MAINTENANCE
Arming Your Property Against a Natural Enemy : Water
BY TRAVIS DUNN
Natural elements cause extensive damage to buildings . Due to the Colorado climate , we experience all of the most common damaging weather elements that property owners and managers need to plan for as they typically have an immediate impact on the condition of a property . Water and freezing damage are the secondmost-common commercial property insurance claims , but many owners and managers do not budget for protecting against water penetration .
Water from rain and snowmelt infiltrates a building ’ s structure , and can have an immediate impact on a building , or may also slowly cause damage over time . If left untreated , water can create serious health hazards and even erode the components of the building , causing structural deterioration .
Roofs , pool decks , balconies , elevated walkways , window and building sealants , and parking garages are the main areas multifamily properties should focus on when protecting their property against water damage . These areas can experience heavy traffic and are subject to the elements which cause accelerated degradation and can lead to high-cost repairs .
Typically , many of these areas are made of concrete . Concrete is porous and absorbs water . If not properly sealed and maintained , it can crack and break , deterring visitors from entering your facility and even posing potential safety hazards . www . aamdhq . org FEBRUARY 2023 TRENDS | 27