Construction Issue Problem Solving by ParsCo

Do you have problems with your building?

Problems that aren’t being solved?

• Are you frustrated by hard to resolve problems with your building?
• Angry about the amount of time and money you’ve spent “fixing” the problem – a problem that still isn’t fixed?
• Tired of listening to the complaints of people in your building?

You know the type of problem I’m talking about… the one that you’ve tried over and over to fix. You’ve probably even had several different companies in to fix the problem and it’s still there, or the problem’s actually gotten worse because of the “fixes”.

If that describes your experience trying to fix a chronic problem with your building keep reading.

ParsCo can help you solve problems with your building. But not the everyday, run of the mill, kind of problems with buildings. We are talking about the problems with your building that no one else has been able to fix.

What Types Of Problems Am I Talking About?

Moisture problems, indoor air quality concerns, water intrusion, material compatibility issues, structural issues, code compliance, contractor and new construction problems… any of these ringing a bell?

To Solve Your Building Problems

You should work with someone who knows how buildings are put together, and why they work or don’t work.  ParsCo has over $500 Million in construction experience.  You can rely on our expertise to help solve the issues. 

ParsCo understands the difference between symptoms and causes.  ParsCo uses proven and effective problem solving skills and techniques.  ParsCo uses proven and effective building inspection and problem investigation methods.

When you engage ParsCo you will find a team of consultants that:

• Can find the root cause of the problem
• Can make a determination about how to fix the problem
• Can design a remediation plan

ParsCo can explain everything to you so that you know:

• What the actual cause of the problem is
• How to fix the problem
• What your remediation options are

ParsCo takes pride in having great communication skills. We work hard on taking complex technical “stuff” and turning it into easy to understand information that you can understand and use.

Communication skills are very important, because if you think about it…

• What good is a list of problems if you don’t know what they mean?
• How can you prioritize what needs to be done if you don’t understand the issues?

If you are looking for a building consultant to help you resolve building related problems then contact ParsCo today.   Our team of experts specialize in helping clients find, understand, and correct problems with buildings.

Our job is to help you find, understand, and resolve the problems and concerns associated with your project. We’ll take the time to explain our findings and we’ll explain everything in a way that you can understand and act on. We’ll discuss options and help you prioritize issues and concerns. We will treat your project like it was our own so you can be proud of your investment and know that the work was done right.

Contact ParsCo at 850-696-7656 or email us at info@parscoconstruction.com for more information.

 

ParsCo Construction Value Guarantee

In a world where respect and integrity is getting harder to find, one name stands above the rest...ParsCo Construction and for good reason. True success is found in living and running a business based on God's laws of success, embodied in The Biblical Standard - "treat others as you would like to be treated." At ParsCo, Our Biblical Standard is at the forefront in every building we design, every project we construct, and every relationship we develop.

 

Can We Match Any Price?

This is a question we are often asked. A simple answer is: with ParsCo's Value/Pricing, we can typically match any legitimate quote. However, many competitors have a "bid" or "low ball" sales strategy & only provide a lowest dollar bid, with many assumptions, hoping to win the project with out being willing to spend the time to educate or identify the clients real budget, needs or use. The more educated consumer knows that "the bitter taste of poor quality lingers long after the sweet taste of a low price". Therefore, a poorly designed,  or constructed building will leave a bitter taste long after the sweet taste of what appeared to be a 'low' price. For the educated consumer, its time to find out about the maximum advantage and low price combination found exclusively in ParsCo's Value/Pricing known as:  We promise no one will work harder or be more honest to get your building in your budget.

It is all about Choice...

Choices abound in the construction industry, as it does with any large purchase. Yet, some consumers are sometimes so price-driven that we short-change ourselves of the wealth of knowledge available.

Value-engineering to Control & Reduce Building Costs...

ParsCo works with our Clients to design a project to fit any use or budget, with the quality product and services you need. We will also invest our time to educate you on total construction costs, so that you will know how to evaluate those costs. You will know how to reduce costs without offsetting higher construction cost, and where it makes sense to do so or not.

