Discovering exterior and hidden damage in the early stages is a crucial step in effective preventative maintenance plans. In fact, once your board faces the costs of avoidable deeper damage, you’ll wish you had inspected more often. In this two-part series we look at the typical inspections you should perform at least annually to mitigate risks and reduce the costs of exterior damage. 

In Part 1, we focus on inspections addressing energy inefficiency, water damage, and air infiltration. 

Rainwater Management System

Bi-annual inspections of your rainwater management system will ensure water runoff is being managed properly. This system can be quite complex, and when compromised can lead to costly water damage. The biggest threats include:

• Cracks, holes, or clogs in your gutter system 
• Pooling in gutters due to improper slope 
• Loose downspouts that are not directing water away from structures 
• Inefficient or clogged drainage components such as catch basins

Roofing System

It’s no secret that your roofing system protects against water damage, but it also contributes to the energy efficiency of your building envelope. Ongoing repairs of the following common types of roof damage can extend the life of your roof:

• Missing, cracked, split, or damaged shingles
• Sagging 
• Interference from nearby trees and bushes
• Loose or unsealed flashing especially around chimneys and vents 
• Lifting or rot along the roof edges 
• Water pooling on flat roofs
• Organic growth
• Interior moisture and leaks
• Bubbling and blistering

Exterior Walls/Envelope

Exterior wall and envelope damage not only contributes to water damage, but also impacts energy efficiency, operational costs, resident comfort and ultimately the number of complaints you receive. Things to look for include:

• Holes, dents, cracks, loose materials and any signs of damage or deterioration
• Gaps in the envelope
• Gaps between windows/doors and walls
• Staining, discolouration, streaking, mould, or rot 
• Improper connections between siding and roofing 
• Improper connections between siding and the foundation 
• Cracked, missing, or failing seals

Foundation

Severe foundation damage puts the entire building at risk and is also one of the higher ticket items when it comes to deep repair costs. You can manage foundation integrity by looking for the following issues: 

• Cracking or bulging
• Improper soil drainage 
• Signs of shifting such as cracks, misaligned windows and doors, etc. 
• Complaints regarding balcony doors and windows getting stuck
• Interior issues such as cracking walls, window and door misalignment, cracking floors, etc.

Windows & Doors

Windows and doors contribute to the overall soundness of the building envelope including energy efficiency, and air and water tightness. Signs of damage include: 

• Frame and sill cracks, warping or rot 
• Damaged weatherstripping/caulking
• Poor operation
• Broken, missing or cracked glass
• Fogging 
• Drafts and water leaks

Inspections are part of an effective cost saving preventative maintenance strategy to protect your property, improve resident satisfaction and retain condo values. In Part II of our series, we look at exterior aspects that impact a resident’s enjoyment of the property, as well as curb appeal, value, and safety.  

Click here to read Part II. 

The condo experts at CPO Management Inc, a full-service property management company in Toronto and the GTA, have successfully implemented effective preventative maintenance strategies for residential high-rise condominiums. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you realize substantial cost and time savings with our condo services.