Building Check-Up
Winter is on its way. You got your flu shot and verified that the snow blower will run when you need it. But is your building prepared for the bitter cold temperature extremes and snow of the upper Midwest?
It’s the perfect time of year for a building check-up. Survey your building envelope now while the temperatures are favorable, to avoid discomfort or even failure when the weather turns blustery.
Start by checking your roof. Go up on the roof structure if feasible or use a pair of binoculars to check for poor adhesion of the membrane, missing shingles or flashing, and gaps at roof penetrations. The intersection of dissimilar materials is a likely spot for problems and where preventative maintenance is advisable.
The same goes for the exterior building walls. Are cladding materials like masonry and wood deteriorating and leaving the substrate exposed? Check the intersection of all wall penetrations such as windows, doors and vents. Gaps that are not noticeable in the summer become a drafty annoyance in the winter.
Check the window seals. Is the weather stripping intact? Are the operable sash snug in their tracks? If not, there are quick, inexpensive remedies that you can implement now to save on heating bills later. Windows admit light and frame views when we are indoors in the winter, so verify that your windows are in good shape to provide the desired connection with the great outdoors.
Well built and maintained windows are a pleasure to own and pay for themselves many times over. At the Marvin Window factory in Warroad, MN, Estates Windows of Lake Bluff is hosting a group of architects this week and we can see the great value and benefits of beautifully built windows. Each window is custom built in the 2 million square foot family owned factory. There is great attention to detail and dedication to producing a superior product. Customer support is uniquely personal and follows the windows for years to come.
Yesterday in Minnesota we saw snow flurries. Is your building ready for winter?