Detailed Quotes, not Vague Ones...

Many competitors with the "low bid" mentality feel "if you don't know you don't get it"... We will also give you Detailed Quotes and not vague quotes so that you will see the difference and the value of what we call standard, and others call options.  With ParsCo, you will learn the real dollar value & advantages of using our company. 

Educating the Consumer...

If we can earn your trust enough that you are comfortable sharing your needs and budget, we promise to invest our time to educate you. We will give you an honest cost free consultation and evaluate any competitors quote down to the last fastener and penny. All we ask for, is the last shot to honestly show you where the difference is. Over the years, we have found that the more educated the consumer, the better our quality and price look. This also ensures that you, the consumer, is very happy with your negotiated bid and purchase ...and, as everyone knows, happy consumers tell their friends and business associates. That's how we continue to extend our circle of repeat and referring customers.

Here's how Parsco's Value/Pricing works!

Let's use an everyday analogy to help explain our process. Imagine that you are looking to build a pre-engineered steel building. Your purchase can be compared to the purchase of your car or truck. With any vehicle, you have to first choose its use, size and style to establish and define if you are in the market for a luxury automobile vs. a moderately priced large or medium car/van/ SUV/truck vs. a small economy model. Over the years we have found that most consumers can similarly define their pre-engineered steel building needs in terms akin to a Cadillac, Chevy/ Ford or VW Beetle. That is where our ParsCo Value/Pricing approach begins. Like buying a vehicle, every consumer also knows that even with the starting point, by adding, subtracting or simply adjusting options; one can effectively blur the distinctions between the Cadillac, Chevy/ Ford or VW Beetle.

For instance, a car designed to have the flexibility and features allowing for off-road use would be different than a city/highway vehicle. However, a vehicle that requires both would be outfitted and priced differently than a single-use vehicle. Similarly, a building designed to withstand possible snow, earthquakes, or hurricanes or a building that will have suspended lights or sprinklers, or openings down one side of the building would be designed and priced differently than one not requiring, or offering such advantages. Additionally, considering short-term needs vs. long-term building needs that might need to have add-ons or extensions built into the design would favor some building types over others. Our job is to help you evaluate your "total cost of ownership", at today's building and construction cost as well as the value of your investment in 20 or 50 years. In today's economy the value of residential and commercial construction & properties goes up approximately 10% per year. 100% return on your investment in 10 years! Now, let us help you compare the 20-30 year value of your new building to the few dollars difference in cost of quality & service, today!

So, now you see why the simple answer of a single price quote for a given building might be a tremendous disservice to you. What if you really could get more building/features for a comparable or lower price than that quoted by a competitor? 

With such a large purchase, our customers have been telling us for years how much they appreciate investing some of their time with us to learn about, understand, and capitalize on all the inherent advantages and disadvantages of the myriad of factors and design options in buikdings. We will also help you to evaluate our bids and our competitor's bids side-by-side ...so that if a competitor has truly found an apples-for-apples better buy, we can give you the added assurance that you have found a best buy.

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ParsCo's Value/Pricing Guarantee!

Not just low price... but out working the competition to provide you the maximum combination of quality & features for your bottom-line. And, we further pledge to help you professionally, courteously and with the Biblical Standard guiding our conversation. Again, all we ask for is that you give us the last shot... The education doesn't cost you anything but a little time... The cost of the wrong choice of application, product or competitor in 10 years?

 

OUR GUARANTEE

We promise no one will work harder or be more honest to get your building in your budget.

 

ParsCo Pre-Construction Services

Important building details are developed long before construction begins on a facility. Having a ParsCo Construction Manager on board early can make a huge difference in the success of a project. A collaborative team can help you make the necessary decisions about the project's design intent, schedule, budget, materials and more.  

Design Coordination

ParsCo wants to make your job as easy as possible. Our Interdisciplinary Document Coordination (IDC) can do just that by reducing needless requests for information (RFI's), change orders, and project delays while simultaneously improving relationships among owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.  

