versus full exterior overhauls to help deliver the highest value for building owners.
Façade improvements begin with inspections
A building façade is an essential part of the air, weather, and thermal barrier of the building envelope. A building inspection tells you what is happening to the façade materials, such as masonry, curtain walls, etc., and the underlying systems responsible for the building’s performance. For example, a curtain wall assessment saves costs by determining if repairing or replacing damaged and worn elements will prolong life and prevent further damage or if curtain wall failure requires restoration of the entire wall system.
Balancing the budget for building façade restoration
An inspection helps set a realistic budget based on detailed estimates that take all costs into consideration. Inspections also prioritize work based on structural needs and long-term damage estimates to avoid unexpected costs and expenses down the road. The areas that tend to see the highest ROI include work that:
- Reduces risk of water damage to insulation and interiors
- Improves air tightness to reduce moisture issues, heat loss, and indoor air pollution
- Reduces insurance premiums through improved compliance and safety
Building life stages
Buildings have predictive life stages that help determine how long certain materials and components will last. Building inspectors consider building age to help determine when restoration is required based on the following schedules:
- Stage 2 (1 to 16 years): Exterior repainting, sealant renewals, and balcony membrane resurfacing
- Stage 3 (17 to 29 years): Re-roofing and exterior sealant, window and failed sealed glazing unit replacement
- Stage 4 (30 to 49 years): Exterior recladding/modernization
- Stage 5 (Over 50): As the façade re-enters Stages 3 and 4, you can expect the same replacement requirements
Energy efficiency
Addressing energy efficiency modernizes the building, reduces operation expenses, and improves occupant comfort to help reduce tenant churn. Monitoring heating and cooling costs helps spot patterns indicating the building’s thermal barrier is failing, such as exterior wall insulation, windows, and doors. When combined with façade inspections, energy use provides critical data to help inform restoration decisions.
Consider restoration ROI
Realizing a higher return on investment (ROI) relies on upgrades that help reduce costs, such as:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Reduced maintenance through enhanced durability with modern, sustainable materials
- Enhanced building aesthetics to attract tenants
- Reduced tenant churn through enhanced occupant satisfaction and comfort
- Code-compliant materials, systems, and designs to help reduce insurance premiums and decrease risk of denied claims
A restoration expert can provide a thorough building inspection and compare the options and benefits of a partial versus full façade restoration strategy. They can also help prioritize your work to make the most of your budget and increase your ROI.
The experienced restoration team at WellDone Inc., a building restoration company in the GTA specializing in building improvements for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings, can provide a thorough assessment and restoration plan to help increase ROI of your aging building. Reach out to us today.