The Silent Energy Killer: Air Infiltration
When Facility Managers think about energy efficiency, they usually think about upgrading the HVAC system or installing LED lights. While these are important, they ignore the biggest variable: The Building Envelope.
If your building facade has failing sealants, cracks in the precast, or gaps in the window gaskets, you are essentially trying to cool a building with the windows open.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that air infiltration (drafts) accounts for up to 40% of the heating and cooling load in commercial buildings. The solution isn’t always a new chiller – it’s tightening the skin of the building.
1. Wet Glazing: Sealing the Glass-to-Metal Joint
The rubber gaskets that hold your windows in place eventually shrink and dry rot due to UV exposure. This creates microscopic gaps where conditioned air escapes and humid outdoor air enters.
The Fix: We perform Wet Glazing, a process where we apply a structural silicone sealant (like Dow Corning 795) over the failing gasket. This creates a permanent, airtight seal between the glass and the metal frame, instantly stopping drafts and reducing the load on your HVAC system.
2. Sealant Replacement: Closing the Gaps
Exterior caulking joints allow for thermal expansion, but they don’t last forever. When control joint sealants fail, they allow air and water to bypass the thermal barrier of the wall.
The Fix: A comprehensive Sealant Replacement program removes the old, hardened caulk and replaces it with modern, high-movement silicone. This restores the continuous air barrier of the facade, keeping the hot air out and the cool air in.
3. Elastomeric Coatings: A Thermal Shield
Cracks in stucco or concrete walls are more than just an eyesore; they are thermal bridges. Heat travels faster through damp, cracked concrete than dry, sealed concrete.
The Fix: We apply Elastomeric Waterproof Coatings that act like a thick rubber shield over the building. These coatings bridge hairline cracks and reflect UV radiation (especially light-colored coatings), significantly lowering the surface temperature of the wall and reducing the heat transfer into the building.
4. Window Film: The Retrofit Solution
Replacing single-pane windows in a high-rise is astronomically expensive. A cost-effective alternative is Architectural Window Film.
The Fix: Modern solar control films can reject up to 75% of solar heat gain without altering the look of the building. This eliminates “hot spots” in corner offices and allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently during peak summer hours.
The ROI of Restoration
Restoring your building envelope is one of the highest ROI maintenance projects you can undertake. By stopping air leaks and waterproofing the exterior, you lower energy bills immediately while extending the lifespan of your structural assets.
Is your building losing money through the walls? Contact Presto Restoration today for an energy-focused envelope inspection.
