A high-quality building or facility is one that’s built to last for years to come. It’s an investment that doesn’t stop when you get the keys. Maintenance should be top of mind year-round, but spring is a season when you should specifically address certain issues.
Bobbitt’s senior superintendents have in-depth experience on what it takes to keep buildings and facilities of all shapes, sizes and uses in top working order. If you’re a building owner or in charge of the maintenance of your structure and grounds, then put these maintenance tips to good use this spring.
Know that water is the enemy. Water can lead to very serious and expensive problems such as fungal growth and rot, which can impact the physical health of your employees and structural integrity of the building. Get in the habit of doing a run-through of areas where water can get into the building. If you see water or evidence that water has been present, address the problem as soon as you can.
Never cover foundation weep holes with mulch or foliage. Weep holes are small gaps or openings in the masonry wall that allow proper ventilation and drainage of a building. When landscapers add mulch around a building, it can easily build up and cover the weep holes, creating moisture issues. Ensure that water has a path away from the building foundation and keep any material at least a half inch below the opening in order to keep it clear.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear. Spring is synonymous with pollen and leaves, making it common for gutters to get clogged with debris. Keep gutters clean, especially if your building is near tall trees or oak trees. If gutters aren’t clear, drainage can get backed up and create leaks that will expose your building to more water issues.
Stay on top of HVAC system maintenance. Your building’s heating and air units should be serviced at least once a year, and HVAC filters should be changed every three months. If necessary, get a maintenance contract with a company that will ensure that your HVAC system is serviced at the right time and the charge on the units is correct. This is essential to avoiding unexpected repairs and expenses down the road.
Check weatherstripping and caulking around windows and exterior doors. Weatherstripping and caulking have the very important job of sealing all openings in your building and keeping the interior protected from outside elements. Make sure weatherstripping is properly in place and regularly checking and repair cracked caulking. This will help prevent rain and water from seeping into the building, and it creates cost efficiency with heating cooling.
Keep building clean. Cleanliness isn’t just about aesthetics. Keep the building exterior clean, paying special attention to shady areas and North-facing exterior walls to prevent mildew or mold.
Keep an eye on water flow. If you notice that water is not flowing as well as it used to or that toilets are not flushing efficiently, ask a plumbing contractor to come in and make sure there aren’t any blockages.
Check smoke detectors. “Hope for the best and plan for the worst” is a good motto when it comes smoke and fire protection. Check your smoke detectors at least twice a year to ensure they’re in good working order and change the batteries regularly.
Call the exterminator when pests appear. Spring means flying insects, rodents and roaches are on the prowl. Bees and wasps enjoy making nests on the building, too. Regular extermination will help keep out the critters.
Have more questions? We can help. Bobbitt Design Build now offers a service team to help owners implement year-round preventative and responsive maintenance for commercial and industrial buildings. Reach out to a Bobbitt service professional for more information on how to extend the life of your building.
