b'FeatureContinued from previous pageOnce structural deficiencies are extensive, it becomes alarms,andlifesafetyguardrails.Dailyroutinesandmore challenging to maintain the structural integrity of a periodic and annual inspections or tests are establishedbuilding.Protectivemeasuresandroutinemaintenance byvariousorganizationsandentities.ASHRAEpro-established during the genesis of a structure is a key com- videsmaintenancerecommendationsforheatingandponent to minimizing major structural deficiencies. This coolingsystems,theNFPAprovidesstandardsforluxurydoesnotexistforthemajorityofbuildings. inspection, testing, and maintenance for fire protectionMaintenance can be as simple as daily, weekly, or periodic systems,andASMEhasstandardsforelevators.cleaning of roofs, floors, walls, and windows.Checking for There are standards for inspections, testing, and main-cloggeddrains,gutters,anddownspouts.Moreintense tenance for all types of building components. maintenance could include recoating of waterproofing lay- It is my opinion there needs to be a stronger push forers for balconies and walkways or complete removal and condo associations to adopt a record keeping practice forreplacement. Proper maintenance should also include pro- building structural restoration as part of their mainte-hibiting actions that are detrimental to protective coatings, nance routine. Record keeping of inspections and test-such as use of metal chairs, non-breathable carpets, harsh ing,ormaintenancelogbooksarealreadyacommonchemicals, or overloading an area. There are so many pro- practiceforfiresuppressionsystemsandelevators.Itective coatings and systems for building exteriors with spe- havebeenpracticingengineeringnowforcloseto20cific purposes, which should be specified by a design pro- years.During this time frame, I have observed that thefessional.Manufacturersproviderecommendationsfor turnover of property managers, maintenance staff mem-maintenance and care, which should be referred to and fol- bers, and of course, board members can be a revolvinglowedaccordinglyinordertoprolongtheusefullifeofthose products or systems. door leaving little tangible evidence. There are also rareThis article mainly focuses on the structural compo- occurrences where property managers have had a longnents of buildings and structural integrity. In order to tenure and may have a vast knowledge of the buildingproperlyprovideasafeandlivablebuilding,mainte- but maintain the key information only in their head andnance and evaluation must extend to mechanical, electri- not on paper or digital form.Every time a patient sees acal,plumbing,elevators,firesuppressionsystemsand medical professional, the first action taken is filling outmedical history forms.Buildings should be no different.Imagine a building of 50 years old with no drawings, nopreviousrestorationprojectrecords,andacontractorstartschippingintoacolumnorslabthathasbeenrepaired numerous times covered with decorative finish-es.As a result, the safety precautions and diagnosis thatmust be considered becomes costly and time-consumingotherwise repairs could become life threatening.Just asyou would not want to sit in and play at the end of agame of Jenga while being blindfolded with only a hand-ful of moves remaining.The impact from the Champlain Towers South con-dominiumcollapseonthecondoassociationsarestillbeing assessed. The Existing Building Safety InspectionGuide recommended by the International Code CounciliscurrentlybeingreviewedforconsiderationfortheFloridaBuildingCode. Themandatesandinspectionrequirementsthatarebeingformedcurrentlyareunknown to many of the condo associations throughoutthe State, but what is known is that buildings need to beproperly inspected, maintained, and restored to prolongthe life and safety of buildings. Without proper inspec-tions, maintenance, and restoration of our aging struc-tures, the repairs required today will become magnifiedin size and cost tomorrow. !14 - Suncoast Review Winter 2021 www.SuncoastCAI.com'