Winter can be brutal on all types of properties, residential and commercial. The latter comes with its own set of fall maintenance tasks that need to be completed before the first snow. Use these tips to get those fall maintenance tasks started and completed.
Tackle preventative maintenance.
Preventative maintenance may seem like a nuisance, but is important for a reason. Now is the time to tackle preventative machine and IT maintenance to prevent future issues and breakdowns. Schedule employees or external services to perform server maintenance, machine fluid changes, and any other preventative maintenance that needs to be done.
Inspect the roof before it’s too late.
Don’t wait until the first snow fall to inspect the roof or—worse yet—to deal with the leaks and issues that come from a neglected roof. Look for drainage issues (gutters, downspouts, drains) and vulnerabilities that could lead to flooding and damage. Inspect vents, around HVAC equipment (if on the roof), and any other equipment where the seals could cause a leak.
Make landscaping a priority.
Commercial property landscaping is more than just an effort to create a professional image; poor landscaping can also lead to flooding and poor drainage. Address any drainage issues around the foundation and prune trees to prevent any building damage from stray branches or drainage problems.
Give your HVAC system a check up and tune up.
A properly functioning HVAC system is always a given—except when it breaks down in the middle of winter. Before the snow flies and the company has to pay for emergency HVAC repairs, have your HVAC system inspected and any necessary repairs done. Also check the water pipes for leaks or areas of inadequate insulation that could lead to frozen pipes.
Plan for future projects.
Fall is an ideal time to look ahead and allocate company time and resources accordingly. Look at the list of projects that need to be done, such as construction projects, restroom repairs, etc. Get quotes for the projects and start scheduling projects. Schedule cleaning projects accordingly, such as a deep floor clean after a construction project (some vendors can do both) or HVAC inspection and repairs followed by a duct cleaning.