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The weather extremes that we have been experiencing bear consideration when planning property upkeep, especially for older buildings. Most Associations are in planning season at this time of the year. Hopefully, they are referring to a relatively recent reserve study to inform maintenance priorities of the property as spending is planned. If your buildings are more than 20 yrs old there are upgrades worth considering proactively such as improved insulation or adding details to resist water infiltration. I recommend boards have an extreme weather conversation as part of their reserve planning discussions.

Improving Attic Health When Replacing Roofing

J. Hershey Building Consultants was hired to provide oversight of a roofing replacement project. We perform calculations for every roofing project, which either confirms existing specs are in code, or as in this example, enables new specs to improve the functionality of the attic space.

Below pics show curling of shingles, which signal wear. Weather, quality of roofing material, and age of roofing all impact the useful lifespan of a roof.

Pics below show mid roof vents added. This approach can be used if there is no more room for soffit vents. Ridge and soffit vents are sometimes still not enough for adequate attic airflow.

Interior Condensation Can Be Mistaken for Water Infiltration

J Hershey Building Consultants was hired to evaluate a water infiltration issue in a unit on the ground floor of a two story condominium building. Our assessment determined that there was not an infiltration issue. Instead, we identified an interior condensation issue within the unit. Furniture against an outside wall or window treatments can reduce adequate airflow and trap humidity, creating conditions such as seen in pictures below.

More on interior condensation:

• A significant temperature differential will cause condensation on the colder surface which could lead to water damage and/or organic growth over an extended period of time.
• During cold weather months the exterior walls (especially where furniture is against the walls) and the window glass are colder than the rest of the interior spaces within the Units. This can lead to condensation.

The Association may recommend to residents that:

1. They install a timer switch in the bathrooms if not already present. The Association may recommend to residents that the timer switch be turned on while showering and set to remain on until the humidity level is appropriate.
2. They acquire a portable dehumidifier that has a hose attachment to drain into the floor drain of the mechanical / laundry room. During cold weather months the dehumidifier should be set for a relative humidity between 30 – 40%. During warm weather months the dehumidifier should be set for a relative humidity between 40 –50%. Note: A dehumidifier will help to prevent mold growth, but it does not kill mold.
3. They keep the thermostat setting in the low 70s when at home in an effort to keep the humidity at an appropriate level.

Lakeside Homes for Clients

J Hershey Architecture is working with a client to build a home on Lake Chautauqua in New York. Ultimately, this home will be a two story home built around a massive stone fireplace. In the picture below, note the use of insulated concrete foundation ( ICF) blocks. These are hollow blocks of insulation that are fit together then filled with concrete, providing energy efficiency and noise reduction.

We are also working with a client in Ohio on the design of their vacation home on the shore of Lake Erie. Presently we are in the early design stage. The pic below shows their future view.

What is wrong with the picture below?

Let’s continue to improve our ability to proactively maintain our properties!

Our easy online Request For Proposal Forms can be accessed at the top right of the JHersheyGroup home page.