September 2016
Page 15
What’s Working?
Typically in this column we look at items that we are having problems
with. This month I would like to talk about a few items that are proving
to be successful.
Carpet in the Center Stairwells
The first item is the carpet that has been installed on the center
stairwell in many of the 4-story buildings. The old stair treads became
obsolete years ago and the only way we could purchase them was
by custom order. The replacement stair treads were very expensive
and because they were new they simply did not match the old treads.
The new carpet is safer, looks better and improves acoustics. In the
long run it will show a cost savings above that of the old stair tiles and
treads.
New Intercom Systems
The new telephone-based intercom systems are in all 2-story and
almost every 4-story building now and are working wonderfully. The
old systems had become obsolete, and we are not able to repair them.
The new “Linear Access” units have been very reliable.
Heat Pipes in the Ceiling
We are continuing to move heat pipes into the ceilings of a few
buildings each year and this has reduced leaks, removed the excess
heat from some apartments that were unbearably hot, reduced
property damage due to leaks, and improved heating efficiency.
New Boiler Systems
The new boiler and hot water systems are saving energy, reducing
downtime and reducing repair costs. This is a definite quality of life
improvement for our residents.
Reduction in Property Damage
Another improvement we are seeing is a reduction in property
damage due to the installation of ball valves under kitchen sinks. We
are still experiencing 200 kitchen sink back-ups per year, but because
of the ball valves we are seeing a large reduction in damaged floors,
cabinets and other personal property. (These ball valves are installed
by resident owners, not by the association.)
Roof Coatings
Roof coatings are another success story. We started to experiment
with roof coatings about 8 years ago and have found that they are very
effective. The coatings that we are using are silicone based and are
applied with a heavy layer. They completely seal the roof and make
for a surface that is easily repaired. The coatings we have used so far
are white; the white silicone reflects radiant heat and keeps the roof
cooler and provides a cooler environment in the rooms below. So far
85% of the community center has been coated along with Buildings
9, 11 and 16 and the townhomes.
Until next month let’s hope things continue to “work”.
Maintenance Matters
From Bill Walsh, Facilities Maintenance Manager
Soil Matters
Right beneath our feet lies a diverse, complex, life-giving ecosystem
that helps sustain our entire existence: soil.
Did you know that there are more living organisms in a single teaspoon
of soil than there are people on the planet? Soil is alive, and as a
serious “soil nerd” I think it is important to talk about soil health instead
of soil quality because living things need health.
Composting or topdressing and aeration are good methods to help
the soil stay healthy. Winter months are ideal for composting because
it allows the mixture some time to break down. Winter composting
has proven to create a homogenous soil mixture ripe with microbial
activity.
Healthy soils have a greater water-holding and nutrient-cycling
capacity – during heavy rainfall a healthy soil will help keep water and
nutrients in the soil where it belongs and in drought conditions it will
help sustain plant life and production.
Soil and water are Mother Nature’s dynamic duo for sure. They create
and sustain life. As the stewards of this planet, we should strive to
conserve and protect both of these life-giving natural resources.
Down to Earth
From Dana Cusack, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Sizzlin’Summer
Special
Call today at 303.964.3804
to learn how you can get
2 months free rent!
Restrictions apply.
Our faith-based, welcoming
environment includes:
• Independent Living
• Assisted Living
• On-Site Physician Clinic
• Daily Mass
2835 W. 32nd Avenue Denver, Colorado 80211
CHILivingCommunities.org
