When running a business, there are so many balls to juggle in the air it’s no surprise that, for many people, the idea of property maintenance falls to the bottom of the to-do list.
Unfortunately, though, that can be a costly mistake – especially as winter comes around. Like many things, keeping an eye on your property maintenance can prevent larger problems by sorting out issues when they’re still small.
Here at GI Sykes, we feel it’s our duty to give you a little nudge to keep the maintenance of your building high on the agenda and save you from any potential disasters.
Read our winter property maintenance checklist to see how a little time spent now is a great benefit to your company.
Why Does Property Maintenance Matter?
Building seem strong and durable – mainly because they are! – but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a little tender care. Left untouched, even the best designed building made from premium materials will start to fall into disrepair. The daily toil of human occupation and use, the battering of the elements, and the reality of age… all can take their toll. Wear and tear really is a thing.
Winter comes with cold and wet conditions that can drag on for weeks. It’s no wonder your building needs a little looking after going through that every year!
Good maintenance may be a cost in terms of both time and finances, but it’s far easier and cheaper to fix a few little problems now than letting them grow. Think of it as an insurance paid to avoid any nasty surprises.
Some building maintenance can be done yourself, but it’s always best to hire a professional for your building if you are ever unsure or if the task just seems too big. Not only that, quality professionals come with experience, safety equipment and processes, insurance, aftercare service and more – always worth the investment.
At GI Sykes, we can help with every aspect of your commercial property maintenance – from creating an advisory schedule of issues to look out for throughout the year through to a full service of regular survey and repair. Contact us to discuss your needs with one of our specialised team.
Winter Checklist 1: The Roof
Ah! The roof!
It’s a good place to start – right at the top of your property. The roof is where leaks can occur that will affect the entire building. Thankfully, regular inspections and repairs will keep your roof in the very best condition throughout its lifespan.
SAFETY FIRST: Always make sure you wear proper safety attire, use appropriate equipment, and never check the roof alone. If in any doubt, don’t proceed.
On your inspection, check for:
- Rips or tears in the flashing and membrane
- Pools of standing water
- Damage or lifting to roofing felt
- Cracked or missing tiles and shingles
- Debris
- Moss and mould
Plus, remember that checking the roof should be done both inside and out. Leaks are easier to see in the loft space, where water damage is more obvious.
You can often clear dirt, debris, moss and more with a stiff broom. Again, take care and don’t risk your safety or the safety of others.
Winter Checklist 2: The Gutters
Gutters clog easily at this time of the year and need to be cleared out. Leaves, moss, and other debris can find their way into the gutter and cause blockages that can lead to overflow issues, causing water damage and damp to the building, both inside and out.
Over time, gutters and their fixings may become damaged. Any cracked or broken gutters will need to be replaced to maintain the integrity of the gutter system.
Like all roof checks, take proper safety into consideration when checking your gutters. Look for:
- Leaves and other debris – remove this with a gloved hand or trowel.
- Bird nests or other animal habitats – take special care when clearing the gutter to check and remove any wildlife; it’s rare, but it does happen!
- Stubborn grime – use a stiff brush and water to clear any persistent dirt.
- Clear running of water – finally, use a hose or even a watering can to pour water into the gutter to make sure the flow is unhampered.
Winter Checklist 3: The Cladding
Cladding on the outside of your building should be inspected as regularly as the roof. If your building is large, this is an area where you should definitely call a professional, as poorly maintained cladding can impact the building’s fire safety. For smaller properties, it is often possible to perform a DIY cladding inspection as part of the regular property maintenance.
Check your cladding for:
- Dents
- Edge corrosion
- Rust spots
- Peeling paint
Any small issues can be easily repaired by the right professionals. It may also be worth considering investing in cladding coating to ensure your cladding continues to protect the building against the elements for many more years to come.
Winter Checklist 4: The Flooring
Moving to the inside of the building, one area that needs a regular winter check is the floor. With the persistent wet weather, flooring can become slippery and hazardous, especially in worn areas where any water brought in from outside may pool. Even a small puddle will create an unwanted risk to health and safety.
Check your floors for areas of wear, dents, and damage to the coating. A flooring professional will be able to undertake repairs quickly, restoring small areas before they become larger problems. If needed, the whole floor can be coated, adding a layer of epoxy that will provide a safe and durable floor for many years.
Professional Care and Property Maintenance
Your building needs regular TLC to make sure that those small problems don’t turn into major nightmares. Property maintenance is a cost-effective preventative measure to make sure that the building overheads are kept low – and now is the perfect time to get on top of it.
GI Sykes can provide you with a comprehensive survey and property maintenance plan, undertaking any needed repairs immediately and developing a timetable for the future. Contact us today to discuss your needs and book an initial visit.
