While modern building codes and structural engineering have made buildings extremely safe, facilities managers must maintain a high level of upkeep for them to remain that way. As buildings age, they can lose their structural integrity. As such, if simple repairs are left untended, they can balloon into bigger issues, potentially causing significant damage that can interrupt operations and/or even endanger others.

Continual maintenance and inspections are imperative for keeping buildings safe and operable. According to the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, 72% of commercial buildings in the United States are aged 20 years or older. It’s around this milestone that facilities managers should expect to prepare significant funds for upgrades.

Structural Issues

Facilities managers need to keep a close eye on all components that make up a building’s functionality. While it may seem that structural issues only refer to the foundation and walls, the reality is that all systems within a building must be working optimally to keep the building structurally sound for the long haul. Many structural issues can be attributed to the following:

Concrete decay

Concrete decay is natural and occurs over time as buildings age. However, several issues can cause concrete to decay prematurely, including the following.

Placement issues

The common signs of placement issues include cracks, air bubbles visible in the concrete, pockets of rocks, honeycombing and cold joints.

Exposure

Buildings can suffer from exposure to the elements. Depending on location, coastal ocean salt or rock salt used in winter can increase the rate of concrete decay. Chemical deterioration can also occur as a result of acid rain due to pollution.

Wind

Excessive exposure to wind can cause concrete to develop shrinkage cracks and erode the outer building layers.

Freeze-thaw cycles

These cycles dampen concrete and cool it before there is time for proper drainage, causing expansion, scaling and delamination.

Steel support corrosion

When steel corrodes, it expands to create tensile stresses in the concrete. Cracking, delamination and spalling are often a result.

Decayed concrete should be replaced in a timely fashion. Otherwise, the building could sustain severe structural defects or collapse.

Roofing

A few factors determine a roof’s lifespan, including the type of roof, the climate and the roof’s maintenance history. If the roof is allowed to deteriorate and moisture spreads, other systems will fall apart soon after. Facilities managers should plan to conduct a roof inspection twice a year—once when the weather is at its hottest and once when it’s at its coldest.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

Inefficient HVAC systems can be costly to operate and cause air quality issues, such as mold. Mold can lead to structural damage since it feeds on and breaks down organic matter. When mold infests in walls, insulation, paper backing or carpeting, the materials must be removed and replaced. Improper heating and cooling can also cause damage due to a lack of efficient air circulation and ventilation.

Electrical

Hot spots can form if the electrical wiring has loose connections, corroded wires/connectors, overloaded circuits, short circuits, imbalanced electrical loading, or faulty fuses, breakers and switches. The excessive heat from these hot spots could start a fire, and even a small fire has the ability to cause damage that hurts the structural integrity.

Plumbing

Bad plumbing can cause health risks and have adverse effects on a building and the environment. Leaks can lead to mold and water damage. Some of the significant plumbing issues older buildings face include inefficient fixtures, bad equipment and lead in the pipes, the last of which can contaminate drinking water.

Prevention

Outside of a significant disaster or event, buildings don’t typically deteriorate overnight. There are several preventive measures that can be taken to ensure a structure’s longevity. These include:

• Hiring a good facilities manager—Facilities managers should know the building better than anyone else and act as the first line of defense by identifying any repairs that need to take place. Having a proactive facilities manager can save money and ensure buildings remain safe to occupy.
• Planning for repairs and maintenance—While setting aside a large sum of money for repairs that haven’t happened yet may seem unnecessary, it can be beneficial in the long run when it’s time for routine maintenance or when unexpected expenses occur.
• Conducting building inspections—Inspections should be performed by qualified inspectors who have location-specific expertise. Inspectors should be familiar with signs of damage due to local weather, such as areas with salt water or snow loading. Structural engineers should assess the major structural components of the building to identify any necessary corrective actions. They should document inspections to allow for year-to-year comparisons of issues, being sure to take ample photos. Inspections should occur:
  • Annually
  • After any significant event, such as wind storms, earthquakes or hurricanes
  • Before and after any major addition or renovation
• Knowing local building codes—Building codes help maintain safe and structurally sound buildings. It’s essential to know and understand local building codes so that all requirements are met. Some regulations in harsher environments may have additional requirements.
• Acting upon identified issues—When an issue arises, it should be dealt with swiftly. Early action can keep costs lower than if an issue is allowed to become more serious. The safety of those who live or work in the building depends on structural issues being addressed and resolved.

All buildings will need repairs and updates eventually. By being proactive, facilities managers can ensure that the structural integrity of a building and the safety of its tenants remain intact. 

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This Risk Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.