IDC is a ParsCo preconstruction service designed to identify, track, and communicate construction document coordination issues to the design and project teams prior to procurement and before construction. By taking a project's nearly complete construction documents (plans, specifications, and bulletins) and comparing/contrasting them to one another, we can easily identify coordination issues between construction disciplines before procurement.  


Types of Coordination Issues Include: 

• Physical - Will it hit? Will if fit? (Ducts clashing with steel, above ceiling congestion)  
• Functional - Does it work? (120V VAV box circuited to a 277/480 Volt panel)  
• Scope - What does it need to work? (How is the curtain wall attached back to the superstructure?) 
• Life Safety Review and Opinion - IBC, NFPA, & Life Safety Compliance.  

Conceptual Cost Estimating 

Want to know how much your new construction or renovation will cost you before plans are even developed? ParsCo Cost Engineers can help. 

Benefits:

• Provides early cost information to assist informed decision-making
• Enables real-time "what-if" options analysis
• Allows owners to accelerate the project due to quicker decision-making and less re-design 

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

While many companies may offer Building Information Modeling (BIM), ParsCo takes the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle to the next level by ensuring the model continues to work for you throughout the lifespan of the project.

Using BIM, we'll create a model that shows visualizations, logistics planning, constructability analysis, clash detection and more. These visualizations allow the project team to communicate design intent in 3D instead of a flat 2D plan. Real time walkthroughs and simulations can realistically convey the look and feel of the new facility without breaking any walls!

Benefits

• Enhanced communication
• Faster processes
• Increased collaboration
• Cost savings due to error reduction

Utilizing ParsCo on the front end of a construction project is the smart choice to ensure your projects success. 

For more information contact ParsCo at 850-696-7656 or email us at info@parscoconstruction.com. 

Tiger Point Community Center- Gulf Breeze FL

New Community center in Tiger Point area nears completion 

The new Tiger Point Community Center 1370 Tiger Park Lane in Gulf Breeze. - photo by Ben Twingley

The new Tiger Point Community Center in Santa Rosa County is nearing completion.  The project, designed by STOA Architects in Pensacola, FL, was designed to provide much-needed public meeting space. This state-of-the-art center is equipped with technology for online presentations of the local county public meetings and even includes technology to allow live webcast streaming video.  It wasn't long ago that this project was still in the design phase and ParsCo conducted its review of the project to assist the design team to determine if the project would be in line with the County's budget. Now nearing completion, it is fulfilling to see that the approximately  $1.2 million community center project was right on par with ParsCo's conceptual estimate. 

The new community center includes:

* More than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space.

* A 5,000-square-foot building, with a 3,500 square foot multipurpose space.

* 1,300 square feet of shaded outdoor play area.

* Food preparation area.

* Covered drop-off area.

* Office space for the Tiger Point Sports Association.

For more information about ParsCo conceptual estimating services for prospective developments email us at info@parscoconstruction.com. 

Picasso Jazz and Wine Bar - Downtown Pensacola

Picasso's Jazz and Wine Club is now open in Downtown Pensacola,FL.
The atmosphere of this new interior finish out is spectacular. For great food, wine, and music make sure you check out this great place in one of Historic Palafox Street's newly renovated locations.

NOAA Disaster response center 24 screen Video wall progress photos

ParsCo Construction Project Management - Pensacola, FL

What is ParsCo Construction Project Management?

 

The Project Management Institute defines project management as "the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and participation satisfaction."

"Construction management demands an understanding of the construction and design process as well as knowledge of modern business management.  The construction project has a finite time frame and an outcome-oriented planning process for project completion with very specific objectives", explains Amir M. Fooladi, President of ParsCo Construction, "A successful project must start with a clear justification and definition of the project; proceed according to a detailed strategic plan, and deliver demonstrable outcomes. Certain elements in the strategic planning process will differ from project to project, such as the size, scope and location, but as a rule, project management for construction has much in common with other project types."

The ParsCo Project Manager

The most important person on a project is the ParsCo Project Manager, who is ultimately responsible for the success of the project. ParsCo's Project Manager plans, organizes and controls every detail of the project. 

