The fall season is here. With the changing fall foliage comes the changing of temperatures and weather. You need to ensure your commercial property is prepared for these changes. If you haven’t already considered fall preparations for your building, here are maintenance items to check off.
Maintenance Items to Check For Commercial Real Estate
Roof Inspection
A roof inspection is important during all seasons, but with fall bringing inclement weather, including hurricanes, it’s important to give them another check. Check for loose titles, boards, or shingles and have them repaired in a timely manner.
You want to ensure they’re less likely to blow off in a storm and minimize any risk of leaks or water damage to your commercial property.
Gutters & Downpipes
Routinely cleaning the gutters and drainage ensures the water disposes as it’s supposed to, and reduces the risk of flooding or overflow. During the fall, tree leaves and other debris can cause blockage in the gutters and pipes.
Like the roof inspection, you also want to make sure gutters and piping are in good condition, and securely attached to prevent blowing around in a storm.
HVAC System
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems should be checked seasonally, but having the system properly serviced before the cold weather will ensure happy tenants. Filters should be cleaned, thermostats correctly calibrated, and supply registers adjusted. Routine servicing of HVAC systems prolong their efficiency and durability.
Water Pipes
All exterior water pipes require inspection for leaks and damage. Also, remember to properly insulate the pipes for the winter. In freezing temperatures, proper insulation will prevent the pipes from freezing, then expanding and bursting.
Building Exterior & Surfaces
Small chips, holes, or cracks in a building exterior may not be alarming to you. As the holes or cracks remain for an extended period of time during the winter weather, the problem may likely get worse. Moisture can seep in and get absorbed by the brick and mortar, and with the freezing temperatures – expand. This will result in larger holes and cracks.
The same applies to sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots surfaces. Small ripples or holes can transform into larger hazards during the winter season, especially factoring in the snow plowing efforts.
Backup Generators & Electrical Circuits
At times with inclement weather, power outages are inevitable. It’s important that your commercial building continues to function and your tenants continue with their daily business. It is recommended to test your backup generators to ensure they continue working as designed.
If you don’t have backup generators for your property, consider making the investment because you never know when you may need it. Here’s more information on generators for commercial buildings.
Additionally, reviewing the electrical circuits routinely is a good measure. The winter means more usage of appliances such as space heaters. Faulty circuits can lead to a blown fuse or fire hazard.
Conclusion
We hope this fall maintenance checklist is useful to you as a commercial property owner. As a landlord you are very busy with day to day tasks and it’s easy for maintenance to fall behind.
However, by reviewing or inspecting these items, it will reduce future hazards, lead to happier tenants, and a greater peace of mind.
P.S. Be sure to review our winter maintenance checklist as the fall season comes to an end.
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