Springtime Maintenance

Springtime Maintenance – Exterior Facades & Parking Garages

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it is a perfect time to take a walk around your facility and parking structure to take note of any deterioration or recent damage after a long, cold winter. Knowing what to look for and who to call when building issues arise will help keep your building safe and protect your real estate investment. 

Is there a season that is ideal for inspecting your property?

Yes, there is no better time than spring to do a property inspection.  A lot of property deterioration and damage is caused during the wintertime due to rain, snow, ice, freeze/thaw, snow removal activities, and de-icing salts.  In the Spring, after any snow and ice has cleared the for the season, you can easily conduct a walk through and readily assess any issues that have occurred.  Also, the Springtime rain will cause the leaks to identify themselves (unfortunately!)  Identifying problems in the Spring maximizes the time that you have to discover a problem, obtain proposals, award the project, and get it completed.

What should I look for?

Just by conducting a visual inspection in and around your facility can help identify issues before they become costly or unsafe. 

Here are some visual Indications that maintenance or repair is needed:

• Cracks and spalls
• Leaks
• Water or Rust Stains
• Efflorescence
• Exposed Rebar
• Sunken or lifted sidewalk or paver surfaces
• Materials that have fallen from a ceiling or wall surface
• Peeling paint or protective coatings
• Worn coatings or finishes
• Ripped or Torn Membrane

What happens if I find deterioration or damage?

First, make sure to have a brief written description of the issue and approximate location on your property so that it can be found again later.  If the problem appears to be minor in nature, call a trusted, qualified contractor to provide an estimate for the repair.  If the problem looks serious or dangerous, call an engineer who specializes in this work as soon as possible.

How often should I have maintenance performed?

Performing yearly maintenance on your property is recommended to ensure that the problems are repaired while they are smaller and less significant.  A maintenance budget should be set aside yearly to prepare for this.  Your maintenance budget will be specific to your property and should take into account the age of the building and its various materials.  A well-maintained building will typically have greater resale value, higher rents, and less vacancy than other similar, less well-maintained properties.

With proper budgeting and regular walk-through inspections of your property, you can help prolong the life of your facility and keep it safe for tenants and visitors. Should you have any questions about your property or wish to schedule an appointment, please call us today:  732-750-3300