Why Building Repairs are Often Delayed: Lessons from a Florida Collapse

In a tragic incident in Florida, a high-rise building collapsed, leading to widespread concern and debate about building maintenance and repair practices. Why didn't they start repairs sooner on the collapsed building? The answer often lies in the complexities and costs associated with structural work on high-rise buildings, which can be significant. Here, we explore the reasons why property owners and landlords might delay necessary repairs.

Expensive and Bothering

Structural work on high-rise buildings is not only expensive, but it also often causes considerable disruption to residents. Major structural repairs can result in loud noise, dust, and the need to seal off entire sections of the building for safety reasons. Most significantly, in some cases, residents may need to temporarily move out while the work is being done. These factors contribute to why many owners or landlords might opt to delay such repairs if at all possible.

A Real-Life Case: The 1910s High-Rise in Florida

One notable instance of delayed maintenance occurred in a 1910s ten-floor building in Florida, where a residential super had to deal with problematic brickwork on the west wall. Small pieces of brick were falling into the lane below, and while the worst that had happened was a piece of brick hitting a dog, the potential for more significant damage was evident. Upon examining the issue, I discovered diagonal cracking in the concrete beneath the brick facade, a clear indication of structural concerns. In response to my recommendation, the suggestion was brushed off with the statement, 'we just redid the roof, there’s no money for anything else!'

Trust and Responsibility in Building Maintenance

While some people might choose to ignore warning signs, like the "check engine" light on a car, it is crucial to address such issues promptly to prevent more severe consequences. Just as with mechanical warnings, early intervention in building maintenance can save money in the long run and ensure the safety of residents. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and some building owners might prioritize other expenses over necessary repairs.

The Role of Architects

Architects, like the two who lived in the building in question, can sometimes be seen as untrustworthy due to past mishaps. For instance, these architects flooded the second floor when remodeling their condo, yet they still implored the super to get a structural engineer over, which was executed. Such experiences highlight the need for caution and the importance of professional advice in building maintenance.

Green Building and Structural Health

All buildings, as they age, require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure their structural health and safety. However, very few buildings, like the Florida high-rise, will ever collapse solely due to poor upkeep. The collapse of this building is likely due to a combination of factors, and the known problem might not have been directly related to the incident. Nevertheless, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive building maintenance.

Proper building maintenance not only preserves the aesthetic and structural integrity of properties but also enhances their safety and longevity. While the costs and disruptions of structural work cannot be ignored, the risks of delays can far outweigh the immediate financial and logistical challenges.