Looking at the season ahead to protect your building and your business
Preparing for Spring Building Maintenance in the Winter
Even though we are in the middle of winter, spring will be here before we know it, and maintenance managers know that a proactive approach is key to staying prepared and avoiding many unnecessary surprises. From flooding to mold to unwelcome pests, spring brings a new set of challenges for maintenance managers and looking ahead helps you better manage your building all year long.
As the snow starts to thaw, plan your spring maintenance schedule by identifying potential issues or threats to your building early.
Indoor maintenance
Assess the inside of your building to identify winter damage, risks, and opportunities for improvement before the seasons change. Look for evidence of recent water damage like staining or moisture and areas of mold or actual leaks, as the temperatures start to rise and the snow begins to melt.
After your HVAC unit has been running all winter to heat the building, replacing the filter is a good idea before spring arrives, and testing your air conditioning can let you know if there are any concerns before the first heatwave. With warmer weather, comes increased allergens like pollen, and ensuring your system runs optimally can help increase the IAQ in your building now and through the warmer months.
Outdoor maintenance
Check for patches of ice around your building, which could indicate that water is accumulating where it does not belong. If that’s the case, check eavestroughs and downspouts to ensure that water is directed away from your building to limit potential damage and reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. Check for any signs of pests or damage and seal entrances or call a professional to help address any unwanted guests.
Examine windows and doors caulking for gaps or cracks and plan repairs for warmer weather. Similarly, check for damage to siding, mortar, or brick, and plan to power wash or repair any issues in the spring. Schedule any subcontractor work like exterior painting, window cleaning, roof inspection, or exterior repairs to avoid waiting once the season gets busy.
Grounds keeping
As the snow melts and you can see the pavement, assess your parking lots and walkways for any cracking, damage, or missing lines. Identify areas for repair with paint or a digital plan to address once spring arrives.
Complete a walk around the grounds, checking outdoor lighting for any necessary bulb replacement or repairs. Look ahead to upcoming landscaping or construction projects to secure any contracts ahead of the season and stay on top of your seasonal budgets.
As the weather warms up, take advantage of any time you have to get ahead of your spring maintenance before spring arrives.
Source: The Remi Network
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