Building Maintenance Overview
Preventative maintenance on a structure and its mechanical systems can save you time and money, as well as resources. Through this practice, small problems are addressed before they expand and do irreversible damage resulting in the need for larger, more extensive repairs.
One way to continually maintain a structure is to schedule a regular Fix-It Day. Mark it down on your calendar and then take this day to mend something you’ve been meaning to repair for a long time. Work with your co-workers or family to make it more fun and efficient. To stay organized, make a list of all the things that need to be fixed. When Fix-It Day arrives, choose one thing from the list to repair. You can continue to schedule Fix-It Days until your list has been completed. If some of your maintenance needs are beyond your area of expertise, plan to place a monthly service call with a repair company instead.
Another way to maintain proper function of your home or work place is to be aware of your building systems and their recommended maintenance service schedule. Over time, repair services can extend the life of a product and save you money. For example, your furnace will work most efficiently if it is kept clean. On a monthly basis, change disposable filters, or better yet, check and clean a reusable filter that may be clogging up. Also, vacuum the vents and registers to promote good airflow, and have the furnace serviced once a year as a regular maintenance check up. Replace smaller parts as necessary.
Before your next construction or remodeling project think about several concerns:
· Can a material be reused or reworked into the project?
· Can a material be salvaged and donated for reuse?
· How long will the material last?
· Can the material be recycled at the end of its useful life?
· Does the material have the potential to be hazardous when disposed of?
· Does the maintenance of the material involve the use of toxic chemicals?
Buying and renovating an existing building, rather than creating a new one, saves a great deal of building materials. If the existing building had been scheduled for demolition, it also prevents discarding an enormous amount of material into the landfill. When possible, reuse existing building materials into your construction project. Choose locally extracted and manufactured materials, as well as construction methods with low embodied energy to save even more resources and reduce waste before it is generated.
Durability:
In the effort to save money, many of us choose items and materials with lower initial costs without knowing that we may be sacrificing the durability of a product. Opt for products that are of a better quality that will last longer and require less maintenance, thus reducing the demand for resources and disposal needs. Also, consider if a product or building material requires the use of toxic chemicals, how long it will last (be sure to read the product warranty), and if parts can be repaired to extend product life.
Non-Renewable, Renewable, or Recycled Content Product:
Non-renewable building materials, such as plastics, and treated renewable building materials, such as wood products, are often a concern due to the fact that these materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, dioxins and other harmful toxins. These released chemicals are linked to Indoor Air Quality problems and more severe conditions like Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
Untreated renewable building materials, such as wood, can last a long time if they are maintained properly. For example, when worn, wood flooring and doors can be sanded down and maintained annually with a wax finish, unlike vinyl, which once damaged needs to be removed and replaced. Additionally, the lifecycle of this nonrenewable material, from production to disposal, releases contaminates into the environment. Remember to look for sustainably managed and harvested renewable materials, and be sure to look for the seal of a third party certifier, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), to ensure that the material meets the criteria.
When you cannot use a renewable building material, look for products that have the highest percentage of recycled content. These items, such as recycled content decking and insulation, reduce the environmental demand associated with the extraction of new resources and the production of new products.
Lastly, remember to think about whether or not the building material or wastes generated at the construction site can be recycled or diverted for reuse through local or regional recycling and architectural salvage facilities. To find out more about local reuse of building materials visit:
Finger Lakes ReUse, Inc. (www.fingerlakesreuse.org)
Significant Elements (www.significantelements.org)
Life cycle of a product:
The life cycle of a product encompasses a variety of processes, including raw material acquisition, manufacture, product use, and final disposal, all of which shape the product's impact on the environment. This life cycle sequence is commonly referred to as cradle-to-grave (manufacturing to disposal). An alternative sequence, known as cradle-to-cradle, involves choosing products that not only are less energy intensive but also are biodegradable and/or recyclable at the end of their useful life. The cradle-to-cradle model keeps materials out of the waste stream.
Looking at the life-cycle cost of a product throughout can also help you decide what material or product is right for you. Beyond the initial cost of a product, there is the cost to maintain it as well as the cost of energy required to use it, and finally the disposal and replacement costs at the end of its useful life. Remember to look for products that do not contain hazardous chemicals, as this will minimize Indoor Air Quality problems, management of the material, and disposal headaches.
Choose a product with a life-cycle that supports local markets. By purchasing locally made products that are provided by local suppliers and installed by local craftsmen or professionals, there is an increased likelihood that a product may be recycled or reused locally as well.