 

ParsCo focuses on certain objectives in managing the project that must be clearly defined during the strategic planning process.  These may change throughout the course depending on any resource constraints or other potential conflicts.

• Create a communication system to keep all stakeholders and team members informed throughout the project
• Maximize resources by procuring materials, labor and equipment in keeping with the project's stated schedule and plan
• Clearly state scope, budget, schedule, performance standards and means of selecting stakeholders and other participants
• Implement project tasks by properly coordinating and controlling every possible element of the project

 

 

Strategic Planning and Organizing Tasks

The strategic plan of most construction projects depends on the market demands and available resources.  This process sets the priorities and schedule for the tasks necessary to complete the operation's objectives. 

·         During the planning process, the project may be organized in a variety of ways.  They may be a combination of the following:

·         Sequential, in which the project is separated into stages completely in a consecutive sequence of tasks.

·         Parallel, in which the project contains independent portions that happen simultaneously.

·         Staggered, in which the different tasks may overlap each other. 

 

 

Key Elements in Project Planning

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI®) there are nine specific areas that require a project manager's attention and should be incorporated into the strategic plan:

1.      Integration, to ensure that the various project elements are effectively coordinated.

2.      Scope, to ensure that all the work required (and only the required work) is included.

3.      Time, to provide an effective project schedule.

4.      Cost, to identify needed resources and maintain budget control.

5.      Quality, to ensure functional requirements are met.

6.      Human resources, to effectively employ project personnel.

7.      Communications, to ensure effective internal and external communications.

8.      Risk, to analyze and mitigate potential risks.

9.      Procurement, to obtain necessary resources from external sources.

 

Construction project management is extremely challenging and complex.  To do it well, the project manager must possess excellent communication and planning skills, and be able to discuss planning and strategies with the stakeholders.  There are many tasks, stages, and procedures, all of which may change during the project. 

"One of the biggest things that sets ParsCo apart is our extensive strategic planning, solid leadership, establishing a well-defined scope, and teaming with a responsive group of designers/subcontractors/stakeholders" says Amir M. Fooladi, "this is what helps us forge healthy work relationships which all contribute to the project success."

For more info on how you can engage ParsCo to Project Manage your next project, contact us at 850-696-7656 or email us at info@parscoconstruction.com.

ParsCo's Construction Customer Service

Customer service is more than just a catch phrase at ParsCo Construction.

 

 

To us, it means cultivating and maintaining strong relationships by collaborating with our clients to understand their needs and help them achieve their goals from the start. Maybe that means changing our plans to minimize disruption to a business or simply understanding that quality construction services mean providing prompt and accurate information without the client having to ask. We do not consider a project a success unless our client is completely satisfied. It is this attitude that has led to repeat business and high-quality work.

 

 

 

 

Right alongside customer service, safety is a core value at ParsCo Construction. Our Zero Accidents—No Excuses philosophy is a daily mantra representing our uncompromised commitment to provide a safe and healthy work environment. Every day, we plan safety into each task to meet our goal of zero injuries, which means zero negative impact to our workers, the project, and the client.

 

 

ParsCo Construction is large enough to offer the range of services needed, but small enough to deliver projects with personal attention to our clients’ quality standards, schedules, and budgets. Our skilled teams take pride in guiding a project from conception to successful completion. ParsCo Construction partners with clients from the very beginning to listen to their needs and develop a clear and shared vision for a project. Then we collaborate with talented architects, engineers, and subcontractors to bring that vision to life. This interactive approach ensures quality workmanship and attention to detail every step of the way and a finished structure you can be proud of. We get it and we get it done.

 

Contact ParsCo at info@parscoconstruction.com for more info on how ParsCo can make your next project the best experience you ever had building.

 

 

 

 

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ParsCo, LLC

O:  850.696.7656

F:   850.390.4943

 

Tropical Storm Hurricane Karen - Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida

ParsCo Construction is making preparations for storm damage remediation and re-construction efforts for the following cities:  Pensacola, FL & Mobile, AL.  All surrounding areas can be serviced by the ParsCo Disaster Response Team.  Contact us at 850-696-7696 for more info. 

