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Roof and wall renovation: A healthy home in a healthy building envelope

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Roof and wall renovation: A healthy home in a healthy building envelope
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The roof is sometimes called the fifth facade. Not illogically, because a roof protects the underlying building and its occupants from weather and unwanted guests. A healthy roof can also perform other functions such as providing space for technical installations, a green roof or even additional utility space. To keep the roof - whether flat or sloped - in good condition, timely renovation is advisable.

A house or apartment building can easily last several decades ... provided you keep the structure and building envelope in good health. For the roof, that means frequent inspection and, if necessary, roof maintenance. When this shows that a large-scale repair is needed, or when the comfort in the home is no longer optimal, renovation may be imminent.

When renovating a flat roof, there are several structural concerns that the roofer will consider. To begin with, the condition of the roof. Based on a visual inspection, he will check that there are no problems with stability or the supporting structure. If the underlying structure is still in good condition, it may be sufficient to replace only the roofing. During the assessment, the roofer will also take into account the new situation: is additional insulation planned, are there plans for a green roof, ...

During his inspection of the roof, the roofer will also assess the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint based on the materials present. These require a thoughtful plan of action when removing the obsolete materials. If the screening reveals that the roof insulation does not meet current requirements, then it is advisable to also install a layer of insulation in one move during the renovation.

Substructure Technology

When adding new or additional insulation, the roof area also increases. In some cases, the insulation package may extend higher than the wall connection to adjacent buildings or technical rooms on the roof. In such cases, to continue to ensure a quality waterproofing, a new wall connection must be made at a level above the insulation package. For this, the roofer uses an underpinning technique. In doing so, he will interrupt or cut into the existing wall every meter to apply a roof membrane. Afterwards, he repairs the wall in these places to then apply the roof membrane in the remaining strips. By working in this way, the roofer maintains the stability of the wall while ensuring proper waterproofing according to the rules of the art.

Advantages of flat roof renovation

A thoughtful and qualitative approach may require some preparation and cost, but it also assures you years of peace of mind and increased living comfort. The improved insulation and water drainage extend the life span of the entire roof and building structure, the renewed roof waterproofing offers the possibility to install a solar energy system or a green roof , which increases the thermal and acoustic insulation and contributes to a longer life span. Last but not least, a renewed flat roof contributes to the value of the building, which is beneficial for all co-owners in the case of an apartment complex.

Close-up of green roof with sedum plants
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Renovation of a pitched roof

Also leading up to a roof renovation of a pitched roof, a thorough inspection of the existing structure is appropriate. Again, if the supporting structure is still in good condition, it may be sufficient to replace only the roofing. If this is not the case, depending on the condition of the supporting framework, local repairs or a complete replacement of the structure can be chosen. This can be done on-site, using prefabricated trusses or be completely replaced by load-bearing elements that also provide an insulating core and interior finish.

With older roofs, it is a great opportunity to insulate or significantly improve the existing insulation value. To maximize the benefits of insulation, it is important to prevent air flow. This requires a windproof construction of the eaves and ridge. Often old roofs still have no roofing. It is best to install this water and wind repellent layer during the renovation. Also keep in mind that there is a good chance that an existing fiber cement slate roof contains asbestos. This requires careful removal by a licensed contractor.

Even in the case of a pitched roof, timely intervention to improve the roofing offers many benefits. New insulation materials improve energy efficiency, reducing energy costs, the waterproofing is back on point, reducing the risk of leaks or moisture damage, furthermore, the life of the roof extends and the whole looks more aesthetically pleasing.  

By renovating both sloped and flat roofs, co-owners of an apartment building can not only enjoy immediate benefits, but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and value of the property.

Renovation flat and pitched roof

Facade renovation

Not only the roof should be in excellent condition to enjoy pleasant living comfort. The healthy facade also contributes to this. A weak facade can attract moisture problems, such as water infiltration, ultimately resulting in moldy interior walls and unhealthy air. The insulation of facades that predate the 1970s energy crisis can also be greatly improved.

A facade renovation prevents these problems while giving your building an aesthetic upgrade. The new fresh look along with the improved insulation value increases property value.  

Such a facade renovation can be done relatively easily with new cladding. The space between the supporting structure provides space for insulation, and the finish protects against moisture and beautifies the appearance.  

Renovation and insulation of existing facade

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Roof and wall renovation: A healthy home in a healthy building envelope

The roof is sometimes called the fifth facade. Not illogically, because a roof protects the underlying building and its occupants from weather and unwanted guests. A healthy roof can also perform other functions such as providing space for technical installations, a green roof or even additional utility space. To keep the roof - whether flat or sloped - in good condition, timely renovation is advisable.

A house or apartment building can easily last several decades ... provided you keep the structure and building envelope in good health. For the roof, that means frequent inspection and, if necessary, roof maintenance. When this shows that a large-scale repair is needed, or when the comfort in the home is no longer optimal, renovation may be imminent.

