Maintenance and Repairs

May 15, 2025 Published by British Columbia Chapter - By Michal Brondel

The Value of Preventative Maintenance

From CCI BC Strata Connection Magazine, Volume 04, Spring/Summer 2025

A building’s exterior is exposed to outdoor elements that contribute to gradual wear and tear. Maintenance issues such as water infiltration, hidden mold growth, or insulation failure often develop unnoticed until visible damage appears—at which point repairs can become significantly more costly.

Deferred maintenance often leads to compounding repair costs over time. A repair that might cost $10,000 today can escalate dramatically if left unaddressed for several years. Delaying maintenance not only increases expenses but can also compromise the safety and structural integrity of a building.

Implementing a proactive maintenance plan for the building envelope can mitigate these risks and contribute to the long-term preservation of a property.

What is the Building Envelope?

The building envelope refers to the entire exterior shell of a building. This includes the roof, walls, windows, doors, foundation, and insulation, which all come together to serve as a protective barrier against environmental forces.

A compromised building envelope can have significant consequences, as Canada learned from the Leaky Condo Crisis.

The Leaky Condo Crisis

Between the 1980s and early 2000s, British Columbia faced a major construction failure known as the “leaky condo crisis.” Over 900 buildings and 31,000 individual housing units in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland were constructed with flaws that made them vulnerable to water infiltration and rot. Many of these buildings lacked proper drainage, waterproofing, and the durable materials needed for the region’s heavy rainfall.

As a result, moisture seeped into walls and insulation, leading to structural deterioration, extensive mold growth, and expensive repair costs—totaling over $4 billion in damages across Canada.

This crisis highlighted the importance of effective construction and regular maintenance of the building envelope to avoid major financial consequences in the future.

The Benefits of Preventive Maintenance

A preventive maintenance plan contributes to both cost savings and the longevity of a building. Key benefits include:

1. Cost Savings

Addressing minor issues before they escalate is far more cost-effective than waiting for a full-scale failure. Regular maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of large, unexpected repair bills.

2. Extended Building Lifespan

Maintaining critical components of the envelope can extend the lifespan of the entire building. For instance, a well-maintained roof may last up to 35 years, while a neglected one could need replacing after just 10 to 15 years.

3. Energy Efficiency & Lower Utility Bills

Gaps, cracks, and deteriorating insulation force HVAC systems to work harder and increase utility costs. Maintaining a strong building envelope reduces energy loss, helping to lower energy consumption. For example, sealing windows and doors can greatly reduce unnecessary heat or cooling loss.

4. Prevents Moisture Damage & Mold Growth

Unchecked water infiltration can lead to mold, rot, and corrosion—compromising indoor air quality and resulting in serious health risks for occupants.

5. Property Value Retention

Regular maintenance helps retain a building’s aesthetic appeal and market value. Properties with a strong record of upkeep tend to sell for higher prices than those showing visible signs of neglect.

6. Regulatory Compliance & Insurance Benefits

Many local building codes and insurance programs require routine inspections and ongoing maintenance. While individual claim outcomes vary, being proactive about maintenance reduces the likelihood of preventable claims.

In turn, fewer claims help support the long-term viability and affordability of insurance programs.

For example, Vancouver now mandates exterior inspections for high-rise buildings—a direct response to lessons learned from the leaky condo crisis.

Key Preventive Maintenance Practices

To maintain the building envelope in optimal condition, the following practices should be prioritized:

1. Regular Inspections

Routine inspections should be conducted annually, with additional checks after severe weather. These inspections help identify cracks, leaks, or material deterioration early—before problems escalate.

2. Sealing & Waterproofing

Proper caulking, sealant replacement, and roof waterproofing are critical in preventing water infiltration—one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold growth.

3. Roofing & Drainage Maintenance

Maintaining gutters, downspouts, and roofing materials ensures proper water drainage and reduces the risk of leaks, ice dams, and premature roof failure.

Choosing the Right Access Method for Repairs

When making repairs, selecting the right access method is key to ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Common approaches include:

1. Aerial Lifts (Best for Quick and Targeted Repairs)

Aerial lifts are mechanized platforms ideal for short-term tasks like window repairs and façade inspections.

Pros: Quick to set up, highly mobile.
Cons: Requires sufficient ground space, which may be limited in dense urban settings.

2. Scaffolding (Best for Large-Scale and Long-Term Projects)

Scaffolding offers a stable, fixed structure for extensive repairs and renovations.

Pros: Supports heavy materials and multiple workers.
Cons: Expensive, time-consuming setup, not suitable for small repairs.

3. Rope Access (Best for High-Rise and Confined Spaces)

Rope access uses technicians suspended by harnesses to reach difficult areas. It’s effective for inspections, sealant applications, and small repairs. For larger jobs, a swing stage platform may be used.

Pros: Cost-effective, minimally disruptive.
Cons: Requires specialized training, not suitable for extended projects.

Investing in the Future

Reviewing your building envelope maintenance strategy is a smart step toward preserving your property’s condition and value. A modest investment today—whether through inspections, sealing, or structural upkeep—can help avoid major expenses tomorrow. Proactive maintenance protects not only the building itself but also the well-being of those who live and work within it.

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Michal Brondel, Tatras Group, CEO

As the CEO and Co-founder of Tatras Group, Michal is responsible for running all facets of the business. Michal brings over eight years of executive experience leading in the Building Science and Industrial Rope Access sectors. His attitude is a perfect example of great perseverance in pursuing his goal, not giving up and loyalty to his principles.