Why Regular Caulking & Waterproofing is Important for a Building
Many buildings do not have a regular repair or maintenance schedule. Unfortunately, this often leaves buildings at risk of leaking air or water, both of which can be costly and damaging. This problem is easily and affordably solved using a waterproof and airtight sealant called caulk.
What is Caulking?
Caulk is a waterproof filler and sealant that is often applied during building envelope repairs. When caulking a building, repair and maintenance crews using a caulking gun to apply the sealant to gaps, seams, and joints. Repair crews may use latex, acrylic, or silicone caulking for different applications.
Caulking has many benefits. First, it prevents leaks of air. In turn, this can help preserve indoor temperatures and humidity. Second, it prevents water from seeping indoors, preventing leaks, mildew, and mould. Finally, caulking provides a smooth and even finish for aesthetic purposes when it’s done properly by a professional.
Why Do Commercial Buildings Need Regular Caulking?
Commercial buildings are prone to wear and tear. This means caulking may crack, pull away, or break off over time. Making matters worse, important areas of commercial buildings can prove difficult to access. For example, a sunroof in an older building may not have been sealed properly for decades. This results in an extreme loss of energy, and therefore, a far greater cost for utilities.
Unlike many maintenance, repair, and cleaning companies, AllVert Structural Solutions provides caulking for all surfaces we come in contact with at each service, both interior and exterior. This ensures your building is always as energy efficient and waterproof as possible. If previous caulking has pulled away, new caulking can easily be applied to fill the gap.
What is a Backer Rod?
Large gaps may requires a backer rod. A backer rod is a rope-shaped piece of foam that is inserted into large gaps before caulking. It has cells that help absorb and connect with the sealant. One of the main benefits of backer rods is in helping the caulking stick to all surfaces for a tight seal that won’t move.
Caulking in Cold Weather
Many people believe that caulking can’t be done in cold Alberta winters. While it’s not recommended that you DIY caulking in cold temperatures, commercial repair crews like AllVert Structural Solutions can perform caulking in cold temperatures. It requires specific materials and techniques.
Door & Window Caulking Repairs
Caulking is often applied to windows and doors, where heat and energy are at the greatest risk of being lost. If you’ve noticed drafts in your building or around your entrances – even when doors are closed – it’s a good sign that you need to reseal these areas.
The Benefits of Using Rope Access for Building Envelope Caulking
Traditional access methods often do not allow for proper caulking at heights, or in confined spaces. By using less equipment, rope access technicians are more easily able to shift into tight and hard-to-reach spaces. This means we can ensure complete and perfectly sealed caulking for our commercial clients.
According to the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association: “The advantage of using rope access methods mainly lies in the safety and speed with which workers can get to or from difficult locations in order to carry out their work, often with minimal impact on other operations, surrounding areas and the environment.”
Most rope access crews are able to perform commercial caulking on both the interior and exterior of a any building, including high rises. Due to the lack of equipment, hiring a rope access crew can help save money on extensive repairs or regular maintenance.
Need More Information?
If you’d like more information about caulking for commercial buildings, or other repair and maintenance solutions, contact us at AllVert Structural Solutions. We’ll be happy to answer questions and help you decide if it’s the right time to schedule maintenance and repairs for your building or complex.