ParsCo is prepared to perform at the highest standards in order to implement your mitigation plan that can form the foundation for a long-term strategy to reduce the uncertainty associated with disaster losses. ParsCo has had a very successful history with Developers, Insurance Firms, and Design Consultants as it relates to Hurricane and Insurance Claims.  The ParsCo Disaster Response Team Members have been involved in over $30 million dollars worth of disaster related claims and re-construction projects.  ParsCo understands the needs of our clients, especially when they have been affected by a natural disaster.  ParsCo addresses those times with a sense of urgency, providing our clients with lots of attention and the utmost responsiveness.  Time is of the essence, and a short delay in response can mean all the difference in construction costs, and the client's ability to function as a business. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ParsCo, LLC

O:  850.696.7656

F:   850.390.4943

Visit us on the web at www.parscoconstruction.com

 

Hurricane Humberto Florida Disaster Services

Humberto Becomes the Atlantic's First Hurricane of 2013

Posted: update on September 11, 2013

The Atlantic's first hurricane of 2013 finally arrived this Wednesday morning, as Hurricane Humbertointensified into a minimum-strength Category 1 hurricane in the far Eastern Atlantic. Humberto is listed in NHC's preliminary Best-Track data repositoryas having achieved hurricane strength at 8 am EDT on September 11, which would tie it with Hurricane Gustav of 2002 for the latest appearance of the season's first hurricane, since 1941. Humberto is also Earth's first tropical cyclone to reach Category 1 strength in three weeks--the last was Typhoon Trami, which hit China on August 21 as a Category 1 storm with 85 mph winds. To go three weeks during late August and early September without a Category 1 or stronger tropical cyclone is a very unusual event. Satellite loopsshow that Humberto is a small but well-organized hurricane with a prominent eye, located just west of the Cape Verde Islands. Humberto has until Thursday night to continue the intensification process. 

Parsco Construction offers disaster services in Florida and the entire Gulf Coast region. Contact us at 850-696-7656 or email us at info@parscoconstruction.com. 

Did you know? ParsCo Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Southeast

It is very likely that you go into a pre-engineered metal building more often than you know as you go about your normal shopping routine.   Multiple national retailers with  household names  use this type of building for many of their stores. Also many office buildings, retail spaces, and churches utilize this type of building system but you would never know it. 

No limit to design and use
Today's pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB) can be churches, community centers, aircraft hangers, schools or sports arenas.  The structures can incorporate many architectural finishes—including masonry, brick, tilt-up, ornamental metal or stucco façades—while still being cost competitive. Basic elements apply to all metal buildings: primary rigid frames, secondary members (wall girts and roof purlins), cladding and bracing. All of those elements work together to create an efficient building system. Engineered systems are designed to code and withstand extreme loading from disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. 

 What is a PEMB?
"Pre-Engineered" is no longer an accurate term.  All these buildings are "custom" engineered using automated design programs.  The building is fabricated at the manufacturer's plant and assembled at the client's site.  Metal building system manufacturers use computer tools to custom design each building system and all building components based on each customer's needs and specifications. 

 

ParsCo is the preferred Southeast Region PEMB builder and is certified by Varco Pruden to perform the erection of these buildings.  The Varco Pruden Building System is much more than just components.  It is the complete building system including design, detailing, drawings, manufacture and warranty.  

Based on local and national building codes, each metal building system is engineered to the required dimensions and designed to meet the loading conditions with the specified material. Once the building is designed and detailed, computerized instructions are sent to the fabrication plant where steel members are cut to exact standards. This precision custom manufacturing also reduces construction waste.

PEMB's are GREEN!
Made using metals,  PEMB's have always been GREEN!   Conventional buildings are constructed using bricks, sand and cement which results in environmental pollution. Steel buildings are environmentally friendly and can also help meet green initiatives.  Up to 75 percent of steel used in metal buildings comes from recycled products and steel is 100 percent recyclable. Further, there is no requirement for any kind of welding process for construction, which helps save energy. These buildings are pre-drilled, pre-cut and pre-welded. The roofing systems are designed to meet LEED requirements for solar reflectance and heat emissivity.   

