The service life of your building envelope components determines the timing for window, facade, roof, or curtain wall replacement. Having a deep understanding of the components involved allows you to become more predictive in your budgeting.
Here we provide actionable timelines to replace the key elements of your building façade.
Lifespan of windows
Expected lifespan: 25 years
Windows are a critical building envelope component impacting the following:
- Energy efficiency
- Energy costs
- Comfort
- Moisture management
- Daylighting
- Noise reduction
- Security
- Aesthetics
Considerations
As windows age, they become less effective, eventually leading to issues with condensation, air and water leaks, heat loss, and more. It is important to keep in mind that what might appear to be issues related to windows could be related to other façade challenges.
For example, often what appears to be leaky windows is in fact related to deficient cladding. The window joinery is often simply the pathway for the water. As a result, assessing the entire building envelope is essential to determine the cause of the water infiltration.
Lifespan of cladding
Expected lifespan: Varies based on materials:
- Metal 20 to 40
- Brick veneer 70 to 75
- Solid brick 80 to 100
- Cement stucco 30 to 50
- Aluminum 30 to 50
- Stone veneer 35 to 50
Cladding is the outer layer of a building envelope protecting the entire structure against the following threats:
- Water infiltration and structural damage
- Thermal transfer
- Reduced energy efficiency
- Deteriorating noise reduction
- Damage to underlying building envelop components such as insulation
- Reduced lifespan of the entire building structure
Considerations
Although cladding is non-structural, its relationship to the primary structural surface does contribute to the overall integrity of the building. Cladding impacts how the building manages wind loads, its ability to deflect water infiltration, and contributions to the insulation that manages energy efficiency.
Regular cladding inspections are essential to identify signs of air leakage, possible impact on continuity of insulation, water penetration and thermal bridging.
Lifespan of roofing
Expected lifespan: 20 to 25 years for a flat roof (can vary based on materials)
The roof is the first line of defense against the elements, protecting both exterior and interior components. Its role includes:
- Protecting the building’s overall structure including walls, foundation, and windows
- Deflecting solar radiation to improve energy efficiency
- Insultation to prevent heat from escaping
Considerations
A well-maintained roof facilitates good thermal performance, adequate ventilation to reduce issues with moisture, and improves drainage to prevent water pooling on typical condo flat roofs. However, it must also withstand risks of overloading not only related to snow and ice, but also heavy equipment such as HVAC or elevator systems.
Regular roof inspections identify signs of structural damage such as sagging and moisture penetration to facilitate ongoing maintenance and repairs that prolong life.
Lifespan of curtain wall
Expected lifespan: 20 to 35 years
The curtain wall is a specific façade design featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls and framed windows attached to the exterior of the building structure. They include:
- Thermal insulation and glass coatings to improve energy performance
- Structural integrity to withstand wind loads
- Protection against water infiltration and the elements
Considerations
Curtain walls consist of multiple components. These components impact life expectancy including aluminum, glass, and other materials making up various elements such as spandrel panels, thermal breaks, and sealants. Because each of these components has varied life expectancies, ongoing maintenance is required to reduce their impact on the overall integrity of the curtain wall.
Understanding the life expectancy for critical building components allows you to become more predictive in your capital expenditure budgeting. It is also essential to adopt a preventative maintenance plan to help mitigate risks associated with complex layers of envelope components.
WellDone Inc. is a building restoration company specializing in building improvements for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings throughout the GTA. We offer expertise to create comprehensive building envelope restoration strategies designed to save money and improve energy efficiency. Reach out to our team today.