'Concrete' Bookmarks
Boosting the Value of Apartment and Office Buildings with Facade Upgrades | Remedial Building Services
BOOSTING THE VALUE OF APARTMENT AND OFFICE BUILDINGS WITH FAÇADE UPGRADES
We may be taught to never judge a book by its cover, but in real life, most people will form opinions about a person in just seconds. A building is no different, and first impressions count. When people are looking for an apartment to live in or an office space to buy or rent, they will look for buildings with attractive, safe-looking modern facades first. For obvious reasons really - who would want to live or work in a building with cracks on the external walls or worry about the risk of falling cement. Similarly, buildings with leaking windows or where the façade is reminiscent of the 60s are not things people generally see as positive.
The importance of Façade Upgrades
For building owners the requirement is clear - a Façade Upgrade can help boost the value of your building, which it turn enables you to command a higher level of rent or sales price. Of course, a facade upgrade does require an upfront cash outlay, but ultimately, when you consider that you may get a higher sale price, can offset the cost as an expenditure or even address a significant problem before it gets to be more expensive, in the end, they can be relatively affordable.. Additionally, a well time Façade upgrade gives you the chance to reinforce the structural integrity of the building or fix whatever structural damage may be present.
The risks of a poorly maintained façade
It doesn’t matter what the paper says. Even if you have a genuine certification from an experienced engineer that says your building is structurally sound, people can be superficial. They can be paranoid that a huge crack on the facade or put off by a handrail that is rusting, thinking that this is just a sign that the building has not been looked after properly. In short, people wouldn't be risking their lives and investments for things they "think" are not worth their money.
What is typical in a Façade Upgrade
There are a lot of different components that go in to a façade upgrade, but typically they can include:
- Structural upgrades
- Concrete repair
- Brick tie installation
- Membrane replacements
- Architectural coatings
- Balustrade and Balcony upgrades
- Window replacement
- Façade painting
- Engineered and architectural designed alterations
Structural Repairs as Part of Upgrades
Yes you can apply a ‘coat of paint’ and for the short-term it looks good, but to ensure long-term health and safety and to lower ongoing costs and extend the value of your investments, you need to deal with the main cause of the problem. The cracks on the walls may be caused by concrete cancer causing the concrete and bricks around them to become displaced.
At Remedial, we can work with you to assess the needs of your building and provide a range of practical, feasible solutions to ensure that you obtain great value on your facade renovation. Learn more about the process when you contact us for a no-obligation appointment today.
What Remdial Building Services offer | Home Warranty Claims | Remedial Building Services
HOME WARRANTY CLAIMS
Home warranty insurance protects residential building owners in cases where there has been defective workmanship during the construction of the building. When a claim is filed by a policy holder, the insurer will provide a high quality contractor to rectify the building’s defects. Remedial works collaboratively with the insurance provider as well as a consulting engineer or building consultant to carry out rectification works with minimal fuss. We pay strict attention to every last detail to ensure that both building owners and insurers are completely satisfied with the end result of the rectification works.Our services encompass both structural and aesthetic issues, including common claims such as faulty waterproofing, defective window installation, structural issues and concrete spalling.
Concrete Repair | Remedial Building Services
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS CONCRETE SPALLING?
In short, Concrete spalling is the technical term which describes concrete which has been put under stress and has started to crack. this stress is most often caused by structural factors such as building movement or rust within the structural reinforcing. As steel rusts it expands within the concrete (it can expand up to 7 timees its original size) causing the concrete to swell and - given concrete is not flexible - crack. As it cracks it becomes brittle, allows moisture in which reacts with the steel further, accelerating the process.
Concrete spalling is also referred to as concrete cancer by many. The signs of spalling include:
- Crazing and cracking concrete
- Rust stains which seem to leak out from within the concrete
- Bubbling (also called Plating) of concrete render
- Drummy concrete. Concrete which appears solid, but when tapped shows evidence of air trapped behind it meaning it has started to delaminate (split into layers)
- Leaks which appear in overhead concrete surfaces
THE DANGERS OF CONCRETE SPALLING
Concrete spalling – especially on the outside of a building – not only looks terrible, but it is potentially dangerous too. Over time, and with increased exposure to the elements, untreated pieces of concrete may fall from your structure. The risk is it falling and damaging property, or even worse, hitting a person walking below.
