Commercial building owners are generally responsible for their buildings’ maintenance and cleaning. That being said, aside from regular vacuuming and dusting, there are other maintenance items that should be performed regularly.
Here’s a basic checklist of areas to check that you might have missed.
Roofing
Since roofs are exposed to the elements year round, they are the most susceptible to deterioration and can cause further damage to interior appliances and rooms if not properly maintained. To start, have your facility manager inspect the roof at least twice a year, preferably before the start of harsher weather conditions such as summer and winter to catch any potential problems before they are exacerbated.
Examine the walls and rooftop equipment to make sure they are sufficiently watertight. Make sure that there are no bubbles in the roof cover. It is meant to be flexible to an extent, but when exposed to a lot of moisture and excessive heat, it can cause bubbles, which leads to wind damage or leaks.
HVAC System
You want to ensure that the small maintenance checkups are performed before minor problems become major issues. You will want to clean the filter of your HVAC depending on the brand and year of your HVAC system, then clean the pans and drain lines as well as any dust and debris that might have settled. If there are any leaks, be sure to have those professionally taken care of to avoid dealing with hazardous liquids.
Check the belts for wear or loosened connections, and check with your HVAC technician to make sure the moving parts are lubricated and that the fan and blower motor are functioning correctly. Once you have cleaned and checked the systems, test run your HVAC for functionality.
Plumbing
If you noticed that some of your drains are not working, and a mixture of vinegar and baking soda doesn’t work, you will need to contact a professional. Cleaning your aerators may help improve water pressure and reduce any haphazard spray.
To keep your sewer line and septic system running properly you will want to have it checked by a professional regularly. Tree roots can cause problems to lines running underground, so a regular maintenance check will help prevent any slow, but substantial, damage. You can shut the water off in the event of an emergency, and when it is on, make sure the water pressure is between 40–65 psi.
Electrical Distribution
Some signs that you might be experiencing electrical problems include an electrical bill that is higher than normal, strange motor noises, or equipment running hotter than normal. Before checking your transformer, make sure you are using the correct equipment, and check the function of lamps and indicators before shutting it down.
Examine the wiring for any signs of damage and clear any dust and accumulated debris. Keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear or damage.
Check battery tripping and surge protection along with power supply units, timers, and fuse carriers. Any sign of damage should be examined carefully, including damage to surrounding paintwork, which could indicate signs of overheating.
Window Cleaning
Aluminum windows are easier to clean for commercial buildings, and it is suggested that the windows be cleaned as often as every two months. You will want to try removing the oxidation from the frame with a brush, and combining water in vinegar, scrub the oxidation from the frame.
If your building has vinyl windows, you will want to use soap, water, and vinegar, or even baby shampoo, to wipe them down gently before rinsing.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it is a good start to ensure the safety of your commercial building and assess any improvements that need to be made by completing routine checks to prevent any impending, long-term damage.
