Façade Inspection and Upgrade in New Jersey
A properly designed, built, and maintained façade protects the building against water leakage, air infiltration, and energy loss. However, time and exposure to the elements can deteriorate components of the façade. Depreciation of the façade can result in various problems, including decreased performance and potential hazards.
Moreover, aesthetics matter to the prospective inhabitants. People will judge a building primarily on what is visible to them. For example, a building with peeling paint on its façade walls can give the impression that the property is not taken care of. It will be tough to convince someone to invest in such a property.
An improved façade may help increase the building’s worth, allowing the owner to request a better rent or purchase price. Even serious structural issues might be resolved by upgrading the façade. A timely façade inspection and upgrade also give the building’s owner a chance to reinforce the building’s structural integrity or repair any damage.
Building owners and managers can use findings from façade condition assessments to create maintenance plans. It can also be used to develop a budget for capital repairs and restoration projects, comply with local façade inspection laws, and reduce potential risks.
Identifying Façade Damage and Deterioration
If they catch the problems early enough, building owners and managers can solve façade deterioration with normal repairs. But undetected issues can result in expensive capital rehabilitation projects and potentially hazardous circumstances.
Here are some of the signs of a deteriorating façade:
- Cracks
Cracks sometimes form on some materials, such as concrete and stucco. In certain cases, they are normal and not a cause for concern. But wide, vertical cracks going up the concrete or masonry columns and those close to the building’s corners indicate more significant issues. A qualified building inspection engineer NJ who can distinguish between normal cracks and those that indicate major issues beneath should assess all fractures.
- Leaks
Leakage is another indication of the building’s decline and can often lead to structural issues and deterioration. Parapet walls, cornices, sills, and building corners are the most susceptible to water intrusion. Leaks should be investigated and remediated as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the building.
Window leaks are typically caused by external gaskets that have lost their ability to seal frames and glass. It could also be because of frame corners that were previously factory-sealed but have become undone. Leaks around windows are typically caused by improper design or construction of the connection where the window meets the façade.
- Corrosion
Steel is a major building component, though it typically lies beneath the concrete. As it corrodes, it also expands. This could result in serious structural deficiencies in the building. Corrosion is yet another indication that the structure needs restoration.
Orange rust spots and cracks in areas where steel is likely located are early warning signals to look for. The sooner this issue is addressed, the less damage the building will sustain in the long run.
Jersey City Façade Inspection Ordinance
In August 2021, Jersey City, New Jersey, passed a new ordinance relating to structural and façade examinations of multi-story buildings. The tragic events surrounding the Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside, Florida, prompted the Jersey City Council to pass this ordinance.
The directive provides that a licensed architect or engineer must inspect the façade at least once every five years. Structures that are more than six (6) stories tall or buildings with masonry façades that are at least four (4) stories high must undergo a commercial building inspection NJ. All exterior walls and attachments must be inspected and carried out per guidelines established by the Jersey City Construction Code Official.
The ordinance also mandates that a property owner submit a documented Façade Inspection Report to the Division of the Construction Code Official within thirty (30) days following the inspection. This must be produced by a licensed architect or commercial building engineer NJ.
The report must:
(a) attest to the inspection’s findings;
(b) clearly describe the façade of the building and note whether it is safe or unsafe; and
(c) offer any recommendations for repairs and maintenance, including details on which repairs are urgent and a deadline by which all repairs must be completed.
While the ordinance does not cover low-story buildings, owners should also frequently check small properties for any signs of damage and make any necessary repairs before they cause bigger issues. A typical assessment includes a visual inspection from the ground with high-powered binoculars. Or it could include physical examination from fire escapes or using a boom lift, scaffolding, or rope access.
Detected issues must be taken care of within the allotted time frame given by the commercial building inspector NJ. The professional can also aid in putting together the construction documentation, getting bids, and supervising the upgrades to check that it complies with building codes.
Façade Upgrade
When done strategically, façade upgrades can enhance a building’s aesthetics and increase energy efficiency. It is also an environmentally friendly way to differentiate one commercial building from other structures in the area.
Upgrading a building’s façade includes improving its outer walls and windows. A typical façade upgrade may also include the following:
- structural upgrades
- concrete repair
- brick tile installation
- membrane replacements
- architectural coatings
- balustrade and balcony upgrades
- window replacement
- façade painting
- engineered and architectural design alterations
- structural repairs
Although façade improvements may cost a significant amount of money, it is crucial to secure the long-term safety and well-being of building occupants and can also extend the value of the asset.
To get the most out of façade renovations, asset owners must assess building needs and find doable and practical solutions. This can be done with the help of a commercial building engineer NJ.
Lockatong Engineering Façade Inspection Services
Lockatong Engineering offers building envelope and façade inspections for condominium, commercial, institutional, and manufacturing organizations. The study provides an analysis of the exterior aspects of the property to assess its condition, safety, and longevity. The examination report will alert asset owners to defects and weaknesses that should be addressed.
Contact Lockatong Engineering today to schedule an inspection.
