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An Overview of Bird Proofing Buildings

Posted on May 19, 2022 by a1_admin

Building owners and facility managers have implemented bird proofing services into their facilities management tasks. Building bird proofing services are required on virtually every building to prevent structure deterioration, safety hazards, and health risks to humans and also to the birds themselves.

You might be asking yourself, “what is bird proofing?” When someone hears the phrase “bird proofing,” bird safety may not be the first thought that comes to mind. However, it is a major concern to building managers and occupants and its impact on the ecology of the area. With the growing concern and attention drawn to bird safety, “bird-safe material is dropping in cost, and it has already been shown to be economically viable in new projects. In fact, in many cases, opting for bird-safe designs accounts for less than 1% of total costs. And as more attention is brought to the importance of bird-safe buildings, expect these prices to continue falling”, according to Building.com.

What Are Bird Proofing Building Services?

Building owners and facility managers are taking steps to eradicate bird concerns within building management. Birds pose a plethora of health and safety concerns and can cause millions of dollars in damage to the building plaza deck system, facades, roofs, and walkways. What is bird proofing? Bird proofing services are an essential component of building care that cannot be ignored. Effective bird proofing services will protect the occupants, birds, and surrounding environment.

Signs That a Building Needs Bird Proofing:

Clogged Ventilation – HVAC and chimney ventilation is a sign of bird damage to the building. It can lead to poor air quality and cause health risks to building occupants and surrounding areas. Poor ventilation can even lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Corrosion – Birds’ feces is acidic and causes corrosion to substrates, roofing, signs, paint, and building exterior. The acidity can disintegrate the roof over time, which can lead to the roof collapsing. Corrosion can also affect machinery, such as the exterior HVAC system. Building owners and facility managers must take the appropriate steps to catch these issues before they cause extensive damage.
Poor Drainage – Birds love to build nests in gutters and drain pipes leading to poor drainage. If the building is having drainage problems, it might be time to implement bird proofing services to the facility. Drainage issues quickly lead to flooding, pooling, water damage, and potentially even further damage.

Risks Involved in Bird Proofing

Building owners and facility managers have shown major concerns associated with installing building bird proofing materials. Fewer things are more dangerous to the lives of birds than buildings. The main cause of harm to birds is the glass on the building. Reflections distract the birds, causing them to injure themselves. Windows can also trick birds into thinking there is nothing there, and they will try to tunnel through, slamming into the window. Artificial lighting is another cause of injury for birds and interrupts their migratory paths. Garden areas in commercial plazas can also lure in birds.

It must be understood that birds play a major role in environmental ecology. Birds are natural pollinators, spreading seeds to continue and maintain growth within the areas. They also protect plants and other vegetation while controlling the pests and other rodents that cause damage to occupants and will impact the surrounding area.

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect the birds from further harm. With some minor and major bird proofing services, the building owners and managers can find comfort in knowing that they are not only protecting the facility but the ecosystem as well.

Types of Bird Proofing in Modern Buildings

Owners and managers have gotten creative in coming up with ways to deter birds while maintaining the safety of building occupants and the ecological effects on the environment. There are many types of bird proofing services that can be implemented in modern buildings. Each one has a time and place for its use, depending on the situation at hand. Below are three types of bird proofing services, what each consists of, and considerations to take into account when to use them.

Bird Spikes, Wires, and Netting – These solutions come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on what type of bird it is being used on and what area of the building it is being used. These items are placed on ledges, over gutters, AC units, and anywhere else that birds may want to land. These prevent birds from being able to access and enter the building. While spikes may sound painful, they do not inflict pain on the birds. They merely prevent them from landing on the surface.
Visual Deterrent Devices – Install visual predatorial decoys to deter birds from entering and landing on the building. These are easily installed bird proofing services and are highly effective for short time periods. Lasers are also another way to irritate birds and discourage them from hanging around. Keep in mind that visual deterrents can be an eyesore, so be sure to put them in a location that is out of sight to customers and occupants.
Sound Devices – Audio deterrents are human, effective, easy to use, and can send out signals from acres away. They are also effective on multiple types of birds, no matter breed, size, or shape. Sounds that mimic the distress sounds of birds are another effective sound deterrent. It sends out a warning to other birds that there is trouble and to stay away. Ultrasonic sounds are another form of sound device that is silent to the human ear but sends out an irritating sound to nearby birds. This may sound cruel, but it is actually quite harmless and just an annoyance to the birds.

Building owners and facility managers would reap the most benefits by hiring an outside expert when choosing the right design plan to minimize disruptions caused by birds. Experts have the knowledge, training, and experience to know what bird proofing services are best for each facility and provide lasting results, protecting the structural integrity of the building without interrupting the flow of the day-to-day business.