WHY YOU NEED CONCRETE REPAIR EXPERTS
Many people (incorrectly) believe that a coat of paint, or in "more extreme" circumstances, replacing the affected concrete will suffice to fix the issues described above. Truth is though, that concrete repair requires more than tese aesthetic approaches. Whilst these approaches fix the visible signs, all they are doing is masking the real issues underneath. It is the same as putting a band-aid on a gravel rash without removing the debris first. You have treated the signs of trouble, but you are allowing the wound to fester and cause ongoing complications which require even more work.
Concrete repair requires a methodological approach to:
- Identify the visible signs
- Understand the underlying causes
- Develop a repair methodology which treats the issues and which ensures compatibility with any existing systems or materials
- Implementation of the repairs
- Ongoing supervision
- Guarantees as to the quality of work.
THE RISKS OF NOT DOING CONCRETE REPAIR CORRECTLY
Like anything, there are risks in not doing something correctly the first time. With concrete cancer it is essential that you make the correct decisions and undertake the correct procedures the first time, as if you don't there can be ramifications inclusive of:
Incompatible metals being used in close proximity to each other, thus causing a reaction which allows water into the slab
- Ongoing structural damage inclusive of shifting walls, cracked bricks, plumbing issues, windows which crack, doors which are not plumb, and so on.
- Increased costs associated with ongoing repair work
- Increased costs in longer term due to deferred maintenance
- Damage to property or life from potential falling concrete
LARGE RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONCRETE REPAIR
If you have concerns your property requries concerete repair, contact us. We specialise in the repair of concrete for residential and commercial strata buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial complexes.
Why Remedial | Remedial Building Services
SPECIALIST BUILDING AND FLOORING SERVICES
In the 45 plus years we have been in business, we have established ourselves as the pre-eminent supplier of specialist building services encompassing structural repair, Home Owners Warranty claim repairs and commercial flooring services.
Where we’ve watched competitors come and go, we have stayed strong, which we attribute to three core principles:
- Intimate understanding of the factors which lead to structural and safety concerns;
- The recommendation and application of solutions which eradicate the underlying problem and renew it to a desired state; and
- Transparency in our communication with clients.
Whilst our experience has seen us travel across Australia on odd occasion we are predominantly focussed on providing the best services for NSW. Today, our service strengths include commercial floor coatings, concrete repair, structural repair and Home Owners Warranty insurance claims.
Over the years our business has grown and with it our staff has expanded. Today, our senior management have amassed close to 200 years collective experience, which makes us confident in our ability to provide to you the best specialist solutions possible.
For more information on Remedial Building Services, please contact our offices, or feel free to download our brochures.
Understanding Waterproofing Solutions | Remedial Building Services
Ignoring these issues will pose long-term complications that will ultimately affect the overall structural integrity of the building. It is therefore vital to work on your building's waterproofing as an integral part of preserving its condition. Fixing it is a requirement, but which option should you consider? The waterproofing solutions that you can apply to your residential, commercial or industrial property are many and varied, so we've broken them down for you.
LIQUID MEMBRANES
What are they?This is a fully bonded waterproofing system that uses liquid film such as acrylics, polyurethanes, and bituminous emulsion (or asphalt), which cures directly right after it bonds to the surface being applied to.
Because of its liquid nature, it can easily take any shape or contour and can easily be applied in one piece. Best of all, it becomes almost integrated into the original structure, unlike other materials that are usually applied in sheets and are visibly a different part of the structure.
It is popular for its highly elastic properties, with an elongation range between 280% and up to 500%. Basically, this means it is highly effective for use in situations where buildling movement is expected with little to no damage at all. With this durability and flexibility, as well as its chemical and abrasion resistance and UV absorption, liquid membranes are a brilliant waterproof option.
What is it for?
