Spring is a critical time for building owners and facility managers to assess exterior conditions and address damage caused by winter weather. As temperatures rise and seasonal rains increase, Western Specialty Contractors recommends conducting thorough inspections and preventive maintenance to protect building exteriors and avoid costly repairs.
The freeze-thaw cycle, combined with moisture and temperature fluctuations, can cause significant deterioration to building facades, roofs and structural components. “Now that winter is almost over, spring marks an ideal time for building owners and facility managers to survey their buildings and structures for any damage that may have resulted from the cold winter weather, make repairs, and perform preventive maintenance to protect the exterior going forward,” said Jason Holtman, Sr. Branch Manager of Western Specialty Contractors’ St. Louis Masonry branch.
“A clean facade projects professionalism, can increase sales for businesses in the building, increase the life of the property, improve its value, and make surveying winter damage easier to see“
Jason Holtman | Sr. Branch Manager, St. Louis Facades
Key areas to inspect include roof drainage systems, sealants, expansion joints, flashing and parapets, as well as facade and concrete surfaces. Signs of damage may include cracking, spalling, rust staining, efflorescence or water intrusion. Interior indicators such as ceiling stains, damp drywall or musty odors near exterior walls can also signal underlying issues.
Western recommends working with a qualified masonry and facade restoration specialist to identify problem areas and develop a repair and maintenance plan. Proactive maintenance not only helps prevent water damage and structural issues but also reduces the likelihood of unexpected expenses and extends the life of the building.
Spring is also an ideal time to clean building facades. Over time, environmental factors such as pollution, moisture and general wear can degrade exterior materials including brick, stone, concrete and glass systems. Regular cleaning not only improves a building’s appearance but also makes it easier to identify damage and areas in need of repair.
Facade cleaning methods vary depending on the building material and condition and may include water cleaning, abrasive techniques or specialized treatments. Regardless of the method, ongoing maintenance and regular inspections are essential to preserving building performance and long-term value.
Western offers an ebook resource library outlining key strategies for successful building inspections and maintenance. Access them for FREE today.
About Western Specialty Contractors
Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing, and specialty roofing. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures, including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO, with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit https://westernspecialtycontractors.com.
