Restore aging buildings from the outside in

By The Coffee Shops ®. 

Coordinating roofing, masonry and waterproofing work can help facility teams support long-term building performance. 

Aging buildings require more than isolated repairs. As roofing membranes, flashing, sealants and masonry joints deteriorate, water can move beyond the visible point of entry and damage concealed wall assemblies or structural components. In this article, Greenwood Industries explains that for facility teams, the challenge is finding a solution that balances performance, cost and historic integrity. 

Repeated repairs often treat symptoms rather than the full system. A patched roof leak may return when damaged flashing or adjacent masonry also contributes to water intrusion. Likewise, repointing masonry without stopping water from above can lead to continued deterioration. Evaluating the entire building envelope helps teams identify root causes and coordinate lasting improvements. 

Re-roofing creates an important opportunity to take that broader approach. In addition to replacing an aging roof system, project teams can upgrade flashing and edge conditions, improve drainage and slope, coordinate roof-to-wall transitions and increase insulation performance. 

That coordination is especially important for historic and institutional buildings. At the Big E Coliseum in Springfield, Massachusetts, re-roofing work included upgrading the EPDM system while preserving architectural elements of the structure, which was built in 1916. Projects at Marble House, Fairhaven High School and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul also combined roofing with architectural metal, masonry restoration and waterproofing. 

Before beginning a project, facility teams should consider whether leaks recur in the same locations, roofing systems are nearing the end of their expected service life or masonry shows cracking, open joints or deterioration. Reviewing these conditions together can help teams prioritize scopes and move beyond cyclical repairs. 

For buildings in need of updating, spring provides an opportunity to evaluate vulnerabilities revealed by freeze-thaw cycles, snow load and prolonged moisture exposure. A coordinated plan can extend a building’s service life, improve performance and protect the architectural features that define campuses and communities. 

Read the full article to learn more about how aging buildings can be kept in good condition for years to come.