As mentioned, liquid membranes are highly flexible, so it is ideal for complex pillars and wall designs as well as for corrugated roofing. Being low maintenance and extraordinarily heavy duty, it is perfect for high-traffic, busy areas such as factories, production floors, and bunding.
TORCH-ON MEMBRANES
What is it?Torch-on membranes are made from a mixture of bitumen or hydrocarbon and various polymers, usually Atactic Poly Propylene (APP) or Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS). They are self-adhesive, however, to reinforce their adhesive property, it is further blended with oils and resins.
Torch-on membranes are a sheet membrane system, meaning the solution is applied in large sheets. To be effective, each of the strips overlaps to it's neighbour.
Application is via one of two methods. In an APP-mixed membrane, once heated with a butane torch, it starts to soften to expose a shiny bitumen surface that adheres to the substrate. The SBS, rubber-modified membrane, on the other hand, doesn’t torch well so it is loosely laid and bonded only by heat fusion.
What is it for?
Since they provide exceptional protection against environmental elements, torch-on membranes are best for flat or low-sloped roofing, balconies, areas that easily collect water and areas where foot traffic is high, as the solution can be applied with a non-slip aggregate to ensure slipping is not an issue.
LOOSE-LAYERED SHEET MEMBRANES
What is it?As opposed to self-adhesive sheet membranes, loose-layered sheet membranes are highly flexible thermoplastic commercial waterproofing products usually made from polyethylene film, plasticised PVC or thermoplastic polyolefin.
They are laid on top of new or existing floors, used to control dampness of the flooring. Unlike other types of waterproofing systems, loose-laid sheet membranes are easy to install and quick to restore. When damaged, you need not replace the entire system as you can simply remove the affected sheet and fit a new one instead.
What is it for?
Loose-layered sheet membranes are a common choice as a damp-proof flooring membrane usually in performance sports centres, production lines, and other areas prone to injury.
HYPALON BANDAGES
What is it?Hypalon is a relatively old waterproofing material, which is also known as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber (CSM). It is a popular joint and crack sealant, and is known for its high watertight properties and compression strength. While it effectively seals joints, hypalon bandages are preferred where multi-direction movement is required.
It is important to consider the environment when applying this solution however as beyond 30 degrees Celsius it will not yield the intended effect. Furthermore, while there are still hypalon concrete waterproofing materials available today, its manufacturer, DuPont, has ceased production of the product permanently.
What is it for?
Hypalon bandages were generally ideal for sealing tunnels, culverts, silos, roof connections, industrial floors, reservoirs, silos, and wastewater treatment plants.
TANKING MEMBRANES
What is it?Made from polypropylene, tanking membranes are studded sheets that create a tank-like seal to serve as impermeable barrier to prevent water from penetrating through a building. The studs are responsible for the air gap cavity between the wall and membrane, which helps in keeping the covered area dry. Tanking membranes are also called cavity drain membranes.
What is it for?
Tanking membranes work well on any type of wall but because they perform greatly on masonry, it is a viable waterproofing solution for older buildings or heritage structures.
NEGATIVE WATERPROOFING THROUGH INJECTION
What is it?Negative waterproofing is the go-to when it becomes impossible to carry out waterproofing from the external side of the structure. While it can prevent water from entering the space, negative waterproofing cannot stop moisture and water from getting into the substrate, meaning the water may still corrode the steel and concrete within causing concrete cancer.
The most common methodology applied in negative waterproofing is the application of injection to fill cracks and voids in between wall layers.
To resolve non-structural water penetration issues in places like basements and below-grade areas, chemical grout or polyurethane injection is applied, which effectively stops water pressure from increasing, thus causing serious structural problems.
What is it for?
As mentioned above, injection-based waterproofing is used for cracks on concrete walls, columns, seams and fissures, slabs, beams, and many more.
HOW REMEDIAL CAN HELP WITH YOUR WATERPROOFING NEEDS
Aat Remedial, we deliver structural waterproofing services for residential, commercial, and industrial applications in order to prevent water-induced damage to your building. Whether you are dealing with a chronic problem or an isolated one, we have a team of remedial experts who can work with you to properly identify which waterproofing solutions is appropriate for you given the extent of the damage, your budget, and the type of structure you have.Speak to us so we can assess your waterproofing needs right away.
