Roof Maintenance Handbook

Optimize the Energy Efficiency of Multifamily Buildings

Any change in weather presents a number of challenges for multifamilyproperty owners, especially during the onset of winter. During theseason, climate factors paired with a lack of maintenance reduce theenergy efficiency of multifamily properties and damage the roof. This notonly increases operating costs, but also can cause discomfort to tenants.It is, therefore, essential for multifamily property owners to think aboutroof maintenance before the damage is done.

Surprisingly, roof maintenance is often ignored despite the fact that itdirectly results in increased costs for property owners. In fact, properroof maintenance may notably enhance the energy efficiency of amultifamily property.

Optimizing Energy Efficiency

While a professional multifamily buildings contractor will be able tooptimize the energy efficiency of your multifamily property, it isadvisable to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals.

Step 1. Define Thermal Boundary of the Building

The first step in optimizing the energy efficiency of a multifamilyproperty through roof maintenance is defining its thermal boundaries.Thermal boundary divides the intentionally heated spaces fromunconditioned or unheated spaces. Thermal boundary is also referred asinsulation boundary and it needs to be directly connected with the airbarrier. Air barrier prevents undesirable air from entering the building’sthermal boundary, and this is how cold air is stopped from entering thebuilding, which further helps to achieve the desired temperature insidethe building and also increases its energy efficiency.

Step 2. Seal the Conditioned and Unconditioned Space

After determining the thermal boundary of the building, the next step isidentifying and sealing undesired openings in conditioned andunconditioned spaces. Openings in conditioned and unconditioned spaceinclude attic spaces, mechanical and electrical chases, and gaps betweenplates of exterior walls, among others. Any gaps in these areas can belocated by using a blower door, an infrared camera, or smoke pencil.Once the gaps are discovered, they need to be filled with foam, caulk orany other similar sealant that can restrict energy transfer.

Step 3. Address Air Leakages

The third step to optimize the energy efficiency of a multifamily building

is finding out all points of air leakage. Without resolving this issue, anyfurther step for air-sealing will be futile. If, for instance, your multifamilybuilding contractor adds insulation to attic or ducts without sealing thepoints of air leakage, it will allow moist air to continue penetratingthrough the roof decking, which may cause condensation, mold growth,and other issues. Once the problem of air leakage is addressed, thethermal efficiency of roof assembly and energy efficiency of the housewill automatically enhance.

Step 4. Consider Other Influential Factors

Apart from these three steps, there are a few other factors that you needto take into consideration in order to enhance the energy efficiency ofyour multifamily building. These factors include the efficiency of theHVAC unit and ventilation system, materials used in the property,especially weather coating (if any), and of course, the lifestyle of yourtenants, among others. In addition, when it comes to renovations orrepairs, it is important to ensure that your roofing contractor uses energyefficient building products that are in compliance with local constructionregulations.

Summing It Up

When it comes to prepping up a multifamily property for winters,property owners need to ensure that their property maintenance plancovers the roofing system, and that they have a good understanding ofthe steps involved in optimizing its energy efficiency. If you wish to learnmore about what all you can do to improve the energy efficiency of yourmultifamily property during winter, our team is here to help.

Reference Link: http://www.urspecialtygroup.com/Author: Ronald Carter