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Caulking & Sealing Commercial Buildings: Why It’s Important to Use Expert Services

Posted on January 4, 2023 by a1_admin

Your commercial building is an essential component of your success, and it is your command center, public face, and a sense of pride for your employees. Protecting your building is of the utmost importance, which is why commercial building service professionals are crucial for maintaining such a significant investment.

Expert caulking and sealing protect your asset by sealing off gaps and cracks that might result in air, moisture, and pests penetrating your commercial building.

Why Use Caulking/Sealing?

Every building is susceptible to gaps and cracks forming between different materials. When moisture penetrates your facility, it further deteriorates and compromises the structure, opening the door to even more severe problems. Air entering your building causes uncomfortable drafts that make energy bills much higher.

Caulking the exterior of your commercial building remedies the normal wear and tear that comes with seasonal contraction and expansion. As old caulk loses its elasticity, it is necessary to replace it to maintain the protective shield that is your building’s exterior.

As exterior caulking reinforces your building’s protective shield, interior commercial caulking prevents drafts and water damage on the inside. Many areas of your building’s interior need a regular caulk refresh, including the following:

Plumbing fixtures
Expansion joints
Control joints
Baseboard and trim
Tubs and showers
Countertops
Vents and pipes
Areas where different materials meet (gas and electrical entrances, air conditioners)

Sealing includes weatherproofing concerns that go beyond caulking. Just as building expansion and contraction impact joints and materials, so are surfaces like windows. Reglazing window systems with commercial window sealant and addressing skylights and curtain walls prevent air, moisture, and pests from entering the building at those crucial points.

Complete waterproofing goes beyond just caulking windows, and services will include:

Traffic coatings
Expansion joints
Sealants
Epoxy sealants
Repellants
Wall coatings
Membranes
Deck coatings
Chemical grouting
Glass caulking
Wall caulking
Commercial window caulking exterior

It sounds like a lot but bringing in commercial building caulking pros will ensure every external and internal gap gets sealed.

What are the Different Types of Caulking and Sealing?

The variety of building areas and surface types that require commercial caulking and sealing services makes it necessary to ensure you use the proper caulk and sealant. Building services professionals will evaluate the different types of caulk and apply the appropriate one depending on the application.

Silicone and polyurethane calking products are classified as elastomeric materials, as both fill gaps and allow for contraction and expansion. Despite being similar in their classification and general uses, these materials have significant differences, impacting their suitability for different applications.

The most significant consideration is how the materials will break down as time passes. The two primary concerns of performance and life-cycle costs are applied to determine the benefits of silicone versus polyurethane-based sealants.

Silicone

Silicone is an inorganic material, giving it an advantage in areas exposed to UV light from the sun. Because it is inorganic, it is less reactive to UV light. The lower UV reactivity of silicone makes it the superior choice for your commercial building’s facade.

Silicone also offers a much longer lifespan due to its excellent resistance to UV light and temperature fluctuations. Many manufacturers provide 20-year warranties, making silicone caulk vs. sealant the perfect choice when durability matters.

An extended lifespan and lower reactivity to UV light and temperature fluctuations mean a significantly higher price for silicone sealants over polyurethane. Your commercial building services company will weigh the trade-offs of cost and expected sealant lifespan when determining which sealant is appropriate for each application.

Polyurethane

As an organic material, the sun, elements, and temperature break down polyurethane much faster than silicone. Typically, polyurethane’s lifespan will max out at ten years, reflecting this shorter lifespan in its much lower price.

When weighing silicone vs. polyurethane caulk, silicone will always be the best investment for areas exposed to the elements or subject to more variation and use.

Are Your Current Sealants Still Effective? When To Replace

Depending on your sealants’ location, type, and application, they can break down at differing rates. If polyurethane was used extensively in the past, it could break down and crack over a significantly shorter period.

It could be time to replace sealants if it has been some time since you last had them inspected. One way to confirm the need for a replacement is if you see a loss of elasticity and separation from the surfaces. Other indicators would be visible cracks or splitting.

Exterior sealant might show visible evidence of weathering, including chalking, blistering, discoloration, or cracking.

Of course, the best estimate of sealant effectiveness will come from calling commercial building professionals for a comprehensive inspection.

Working With an Expert for Commercial Wall Coating

Your company’s commercial building is essential to the organization’s identity. Maintaining one of your most important assets is a crucial task that requires expert attention.

