BY NYC Energy Code Team ON 15 January 2025

The Importance of Exterior Repair and Maintenance for Building Longevity

Exterior Repair and Maintenance

While aesthetic interiors are great, your building’s exterior does not get enough attention. This is no good news, considering it is the building’s first line of defence against all external elements.

You cannot undermine the importance of leveraging the right exterior building maintenance tips. This includes everything from regular inspections to taking the right preventive maintenance steps for better longevity.

If you are still unsure about the importance of exterior maintenance for buildings, this blog will change your mind. Here, we will take a closer look at some reasons why exterior maintenance is so important.

1. Protecting Your Investment

Of course, the first and the most apparent reason here is to protect your investment. The cost of buildings is increasing by the day, and external maintenance is important here. This is a sure-shot way to protect the building from any severe damage and benefit from its longevity. As a result, this little effort will help you save a lot in the long run.

2. Preventing Structural Damage

When you neglect or undermine the importance of external maintenance for your building, it often leads to structural damage. These damages can be in the form of leaks, cracks, or even rot in extreme conditions. Leaving these damages unattended will gradually lead to structural damages that increase your expenses further. This is where external maintenance can help identify potential issues and address them before turning into anything severe.

3. Maintaining the Right Curb Appeal

It is no secret that the building’s exterior is the first thing people see when approaching your property. Naturally, if they see a dirty or poorly maintained exterior, it will have a negative effect on their perception of you. But when the exterior of the building is maintained properly, it also enhances their perception of you. This makes it easier to get better rent from your property with better tenants.

4. Increasing Property Value

An increase in property value is one of the best exterior restoration benefits and something you cannot undermine. It is no secret that buildings with better maintenance tend to fetch better bucks from the market. So, when you make the effort to maintain the building’s exterior properly, it also enhances its value. This is a great way to protect your investment and amplify overall returns.

5. Reduces Energy Costs

One of the most important things that people often overlook about a building’s external maintenance is energy costs. The condition of your building’s exterior has a direct effect on the overall energy cost. Things like poor insulation or air leaks mean the HVAC system has to work harder to maintain the ideal temperature. This results in increased energy costs, which you can avoid with proper external maintenance.

Key Areas to Focus on For Your Building’s Exterior Maintenance

There are many aspects of the exterior that can benefit from effective preventive maintenance for buildings. However, there are some key areas that you must focus on to get the most out of the maintenance. These key areas include the following:

  • Door and Window Inspection : The first thing you need to take care of is the doors and windows in the building. You must ensure every door and window is properly sealed to prevent water ingress and maintain energy efficiency. You must also check caulking and weatherstripping regularly and maintain them.
  • Roof Repair and Inspection : The roof is one of the most important parts of your building’s exterior. Hence, it only makes sense that you inspect the roof regularly and identify any potential issues. These issues can be anything from cracks to missing shingles and leaks. Also, make it a point to check all gutters and take the right maintenance steps for better longevity.
  • Painting and Coatings : Your building’s paints and coats on the exterior are much more important than you might have thought. This makes regular coating and painting very important for the building. This is a great way to shield exterior surfaces from corrosion and weathering. This becomes even more important for buildings located in areas with harsh climates.
  • Facade Care : Your building’s facade is the side of the structure that faces the street or an open space. Here, you must clean, repair and even repaint the walls to ensure the building looks best. But more importantly, this goes a long way in protecting the building’s exterior from any deterioration resulting from external elements.
  • Ground Keeping and Landscaping : Not many people realise this, but regular groundskeeping and landscaping are among the greatest building longevity strategies. They help protect the building’s foundation, which helps the structure retain its integrity. This approach is also great for ensuring the building has proper drainage and prevents erosion.
  • Exterior Repair and Maintenance

    How to Implement a Preventive Maintenance Schedule For Buildings?

    One of the best things you can do for your building is to create a proper preventive maintenance schedule and stick to it. This is important for ensuring your building gets the proper upkeep it deserves. So, here are some of the important things you must include in the maintenance schedule:

  • Immediate Repairs : You will often encounter situations where immediate repairs might be the only option for damage. These repairs are generally the result of thorough inspection and help prevent further damage.
  • Routine Cleaning : You can never underestimate the importance of regular cleaning for your building. Cleaning the exterior surfaces prevents dirt and pollutant buildup, which, given enough time, can cause notable damage.
  • Seasonal Inspections : It is always important you check all building components seasonally. During cold weather, you must check the roof and drainage of the building to ensure everything is as it should be.
  • Final Thoughts

    For many, buildings are an investment of a lifetime, and proper maintenance is very important. These maintenance strategies will go a long way in terms of enhancing the building’s overall longevity.

    You must make the most of all the information in this repair and maintenance guide for the building’s exterior. This will ensure that your building remains durable and functional for many years to come and that you continue getting better returns on your investments.

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