You need to maintain your commercial or industrial property so that it stays in excellent working condition and provide a safe workspace for occupants.
Much attention on maintenance is placed on the interiors, from the floors to the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. But your building’s shell needs the same attention for maintenance and repair. Neglecting the exteriors can result in challenges like costly repairs and safety issues.
Extend your building’s lifespan with a sound exterior maintenance plan. Here are four points to keep in mind to help you get started:
#1: Regularly inspect the building exterior
Either your staff or a third party should conduct an exterior inspection of your facility. Look for any defect, like cracks and issues with doors and windows. The examination will also help you identify the early signs of a problem. Don’t forget to inspect the surrounding areas for problems with the facility gate, broken manhole covers, and other issues.
Common areas for inspection include:
- Roofing
- Lawn and landscaping
- Cracks and openings on exterior walls
- Sidewalks
- Windows
#2: Create an exterior maintenance plan
After finding all the issues, create an idea of how you will address them. Some solutions might involve additional costs, but it’s better to resolve the problems now before they become worse and more expensive.
Here’s how to plan for your exterior maintenance:
- List down all the outdoor areas that need attention
- Prioritize the areas according to factors like risk and season
- Discuss with your maintenance team which maintenance tasks to perform weekly, monthly, and yearly
- Determine which areas of maintenance should be outsourced or done in-house
#2: Keep the property looking good
In a fast-paced business world, it’s easy to neglect to maintain the appearance of a facility. The problem is, ignoring your workplace’s appearance can turn off potential employees, customers, and partners.
Give your facility a fresh coat of paint, install new windows and signage, and add other elements that could make your building look more professional. Make sure that all replacements withstand outside elements. For example, ductile manhole covers withstand heavy traffic.
#3: Watch out for leaks
Water intrusion could worsen into more severe issues like a flooded basement. Watch out for holes in the exterior and train your workers to do the same. Have the leaks fixed by professional, and don’t forget to secure all electrical equipment located outside your facility.
#4: Hire help for complex tasks
Minor leaks and small cracks can be fixed on their own, but having someone climb on the roof and inspect structural issues might require a professional eye. These third-party contractors have years of experience and expertise to find the best solution for the issue on your building exterior. While they work on the problem, your workers can focus on their jobs.
Like the interiors, the exterior of your facility plays an essential factor in bringing value to your business and promoting your workers’ safety. With these tips, you can ensure that your exterior and the surrounding areas are safe and look like they’re brand new.