Every wall is different based on the construction approach, the material used, and exposure to the elements. An established and expert building services provider knows how to identify issues that could become more extensive problems and remedy them.

Proper caulking and sealant application ensure the building continues to serve its essential purpose best. Turn to experts to ensure your commercial building is in its best shape and focus on what you do best, running your business.

Valcourt Ensures Expert Protection for Your Building

Valcourt is the building services provider for property managers and building owners. We have 35+ years of experience providing industry-leading waterproofing, window cleaning, and facade restoration services.

Caulking and sealing are essential components of building maintenance. Contact us at A1Orange today to ensure your building keeps water, air, and pests where they should be; outside.

The Benefits of Commercial External Wall Coating Services

Posted on December 16, 2022 by a1_admin

Walls are an essential part of any building, and their integrity and strength are critical barriers that prevent the interior from being exposed to the elements outside. Walls also accentuate the cosmetic and decorative beauty of architecture, and it’s the exterior surface that everyone recognizes when they get a chance to see it. Walls need protection, just like any other architectural surface on a building. That’s why exterior wall coatings are so important for commercial buildings and why property owners across the United States partner with building service companies specializing in exterior wall coatings. This article looks at some of the benefits of maintaining your exterior walls, offering readers a summary of the type of service options available to protect your structure.

What are Wall Coatings?

Wall coatings refer to a specialized decorative layer that is applied directly to the exterior surface of a building. Applying external coatings protects walls from the constant bombardment they receive while being exposed to the outside world. Dirt, ultraviolet rays, moisture, salts, chemicals, and other debris can cause building surfaces to crack, break, blister, chip, warp, and erode.

External wall coatings principally act as a moisture barrier and line of defense from outside exposure; however, they also enhance the architectural beauty of a structure to improve the building’s overall aesthetics. Wall coating systems are generally much thicker than a layer of paint, providing a weather-resistant barrier that helps increase the lifespan of the commercial wall. The thickness of the wall coating also helps cover up any cosmetic blemishes that may appear on the building. In other words, wall coatings serve a critically important function of extending the longevity of your wall’s structure and act as a makeup to give your building a facelift.

What are the Different Types of External Wall Coatings Available?

The following is a list of the different types of wall coatings that building services professionals offer to property owners on their commercial walls.

Acrylic Coating

Water-based, low-VOC coatings provide excellent adhesion and durability. They are commonly used in commercial and residential buildings to protect against moisture, dirt, and staining.

Epoxy Coating

These two-part chemical coatings provide exceptional protection against chemical and physical wear. They are highly durable and resilient, making them ideal for commercial applications.

Urethane Coating

Solvent-based coatings are highly resistant to abrasion and chemical degradation. They provide outstanding protection against UV radiation, making them ideal for exterior applications.

Polyurea Coating

These two-part chemical coatings provide outstanding protection against water and chemical damage. They are highly elastic, making them ideal for commercial applications that require flexibility.

Fluoropolymer Coating

These solvent-based coatings provide exceptional protection against UV radiation, making them ideal for exterior wall applications. They are highly resistant to corrosion and provide superior adhesion and durability.

The Benefits of Exterior Wall Coatings

The facade of your commercial building is key to understanding what type of wall coating is right for your property. That’s why working closely with a building services provider that specializes in commercial wall coatings is important. Look for companies with experience understanding the proper surface preparation necessary for the various types of external wall coatings your building needs. Trained building technicians can help building owners prolong the life of their structure, improve the exterior appearance, and raise the market value of their property.

Protect your Building this Winter with Valcourt

When property owners look for help protecting the physical and cosmetic integrity of their building, they look for a company with industry knowledge in building services that specifically provide external wall coating systems. That is why thousands of property managers around the United States turn to Valcourt. Valcourt is the leading exterior maintenance company specializing in restoration, waterproofing, and external wall coating services. Their company combines over 35 years of building services experience, along with a dedicated team of technicians that offer a no-hassle consultative approach to customers looking for the best solution to their restoration needs.

Don’t brush off the importance of your building’s exterior walls! Connect with an expert at A1Orange today!