The Benefits of Bird-Proofing Expertise and Outsourcing.

Every year, birds cost businesses millions of dollars in property damages, maintenance, and replacement. Building owners may avoid costly roof maintenance, restoration, and repair

and unsightly messes with proper building bird proofing. There are tons of benefits and reasons to implement bird proofing services in your building.

The overall appearance of the building improves when there are no visible bird droppings and nests overhanging in gutters. It also cuts down on maintenance and cleaning.

Experts are aware of the harm that birds can cause to humans if diseases are passed. Bird droppings can carry many diseases and can be transferred to humans, posing a major health and safety risk. This should always be left to the professionals to remedy with the proper safety gear and equipment.

Bird proofing services will also save the facility money in the long run. Bird droppings are very acidic and can cause extensive damage to multiple parts of the building, including major appliances like the HVAC system and the roof. Choosing to ignore a bird problem will lead to major structural damage and restoration, not to mention the inconvenience of having to relocate people while repairs are done.

Enable Better Bird Proofing

Building bird proofing and design considerations are essential to almost every building structure to avoid damage, safety dangers, and health risks to both humans and birds and eliminate bird issues in building management. Birds may inflict millions of dollars in damage to buildings, posing a variety of health and safety problems. Effective bird proofing services will protect not only the building but also the ecological status of the surrounding environment. Experts truly understand that bird control is not just for the protection of the building but for the protection of the birds. Enable safe and effective bird proofing services and contact The A1orange Group today!

Types of Stadium Concrete Repairs and How They Impact Structural Integrity

Posted on May 12, 2022 by a1_admin

A stadium is a tiered structure for people to observe an event. Without proper stadium concrete repairs and maintenance, the safety of observers is at risk and therefore cannot be overlooked or ignored. Even flashing on roofs or other items can lead to premature wear and tear. Maintaining and repairing stadium concrete will enhance the structure’s appearance, overall structural integrity, and the safety of patrons.

A 2022 article on TileLetter.com says that the new home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers is the “first open-air, indoor-outdoor stadium constructed with more than 70,000 seats, including 260 luxury suites, with expansion capabilities that will accommodate up to 100,000 guests.” SoFi Stadium is an indoor and outdoor facility that needs routine and preventative stadium concrete repairs to maintain the life and longevity of the structure.

Early detection of problems saves money and prevents the need for a complete replacement. Below are some of the most common implemented maintenance tips for stadium repairs.

Replacement of Spalling Concrete

Concrete is constantly exposed to the weather and free-thaw cycles. These cycles decrease the structural longevity of concrete. It creates spalling, which can indicate more serious issues. The damaged concrete needs to be removed immediately and replaced with new concrete. Applying sealers and waterproofing membranes will increase the life of the product. This is a stadium waterproofing solution that is requisite to the longevity of the stadium.

Rebar Coatings to Reduce Damage

The wet and dry cycle of the environment will eventually cause corrosion of steel rebar. When corrosion occurs, it reduces the bond strength of the concrete and rebar, leading to significant problems. Applying rebar protective coatings helps fend off corrosion. The use of corrosion inhibitors provides a protective layer that is a physical and chemical barrier between steel rebar and the environment. This stadium concrete repair is one of the most effective and efficient solutions to reduce damage.

New Sealants to Waterproof Exposed Surfaces

Waterproofing sealants and materials help stadiums and structures last longer by minimizing water absorption and freeze-thaw damage. The waterproofing sealant must withstand all types of weather. Ensure all gaps, fractures, and exposed surfaces are sealed and waterproofed. This stadium waterproofing solution creates protection and a barrier between the stadium and water infiltration.

Specialty Membranes for High-Risk Areas

Specialty waterproofing membranes for stadium concrete repairs will increase the structure’s functionality, especially in high-risk areas such as the restrooms. Concrete is naturally very porous, allowing acidic liquids such as urine to penetrate and absorb. This leads to several issues, including corrosion, odors, and concrete damage. With various types of membranes available, ensure the correct specialty waterproofing membranes are applied to avoid these issues.

Below-Grade Drainage and Waterproofing

Below-grade systems are essentially below ground, allowing for even more moisture infiltration as it seeps in from the soil and into any exposed cracks or pores. If not waterproofed and drained correctly, multiple issues will arise, including the presence of mold and mildew. Below-grade drainage and waterproofing is a stadium concrete repair vital to the stability of the stadium structure and the stadium waterproofing solutions.

