The state of New Jersey weather is characterized by unforgiving extreme weather that ranges from humid summers, to cold winters, and the potential for heavy rain and snow, and coastal storms.
Without effective and adequate weatherproofing measures, your commercial building can suffer a lot of beating from the elements.
Commercial building weatherproofing in New Jersey often requires a blend of strategies designed to handle the state’s varied climate.
Given the unforgiving extremes of New Jersey’s climate, ensuring a building is adequately and effectively sealed and insulated during construction is crucial for its longevity and energy consciousness.
This article gives construction strategies that New Jersey commercial landlords can employ to achieve proper sealing and insulation of their investments.
Ventilation Systems
Weatherproofing Buildings is important
Dealing with exterior elements does not guarantee you a clean bill of health when dealing with the varied New Jersey climate. You have to install high-performance HVAC to maintain conducive indoor air, and humidity, and prevent mold growth. Proper roof ventilation features like ridge and soffit vents help regulate attic temperatures, preventing ice dams in winter and heat buildup in summer.
Roofing Systems
The roof, being the barrier against most elements, can suffer a lot of beating if not properly weatherproofed. Installing insulation materials such as spray foam and rigid foam panels achieves better thermal performance and cuts heat loss during New Jersey’s humid summer and cold winter weather, respectively. In readiness for the eventual storms associated with the New Jersey coastline, high-quality weather resistant roofing materials like TPO and EPDM can be used to withstand storm elements like beach sand, heavy snow, and strong winds. The slanted or pitched roof design also comes in handy in enhancing rain and snow draining while at the same time preventing water leaks through the formation of ice dams.
Exterior Wall Insulation and Cladding
Installing proper insulation and sealing measures on exterior walls, just like with the roof, achieves half of the entire home’s energy efficiency. Water-Resistant Barriers, WRBs, help in keeping moisture at bay while allowing vapor to escape. Materials like closed-cell insulation spray foam, fiberglass, or rigid board insulation provide both thermal resistance and moisture protection, which are prevalent in New Jersey weather. Rain screen systems are a great candidate to protect the interior from direct rainwater and direct it further from the house.
Windows and Door
Just like the sidings and roof, windows and doors also act as the first line of defense against adverse climate elements of New Jersey. Double or triple-glazed windows with low-E coatings help to achieve cool and warm indoor environments during summer and winter conditions respectively. Installing and regular maintenance of weatherstripping helps in closing gaps around windows and doors, preventing air loss and energy drafts. Impact-resistant windows are ideal for protection against air-borne debris associated with Coastal regions of New Jersey.
Foundation and Basement Waterproofing
In a state that receives increased rainfall and heavy snowfall like New Jersey, wet basements are a common issue. To prevent hydrostatic pressure that weakens house foundation, mold formation, and respiratory diseases, sump pumps, and French drains are employed in combating basement water problems while water membranes are laid down to prevent groundwater from seeping. An inclined landscape adds to foundation and waterproofing by draining rainwater away from the building instead of pooling around the house foundation.
Gutter and Drainage Management
Another aspect that often goes overlooked not just in New Jersey commercial buildings is the impact of gutters and drainage systems in weatherproofing buildings, both commercial and residential. Large capacity gutters and downspouts tap and divert rainwater from the building walls, windows, and doors. Heated gutter systems are applied in high-end buildings to protect against roof damage or clogged drains from ice buildup.
Weatherproofing Entryways
While proper weatherstripping is used to prevent moisture penetration and air leaks, it may not provide very effective results in torrential downpours or heavy snowfall. To prevent damage on windows and doors and possible water penetration during heavy downpours and snowfall, canopies and overhangs are used. In high-traffic buildings, installing air curtains above doors creates a barrier, reducing drafts, and heat loss.
Seismic and Wind Resistance
For high-wind areas like the New Jersey coastal regions, structural reinforcement is needed to protect investments. Materials like reinforced steel rebar, concrete, and hurricane straps are used to weatherproof commercial buildings against sandstorms, hurricanes, and storm debris in emergencies.
In New Jersey, taking a comprehensive approach to weatherproofing with a focus on insulation, moisture control, and a robust structural design ensures the longevity and efficiency of commercial buildings year-round.