Are you responsible for juggling the current working conditions of your property, including capital budgets, all while trying to predict when the next colossal building systems failure is going to rear its ugly head?
We know it can be a lot to manage with the complexity of each project, major or minor. Our licensed architects and engineers have created a flow chart that can help community managers understand the life cycle of your structures and building systems. By understanding your position in the life cycle you can have a clearer picture of your current and future needs regarding these items. Creating preventative maintenance programs and having timely inspections can potentially minimize unanticipated costs or displacement that would burden your community members. Our team of architects and engineers have experience with techniques and indicators that can assist in the performance and longevity of your multifamily complex.
There are many factors that we consider in conjunction with our technical expertise, that assists us in determining where you currently sit on the flow chart and expected life left of your building enclosure or building system. Some of these factors include local weather conditions, past maintenance programs, historical data associated with the property, and future goals the community may have.
Local Conditions
Washington state and Hawaii for example are both harsh environments, each in their own distinct way. Weather and local environments will attack building envelopes, roofs, garages and outdoor common areas in a vastly different way. Additionally, this includes HVAC, plumbing, electrical and security systems are also affected by weather, as it blows in the door or through the envelope or battles the outdoor temperatures. The chloride contamination or salt water breeze from Puget Sound or Pearl Harbor has a degrading affect to your outdoor and indoor system materials, it is like a silent killer. The Northwest and Hawaii warm and cold temperature fluctuations, with high humidity is ideal for degrading materials and therefore causing harm to the multifamily complex. In Hawaii, they may not have the temperature fluctuations like Washington State but the humidity concentration is much higher. Kent Engineering|Architectural Diagnostics are daily working on projects where this degradation is being evaluated and mitigated.
It is important to have engineers and architects who have extensive experience where your building or property is located. Having historical data regarding corrosion of materials or systems to pull from is beneficial in accurately pinpointing the life expectancy of your building of systems.
Life Expectancy and Maintenance
We see that exterior building surfaces, roof surfaces, parking garage surfaces and nearly everything in a condo complex has a limited life or set time period before it must be maintained or replaced. Our team of architects and engineers have experience with techniques and indicators that can assist in the performance and longevity of your multifamily complex. Couple that with a custom maintenance program that fits your specific needs, potentially reducing monetary or displacement costs that could burden community members. If replacement is the determined course of action, our team has knowledge in new methods or materials that can be employed to improve the situation in some manner, such as aesthetics, functionality, life expectancy, or just convenience.
Planning for the Future
Understanding the history of your complex is crucial for identifying key information that ensures the quality and performance of your systems. Historical data plays a vital role in analyzing corroded materials, uncovering potential design flaws, and addressing issues unique to your building or system. Once you have determined your position within the life cycle, you can establish benchmarks and create maintenance programs that align with your future goals. Conducting a reserve study is an essential step in this process, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and long-term planning.
In conclusion, managing the life expectancy of your building’s enclosure and systems is a complex but crucial task that directly impacts the long-term success and sustainability of your property. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned and licensed architects and engineers, and utilizing tools like our in-house flow chart and historical data, you can gain a clearer understanding of your building’s current state and future needs. This proactive approach not only helps in preventing costly and unexpected failures but also ensures that your community remains safe and functional. Planning for the future with a well-structured maintenance program and a thorough reserve study will empower you to make informed decisions that align with your property’s goals, ultimately extending the life of your building and enhancing the living experience for all residents.
Leading Experts in Building Enclosures and Building Systems
Kent Engineering Architectural Diagnostics stands as a trusted expert in Building Enclosures and Building Systems Engineering, offering tailored solutions that ensure the longevity, efficiency, and resilience of commercial properties. Our team’s deep technical expertise and commitment to innovation allow us to diagnose and solve complex building challenges with precision, helping property owners and developers mitigate risks and optimize performance.
With years of experience in the industry, our experts and engineers continue to be leaders in delivering reliable assessments and comprehensive engineering services. Whether it’s improving energy efficiency, addressing moisture issues, or ensuring structural integrity, our focus remains on safeguarding the value and functionality of commercial buildings for the long term.
Find out how Kent Engineering | Architectural Diagnostics is the right partner for your building systems needs. Feel free to get in touch with us; we are here for you!
