Who wants expensive repairs on their commercial building?
Thousands are lost every year by owners who fail to maintain their facilities. Roofs leak. HVAC systems fail. Foundations crack.
You’re probably thinking…
Wait. Why does this stuff keep happening? !
The answer is: seasonal maintenance.
You’ll learn
- Why Seasonal Maintenance Is Important For Businesses
- Your Commercial Property’s Seasonal Maintenance Breakdown
- What Roofing Contractor Services You Need
- How To Create Your Own Maintenance Schedule
Why Seasonal Maintenance Is Important For Businesses
No beating around the bush here.
Mother Nature doesn’t care about your profit margins. Buildings depreciate over time due to weather, wear and tear, and just plain old age. In fact, according to Grand View Research, exterior facility maintenance services represented over 60% of the overall commercial facility maintenance market in 2023.
That’s a lot of high pressure washing and roof inspections.
Facilities age because they’re constantly exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, sunlight, humidity. These wear away at roofing materials, siding, windows…you name it. If it’s outside, it’s affected by weather and temperature fluctuations.
Here’s the real kicker…
Did you know a well-maintained commercial roof can last 20-30 years? Neglect that roof and you could be looking at replacement after 10 years. Essentially doubling or tripling your roof expense.
Ouch.
By having routine professional inspections and maintenance with a qualified roofing contractor in Puyallup you can ensure your building gets the roofing contractor services it needs to prevent larger issues down the road.
Your Commercial Property’s Seasonal Maintenance Breakdown
Seasonal maintenance covers roofing, roofing repairs, HVAC concerns, and everything in between. Since different seasons cause different types of damage to your building, it’s important to take the proper precautions with each change of season.
Here’s what you need to know about seasonal maintenance throughout the year.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Spring means cleaning things up. Winter is gone and damage needs to be assessed.
Check your roof for:
- Winter storm damage
- Storm debris accumulation
- Cracked flashings, seams, and penetrations
- Leaves, dirt, and other drainage blockages
- Ponding water on flat roof areas
Schedule professional roofing contractor services to repair any problems found.
For the rest of your building, be sure to:
- Power wash all siding, walkways, and parking areas
- Repair any damaged exterior lighting
- Check window caulking and seals for wear
- Inspect landscaping to ensure proper water drainage away from foundation
No one likes summer heat and high cooling costs. Spring maintenance ensures you find those roof troubles, wall issues, and building deficiencies while they’re small.
Fixing these issues in the spring will save you big time and money once summer rolls around.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
Sun is shining. Temperatures are hot. Serious storms may happen.
Summer is the time when your air conditioning and roof will work hardest. Keep them running smoothly with proper preparation from spring maintenance and these tips.
Make sure to HVAC/HVAC Tune-ups:
- Air conditioning units are serviced BEFORE you need them most
- Filters have been replaced and coils are clean
- Refrigerant levels are full
- All ductwork is sealed and leak free
You should also continue to…
Repair/replace as needed:
- Apply roof coatings as needed
- Repair any damage caused by excessive UV rays on roofing membranes
- Ensure all roof drains are working properly to prevent ponding water
- Trim back trees/vegetation around building
This one may surprise you but according to Market Reports World, more than 58% of enterprises are prioritizing preventive maintenance. Smart business owners have caught on that a few bucks now can save you thousands later.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
Fall is your last chance to prep your building for winter. Make it count.
Your fall preparations focus on preventing winter headaches.
Roofing-wise, be sure to:
- Schedule Fall roof inspection
- Clean out all gutters and downspouts
- Inspect caulking around doors/windows and reseal as needed
- Test heating systems to ensure functionality before first cold snap
Fall is also a great time to assess…
- Foundation cracks (winter freeze/thaw can make these much worse)
- Parking lot surface conditions
- Exterior stairways & railings for damage/safety
- Emergency exits are free of obstruction
Fall is prime time to call in professional roofing contractor services to inspect your roof. Any damage found can be repaired before the snow flies. Preventing high-cost emergencies in the winter.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Winter means cleaning up…snow.
Now your seasonal maintenance is mainly preventative and damage control.
Continue to do the following:
- Enforce snow removal plans for roofing and parking lots
- Monitor roof for ice dam formation along eaves
- Keep emergency access routes clear of snow/ice build up
- Inspect HVAC equipment for ice accumulation
Winter isn’t usually when you find damage. However, you should always be monitoring your building for…
- Signs of roof leaks/moisture
- Humidity levels inside the building
- Heating system efficiency
- Drafts appearing around windows/doors
While winter damage happens. A lot of maintenance can be done before and after winter to prevent those issues from occurring.
What Roofing Contractor Services You’ll Need
The roof is the first thing to go on most buildings. Make sure you’re calling in the right contractor for the job.
Roofing Services You’ll Want To Invest In Include:
- Biannual Inspections
- Drainage Cleaning & Repair
- Flashing & Sealant Replacement
- Emergency Leak Repair
- Preventative Coating Applications
Fun fact.
Maintenance doesn’t just prevent future repairs. It also protects your warranty. Most commercial roofing warranties require you to have routine maintenance completed to keep the warranty valid. Forget inspections and you could be voiding your warranty.
Then you’re on the hook for full replacement costs that can easily reach $50,000 or more for medium-sized commercial buildings.
How To Create Your Own Maintenance Schedule
There’s no magical formula for building maintenance schedules. But you can start with these easy steps.
Step 1: Know your building. What systems do you have? What kind of roof? HVAC units? When was the building constructed? Any existing warranties? Document, document, document.
Step 2: Create a calendar marking your desired dates to begin spring, summer, fall, and winter inspections. Set a reminder a few weeks out so you’re not rushed to find a service provider.
Step 3: Establish relationships with qualified roofing contractors, HVAC companies, plumbers, electricians, etc.
Step 4: Record, record, record. Keep detailed notes of any inspections completed, repairs made, and maintenance performed. This can help you come audit from insurance claims or warranty work.
Step 5: Budget it. How much are you willing to spend annually to maintain your building? A good rule of thumb for roofing alone is $0.03-$0.04 per square foot.
Let’s Wrap This Up On Seasonal Maintenance…
Seasonal maintenance is necessary if you’re a building owner who doesn’t want to constantly play the repair game.
Remember…
- Spring prepares you from the previous winter
- Summer maintains building integrity for extreme weather and temps
- Fall readies your building for upcoming winter damages
- Winter inspections = damage control
Business that take good care of their buildings are the ones that prosper. Maintaining your commercial building will keep it in working order, ensure every system lasts as long as possible, and save you money in the long run.
Don’t wait for a maintenance issue to become an emergency with costly after-hours rates. Plan your seasonal building maintenance today.
