Building Restoration Products: Revitalizing Commercial Facades

The facade of a commercial building is more than just an aesthetic element. 

It's the first impression your business makes, a critical line of defense against the elements, and a significant contributor to the overall life expectancy of the structure. 

Over time, however, exposure to weather, contaminants, and physical stresses can take a toll on even the most well-constructed facades. When deterioration sets in, building owners and managers are faced with the crucial decision of facade restoration.

Choosing the right products and materials is essential for large-scale commercial restoration projects to ensure durability, aesthetics, and compliance with building standards. 

Let’s explore the different types of building restoration products and techniques used to address various facade issues, ensuring the longevity and resilience of a commercial property.

Facade Repair Techniques

Commercial facade renovation involves various specialized techniques tailored to the specific needs of the building. Below are a few key techniques commonly used in commercial facade repair and restoration:

• Surface Cleaning: Clean the building’s facade thoroughly before applying any restoration products. This step often involves pressure washing or using chemical cleaners to remove dirt, pollutants, and bio-growth from the surface.
• Tuckpointing: For brick facade repair, tuckpointing is a key technique. It involves replacing deteriorated mortar with fresh mortar, strengthening the joints between bricks and improving the facade’s appearance.
• Waterproofing: Applying waterproofing treatments after restoration helps protect the facade from moisture infiltration. Silicone sealants and clear coatings are commonly used in this process, ensuring that the building remains watertight.
• Recladding: In cases where facade materials have severely deteriorated, recladding may be necessary. This involves removing the outer layer of the facade and replacing it with new materials. Save this technique for major renovations or modernizing a facade’s design.
  
  

Modern Commercial Facade Design

In addition to restoration, modernizing a commercial facade design plays a key role in shaping aesthetic and functional value. As sustainability and energy efficiency become a bigger part for construction codes, more commercial building facade designs have started to incorporate energy-efficient materials, including reflective coatings and insulated panels. 

When considering a facade renovation, consider:

• Building Use and Function: The facade should reflect the building's purpose and create a positive first impression.
• Local Building Codes and Regulations: Ensure that any renovation plans comply with local zoning and building codes.
• Sustainability: Use eco-friendly materials and prevent air intrusion from affecting energy efficiency.
• Aesthetics and Branding: The facade should align with the building owner's brand identity and avoid looking shoddy or unsafe.
  
  

Key Products for Building Facade Restoration

While proper techniques are vital to a successful restoration project, using the right products is equally important. When selecting products for facade restoration, consider what will cater to the job site’s specific materials and conditions. Here are some key products common in facade restoration projects:

1. Concrete restoration products
2. Sealants and adhesives
3. Flashing systems
4. Waterproofing & vapor barriers
   
   

1. Concrete Restoration Products

Concrete is prone to cracking, spalling, and general deterioration. High-quality concrete restoration products are critical for commercial buildings to fix these issues and restore the material’s integrity. Two common concrete repair solutions are:

• Mortars: These fill cracks and voids in damaged concrete facades. Specialized repair mortars are essential for larger commercial projects to ensure structural strength and longevity.
• Protective sealers: After repairing concrete surfaces, applying a sealer is necessary to prevent further damage. Clear sealers offer an invisible barrier against moisture penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, and pollutants.

Expansion joints are crucial to maintaining commercial facades, especially in high-rise buildings and large concrete structures. These joints allow for natural movement in the building caused by temperature changes and seismic activity, preventing cracks and structural damage. Look for concrete expansion joints designed for commercial applications, ensuring flexibility and long-term performance.

2. Sealants and Adhesives

Sealants play a crucial role in building restoration, as they help protect and seal gaps between materials, preventing water and air from penetrating the facade. Silicone sealants are common in commercial facade restoration but don’t discount the situational value of other materials.

Common types of construction sealants include:

• Silicone: Offer excellent flexibility and resistance to weather, making them ideal for sealing exterior joints and gaps in commercial buildings.
• Polyurethane: Known for toughness and durability, these sealants provide strong adhesion and wear resistance in high-traffic environments.
• Acrylic: Versatile and paintable, acrylic sealants are a budget-friendly option for interior work. However, they don’t offer the same flexibility as silicone or polyurethane.
• Butyl: Known for their excellent adhesion, these sealants are typically used in weatherproofing metal panels and window frames. It’s also great for sealing areas exposed to moisture, such as roofing and gutter systems.
• Epoxy: Strong and durable, these are a godsend in areas requiring heavy-duty bonding. They’re resistant to extreme conditions and chemicals.
  
  

In addition to sealants, adhesives are vital to building facade restoration. Construction-grade adhesives provide a strong and durable connection that can withstand the elements.

Common types of adhesives used in facade restoration include:

• Polyurethane: Known for flexibility and chemical resistance, these adhesives can bond with dissimilar materials and thrive in areas with varying temperatures or moisture.
• Epoxy: Popular in structural applications due to their strong bonding capabilities and resistance to chemicals and extreme conditions.
• Acrylic: Offers fast curing times and is commonly used in projects where a quick bond is necessary. Acrylics are ideal for bonding plastics, metals, and other substrates.
• Silicone sealant: Certain “structural” sealants offer adhesive qualities for heavy-duty exterior applications.
• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA): Also known as wood glue, PVA is widely used in carpentry and woodworking projects due to its strong bond with porous materials.
  
  

3. Flashing Systems

Flashing systems are vital in protecting commercial building facades from water damage. These specialized components direct water away from vulnerable areas, preventing moisture from penetrating the building envelope and leading to costly repairs.

In commercial facade and exterior restoration, durable and efficient flashing materials are key to protecting these sensitive areas. High-performance flashing systems typically consist of galvanized steel, copper, or aluminum, known for their longevity and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Key areas where flashing systems are essential include:

• Window perimeters: Helps prevent water from seeping through the gaps between the window frame and the surrounding masonry or cladding.
• Rooflines: Ensures rainwater flows smoothly off the roof without penetrating the building's exterior walls.
• Corners: Helps prevent water from pooling and infiltrating the building through vulnerable joints.
  
  

4. Waterproofing & Vapor Barriers

After repairing and restoring a facade, applying a protective coating can significantly extend the structure’s life. These coatings are often used for both concrete and brick facade restoration projects. There are a range of protective coatings that shield commercial buildings from UV exposure, pollutants, and other environmental stressors. These coatings not only enhance the appearance of the building but also offer long-term protection, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Clear sealers are also widespread in renovation projects as a way to repel water without altering the appearance of the building. They’re especially important for modern commercial facades, where aesthetics are a priority.

Facade Restoration and Design: The Right Products Make All the Difference

Facade restoration is a complex, careful process for maintaining a commercial building’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. From concrete restoration products to protective coatings and sealants, the right combination of materials and techniques can ensure a successful renovation. By using high-quality building restoration products, subcontractors can effectively extend the life of commercial buildings, enhance their appearance, and protect them from future damage.

Need help picking and applying facade restoration products? Reach out about hands-on training opportunities: