Building Envelope Re-Caulking and Waterproofing Maintenance
GC West recently completed a detailed re-caulking project at the BCS 2281 Finale apartment complex, located at 3551 & 3651 Foster Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
This project focused on removing deteriorated caulking and applying new high-performance sealants to maintain the building’s weather-tight integrity and enhance long-term durability.
The client saved over a million dollars by addressing the aging sealant before it completely deteriorated and resulted in water ingress into the units.
Resolving Issues With The Water Ingress Into the Apartment Building
The key problem to solve was to prevent water ingress due to natural deterioration, over time, of the sealant (caulking).
Scope of Work
The scope of work for this project involved removing old caulking and re-caulking exposed areas to confirm a strong seal for the seasons ahead. Our experts inspected the sealant for signs of cracking, or breaking away; this will happen to sealant over time. To start, our skilled labourers removed the existing caulking around windows, doors, and joints to eliminate damaged sealant, cracks, gaps, and degraded material that could allow water infiltration. Then, surfaces were thoroughly cleaned and prepped to ensure proper adhesion of the new sealant. This step is essential for the long-term performance of the building envelope. Finally, our skilled sealant applicators applied new high-performance polyurethane sealant. High-quality, weather-resistant sealants were applied precisely to all required areas, ensuring a uniform and durable seal. After curing, all caulking was inspected to confirm a complete seal and visually consistent finish across the building facade. The new caulking provides a reliable barrier against moisture intrusion, protecting both the building structure and interior finishes.
Challenges Overcome
Working around balconies, windows, and architectural features required meticulous attention to detail to achieve tight seals and a clean finish. Our specialists ensured all defective sealant was replaced by performing multiple inspections, so that no crucial locations were missed. All work was executed with minimal inconvenience to residents, including safe and efficient staging and cleanup procedures. Additionally, our team carefully timed the work to avoid adverse weather conditions, ensuring the new caulking adhered properly and cured effectively.
Have a similar project you want to discuss with an expert?
Call us at (778) 792-0289 or (604) 830-1446 for a free quote and let us help protect your building’s envelope with professional caulking services.