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Monday May 12 2025

Maintenance Logbook – “B” as in Superstructure

INTRODUCTION

The building envelope, often referred to as the “superstructure”, is the set of elements that protect the interior of the building from external elements. It includes exterior walls, windows, doors, roofs, insulation and waterproofing systems. Regular maintenance of this envelope is crucial to ensuring the building’s durability, energy efficiency and safety. In this article, we’ll explore the various components of the building envelope and best practices for their maintenance.

For an overview of maintenance logbooks, see our article The ABCs of a maintenance logbook.

1. SUPERSTRUCTURE (B10)

Floor and roof construction

Floors and roofs are essential elements of the superstructure. They must be built using durable, weather-resistant materials. Commonly used materials include concrete, steel, wood and waterproofing membranes. Maintenance of floors and roofs involves regular inspections for cracks, water infiltration and structural damage. Repairs must be carried out quickly to avoid more serious problems.

2. EXTERIOR ENVELOPE (B20)

Exterior walls

Exterior walls play a crucial role in protecting a building from the elements. They can be made of brick, concrete, wood or other materials. Each type of material requires specific maintenance methods. For example, brick walls need to be inspected for cracks and damaged mortar joints. Wooden walls need to be treated against insects and mould. Regular maintenance of exterior walls helps prevent water infiltration and structural damage.

Windows and doors

Windows and doors are potential entry points for air and water. Maintaining their airtightness is essential to the building’s energy efficiency. Windows should be inspected for cracks in the glass and damaged seals. Doors should be checked to ensure that they close properly and that seals are in good condition. Regular maintenance of windows and doors helps reduce energy costs and improve indoor comfort.

3. INSULATION

Good thermal and acoustic insulation is essential to a building’s comfort and energy efficiency. Commonly used insulation materials fiberglass, polyurethane foam and insulating board. Effective insulation helps maintain a stable indoor temperature and reduce energy costs. It’s important to choose high-quality insulation materials and install them correctly to maximize their effectiveness.

4. AIRTIGHTNESS

Air and water tightness are crucial to prevent infiltration and structural damage. Waterproofing techniques include the use of waterproofing membranes, gaskets and sealants. Regular inspections detect leaks and areas of weakness in the building envelope. Repairs must be carried out quickly

5. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Regular inspections

Regular inspections of the building envelope are essential to detect potential problems before they become serious. Inspections should include checking exterior walls, windows, doors, roofs and waterproofing systems. Inspections must be carried out by qualified professionals to ensure an accurate and complete assessment.

Inspection requirements under Bill 122

Law 122 imposes strict requirements for the inspection of facades of buildings of five storeys or more, as well as parking garages. Owners must have regular inspections carried out every five years by a qualified professional, such as an architect or engineer. The inspection report must certify that facades and parking lots are free of dangerous conditions and include a description of defects and any corrective work required. This law is designed to improve the safety of occupants and passers-by by preventing the risks associated with wear and tear and structural damage.

Repairs and renovations

Repairs and renovations are necessary to maintain the integrity of the building envelope. Common repairs include repairing cracks in walls, replacing damaged windows and repairing roofs. Renovations can include upgrading insulation, replacing materials and installing new ones. Repairs and renovations must be carried out by qualified professionals to guarantee long-lasting, effective results.

6. DOCUMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP

Record keeping

Documentation of maintenance work and inspections is essential for long-term building management. Records should include details of inspections, repairs, renovations and materials used. Keeping records allows you to track the building’s maintenance history and plan future work. Records should be kept in an accessible, well-organized maintenance logbook.

Conclusion

Maintaining the building envelope is crucial to ensuring sustainability, energy efficiency and safety. By following best maintenance practices, owners can prevent potential problems and maintain the integrity of their building. Regular inspections, prompt repairs and accurate documentation are key elements of an effective maintenance program. By investing in building envelope maintenance, owners can protect their investment and ensure the comfort and safety of their occupants.

Sébastien St-Pierre
Technical Department Manager