Expansion Joint Repairs

By design, expansion joints in a stadium absorb and release the stress created by natural expansion and contraction. Extensive cracks can spread throughout your stadium if joints are missing or damaged, causing substantial damage such as buckled concrete. Expanding joints should be inspected and repaired immediately if damaged and never ignored to prevent further damage and safety hazards.

Handrail Repairs

Constant use and weather conditions create considerable wear and tear on outdoor railings, jeopardizing the structure’s stability. The presence of cracks in the concrete supporting the handrail structure indicates corrosion and therefore requires stadium waterproofing solutions and repair to any damaged railing. Handrail repair or replacement is imminent to avoid safety hazards.

Enhance Stadium Concrete Longevity and Strength by Partnering with The JOBS Group

Following the tips for preventative stadium concrete repairs will prolong the structure’s lifespan. Inspecting regularly and acting fast saves money and prevents significant complications. Enhance your stadium longevity and strength by partnering with The A1orange Group today!

Top Causes of Stadium Structure Deterioration

Posted on May 10, 2022 by a1_admin

Stadiums are structures used for sports and other events and feature many cement floors subjected to extreme wear and tear and exposure to climate fluctuations. With the constant flow of foot traffic of spectators, personnel, and athletes, stadiums are built to withstand the test of time with essential stadium maintenance.

However, problems can arise without proper reinforcement, repair of stadiums, correct installation, and routine maintenance. An article in The Dallas Morning News discusses an improperly installed $20 million stadium project in McKinney, Texas. It states that “the cracks are a combination of three factors. Too much water was added to the concrete mixture, which caused the concrete to shrink excessively as it dried. The cross-section along pier lines didn’t have enough concrete. And investigators said the area had insufficient steel reinforcing to control the cracking shrinkage.”

There are many causes of structure degradation, and there are also many ways to prevent these issues. Understanding the technicalities of concrete, reinforcements, and waterproofing is vital to the longevity of a stadium structure.

What Causes Stadium Structural Degradation

Many factors can cause rapid degradation of stadium structures, especially when subjected to heavy foot traffic and constant exposure to the elements. These spaces can be damaged easily by a lack of routine maintenance, proper waterproofing, and incorrect concrete repair.

Exposure to climate changes and moisture means that proper waterproofing is a must. Without adequate waterproofing, water can seep through cracks in concrete and cause extensive damage to all structure parts.

Another major contributing factor to stadium structure degradation is the failure to maintain proper pH levels in the concrete mixture. Without the appropriate pH levels, concrete will lose its binding characteristics, causing it to break down. This will increase the number of cracks and fractures in the concrete, speeding up deterioration and creating potentially major issues.

Early diagnosis of issues and careful attention to stadium waterproofing will help reduce your costs and time by avoiding expensive repairs of the stadiums or replacement.

Why Routine Care Is Essential in Sports Stadiums

Maintenance should always be proactive, not reactive. Implementing routine stadium care will increase the longevity of the stadium structure.

Stadiums face constant exposure to extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause extensive damage to concrete. If not waterproofed correctly and inspected regularly, water will seep into the pores and cracks in the structure. Cracks will grow with the constant exposure to the freeze-thaw cycle; therefore, routine care is vital.

With stadium structures come heavy foot traffic as thousands of spectators and employees use the facility. Stadium owners or managers should implement preventative care and stadium maintenance to keep visitors safe while on-site. Installing steel reinforcements creates stability. However, if exposed to the elements or neglected, these reinforcements can cause significant damage.

How to Eliminate Structural Flaws With Quality Concrete Waterproofing in Stadiums

Waterproofing can remedy many structural flaws in a stadium’s structure. Stadium waterproofing prevents exposure to moisture and other elements and protects everything beneath them. Without appropriate waterproofing, corrosion and structural damages will occur eventually. Below are some maintenance tips to eliminate the repair of stadium structural flaws.

Use waterproof stadium coating – This is used for heavy traffic areas and creates a non-slip surface.

Ensure proper installation – Improper installation of stadium waterproofing components will lead to structural issues.

Check for corrosion of steel reinforcements – Signs of deterioration can indicate improperly sealed concrete that won’t deter unwanted moisture.

Regularly check for visible signs of substantial damage – Cracks and spalling can be a warning sign of more extensive damage. If there is any indication of either, address the issue immediately to prevent further damage.

Ensure proper waterproof components – Choosing the correct caulking and sealants is critical when repairing concrete.

Enhance the Longevity of Your Stadium by Partnering With The JOBS Group

Stadium structures consist of several components subjected to extensive wear and tear climate changes. They are designed to withstand these elements. However, structural deterioration can be a real threat without knowing the ins and outs of concrete, reinforcements, and waterproofing. Take the guesswork out of your stadium’s longevity and partner with The A1Orange Group today!