 

PEMB's have longevity
Due to the permanence, durability, stability and quality of metal buildings, life cycles can reach up to 100 years. In addition, metal buildings are easy to insulate and, when paired with cool roofing, can help lower heating and cooling costs.  Steel does not rot, warp, shrink or split – and it is non-combustible.  Any PEMB that by it's appearance is obviously a metal structure (such as a storage facility or airplane hanger) will come with a long lasting finish.  For example they can be made from Galvalume or coated with Kynar which typically carries a 40 year warranty. Therefore even PEMB's with an exposed metal skin will not require maintenance such as painting. 

Installation
As the design, engineering  and fabrication of the new building is done at the manufactures facility, the pre fabricated components are shipped to the site for immediate erection.  Typically this is performed by local crews certified and trained by the manufacturer. 

Finishes
As noted earlier in this blog, these buildings are eminently suitable for any type of use and are offered with many exterior wall options, glazing and finishes including masonry, brick, ornamental metal or stucco facade. 

 

 Contact ParsCo Construction at 850-696-7656 or email us at info@pars-co.net for more information. 

ParsCo Construction Conceptual Estimates

Conceptual Estimates by ParsCo Construction - Pensacola, FL

ParsCo professionals take conceptual estimating services very serious. After all, the conceptual estimate could possibly be a deal killer when a developer is considering the hard costs on a new project. 

The description of a conceptual estimates can range from a feasibility study, which carries ±20% margin of error with regard to the actual project cost, to a complex conceptual design estimate, which only carries a ±6% margin of error. Typically, conceptual estimates happen before a specific approach is decided for the project.

Conceptual estimating is part art and part science. The estimator has to have a "big picture" view, looking for long-range solutions rather than shortsighted projections. Conceptual estimators hone their craft with practice and experience, basing their estimates on real-world examples and past projects. According to the Design-Build Institute of America, Washington, D.C., a conceptual estimate is "the skill of forecasting accurate costs without significant graphic design information about a project." However, the lack of information does not negate the importance of a conceptual estimate, because it can make an appreciable difference in the cost effectiveness, feasibility, efficiency, and outcome of a project.

In developing a conceptual estimate, working with the developer can bring about the best possible outcome. But keep in mind that this approach may not necessarily be the least expensive. An estimator must look to the lifetime cost, which may include higher up-front costs but a lower lifetime cost of the building. You must also be aware that the best interest of the building owner may be at odds with the desires of the developer, who may want to get in and out of the building quickly with the least amount of cost.

For example, let's consider "green" building techniques. The use of photovoltaic panels, green roofs, geothermal wells, and other energy-efficient building materials still cost more than a conventionally built structure. However, the payback of reduced energy costs and reduced carbon footprint over the life of the building can outweigh the initial increased costs.

Research is always part and parcel of the conceptual estimating process, as there is no "outline" for this process. Each estimator must forge his own way and stretch the imagination to put his proposal into an interesting, understandable and usable format to move the project to the next level.

If you are considering a new project or development, contact ParsCo for expert conceptual estimating services. Our staff of skilled construction professionals can help you and your team determine the forecast of costs to build, analyze the preliminary design, and help steer the project to make it a reality. In the end, ParsCo can construct the project for the price as well. 

ParsCo, LLC

850-696-7656

Info@pars-co.com

Protecting your property from water intrusion

Protecting Your Property From Water Damage

Water may be essential to life, but, as a destructive force, water can diminish the value of your home or building. Homes as well as commercial buildings can suffer water damage that results in increased maintenance costs, a decrease in the value of the property, lowered productivity, and potential liability associated with a decline in indoor air quality. The best way to protect against this potential loss is to ensure that the building components which enclose the structure, known as the building envelope, are water-resistant. Also, you will want to ensure that manufacturing processes, if present, do not allow excess water to accumulate. Finally, make sure that the plumbing and ventilation systems, which can be quite complicated in buildings, operate efficiently and are well-maintained. This article provides some basic steps for identifying and eliminating potentially damaging excess moisture.

