Commercial building envelope optimisation extends far beyond the initial planning and construction phase.

It’s also important to keep these structures in good condition during their use, especially as winter approaches. Whilst many Sourceable readers are based in the Southern Hemisphere and are heading into summer, those in the Northern Hemisphere are heading right into winter. If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, things may be heating up right now. But make no mistake, the next winter will come around before you know it.

Winterisation is about more than just comfort. While keeping occupants comfortable is always a good thing, a building’s envelope also impacts its energy efficiency and safety. Property owners must understand this relationship to make the most out of their commercial spaces.

Why Commercial Building Envelope Winterisation Matters

Building envelopes serve two critical purposes in the winter — maintaining warm interior temperatures and preventing moisture. Both have far-reaching safety and sustainability effects.

A simple insulation upgrade can reduce heating costs by up to 20% in many cases. Beyond financial savings, that means fewer heating-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without sacrificing interior comfort. Preventing thermal leakage around a property will also prevent pipes and other infrastructure from freezing, which in turn prevents costly damage.

An optimised commercial building envelope also stops moisture buildup by ensuring more consistent interior conditions. Fluctuations from hot and cold air moving in and out of a property leads to condensation. This moisture, in turn, can warp wood elements and contribute to mould growth. An envelope that maintains consistent temperatures and enables effective ventilation will stop this from happening.

How to Prepare a Commercial Building Envelope for Winter

Now that it’s clear why you should winterise your building’s envelope, you must learn how. Here are a few key steps to prepare for the colder months.

Seal Windows and Doors

The first step in winterisation is sealing doors and windows. These structures are often the prime culprits for temperature losses. You can lose as much as 40% of a building’s heating energy through windows, and draughty doors can lead to another 25% increase in heating costs.

You can address such losses by applying or replacing weatherstripping panels around doors and the moving parts on windows. Pay attention to how the frames attach to the walls, too. The sealant between them can wear down over time, so you may need to recaulk some gaps to prevent air leaks.

Adding another pane on a window or using a plastic sealing coat can also help. Such materials do not affect a window’s transparency but minimise thermal radiation through the glass, preserving interior temperatures.

Upgrade Insulation

Insulation is another key aspect of commercial building envelope optimisation. Even if walls and ceilings have no cracks or holes, they can still fail to prevent excess cold and moisture without proper insulation.

An energy audit or thermal inspection can reveal if your insulation needs replacement. Consider an upgrade instead of a direct substitute if you do need one. A more energy-efficient material may incur higher upfront costs, but the ongoing environmental benefits and thermal savings will make up for the expense over time.

Mycelium is one unconventional but eco-friendly alternative to consider. As a bio-based material, it promotes a greener, circular economy. It’s also highly effective — mycelium insulation has produced energy savings as high as 87.4% in the winter.

Repair Damage and Refresh Joints

Your building envelope’s joints deserve attention, too. The points where two surfaces meet are more likely to have holes or cracks, so it’s important to look for and repair any damage along these areas.

As with insulation, the specific materials you use make a big difference here. Some joint compounds require 80% to 90% less dosage than standard options. Consequently, your refurbishing will carry a lower carbon footprint, as it consumes fewer raw materials and has lower supply chain needs.

Even if there are no holes in the sealant between walls, floors and ceilings, refreshing them can still help. There may be small cracks you cannot see, and the caulking may be thinner in some areas. Such damage can worsen in freezing temperatures, so it’s best to reapply material before it’s too late.

Consider Larger Upgrades

As you optimise your commercial building envelope, take the time to think if a larger project may be necessary. It may make more sense to replace the envelope or apply an additional layer if you’d have to perform considerable work to refresh and maintain it for the winter.

Many older buildings have inefficient envelopes. They may use non-sustainable materials or feature designs that lead to excessive thermal bridging. Alternatively, they may simply wear down over time and require replacement. Newer alternatives can lead to significant savings.

You may not need to tear anything down and replace it. Studies show that retrofits to existing structures can lead to between 28% and 61% energy savings, depending on the material and specific project.

Commercial Building Envelopes Need to Withstand Winter

The winter can be hard on a commercial building, especially if yours was built several decades ago. Taking the time to prepare its envelope for colder weather may seem complicated at first but can yield needed improvements.

Winterising your exterior and insulation will keep the inside warm and dry. In addition to making the property more comfortable, this will prevent damage and maximise your building’s sustainability.