Façade Restorations

The Role of Building Façades

Building façades, generally the front part of a building’s exterior, have an important job. Because they often support the weight of various building wall components, they play a vital part in a building’s structural integrity. They’re also critical to reducing energy consumption and creating a comfortable, secure and safe environment.

But perhaps most important, is their aesthetic role. A façade is the face of a building, adding architectural character and creating an impression that sets the tone for the building’s interior.

Is your building façade performing as it should? Is the masonry cracked or crumbling? Does the façade have ugly stains, rot, leaks, rust or peeling paint?

Signs of deterioration may be a hint that something more serious is going on. These issues won’t fix themselves. Ignore them and you could find yourself dealing with costly damage to your building. 

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Façades Deteriorate without Proper Maintenance

As buildings age, their facades are susceptible to weather and water infiltration, especially if they were improperly installed, poorly repaired, or haven’t been well-maintained. Many issues can contribute to their demise, including:

• Erosion caused by rain and snow
• Cyclic freezing and thawing
• Salt crystallization
• Anchorage corrosion
• Thermal stresses from extreme heat
• Restrained movement
• UV degradation caused by direct sunlight
• Flashing details not installed correctly

Before embarking on any repairs, it’s important to determine what external factors are causing the façade to deteriorate and whether any underlying structural problems need to be addressed.