Exterior restoration involves the repair and preservation of the building envelope.
The building envelope comprises those systems that separate the inside environment from the outside world - protecting occupants and contents from wind, moisture, and temperature extremes. It includes building facades, balconies, fenestration, roofing, terraces, and plazas. These components, no matter how well designed and constructed, will eventually deteriorate and must be maintained in order to preserve the building's integrity.
The building envelope experiences tremendous abuse due to environmental exposure. Water infiltration, temperature variation, freeze-thaw cycles, acid rain, and ultraviolet radiation all conspire to damage its components. Cracks develop and enlarge, sealant disintegrates, spandrels rust, curtain walls corrode. Sometimes a problem results when a critical issue has been overlooked in the original design of the building. Occasionally, the culprit is sub-standard material or workmanship. These mechanisms can act individually or in concert, creating a vicious cycle that exponentially accelerates their damaging effects. Eventually, this process results in serviceability failures such as energy loss, leaking roofs, flaking paint, or powdered plaster. When neglected, problems become exacerbated. If neglected long enough, unstable elements of the facade can threaten the life-safety of pedestrians below.
A building's exterior provides a first impression for the public, and is a source of pride for its owner. The science of exterior restoration entails an understanding of the factors that can compromise the building envelope, coupled with a thorough knowledge of remedial measures - their design, cost, and implementation. The art of exterior restoration entails the design of solutions that are either virtually invisible, or enhance the building's appearance after implementation. With a staff of architects and engineers, Superstructures embraces both.
