Energy Efficient multifamily building solutions

1. Roof Maintenance Handbook Optimize the Energy Efficiency of Multifamily Buildings Any change in weather presents a number of challenges for multifamily property owners, especially during the onset of winter. During the season, climate factors paired with a lack of maintenance reduce the energy efficiency of multifamily properties and damage the roof. This not only increases operating costs, but also can cause discomfort to tenants. It is, therefore, essential for multifamily property owners to think about roof maintenance before the damage is done. Surprisingly, roof maintenance is often ignored despite the fact that it directly results in increased costs for property owners. In fact, proper roof maintenance may notably enhance the energy efficiency of a multifamily property.

2. Optimizing Energy Efficiency While a professional multifamily buildings contractor will be able to optimize the energy efficiency of your multifamily property, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals. Step 1. Define Thermal Boundary of the Building The first step in optimizing the energy efficiency of a multifamily property through roof maintenance is defining its thermal boundaries. Thermal boundary divides the intentionally heated spaces from unconditioned or unheated spaces. Thermal boundary is also referred as insulation boundary and it needs to be directly connected with the air barrier. Air barrier prevents undesirable air from entering the building’s thermal boundary, and this is how cold air is stopped from entering the building, which further helps to achieve the desired temperature inside the building and also increases its energy efficiency. Step 2. Seal the Conditioned and Unconditioned Space After determining the thermal boundary of the building, the next step is identifying and sealing undesired openings in conditioned and unconditioned spaces. Openings in conditioned and unconditioned space include attic spaces, mechanical and electrical chases, and gaps between plates of exterior walls, among others. Any gaps in these areas can be located by using a blower door, an infrared camera, or smoke pencil. Once the gaps are discovered, they need to be filled with foam, caulk or any other similar sealant that can restrict energy transfer. Step 3. Address Air Leakages The third step to optimize the energy efficiency of a multifamily building

3. is finding out all points of air leakage. Without resolving this issue, any further step for air-sealing will be futile. If, for instance, your multifamily building contractor adds insulation to attic or ducts without sealing the points of air leakage, it will allow moist air to continue penetrating through the roof decking, which may cause condensation, mold growth, and other issues. Once the problem of air leakage is addressed, the thermal efficiency of roof assembly and energy efficiency of the house will automatically enhance. Step 4. Consider Other Influential Factors Apart from these three steps, there are a few other factors that you need to take into consideration in order to enhance the energy efficiency of your multifamily building. These factors include the efficiency of the HVAC unit and ventilation system, materials used in the property, especially weather coating (if any), and of course, the lifestyle of your tenants, among others. In addition, when it comes to renovations or repairs, it is important to ensure that your roofing contractor uses energy efficient building products that are in compliance with local construction regulations. Summing It Up When it comes to prepping up a multifamily property for winters, property owners need to ensure that their property maintenance plan covers the roofing system, and that they have a good understanding of the steps involved in optimizing its energy efficiency. If you wish to learn more about what all you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your multifamily property during winter, our team is here to help. Reference Link: http://www.urspecialtygroup.com/ Author: Ronald Carter