As a restoration company, we’ve witnessed devastating damage caused by cutting corners, rushing timelines, and using cheap materials. Here we share the truth about “quick fix” building restoration and the signs of improper restoration methods.
What exactly qualifies as a quick fix?
All buildings require intermittent quick fixes as part of an effective building maintenance strategy. However, they are meant as interventions to prolong life, not as a long-term restoration solution. When quick fixes are used in the restoration process such as skipping steps or installing sub-par materials, they fail to adhere to building codes and regulations. As a result, quick-fix solutions inevitably lead to building envelop failure and can pose worker/occupant health and safety risks.
When quick-fix in building restoration acceptable?
Effective building management requires a structured assessment process. When damage is discovered, assessments determine the cause to inform your repair decisions. All repairs must be documented and monitored for early signs of new damage to facilitate timely long-term improvements as required.
When are quick fixes acceptable?
Effective building management requires a structured assessment process. When damage is discovered, assessments determine the cause to inform your repair decisions. All repairs must be documented and monitored for early signs of new damage to facilitate timely long-term improvements as required.
What to look for:
- Peeling paint
- Discolouration on walls and ceilings
- Warping floorboards
- Musty smells
- The presence of mould
Air Control: Air flow is a key function of the building envelop. It controls energy consumption and regulates indoor air quality while helping to reduce condensation. The same shoddy workmanship that impacts moisture control, impacts the control of air movement through building envelop components.
What to look for:
- Drafts
- Whistling sounds
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout the building
- Moisture issues
- Slamming/hard to open doors caused by changing air pressure
Thermal Control: The components of your building envelop include a thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer, including insulating materials in the walls, roof, windows, and doors. Short cuts and poor R-values impact thermal control between the interior and exterior, leading to thermal energy transfer and loss.
What to look for:
- Increased energy consumption caused by a reduction in internal temperatures
- Mould growth and moisture damage caused by condensation
- Poor indoor air quality
- Eventual structural damage caused by thermal-conductivity condensation
Aesthetics: Aesthetics are impacted by poor quality materials and improper installation methods for various types of cladding, curtain walls, doors, and windows.
What to look for:
- Peeling paint
- Cracked and shrinking sealants
- Cladding delamination
- Discolouration
- Warping and cracking
- Damaged gaskets/weather stripping
- Poorly functioning doors and windows
Balconies: Balcony restorations are designed to improve building aesthetics, while reducing possible hazards.
What to look for:
- Loose railings
- Cracked glass panels
- Water leaks into units
- Concrete slab delamination
As you can see, quick-fix in building restoration often leads to bigger problems down the road. Carefully vetting contractors with a proven history in commercial and multi-unit residential building restoration projects will help ensure you aren’t a victim of common quick fixes.
As an experienced building restoration company in the GTA, we are COR™ certified and committed to exceeding all building code standards. We can provide a thorough assessment and restoration plan to carefully restore your aging building. Reach out to us today.