Most Australian buildings were made during the 50s and 70s that are now presenting certain functionality and structural issues due to lack of maintenance and facade rejuvenation. This article will cover the basic facade rejuvenation upgrades you might need to invest in to comply with current regulations that can keep tenants safe and your edifice strongly standing.
What’s more, crucial factors to have in mind when facing structural issues and why consulting a skilled team of engineers can make things easier for you when considering all aspects of facade rejuvenation for your building.
When it comes to assessing the functionality and necessary structural repairs of a building there are different types of functionality upgrades such as replacing doors and windows, adding balustrades, and more.
One of the first types that may come to mind when looking at an old building has to do with the visual appearance of the edifice, which includes windows and doors. Between 15 and 20 years, doors and windows should be replaced to ensure safety, and less electrical costs due to having to overly-heat your home (having old windows and doors increases the amount of wind and cold that accesses your house). There are several options for door and window replacement that include reinforced materials that don’t crack easily such as aluminium.
As for balustrades, old buildings must replace old materials with new ones to avoid possible casualties if found to be non-compliant with the building code of Australia (BCA). Furthermore, glass balustrades are also a great way to stop water from accessing certain places, along with keeping kids and occupants safe.
A professional team of consultant engineers must assess your building’s situation to dictate the best course of action and options for a facade rejuvenation. MJ Engineering Projects can help you identify possible risk points and what upgrades to choose to comply with standards.
When it comes to structural repairs, these are often passed by but are the ones that can significantly harm the foundations of your edifice. Problems like concrete spalling, for example, can become a serious problem if not repaired properly, thus it can compromise the integrity of the concrete, jeopardising its function as well as disrupting the building’s aesthetic appearance.
Waterproofing is another major concern among old edifices that need to be corrected properly to avoid water entrances, which can corrode concrete and other materials that make up the overall structure of such. Repairing a building for water damage is more expensive than investing in waterproofing it, so taking this into account is very important.
Apart from this, cavity flashing repair is also recommended to add another layer of water protection to roofs, vertical walls, and interceptions that can help minimise the number of repairs needed in the future.
Brick Stitching is another structural repair crucial for ensuring safety in old buildings. An edifice constructed between the 50s and 70s likely suffers cracks and weaknesses in its structure, which is why opting for a rehabilitating option for repairing such problems can help minimise the movement of concrete slabs at said cracks, reinforcing its security.
This is also linked to the importance of repairing simple concrete cracks too, which can allow water to penetrate the material and the building to become less aesthetically attractive for tenants.
It is essential to identify these and more issues in their early stages, if possible, to avoid possible complications that can cost a lot more money than expected. MJ Engineering Projects can quickly take a look at your building and identify which problems need to be solved first and the best way to do so.
Finally, cosmetic upgrades also play a key role in the facade rejuvenation of old buildings. Painting walls, windows, and door frames, as well as investing in great-looking balustrades can all contribute to adding value to your building, which will attract new tenants and investors.
A safe and nice-looking building signifies responsible owners that care about the people living in there as well as owners that strictly comply with the standards required by law. Upgrading the cosmetic side of the edifice will also increase its overall value, which will signify a great return on investment.
After reading this article you might wonder what’s the overall cost of conducting a facade rejuvenation, and the answer will vary depending on several factors such as the grade of damage your building might have, the materials chosen for repair as well as the upgrades selected.
Of course, price is a huge concern among owners that need to comply with Australian regulations and upgrade certain aspects of their building, but what’s crucial is ensuring safety for all. A poorly-treated edifice can cause small-looking issues like humidity spots in walls and roofs to big problems like a structural compromise that can eventually lead to collapse.
Functionality and structural repairs are not things that can be easily solved in an instant or carried out by non-professionals; doing so might end up in greater damage. Engaging with a team of remedial engineers is the best way to identify issues within the building and determine the best solutions possible.
MJ Engineering Projects offers quality Facade Rejuvenation Services to repair or replace building facade materials that can compromise the functionality and safety of your building. Services such as door and window replacement, facade repainting, waterproofing, and more are just a handful of solutions we can provide you with, along with a detailed report of the status of your edifice.
Further, MJ Engineering Projects also provides Remedial Superintendent Services to carry out rectification works and structural repairs on behalf of the Owners Corporation. This is great for ensuring all works are properly completed following the specific considerations, timeframes, costs, and regulations.
Contact us for more information about our services and how we can help you restore your building’s facade to its original and functional state.
Various types of concrete damage like concrete cancer, cracking need structural strengthening, and leaks in basements or ceilings require cost-effective and durable repairs in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
Balconies are one of the most important parts of a building that need to comply with regulations to ensure safety for all. If not looked after properly, they can quickly deteriorate and become a threat.
Changes have been made regarding regulations and other key points, and in this article, we share some light to help you understand what to focus on and how to start or repair a building project properly that complies with all Australian regulations.