Food preparation flooring surfaces - A case study | Remedial Building Services
FOOD PREPARATION AREA - B&J
Industry:Commercial
Services:Building Maintenace, Repairs and Upgrades, Flooring Solutions
PREPARATION
Our first task was the construction of 300mm high hob surrounds which would allow us to not only bund the area, but also achieve the requisite falls to drainage which we would need given the large area we needed to protect.With the hobs completed we left the site so construction teams could continue to install drainage, the panel walls and other elements required for the area to become a fully operational food processing and production area.
FLOOR PREPARATION BEGINS
With the construction complete we were brought back to site during the quiet Christmas Holiday period and worked to prepare the flooring surfaces by diamond grinding the entire surface to not only remove dags and construction materials, but to ensure we could get adequate adhesion between the epoxy surface and the slab itself.With the floor vacuumed to remove all dust and debris, we applied a 2mm scratch-coat epoxy with a 100mm turn up on the hobs to ensure no water or materials would penetrate under the surface and cause issues. With this complete we then further applied a 6mm polyurethane topping to ensure a hard wearing, attractive flooring surface.
Finally, the hobs were sealed and a broadcast bauxite aggregate applied as well to give it the required finish.
Understanding Concrete Repair Terms | Remedial Building Services | Remedial Building Services
Structural Repair | Concrete Repair | Remedial Building Services
STRUCTURAL REPAIRWORK
Over time it is inevitable that your building structure will develop structural issues – be it a sagging balcony slab, movement of the foundations or rusted steel reinforcement causing concrete cancer, the sooner you take actions to remediate the identified problems, the better.
With over 45 years’ experience and with independent certification – including ISO 9001, 14001 and AS/NZ 4801 – you can be assured of quality workmanship and a specialised maintenance solution for your apartment complex, hotel, or commercial building. Furthermore, we have successfully applied structural solutions to a number of high profile Heritage Listed Buildings such as the Department of Education Building in Sydney, The Myer Building in Brisbane and the YHA complex in Sydney.
Structural Repair | Concrete Repair | Remedial Building Services
STRUCTURAL REPAIRWORK
Over time it is inevitable that your building structure will develop structural issues – be it a sagging balcony slab, movement of the foundations or rusted steel reinforcement causing concrete cancer, the sooner you take actions to remediate the identified problems, the better.
With over 45 years’ experience and with independent certification – including ISO 9001, 14001 and AS/NZ 4801 – you can be assured of quality workmanship and a specialised maintenance solution for your apartment complex, hotel, or commercial building. Furthermore, we have successfully applied structural solutions to a number of high profile Heritage Listed Buildings such as the Department of Education Building in Sydney, The Myer Building in Brisbane and the YHA complex in Sydney.
Different Types of Commercial Waterproofing | Remedial Building Services
And though you may believe that building has adequate drainage to prevent the build-up of water, and thus minimise the chance of your foundations being affected, did you know that most waterproofing issues we fix are to the flat roof areas and the decks which sit above carparks? If these spaces are above residential spaces such as in an apartment, the impacts are real and tangible for those residents, whereas if the affected area is a commercial building or carpark, the impacts are often financial.
In this blog, we want to provide you with an overview of different issues caused by water and then provide insights into the different methodologies/options available to you for the protection of those areas subjected to water.
Meta Title: Structural Repair and General Repair | Remedial Building Services
And we write it to serve as a guide for owners and building managers to identify when to call for general repairs and which building conditions are deemed appropriate to call in structural repair specialists – like Remedial Building Services.
If you are interested in learning more, then this article is for you.
Is Your Balcony Safe and BCA-Compliant? | Remedial Building Services
And in fact, if you fail to ensure compliance, you are potentially exposing yourself to unnecessary costs and legal battles resulting from your oversight/negligence in keeping your building safe for occupancy.
But how do you know that your structure is safe and compliant with the BCA requirements? In this article, we will tackle in detail what you need to do with your apartment balcony to ensure that you are abiding by government-mandated regulations.
