Florida Building Envelope Systems
Bengoa is your trusted partner for building envelope systems throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. We offer a full range of services, from initial design and consultation through to restoration and renovation.
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Our building envelope services
Design & consulting services
From building envelope design to waterproofing system design and material selection and specification, we can design and consult on your building envelope project.
Installation services
Quality building envelopes include several components, and we can assist in the installation of air barriers, waterproofing membranes, insulation, windows and doors, roofing systems, exterior cladding and siding, and curtain wall systems.
Inspection & testing services
How do you know if your building envelope is in need of repair? Through proper testing, we help with building envelope condition assessments, infrared thermography, blower door testing, water penetration testing, air leakage testing, moisture testing and analysis, and window and door performance testing.
Maintenance & repair services
If your building envelope is in good shape but you need support with ongoing maintenance and repair, we can help with leak investigation and repair, roof maintenance and repair, sealant replacement, façade restoration, masonry and concrete repair, window and door repair or replacement, and re-caulking and re-flashing.
Restoration & renovation services
If your building envelope is in need of major restoration and renovation services, we can help with historical façade restoration, retrofit of building envelope systems, energy efficiency upgrades, roof replacement and upgrades, wall system rehabilitation, and/or structural reinforcement and repair.
Building envelope service list
- Building envelope design
- Waterproofing system design
- Material selection and specification
- Air barrier installation
- Waterproofing membrane installation
- Insulation installation
- Window and door installation
- Roofing system installation
- Exterior cladding and siding installation
- Curtain wall system installation
- Historical façade restoration
- Retrofit of building envelope systems
- Energy efficiency upgrades
- Roof replacement and upgrades
- Wall system rehabilitation
- Structural reinforcement and repair
Our process
1. Inquiry and initial assessment
During this stage, our team will perform an initial assessment to determine whether the project aligns with our expertise and capabilities. This includes examining the project’s scope, location, and other relevant details.
2. Cost estimation and proposal
Once the initial assessment is complete and the project is deemed feasible, the next step is cost estimation. Here, we analyze the materials, labor, and other resources needed to complete the project. Based on this analysis, we’ll develop a detailed proposal outlining the project costs and timeline.
3. Consultation and agreement
After the proposal is developed, it’s time for a consultation. During this meeting, we’ll present the proposal and answer any questions you may have. If you agree with the proposal, we’ll sign a contract and get going.
4. Permitting and preparation
Now it’s time to to secure necessary permits for the project. This step also includes preparing the site for construction, procuring materials, and scheduling the workforce.
5. Construction and cleanup
Finally, the project’s execution phase begins. This involves carrying out the construction work as planned and ensuring that quality standards are met. Once the construction is complete, we will conduct a thorough cleanup of the site, leaving it in a presentable state.
Building Envelope FAQs
What is a building envelope?
A building envelope, also called a building enclosure, is the outer shell of the building. A building consists of these main elements:
- Building foundation
- Exterior walls and insulation
- Windows and their glazing
- Doors
- Roof
- Other penetrations like chimneys and vents
The term building envelope also includes any seals that separate the interior of your building from the exterior, such as caulking, door flashing, and weather stripping.
What is building envelope design?
The building envelope design is one of the initial stages of planning your building envelope project, after getting a building envelope assessment. An architect may be involved in designing the aesthetic finishes of the building envelope. An engineer, typically a structural engineer, will then take into account all the factors needed to create a building envelope that is right for your climate, environment, soil type, and building goals. This includes load calculation, material specifications, and more.
Why is a building envelope important?
A building envelope is important for three main reasons:
- First, it provides support and physically holds your structure together.
- Next, it provides protection for your interior environment by providing air, water, and heat control. This improves indoor air quality, keeps rain and water outside, and maintains a consistent indoor temperature. In addition, a good building envelope will optimize your building to lower energy consumption.
- Last, it provides an aesthetic finish for your building.
How to improve a building envelope
Building envelopes can be improved to increase the structural integrity of your building and to lower your energy consumption costs.
Building envelopes can be improved by assessing and updating any of the elements, like the foundation, roof, windows and doors, and walls and insulation. Whether it’s repairing deteriorated elements, or upgrading them to be above code, improving your building envelope is a great way to protect your investment.
What does a building envelope consultant do?
A building envelope consultant works with the construction firm to plan out your building envelope projects. Consultants are typically structural engineers but can also be geotechnical engineers or specialty firms. Building envelope consultants will guide the project, conduct assessments, and deliver technical specifications to the construction firm.
What is a building envelope assessment?
A building envelope assessment is a series of tests and reports that provide a comprehensive view of your building envelope’s structural integrity and effectiveness.
A building envelope in good condition is referred to as tight, while one in poor condition is loose. An assessment uses specialized tests to measure airflow, water intrusion, moisture presence, roof and foundation integrity, and heat transfer. Assessments should be conducted regularly, not only when you are buying new property or renovating an existing building.