When renovating a flat roof, there are several structural concerns that the roofer will consider. To begin with, the condition of the roof. Based on a visual inspection, he will check that there are no problems with stability or the supporting structure. If the underlying structure is still in good condition, it may be sufficient to replace only the roofing. During the assessment, the roofer will also take into account the new situation: is additional insulation planned, are there plans for a green roof, ...

During his inspection of the roof, the roofer will also assess the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint based on the materials present. These require a thoughtful plan of action when removing the obsolete materials. If the screening reveals that the roof insulation does not meet current requirements, then it is advisable to also install a layer of insulation in one move during the renovation.

Substructure Technology

When adding new or additional insulation, the roof area also increases. In some cases, the insulation package may extend higher than the wall connection to adjacent buildings or technical rooms on the roof. In such cases, to continue to ensure a quality waterproofing, a new wall connection must be made at a level above the insulation package. For this, the roofer uses an underpinning technique. In doing so, he will interrupt or cut into the existing wall every meter to apply a roof membrane. Afterwards, he repairs the wall in these places to then apply the roof membrane in the remaining strips. By working in this way, the roofer maintains the stability of the wall while ensuring proper waterproofing according to the rules of the art.

Advantages of flat roof renovation

A thoughtful and qualitative approach may require some preparation and cost, but it also assures you years of peace of mind and increased living comfort. The improved insulation and water drainage extend the life span of the entire roof and building structure, the renewed roof waterproofing offers the possibility to install a solar energy system or a green roof , which increases the thermal and acoustic insulation and contributes to a longer life span. Last but not least, a renewed flat roof contributes to the value of the building, which is beneficial for all co-owners in the case of an apartment complex.

Close-up of green roof with sedum plants

Renovation of a pitched roof

Also leading up to a roof renovation of a pitched roof, a thorough inspection of the existing structure is appropriate. Again, if the supporting structure is still in good condition, it may be sufficient to replace only the roofing. If this is not the case, depending on the condition of the supporting framework, local repairs or a complete replacement of the structure can be chosen. This can be done on-site, using prefabricated trusses or be completely replaced by load-bearing elements that also provide an insulating core and interior finish.

With older roofs, it is a great opportunity to insulate or significantly improve the existing insulation value. To maximize the benefits of insulation, it is important to prevent air flow. This requires a windproof construction of the eaves and ridge. Often old roofs still have no roofing. It is best to install this water and wind repellent layer during the renovation. Also keep in mind that there is a good chance that an existing fiber cement slate roof contains asbestos. This requires careful removal by a licensed contractor.

Even in the case of a pitched roof, timely intervention to improve the roofing offers many benefits. New insulation materials improve energy efficiency, reducing energy costs, the waterproofing is back on point, reducing the risk of leaks or moisture damage, furthermore, the life of the roof extends and the whole looks more aesthetically pleasing.  

By renovating both sloped and flat roofs, co-owners of an apartment building can not only enjoy immediate benefits, but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and value of the property.

Renovation flat and pitched roof

Facade renovation

Not only the roof should be in excellent condition to enjoy pleasant living comfort. The healthy facade also contributes to this. A weak facade can attract moisture problems, such as water infiltration, ultimately resulting in moldy interior walls and unhealthy air. The insulation of facades that predate the 1970s energy crisis can also be greatly improved.

A facade renovation prevents these problems while giving your building an aesthetic upgrade. The new fresh look along with the improved insulation value increases property value.  

Such a facade renovation can be done relatively easily with new cladding. The space between the supporting structure provides space for insulation, and the finish protects against moisture and beautifies the appearance.  

Renovation and insulation of existing facade

News
>
Roof and wall renovation: A healthy home in a healthy building envelope

The roof is sometimes called the fifth facade. Not illogically, because a roof protects the underlying building and its occupants from weather and unwanted guests. A healthy roof can also perform other functions such as providing space for technical installations, a green roof or even additional utility space. To keep the roof - whether flat or sloped - in good condition, timely renovation is advisable.

A house or apartment building can easily last several decades ... provided you keep the structure and building envelope in good health. For the roof, that means frequent inspection and, if necessary, roof maintenance. When this shows that a large-scale repair is needed, or when the comfort in the home is no longer optimal, renovation may be imminent.

When renovating a flat roof, there are several structural concerns that the roofer will consider. To begin with, the condition of the roof. Based on a visual inspection, he will check that there are no problems with stability or the supporting structure. If the underlying structure is still in good condition, it may be sufficient to replace only the roofing. During the assessment, the roofer will also take into account the new situation: is additional insulation planned, are there plans for a green roof, ...

During his inspection of the roof, the roofer will also assess the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint based on the materials present. These require a thoughtful plan of action when removing the obsolete materials. If the screening reveals that the roof insulation does not meet current requirements, then it is advisable to also install a layer of insulation in one move during the renovation.

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April 30, 2024

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