Why Terra Cotta Needs Expert Attention

Have you noticed cracks, discoloration, or loose pieces on your building’s terra cotta façade and wondered what it means for your property’s safety and value? 

Are you concerned about the costs, disruption, and long-term effectiveness of repair options? 

Architectural terra cotta has stood the test of time due to its durability and design flexibility but is susceptible to unique forms of distress. 

Common issues include moisture penetration, corrosion of metal anchors, cracking from building and façade movements, and spalling or loss of glazed finishes. Many of these problems stem from discontinuous support methods and natural aging.

Engineered Repair Approaches

A structural/building envelope engineering firm can address terra cotta issues using a range of strategies including:

• Repairs: If cracks result from unaccommodated movement or frame shrinkage, engineers may route and seal cracks, sometimes adding supplemental anchors. The material used—flexible sealant or rigid mortar—depends on whether cracks are cyclical or static. However, if steel corrosion is involved, superficial repairs may only delay further deterioration, and more substantial action is required.
• Mortar Joint Repointing: Water infiltration is often minimized by repointing mortar joints between terra cotta units, a process best handled without sealants (except for upward-facing joints) to avoid trapping moisture and exacerbating decay.

Read more on our website!

Structural and building envelope engineers play a crucial role in repairing and maintaining architectural terra cotta, ensuring the long-term preservation and safety of historic and decorative buildings. 

By trusting your terra cotta restoration to a team versed in both the structural and building envelope aesthetic demands of these systems, your buildings will remain safe, beautiful, and historically significant for future generations. Contact us today!

Structural and Surface Parking Structure Inspections

Visually inspect roofs, flashing, gutters, doors, and windows to spot damage before winter storms. Check for loose flashing, debris, and ensure drainage systems are clear to avoid water pooling that accelerates freeze-thaw damage.

Snow and Ice Management

Have service providers on-call to remove snow and ice promptly (ideally overnight) to keep parking areas safe by morning. Use concrete-safe ice melt products like Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride rather than corrosive rock salt. Make sure equipment such as shovels and snow blowers are serviced and ready along with appropriate winter clothing for workers.

Core Elements of Parking Structure Maintenance

• Surface Integrity and Waterproofing
  Regularly inspect parking decks for surface wear, cracking, and delamination. Patch distressed areas with compatible materials and maintain protective coatings or waterproof membranes designed for heavy traffic and exposure. Advanced waterproofing technologies such as liquid-applied membranes and cementitious coatings have become industry standards for sustained protection.
• Expansion Joints and Sealants
  These essential components accommodate structural movement and prevent water intrusion. Scheduled replacement and sealing maintain flexibility and stop moisture penetration.

Read more on our website!

Our structural engineers walk your facility, identify conditions that require immediate or future attention, and provide actionable reports with cost estimates and trusted contractor recommendations. 

Developing and following a thorough parking structure maintenance plan minimizes safety risks, protects your investment, and keeps your facility operational and inviting year-round. Contact IEI today to schedule your inspection and learn how to optimize your maintenance program. For a free download of our winter preparedness checklist, please click here.

Essential Winter Building Maintenance

Are you a building manager or owner?

Is your property ready for the oncoming winter weather?

Not being prepared could lead to disaster down the road in the event of a major winter weather event like a blizzard. 

Besides your parking structure, there are other areas in your building where you need to make sure you have safety measures in place.

Emergency Preparedness and Tenant Communication

Neglecting emergency preparedness can be costly. Develop a detailed Emergency Preparedness Plan widely communicated to all tenants and owners, especially before winter. This should include measures to protect plumbing lines with insulation or heat tape, ensuring heating systems function properly, and assigning on-call property managers and service providers for 24/7 availability during winter emergencies.

Maintain a current emergency contact list and secure tenant space keys for swift responses.

System Checks and Winterization

• Heating and Cooling Systems: Test heating and cooling systems, replace filters with high-efficiency types, and consider UV sanitizers to improve air quality inside structures.
• Emergency Generators: Regularly service and test generators, maintaining adequate fuel with periodic fuel quality assessments.
• Landscape Sprinklers: Completely shut off and drain irrigation systems to prevent freeze damage.

Read more on our website!

Our structural engineers walk your facility, identify conditions that require immediate or future attention, and provide actionable reports with cost estimates and trusted contractor recommendations. 

Developing and following a thorough parking structure maintenance plan minimizes safety risks, protects your investment, and keeps your facility operational and inviting year-round. Contact IEI today to schedule your inspection and learn how to optimize your maintenance program. For a free download of our winter preparedness checklist, please click here.

