Weatherproofing Your Structure and Protecting Exteriors from the Elements

The exterior of a commercial building plays diverse roles. Not only is it essential for providing stunning aesthetics that boost curb appeal, but it is the building’s first line of defense against the forces of nature. Therefore, it is crucial that the exterior be well-designed. Keep reading as we explore some of the best weatherproofing ideas to protect the exterior of your building from the forces of nature.

Start at the Foundation

The quality of the foundation directly correlates to the quality of the building. There is simply no way to create a next-level structure on a shoddy or damaged foundation. One of the greatest threats to a foundation is water damage. Not only can moisture degrade the walls of the foundation itself, but it can erode the surrounding soil and put the building at risk of catastrophic shifting.

The best way to ensure its ongoing integrity is through comprehensive foundation waterproofing. This robust approach uses a series of self-adhering waterproof membranes that attach to the foundation walls. As water is introduced, it passes through the membrane and is directed to a subterranean drainage board. From there, it flows into the pipe system and is moved away from the foundation, keeping the building safe from even the most powerful hydrostatic forces.

Fortify the Windows

Modern commercial buildings are using a greater amount of window space than ever before. This allows for increased sunlight transmission for natural daylighting. It also creates a brighter, more inviting ambiance for employees and patrons.

The downside is that without the proper construction, windows can be the source of unwanted air transfer in the building envelope. Weakened seals and degraded window-to-wall transitions are the points of least resistance through which air and moisture can enter the structure.

Therefore, to protect the building from the elements, many architects have included hurricane-grade storm windows. Fabricated with structural steel frames and reinforced glass panels, these robust windows can withstand winds of up to 250 MPH and projectile impact up to 100 MPH, guaranteeing the integrity of the window system in all types of weather.

Use Passive Design Strategies

Passive design aims to use the inherent properties of the building site to provide lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation for the structure. One important component of a passive structure is louvers. Louvers are architectural slats and grates that allow natural ventilation in a building while mitigating noise, sun, and debris. More advanced storm proof louvers permit high-volume air transfer while blocking out blowing rain. This makes them an ideal solution for creating passive structures in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe-weather events.

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Also Read:

Designing Sustainable Outdoor Spaces with Water-Absorbing Surfaces

Structural Engineering in Extreme Weather Conditions

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Consider Low Maintenance Parking Lots

The parking lot is an often-overlooked aspect of a building’s exterior. However, customers often form their first impression of the business based on the quality of the lot.

Traditional concrete or asphalt lots are stunning when new. Unfortunately, they quickly lose their luster. Concrete is easily stained by vehicle fluids and food/beverage spills. Asphalt becomes insufferably hot. Both are subject to moisture absorption, which will lead to cracks during the freeze/thaw cycle that quickly worsen when subjected to traffic.

As such, many commercial buildings are exploring the benefits of permeable gravel parking lots. The system uses a series of durable substrate paver grids that hold gravel in place in the face of compressive forces and flowing water. The permeable nature of gravel also ensures elite drainage, reducing erosion and groundwater contamination while providing a classy, natural aspect for the parking lot in all seasons.

Establish a Robust Roofing Infrastructure

Modern roofs wear multiple hats. Businesses are using roofs for decks, storage, and light loading to help them leverage every square inch of usable space possible. Without the proper planning and infrastructure, however, these increased demands can open the door for increased damage. As roof water damage has a trickle-down effect that will impact the rest of the building, it is crucial to ensure that commercial roofs are properly fortified.

Steel beams and girders are impressive for their weight-to-load-bearing capacity. B-decking can provide shear support to the roof, helping transfer vertical forces horizontally to the building’s frame. Lightweight rooftop pavers can provide durability, UV-resistance, and drainage without adding unnecessary bulk to the roof.

Improve Exterior Hangouts

Functional exterior spaces are an increasingly important component of modern commercial buildings. They can help improve employee health and mental wellbeing by providing fresh air and getting them in touch with nature. They can provide a much-needed change of scenery during a long day indoors. They can even have some modest energy efficiency benefits if they are attractive enough to reduce overreliance on conditioned interior environments.

With that said exterior hangouts must be properly constructed to handle diverse weather conditions and remain usable in all seasons. Add louvered pergolas to exterior spaces for sun control and weather protection. Consider ipe wood decking over traditional cedar boards for its greater durability and lower maintenance. Use low-profile hog wire railing around elevated decks and terraces to secure the space without encumbering views.

Weatherproof Your Building’s Exterior for Ongoing Protection

From foundation waterproofing to well-protected exterior hangouts, establishing the quality of the building’s exterior is key for structural success. For more of the latest trends shaping the commercial construction landscape, explore the resources at Structures Insider for the leading insights in the industry.