As a business or commercial property owner, you’re likely starting to realize the very real challenge when it comes to keeping your north Texas commercial property maintained. Given the areas’ extreme weather conditions, it can prove to be a monumental task. That’s why we have gathered this quick checklist on how to mitigate premature wear and tear on your north Texas commercial building.
1. Preventative Maintenance is a Win/Win
Springtime is the perfect time to schedule preventative maintenance tasks on your roofing, plumbing and HVAC systems. Routine monthly and annual inspections can help you to catch small issues before they turn into something much more costly. Also, this would be a great time to take a quick look at the weather stripping around your windows and doors. That leads us to our next point…
2. Weatherproofing is an Inexpensive Solution to Wear and Tear
If you have not committed to weather stripping, you will find that it’s well worth the easy investment. When a commercial building is properly sealed this benefits your heating and cooling systems in several respects. To start with, weatherproofing is a great way to improve the indoor air quality in your building while also securing the costly air that your HVAC systems generate. With improved IAQ, you will also find that your HVAC filtration systems will operate more efficiently. These combined benefits will result in lower utility usage across the board. Less strain on these systems means money saved day after day and year after year.
3. Energy Efficient Improvements Can Make a Difference
These days, smart systems are coming online all across north Texas. While some applicable smart hardware might not have an immediate effect on mitigating premature wear and tear on your north Texas building, it can make a difference over time.
Energy-efficient HVAC systems and green power solutions now come with federal tax credits attached. This means you can help lower power consumption while also saving money on these systems. As an example, a smart thermostat can create “setpoints” for areas of your north Texas commercial building that are not being used during specific hours or days. This helps to reduce wear and tear on your heating and cooling systems which, in turn, saves you money that can be then applied to your building maintenance budget.
4. Protect and Maintain Those High-Traffic Areas
When it comes to protecting your interior from wear and tear, pay close attention to those high-traffic areas. The preference here is to use durable or easy to clean flooring materials in lobbies, entryways and hallways. Vacuuming and mopping where applicable should be routinely scheduled and, perhaps, daily considered.
Another area that is often overlooked until it is too late is the outdoor parking lot or parking areas. Over time, our harsh Texas weather can have a big impact here. That’s why it’s advised to always keep an eye out for potential cracks that could support or lead to growing potholes.
5. Drainage and Landscaping Options for a Healthier Appearance
It’s possible that you might not have a lot of landscaping to consider given the high-density commercial districts that the north Texas area is known for. However, if you do have a lawn and plant life then there are a number of options that are available to prevent potential wear and tear over the seasons and years to come. To start with, be sure to trim any large trees in order to prevent possible root damage to foundations and sidewalks.
You should also have a lawn maintenance crew at the ready to trim grass as needed during those growth seasons. You might also opt for drought-resistant plants to reduce water usage and, in turn, soil erosion. If you really want to jump on a popular bandwagon then consider xeriscaping as a possibility. This would add a unique look to your building’s exterior while also drastically reducing water consumption during our hot, often arid, summer months.
While on the subject of water, be sure to maintain those gutters. Yes, seasonal or even yearly cleanings can be a pain but gutters are there for a reason. Gutters protect your building from pooling water and potential damage to your building’s foundation. Make sure that the grading is also correctly applied so that gathering water is properly directed away from your commercial property. Also, keep an eye out for any interior or exterior cracks in your walls or floors. This is a tell-tale sign that you may have a budding foundation issue.
6. Don’t neglect your roof
A regular roof inspection should also make your seasonal checklist. North Texas storms are known for being less than merciful at times. Hail damage can become an issue and if not properly checked this can lead to roofing damage and costly repair. At the very least, consider a bi-annual roofing check-up.
Roofers will know what to look for but if you choose to look for yourself then keep an eye out for missing shingles and standing water. If water is not draining from your rooftop then this could quickly transition into a bigger problem.
When you take care of your North Texas commercial building it takes care of you. By creating and following through on a monthly or seasonal checklist you’re actively protecting your property and business from potentially damaging issues both now and down the road.
If you’re looking to mitigate premature wear and tear on your North Texas Commercial building then you should partner with a comprehensive building maintenance company like Fernic. Fernic has been on the job and serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1992. There’s not a cleaning or maintenance issue that we haven’t already seen or tackled. When you’re ready to create a maintenance schedule for your business just drop us a line and ask for your free quote. Our building maintenance specialists are standing by.