Maintenance is key to adding longevity and value to your property. Before the harsh winter hits, fall is a good time to complete an annual maintenance check of your building and property. To avoid or prevent timely and costly damages to your commercial building, it is imperative to provide routine maintenance. We put together our top maintenance tips for you.
TOP 8 FALL MAINTENANCE TIPS
- Evaluate Your Landscaping
Fall is a good time to evaluate landscaping needs for the following spring. Things to look for are dead trees and shrubs that may need replacement or trimming, mulching and weeding. Winterize your irrigation system to prevent the risk of winter damage.
- Inspect Your Roof
Clean out roof drains. Inspect skylights and areas of ponding, loose flashing, stained ceiling tiles, cracking or shifting membranes and other penetrations/openings. Ensure that equipment is functioning properly to prolong the life of your roof.
- Check Your Downspouts and Gutters
Removing dirt and debris from gutters and downspouts permits the proper drainage of water away from your building and preventing damage to your building and gutters. Make sure that all gutter and downspouts are securely attached to the building to prevent damage and assure proper function.
- Service Your HVAC System
Is your heating unit working properly? With cooler weather approaching, ensure your heating unit is functioning correctly. For optimal performance, HVAC filters should be replaced at a minimum twice a year. By maintaining your HVAC unit, you increase its effectiveness – keeping you warm when you need to be- and decreasing the chances for unnecessary and costly repairs due to unchanged filters and dirty or blocked heat exchanges.
- Facade Inspection
Inspect building facades for leakage, stains, broken glass, precast or brick repairs. Repair concrete, caulking, architectural elements, glass or stone, if needed.
- Inspect Your Exterior Lighting
Outdoor and indoor lights should be checked bi-annually or replaced as reported for safety and security reasons. Lights should be kept clean to reduce energy consumption.
- Evaluate Storm Water Facilities
Evaluation of storm water pipes, inlets, catch basins, manholes, discharge pipes, inflow and outflow structures should be inspected for deterioration and blockages. Any repairs or cleaning should be completed immediately to avoid damage and assure proper function. Any vegetation affecting the system function should be trimmed or removed.
- Inspect Your Pavement and Sidewalks
Evaluation of parking areas and sidewalks should be done bi-annually to inspect for trip hazards, such as cracks and potholes. Crack sealing and seal coating of asphalt areas should be completed at least every other year. Parking lot markings and signage should also be inspected annually to plan accordingly for budgetary needs.
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