Maintenance Musts for Your Commercial Building

Every commercial building has maintenance requirements that can’t be ignored. It doesn’t matter if your building is multi-level, free-standing, or part of a complex, commercial structures need a combination of preventative and routine maintenance to reduce the general wear and tear on the exterior, major systems/equipment, and interior spaces used/occupied by employees, staff, and guests/customers.

Building Integrity

Brick exteriors require repointing (tuck pointing) every 25 to 30 years, or about every 50 years, depending on how the building has weathered over time. If you own a brick commercial building, it’s something to consider and place on the maintenance list and budget. Caulking or water sealing a building also is needed, on average, every 15 to 20 years.

It’s essential to have a professional come out and inspect the building to check for any structural damage and issues that may have developed over time, especially after a major weather event. Checklist points should include all masonry work, arch and doorway structural integrity, and the roof. Roofing inspections must be done by an industry professional and include a thorough check of all roof materials including any solar panels in use.

Lighting

Electrical systems for both exterior and interior lighting need to be inspected routinely; some areas require daily checks. Daily checks are for ensuring no lights are damaged or not working. It’s also important to look for exposed wiring, damaged switches, and broken hardware that could pose an injury threat. A cleaning schedule should be followed to keep dust, dirt, and grime off interior and exterior lighting fixtures.

Plumbing

All bathrooms within the building need to be on a regular cleaning schedule that includes a visual inspection for leaks and/or clogged pipes. High-traffic public restrooms need to be cleaned hourly, while restrooms for an office space may need once or twice daily cleanings. Routine maintenance means replacing any parts, from faucet handles to toilet tank flapper seals, when needed to help keep the space in tip-top shape.

HVAC

Commercial HVAC systems require routine maintenance or costly, inconvenient breakdowns happen. Because HVAC systems vary depending on the type, size, and needs of a building/workspace, scheduling maintenance also varies. However, on average, most HVAC systems should be inspected by an industry professional at least once a year, and some require maintenance checks every six months. This must be done to ensure your building has heat and air conditioning when needed, and that the airflow is clean and free from contaminants.

Doors and Windows

The doors and windows of your building fall into both the exterior and interior maintenance lists. Like the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, the doors and windows require regular care to ensure they continue to function properly and are not causing any costly energy loss. Depending on the size of the building, weekly or monthly visual checks of door handles/pulls, hinges, and locks should be added to a maintenance checklist. If a door has to be pushed hard to shut, something is wrong and needs to be fixed.

Weekly visual checks of windows for cracks, moisture on the inside of the glass, and other issues is recommended. The exterior and interior of all windows need to be cleaned at least twice a year by industry professionals to maintain the appearance and to protect from natural wear and tear. Windows that won’t open or close with ease may need repair or replacement.

Look to United Window Cleaning for your commercial building window and gutter cleaning. These are routine maintenance chores that can’t be ignored for the safety and health of the building as well as its regular inhabitants and guests. Let United Window Cleaning make your windows our priority so you can get back to your business.