Top Signs Your Property Needs Commercial Caulking
When armies in medieval times were preparing their cities and castles for an assault by an invading force, they knew that even the smallest weakness could potentially be exploited. A gap in a wall. A structurally weak turret. An unlatched back gate. The list goes on. These days, the same thinking applies. You may not be preparing for battle (we hope), but structural weaknesses in your commercial building pose a risk of allowing further damage. The solution? Commercial caulking.
From tiny gaps to high energy bills, there are plenty of signs your building may need to re-up on its caulking. Time to learn what to look for. Let’s dive in.
Visible Crack and Gaps
If you notice any cracking, crumbling, or flat out missing sealant in your structure, it’s caulking time. But how does this happen? Commercial caulking may be strong, but it’s not invincible. Years of exposure to weather, UV rays, and the movements of the building do eventually cause it to break down. This is how gaps form. From there, air, water, and insects can use them as an entry point for their “invasion.”
Water Leaks & Moisture
Buildings are more like us than we care to admit. When they get old, they start to leak. Unlike us, though, caulking may be the culprit here. As sealant is your first line of defense against water intrusion, there’s nothing stopping things from getting a little wet when it breaks down and fails.
What are the risks, though? Glad you asked:
- Wood rot and structural weakness
- Growth of mold and musty odors (gross)
- Wall, floor, and ceiling damage
If these symptoms are left untreated, long-term issues will present themselves at some point. And those are much more expensive than a little bit of commercial caulking.
High Energy Bills
High dollar amounts are only fun when the money is coming into your account. If your heating and cooling systems are being overworked, money will be going in the other direction. This overtaxing of equipment means it’s putting more effort into maintaining indoor temperatures, and something is surely to blame… something like air intruding from the outside.
Caulk for windows, doors, and exterior joints can help to alleviate these issues. Air leaks are reduced (or eliminated), thus allowing your energy efficiency to increase and your monthly bills to get back down to acceptable levels.
Indoor Temperature Fluctuations
It can be really frustrating for office workers and tenants when they can’t seem to get comfortable thanks to less-than-ideal temperatures. One minute it feels like a freezer, and the next everyone’s sweating. Thanks a lot, poorly sealed walls. Luckily, some caulking repair will go a long way towards fixing these problems right up. If the problem persists afterwards, it could be an HVAC issue, and that’s just not our wheelhouse. Regardless, seals need to be reinforced from time to time in order for a building to remain “healthy.”
Mold, Mildew & Musty Odors
If you want everything to smell bad all the time and possibly cause health problems, don’t bother with commercial caulking. Let everything rot. But we’re willing to bet that’s not the case. We’re guessing you want to get rid of any unpleasantness promptly. If you notice musty odors, that’s a big red flag. Here’s why this matters:
- Mold isn’t just gross-looking. It’s a health risk that can lead to allergies and respiratory complications.
- If the damage becomes too extensive, repairs aren’t cheap.
- Building materials can actually be weakened by prolonged moisture damage.
Peeling & Staining
If exterior caulking has slowly worn away, the risk of water seeping behind your walls and trim increases. Peeling, bubbling finishes, and staining on surfaces are telltale signs of this happening. While these issues by themselves are cosmetic, they point to deeper problems and need to be addressed.
If you want to prevent any further water penetration and preserve the appearance of your building, reapplication of caulk is a must. The health of your building depends on it!
Caulking Repair Could Help You Save Big
Want to save money? Want to save your building’s structural integrity? Commercial caulking services are an essential piece to that puzzle. Seal up all the vital bits and bolster your defenses! You’ll notice an increase in efficiency, safety, and maybe even property value.
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs we discussed above, the best time to act is now, before things get worse. Caulk for windows and doors, as well as cracks in your walls, is essential for a building’s health and your safety. The team at Robey has plenty of experience providing commercial caulking services. Get in touch with us and we’ll reinforce your building!