It might not feel like it, but Spring is officially here! What can facility managers and building owners do to ensure their physical assets are prepared for the new season?
It's smart and proactive to do some spring maintenance cleaning to ensure your facilities are protected and repaired after the harsh winter season. A well-cared-for building also enhances the health and morale of the people in it.
Here are 5 tips for ensuring your buildings and facilities are running at peak performance and ready for spring.
1. Examine Exterior Paint
Damage from winter weather like snow and ice can really deteriorate the exterior of a building and make for an unpleasant place to live and work. Re-painting as spring arrives will help to elevate the look and feel of buildings and facilities while also protecting the exterior from continued damage.
2. Inspect the Roof
Roofs can take a real beating during the fall and winter months. This makes spring the perfect time to schedule roof inspections to assess weather damage from ice and snow.
Read our guide to climate resilience for healthcare facilities >
A change in temperature can shrink, expand and deteriorate roofing members, potentially leading to water penetration and damage. It would be wise to ensure that your roof is well maintained in order to avoid further damage to the roof and the rest of the building.
3. Review Mechanical Systems and Air Conditioning Units
The A/C unit has been sitting unused during the long winter months, and that means dirt and sludge build-up—which, in turn, means odors, allergens, high operating costs, and even degradation or possible failure of the unit. A thorough inspection of all HVAC units to proper working condition before the summer temperatures heat up is a crucial component of preventative maintenance.
Read our guide to improving your preventive maintenance program >
Air filters should also be cleaned or replaced to ensure proper indoor air quality. This is also a good time to check the sprinkler and fire system. It's important to clean coils, which will boost operating efficiency and improve indoor air quality.
4. Pest protection
The warmer weather in spring and summer typically draws out bugs and rodents. Facility managers should take preventative measures by spraying the perimeter of the property to keep out ants, roaches, and other insects.
Block off gaps, cracks, and holes where pests can creep in. Further, inspect for damage that pests may have already created during the winter months. This will ensure that the problem is addressed before it persists or becomes worse.
5. Life Safety Assets
Life safety assets such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are absolutely essential pieces of equipment. It’s extremely important for the safety of all residents living, and staff working, in the building to have working detectors to alert in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance equals long-term performance. Start the season off right by taking the time to preform preventive maintenance this spring in order to ensure that all facilities and physical assets are working properly. This will keep everyone happy this spring and summer.
Learn more about how software by Intellis can ensure your physical assets are protected.
