Journal Notes—February 2016

Journal Notes—February 2016

by Michael Hamline, Editor/ Published February 2016

 It would be wonderful if items that we purchase would stay in their new, pristine condition for an infinite amount of time. I have found myself wistfully and naively thinking how nice it would be for my minivan to never need a new set of tires or for my AC unit to never need a new part. But that isn’t reality, and the truth is that whether it’s a computer, a car, a building, or some other item maintenance will be needed to keep it working correctly.

This month’s issue deals with the reality that there are many components—balconies, windows and doors, asphalt, steel, and concrete—which suffer wear and tear from the natural environment and the aging process that require them to be maintained. In other words, as a CAM or board of directors, it might be tempting to pretend that all is fine with the buildings in your condominium or HOA, but from the moment the components are installed, they are undergoing wear and tear that requires them to be maintained and eventually replaced.

Due to this inevitable reality, writer Kathy Danforth’s article “Steps to Secure Balconies” speaks with industry experts from The Falcon Group, Carousel Development and Restoration, and Delta Engineering and Inspection, who point out problems that lead to concrete deterioration on balconies. For example, adding a hot tub to a balcony, which is built to hold a certain amount of weight, can expedite the deterioration process, or perhaps not enough concrete was poured over the steel rebar, which allows the salt and water to get to the steel faster than expected and the rusting process begins. To read the entire article, turn to page 8.

In “Why Reinforced Concrete Buildings Fail”, Scott O’Connor and Lisa D’Addio of  TRC Worldwide Engineering help readers to understand reasons behind structural failure and the steps needed to prevent this. They point to water intrusion as a primary culprit that leads to failure. Salt, wind, and sunlight are other contributors that lead to structural failure. For solutions to counteracting these elements that cause structural failure, turn to page 28.

Finally, don’t pass by Asphalt Restoration Technology Connie Lorenz’s article “Pavement Rejuvenation—What You Didn’t Know” found on page 18. She sets the development of rejuvenators in their historical context and helps communities understand what makes a community association eligible or ineligible for these rejuvenators. So, read and learn things, and make your community a better place to live.

 

Editor