Traffic Coatings: The Benefits of Parking Deck Coating Systems

Posted on November 29, 2022 by a1_admin

Concrete is a highly durable material that provides lasting strength in a variety of applications. Its dependability is why building designers use concrete surfaces to construct parking garages, decks, and walkways. However, high-traffic areas get damaged over time due to moisture, chemical intrusion, and exposure to the elements. Foot and vehicle traffic tracks in salts, oils, and other debris, which can cause concrete to crack, break, and erode. This deterioration can lead to expensive maintenance projects down the road. Because of that, most building owners take preventative measures to protect concrete, especially in high-traffic areas. This article explores the advantages of traffic coatings and how professional technicians can help prolong the longevity of concrete surfaces at your building.

What are Traffic Coatings?

Traffic coatings refer to applying a specialized protective layer onto concrete explicitly used in high-traffic areas like vehicles and pedestrian areas. These products protect concrete surfaces against the intrusion of moisture and chemicals, helping to prevent substantial deterioration. Various types of traffic coating systems are available, and they range in pricing, installation requirements, and overall capabilities. The main goals are to create a moisture barrier that helps protect concrete from exposure to adverse climates and debris.

What is the Purpose of Traffic Coating for Concrete?

Parking decks get exposed to a variety of temperatures, especially if they are located in northern parts of the U.S. that experience extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Seasonal weather patterns expose the concrete to ice, snow, and high heat, and vehicles track in salt, oils, and other debris that soaks into the concrete. The combination of weather and chemical intrusion adversely affects the integrity of concrete. These chemicals can also penetrate the steel, causing corrosion and rust, creating a whole other set of problems as this eventually requires a repair that probably costs a bundle. Since parking garages are considered high-traffic areas due to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, they are susceptible to deterioration. That is why traffic coatings offer solutions to help building owners protect their structures from the weather and debris carried into their facilities.

The Different Types of Traffic Coating Systems

This next section will list the different types of products used for traffic coatings and explore how their practical application provides distinct advantages.

Elastomeric Polyurethanes Systems

These polyurethane seals are perfect for parking garages that already have cracking, shrinkage, and other damage. This product is used as a stopgap to prevent further deterioration of structures, preventing concrete from being exposed to moisture and chlorides. This topcoat can improve the aesthetic look of older parking decks and ramps and offer skid resistance in the process. However, this system might need a further application, and it’s not an option building owners should utilize if they want extended service.

Epoxy Broadcast Systems

This covering option is popular among building owners as it’s a cost-effective solution that is relatively easy to apply, helping to reduce overall downtime. Epoxy broadcast systems are non-waterproof and are specifically designed for areas with moderate to heavy traffic. This system helps prevent concrete from the effects of mechanical movements.

Latex / Vinyl Copolymer Systems

This economical, non-odor sealer offers breathability for concrete. Aesthetically pleasing, the application resembles the actual color of concrete, and the sealant is highly permeable. The drawback, however, is that the product offers no waterproofing, and the product itself is prone to cracking and breaking. Therefore, this use is primarily for building owners looking for a temporary solution.

Polyurethane Systems

This solution offers a strong waterproofing sealer that provides a variety of aesthetic options for building owners looking to style their high-traffic areas. The main advantage of polyurethane is that the material can help seal already-cracked concrete areas, preventing further damage to those areas. However, the material is also more difficult to install and is rather sensitive to moisture. Therefore, it is best for areas not directly exposed to the elements.

PMMA/PUMA Systems

Polyurethane-Methacrylate (PUMA) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) can be applied to concrete surfaces at low temperatures and offer rapid drying speeds, significantly reducing downtime for high-traffic areas. These materials produce a very pungent odor and must be applied in well-ventilated areas. PMMA/PUMA must be applied to dry surfaces and is less effective on wet concrete surfaces where it will not adhere properly. Also, these systems require the combination of multiple chemicals, and their proper mixture must be exact at the time of application.

Sealers

An economical option that is easy to apply directly to concrete surfaces, sealers are sprayed directly onto the existing concrete and do not change the aesthetic look of the material. Sealers are an excellent choice for building owners looking for an easy solution but one that requires a frequent application. Also, sealers do not offer waterproofing or skid resistance and are limited to where they provide the most service, mainly in new construction projects.

Valcourt is the Expert for your Traffic Coatings Solutions

Traffic coatings help protect high-traffic areas, preserve the longevity of concrete structures, and provide an aesthetically pleasing look that will bring lasting building. These solutions help reduce long-term costs for repair and maintenance, helping your parking garage or walkways endure the elements and traffic for years to come. Valcourt is the trusted building service that thousands of companies depend on to maintain their properties. Regarding traffic coatings, Valcourt has you and your concrete covered. Give A1orange a call today!