The first signs of spring are a welcome sight after a cold, dark winter and many people choose this season to tackle any spring cleaning or maintenance jobs. Spring is the ideal time to carry out those building maintenance jobs you may have been putting off and you can remedy any damage caused by the harsh winter weather.
Spring in the UK is often full of rain, so it’s important to be prepared and ensure your building is protected against leaks. Proper maintenance now can also prevent any costly repairs in the future, so read on for our top building maintenance tips to prepare for spring. Inspect the roof Roof maintenance is essential to maintain the integrity of your building and protect the interiors from damp. Harsh winter weather can take its toll on your roof so inspect it for signs of any damage. If you’re confident on a ladder you could take a closer look, but if not, use binoculars to look at the roof from the ground or arrange a professional roof inspection. If you have a tiled roof, look for any cracked or missing tiles. Cracked tiles can allow leaks to penetrate the building and entire missing tiles mean that water can soak into the felt underneath. You should also look for excess mould or moss growth on your tiles. This might seem harmless, but mould and moss trap moisture, which can lead to water damage or excess bacteria growth. If the building has a flat roof, look for cracks and splits around the edges. If the roof looks like it’s sagging then this should be addressed right away as it’s likely to be caused by a water buildup. Boards can break under the strain of too much water and you may already notice damp patches on the interior ceiling. Don’t forget to check the flashing too (on both tiled and flat roofs) and look for any signs of cracks or damage. Clear your gutters Gutters and downspouts are essential to direct water away from a property and protect the building’s foundations. They also prevent erosion, minimise paint damage and stop mould or mildew growth on a building’s exterior. If gutters become clogged, they can’t function properly and a building can be damaged by overflowing water. Be sure to clear your gutters regularly to remove build ups of leaves, twigs and other debris. Gutters and downspouts should also be inspected for signs of damage, including cracks and leaks. It’s best to get a professional company to clear the gutters for you as they’ll be able to spot any signs of damage early on. Check for leaks You should be checking for leaks when inspecting the roof and clearing the gutters, but it’s important to thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of the building too. Check the interiors for signs of damp, especially in areas like the basement or loft. Telltale signs of damp include; a damp, musty smell, dark or discoloured patches on walls and ceilings, mould, and walls that are clammy and cold to the touch. Examine the exterior of the building too, looking for cracks, peeling paint or any other signs of water damage. Cracks or damage to the exterior of the building allows water to easily penetrate the inside, so make any repairs as soon as possible. Maintain trees and shrubs With the worst of the cold and wet weather behind us, spring is the perfect time to tidy up any outdoor green areas. Many commercial buildings have large trees growing nearby, but any branches overhanging the roof should be trimmed back. This is to prevent leaves falling and clogging the gutters and to minimise roof damage caused by falling branches. It’s also a good time to prune any shrubs, remove dead leaves and debris from flower beds and lawns, and tackle any weeds that have sprung up. Maintaining your outdoor areas helps to prevent damage to your property and ensures visitors have a good first impression. Clean the windows Make the most of upcoming spring sunshine by ensuring your windows are squeaky clean. Clean window panes to remove build ups of dirt and grime and inspect window frames for any cracks, or damaged, splintering wood. Take a lot of the window seals too to make sure there are no signs of rot or gaps in the seal. Windows should be washed both inside and out using a specialist glass cleaner and microfibre cloth. You can easily do this yourself but you might want to call a professional window cleaner if you have a large number of windows or areas that are hard to reach. Touch up paint Keep painted surfaces in good condition by removing any flaking or chipped paint before touching up with a fresh coat. Repairing painted areas on the exterior of your property will help to protect it from rot, especially in areas like door or window frames. If you want to protect your property in the long run, consider adding an exterior wall coating. These specialist paints help to maintain your property by forming a waterproof seal. Wall coatings also help to protect against harsh weather, prevent damp from penetrating the building and give the exterior appearance a new lease of life. Clean the exterior Buildings require regular cleaning to prevent materials from decaying and to preserve their aesthetic appearance. Exterior cleaning is an important aspect of building maintenance and it can save you money on more serious repairs in the long run. Spring is the perfect time to clean away any stains or debris leftover from the winter months, including wind and rain water stains. Professional cleaning companies can safely and effectively clean the facade of your building using techniques that won’t harm the building’s materials. Common methods include high pressure power washing or specialist cleaning mixtures applied with a brush. Cleaning also removes unsightly dirt, moss, mould or graffiti which can all have a negative effect on first impressions. Check your air conditioning It’s very unlikely that your air conditioning units saw any use over the winter, but the summer heat will be here before we know it. If you’re responsible for maintaining a commercial building like a shopping centre or office, it’s essential to make sure the A/C unit is fully functioning and ready for summer. Thoroughly clean the unit to remove build ups of dirt and grime and ensure a free flow of air through the vents. It’s also a good idea to test the unit’s air flow, thermostat and general operating efficiency. A breakdown during the summer can be highly inconvenient, so get ahead now while there’s time to make any necessary repairs. Maintain your building with professional rope access works from Rodells Ltd If your commercial building is in need of some spring maintenance, get in touch with the experts at Rodells Ltd. We’re proud to offer rope access works services including building surveys, gutter clearance, roof repairs, high level cleaning, window cleaning, vegetation removal and much more. Rope access works are a reliable and affordable alternative to scaffolding and our experts are highly skilled at gaining safe access to those hard to reach areas. If you’re looking for something more specific, we also offer specialist building maintenance, church conservation services and restoration and refurbishment. Our expert team have a detailed knowledge of many historical restoration techniques and specialise in restoring buildings back to their former glory. For more information about our maintenance services or to discuss your needs, give us a call today or contact us via the website.
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