 

Identify and Repair All Leaks and Cracks

 

The following are common building-related sources of water intrusion:

·                     windows and doors: Check for leaks around your windows, storefront systems and doors.

·                     roof: Improper drainage systems and roof sloping reduce roof life and become a primary source of moisture intrusion. Leaks are also common around vents for exhaust orplumbing, rooftop air-conditioning units, or other specialized equipment.

·                     foundation and exterior walls: Seal any cracks and holes in exterior walls, joints and foundations. These often develop as a naturally occurring byproduct of differential soil settlement.

·                     plumbing: Check for leaking plumbing fixtures, dripping pipes (including fire sprinkler systems), clogged drains (both interior and exterior), defective water drainage systems and damaged manufacturing equipment.

·                     ventilation, heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems: Numerous types, some very sophisticated, are a crucial component to maintaining a healthy, comfortable work environment. They are comprised of a number of components (including chilled water piping and condensation drains) that can directly contribute to excessive moisture in the work environment. In addition, in humid climates,one of the functions of the system is to reduce the ambient air moisture level (relative humidity) throughout the building. An improperly operating HVAC system will not perform this function.

Prevent Water Intrusion Through Good Inspection and Maintenance Programs

 

Hire a qualified inspector to perform an inspection of the following elements of your building to ensure that they remain in good condition:

·                     flashings and sealants: Flashing, which is typically a thin metal strip found around doors, windows and roofs, are designed to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two building materials come together. Sealants andcaulking are specifically applied to prevent moisture intrusion at building joints. Both must be maintained and in good condition.

·                     vents: All vents should have appropriate hoods, exhaust to the exterior, and be in good working order.

·                     Review the use of manufacturing equipment that may include water for processing or cooling. Ensure wastewater drains adequately away, with no spillage. Check for condensation around hot or cold materials or heat-transfer equipment.

·                     HVAC systems are much more complicated in commercial buildings. Check for leakage in supply and return water lines, pumps, air handlers and other components. Drain lines should be clean and clear of obstructions.Ductwork should be insulated to prevent condensation on exterior surfaces.

·                     humidity: Except in specialized facilities, the relative humidity in your building should be between 30% and 50%. Condensation on windows, wet stains on walls and ceilings, and musty smells are signs that relative humidity may be high. If you are concerned about the humidity level in your building, consult with a mechanical engineer, contractor or air-conditioning repair company to determine if your HVAC system is properly sized and in good working order. A mechanical engineer should be consulted when renovations to interior spaces take place.

·                     moist areas: Regularly clean off, then dry all surfaces where moisture frequently collects.

·                     expansion joints: Expansion joints are materials between bricks, pipes and other building materials that absorb movement. If expansion joints are not in good condition, water intrusion can occur.

Protection From Water Damage

·                     interior finish materials: Replace drywall, plaster, carpet and stained or water-damaged ceiling tiles. These are not only good evidence of a moisture intrusion problem, but can lead to deterioration of the work environment, ifthey remain over time.

·                     exterior walls: Exterior walls are generally comprised of a number of materials combined into a wall assembly. When properly designed and constructed, the assembly is the first line of defense between water and the interior of your building. It is essential that they be maintained properly (including regular refinishing and/or resealing with the correct materials).

·                     storage areas: Storage areas should be kept clean.  Allow air to circulate to prevent potential moisture accumulation.

Act Quickly if  Water Intrusion Occurs

 

Label shut-off valves so that the water supply can be easily closed in the event of a plumbing leak. If water intrusion does occur, you can minimize the damage by addressing the problem quickly and thoroughly. Immediately remove standing water and all moist materials, and consult with a building professional. Should your building become damaged by a catastrophic event, such as fire, flood or storm, take appropriate action to prevent further water damage, once it is safe to do so. This may include boarding up damaged windows, covering a damaged roof with plastic sheeting, and/or removing wet materials and supplies. Fast action on your part will help minimize the time and expense for repairs, resulting in a faster recovery.

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