Proactive Solutions: Leak Detection and Waterproofing

The building envelope is your first line of defense against the elements. Water in particular poses a continuous threat that can lead to costly damage, health risks, and operational headaches. 

Understanding how water impacts your building is crucial for any business owner or building manager, especially in a humid climate like Atlanta.

The consequences of water intrusion range from minor aesthetic issues to serious structural damage and health risks.

The key to protecting your investment is a proactive approach. Don't wait for visible signs of damage to appear. Regular inspections and a solid maintenance plan are your best defense.

Read more on our website!

The right solution starts with an accurate assessment. Leak Detection and waterproofing services use non-invasive technology like water testing, moisture meters, and infrared scanners to pinpoint the exact source of a leak, even if it's hidden behind walls or under flooring. This saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary demolition.

When a problem is particularly complex or difficult to solve, a forensic engineering approach is needed. We specialize in this area, using our extensive experience and specialized tools to investigate and solve water intrusion issues that others have been unable to.

By being proactive about your building's health, you can safeguard your property, protect your business operations, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone inside. Contact us today to learn more!

The Cost of Ignoring Water Damage

Ignoring water intrusion could result in a major, painful problem at your building. The impact of water goes far beyond a simple leak:

• Structural Damage: Water can weaken the structural integrity of your building. Wood can rot, steel can corrode, and even concrete can crack and spall. 
• Mold and Health Risks: Persistent dampness creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. Mold spores can become airborne, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems for building occupants. 
• Financial Drain: The costs associated with water damage are substantial. You'll face expensive repairs, potential loss of business, increased insurance premiums, and a decline in property value. 

Read more on our website!

The right solution starts with an accurate assessment. Leak Detection and waterproofing services use non-invasive technology like water testing, moisture meters, and infrared scanners to pinpoint the exact source of a leak, even if it's hidden behind walls or under flooring. This saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary demolition.

When a problem is particularly complex or difficult to solve, a forensic engineering approach is needed. We specialize in this area, using our extensive experience and specialized tools to investigate and solve water intrusion issues that others have been unable to.

By being proactive about your building's health, you can safeguard your property, protect your business operations, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone inside. Contact us today to learn more!

Key Structural Engineering Considerations

At the core of effective building envelope design lies the structural engineer’s expertise in managing loads, materials, and connections. The structural engineering team ensures it withstands all imposed stresses over its lifespan.

Critical considerations include:

• Load Resistance: The building envelope must resist wind pressures, seismic activity, thermal-induced movement, and settlement without compromising structural integrity.
• Material Compatibility: Selecting materials that work well together to prevent issues such as differential movement or corrosion at interfaces.
• Connection Detailing: Designing robust, flexible joints and anchor systems that accommodate thermal expansion, moisture movement, and structural deflections.
• Moisture and Air Management: Proper integration of waterproof membranes, air barriers, and drainage planes to prevent water infiltration and condensation, reducing risks to structural components.
• Durability and Maintenance: Strategies to extend service life, ease inspection, and simplify repairs, thereby reducing lifecycle costs.

Read more on our website!

Why Choose an Expert Structural Engineering Partner?

Successful building envelope projects demand an approach where structural engineers act as trusted advisors at every phase.

The building envelope is a long-term investment that directly impacts operational costs, occupant well-being, and property resale value. By integrating structural engineering best practices, owners and developers gain assurance against premature failures and costly repairs. 

Contact us today to discuss how our building envelope expertise can help realize your vision while ensuring enduring structural integrity and value.

The Building Envelope: More Than Just an Outer Shell

Your building envelope encompasses roofs, walls, windows, doors, and foundational elements. The envelope controls heat flow, moisture transfer, air infiltration, and structural loads, making it fundamental to a building's overall performance.

A poorly designed or constructed building envelope can lead to serious issues such as water intrusion, mold growth, energy inefficiency, and premature material failure. These problems jeopardize comfort, safety, and long-term asset value. On the other hand, a well-engineered envelope enhances energy savings, indoor air quality, durability, and resilience.

Read more on our website!

Why Choose an Expert Structural Engineering Partner?

Successful building envelope projects demand an approach where structural engineers act as trusted advisors at every phase.

The building envelope is a long-term investment that directly impacts operational costs, occupant well-being, and property resale value. By integrating structural engineering best practices, owners and developers gain assurance against premature failures and costly repairs. 

Contact us today to discuss how our building envelope expertise can help realize your vision while ensuring enduring structural integrity and value.