Breezeways are frequently found in apartment complexes to connect buildings. These covered walkways provide protection from the elements as residents move between structures.
Over time, these walkways may become discolored with mold, mildew, grime and algae growth that poses health and safety risks to tenants as well as costly replacement and repair bills.
What is a breezeway?
A breezeway is a covered walkway connecting buildings, common in both homes and apartment complexes alike. It should be noted, however, that home breezeways typically connect garage to house while apartment breezeways offer coverage from building to building.
Breezeways can be an essential feature in apartment complexes located in areas prone to extreme weather conditions, enabling tenants to move between buildings in the complex more comfortably without being exposed to rain and sun, and providing shelter from sun or rain. They are typically constructed between parking lots and apartment buildings or between apartments and pools.
While apartment breezeways are an invaluable feature of modern life, they must be properly cared for to preserve both their appearance and functionality. Cleaning them on a regular basis to remove dirt or dust build-up may help preserve their appearance as well. Furthermore, it should be remembered that breezeways are open spaces which could become susceptible to bird droppings and environmental contaminants that accumulate over time.
Some developers prefer using breezeways when designing buildings, while others are fighting back against an interpretation of the state building code that would require interior hallways instead. According to these builders, compliance will cost millions and that breezeways provide just as much safety in an emergency scenario as interior hallways do.
Why are they used?
Breezeways are an attractive feature of homes and apartment complexes alike, providing a great place to walk between structures while providing a cooling breeze. However, over time and regular usage, breezeways can become very dirty. Therefore it’s crucial that they be regularly pressure washed. A property management company we work with recently required our services to clean one of their three-story buildings’ breezeways.
Breezeway pressure washing is often overlooked by apartment complexes, yet should be at the top of every landlord’s maintenance checklist due to health and safety considerations related to mold, mildew, grime and algae build-up that poses health and safety threats for tenants as well as possible damage to surfaces such as concrete and brick. Not only could these substances damage these materials – posing fire risks – they also pose slip and fall hazards to tenants which may result in injuries.
Apartment breezeways often become filthy due to being outside and exposed to weather elements, such as rain or snow. Without rainwater washing away dirt and mud from them, dirt accumulates. They may even become susceptible to mold growth that threatens tenants’ health.
As such, breezeways must be regularly maintained using professional power washing to effectively eliminate contaminants that can compromise tenant health and hygiene. This process keeps tenants safe and ensures an hygienic living space.
Construction of a breezeway is an intensive home improvement task and can be incredibly expensive. To do it correctly requires installing load-bearing supports which should only be done by professionals with extensive building experience. Some homeowners choose to add decorative features to their breezeways which further increases costs.
As well as considering the costs associated with buying the structure itself, it is also crucial to factor in installation and maintenance fees. Breezeways require frequent cleaning if they are regularly utilized by tenants to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for insects or sources of unpleasant odors.
Breezeways can be an efficient and cost-effective solution to link two structures, whether they’re connected by garages or not. Interior hallways tend to be more costly; breezeways offer an alternative. Breezeways also make life easier for apartment complexes which need to transport people from parking lots into main buildings quickly, or make accessing amenities simpler for residents from multiple apartments.
What is the difference between a house breezeway and an apartment breezeway?
A breezeway is an outdoor hallway connecting two structures that serves as an extension of an indoor hallway. Often fitted with roof and open on both sides for air circulation, this feature can be found both in modern homes as well as those featuring more classic exterior styles.
Breezeways provide not only an efficient means for getting between garage and house, but they can also add style and character to the home. Their designs can match those of either the garage or the house; materials used include wood, metal, glass and concrete – with some homeowners even adding decorative features such as trellises or other features to make it the focal point of their residence.
Your choice of breezeway will depend on both the architecture of your home and climate in your area. For example, if you live in an extremely hot, humid area with high humidity levels, a covered breezeway fitted with air conditioning could help keep the space comfortable during the summer months.
If you live in a colder climate, however, creating an open breezeway with air circulation and heating capabilities could provide extra insulation and comfort all year long.
Breezeways are typically composed of wood or another moisture-resistant material such as composite decking. They may also be constructed on top of paver stones for additional support and to maintain dry and safe walking conditions for pedestrians. Finally, an effective breezeway typically includes gutters to channel rainwater away from its path.
If you are considering adding a breezeway to your home, be sure to consult an experienced contractor first. Such projects can be complex and involve load-bearing supports; so they should not be attempted by amateurs.
What is the purpose of a breezeway?
Breezeways are often utilized to provide a sheltered passageway between structures. This can be especially helpful in areas that experience severe weather conditions like hot summers, strong winds, or snow; breezeways provide protection from these harsh elements while making moving between apartments in your apartment complex much simpler for tenants.
A breezeway can also serve to connect a garage or carport with the house or apartment building, making movement between these spaces more efficient as well as offering additional storage for outdoor gear such as gardening tools, sports equipment or grills.
Many people also make use of their apartment breezeways as relaxing outdoor spaces, providing an oasis of serenity within their apartments. By adding comfy furniture such as two-seater settees or basket chairs and soft lighting, your breezeway can become the ideal spot to unwind after work, read a book or have casual conversations with your neighbors and friends.
Some apartments also provide breezeways that lead to their pools or other amenities on the property, which can be an attractive feature for people who enjoy spending time outside without dealing with harsh sun or cold wind. Breezeways also make an excellent place for storing pool or garden equipment.
Apartment breezeways can serve more than one purpose in an apartment building: convenience and aesthetic appeal are also vital aspects. When coupled with natural ventilation systems like fans or an air exchange system, breezeways provide natural air movement within the building itself and act as an ideal spot for placing plants to improve indoor air quality.
If your apartment building has a breezeway, it is imperative that it remains clean in order to avoid health and safety concerns, while simultaneously helping attract more tenants and reduce vacancy rates.