Why Summer is the Best Time to Pressure Wash

Cleaning the exterior of your property is just as important as keeping in the interior sparkling clean. With spring and winter behind us, those months can be tough on the exterior of your facility but with summer finally here it’s time to brighten up your facility exterior and have it looking its best.

Pressure washing is an effective way to maintain the appearance of your commercial property’s exterior and when done frequently can maintain curb appeal, prevent costly repairs, and attract business to your property.

What is Pressure Washing?

You might be wondering what exactly is pressure washing?  It’s the use of high-pressure water and very hot water to remove dirt or debris from your outdoor surfaces. The heated water combined with the high flow of water; it effectively breaks up grime that can build up in various areas of the exterior of your facility. Depending on surface being cleaned, this changes the pressure intensity and water temperatures used. At Omni Facility Maintenance Services our pressure washer can disinfect your buildings, sidewalks, parking lots and more. Visit our website and view our services then contact us!

Why You Should Pressure Wash Your Exterior

One of the main reasons pressure washing your facility is important, is to remove the dirt build-up that can be unpleasant for your building’s exterior and can possibly compromise your structure if untouched for long periods of time. Another reason you should pressure wash, is with various seasons and weather conditions this can contribute to the grime and dirt. Pressure washing is also great to add to your preventative maintenance list as dirt that is left untouched for long periods of time can be more difficult to remove and can lead to mold or mildew problems to avoid the expenses of removing mold use summer to pressure wash your facility!

Pressure washing also improves your curb appeal. First impression are super important for new/potential clients or customers. It is always more appealing to walk into a sparkling clean building to spend time in whether that be as a customer or client. Maintaining a clean building also improves your facilities value. With summer here it’s time to brighten up your facilities exterior as the summer months are the ideal time to get a pressure wash.

Why Summer is Perfect to Pressure Wash

It’s time to take advantage of summer and call us your commercial handyman and pressure wash your facility. Why is summer the perfect time? For starters, the weather with the sun rising earlier and setting later the extra time in the day and more sun make it easier to accomplish this project. Summer is also a bit dryer than spring and there isn’t a big concern for rain that can stop or stall the project.

Another reason summer is the ideal time to pressure wash is, with the abundant sun and less intense rain your freshly power washed facility will stay cleaner longer! This helps you get more out of your investment and enjoy a sparkling clean exterior for longer.

Beat The Mold and Mildew

Summer can bring a major rise in temperature and following spring with abundant rainfall you may find mold and mildew beginning to grow in areas all over your facility. The combination of leftover moisture and heat are the best conditions for mold and mildew to grow but with a high-quality pressure wash the potentially damaging growths on the exterior of your facility will no longer be a concern.

 Should You Hire a Professional?

After giving you the facts the next question you might have is, should I hire a professional? The simple answer is yes. Hire a local professional team to get the job done (yes, we mean us!). Pressure washing requires time and care to ensure that all the various surfaces are being cleaned properly. Not all surfaces are cared for the same way and our team knows exactly what to do. With our team you always in good hands and we guarantee that your property will be properly cleaned and sanitized and not damaged.

Call us today! And ask us about our pressure washing services.

Is your Facility Ready for Summer? Here’s a Checklist on How to Get Started.

We all know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers” is also a sign that summer is on the way! Summer is a time to enjoy warmer weather but when you are responsible for a facility, summer means more than just warm weather. You must also consider unique building conditions and prepare your facility for summer, both inside and out.

As temperatures rise, here are a few tips for interior and exterior preventative maintenance to increase the longevity of your facility and its systems to keep your equipment running and your tenants comfortable, happy, and safe. This checklist can ensure your facility is running smooth all summer long.

Interior Maintenance

While summer can be a favorite time of year for many, properly maintaining your building’s temperature is essential to combat the heat outside. If your building isn’t ready for the summer heat, it can have a negative effect on your facility and in the long run cost more money due to building damage.

First, evaluate your building’s energy consumption and identify ways to operate at higher efficiency. Create a list of everything you find, such as any air leaks and drafts which are most commonly found around windows and doors seals and electrical outlets. This is also a good time to consider your lighting. Installing LED lights, sensors, timers, and dimmers are all ways to reduce energy consumption. For more on LED lighting options read, “Energy Saving Commercial Lighting Tips for Spring”. 

After completing your list, this will help you to determine and reduce energy consumption costs and take care of any systems and mechanics that need to be fixed or replaced for summer. If you are looking for a professional to help, Omni Facility Maintenance is the team you need.

Second, conducting essential maintenance to your HVAC system, this is essential during the summer months. Before summer hits in full effect, you should service your HVAC system, meaning it’s time for a thorough inspection and cleaning of major parts such as coil surfaces, fan impellers, and blades. Preventative maintenance and inspection on your systems, such as HVAC, are important in making sure you can keep the temperature inside your building under control and maintain the longevity of your equipment. This can also help to prevent any expensive HVAC failures that could interrupt your business.

Lastly, checking all thermostats are set to the proper target temperatures. We also suggest setting timers in specific parts of your facility where less activity may occur which can also help you to save energy and costs. While these may seem like small steps to take, they can

Exterior Maintenance

All seasons take a toll on your building’s exterior and as we approach the summer there are several locations on the exterior of your building that should be inspected to ensure your facility is ready for the heat.

First, inspect your roof to ensure there is no visible or obvious damage. With the intense heat that we see in summer months coupled with thunderstorms that can be extremely severe, making sure your roof can withstand the constant change in weather is necessary. It is also important to check downspouts and building trim which may have sustained damage during winter months (freezing) or spring storms. Identifying potential areas where water can infiltrate the facility is essential in your summer maintenance.

Second, for safety, check the functionality of your outdoor lighting and security systems. The climate can add wear and tear to exterior lighting and security systems. In preparation for summer and the higher volume of people on your property, inspect and test your lighting. This is especially in critical areas such as parking lots and entryways for safety reasons. 

Be Prepared for All Seasons

Summer is around the corner and that is top priority but, we have blogs for all seasons! We have all the tips and tricks to add to your seasonal checklists or give us a call you facility maintenance professionals.

For more seasonal tips for your building, read these blogs on our website:

“Preparing Your Facility for Spring”

“Cold Weather Tips For Your Facility This Winter”

“Our Checklist for Fall Preventative Maintenance”

Simple Ways to “Spring Clean” Your Facility

Spring is usually a time of revitalization and refresh. This is the perfect time to give your facility a “spring clean” on the inside and outside of your building. Take a look at some of the simple ways you can give your facility a fresh boost to enhance your image and keep your facility at its top performance.

Clean, Disinfect, and Sanitize Surfaces

No matter the season it is critical to sanitize surfaces in your facility to help prevent germs, but in keeping with the spirit of spring, a thorough cleaning it is a good place to start! At Omni Facility Maintenance we offer sanitation spraying. It is recommended by the CDC that you regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces such as tables, chairs, and doorknobs, and our sanitation spray service makes it easy. Not only will it clean the surfaces that you use most frequently, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your staff and all who visit your facility, are in a safe environment, free from germs and harmful bacteria.

Deep Clean Restrooms

Daily cleaning is essential to keeping your facility’s restrooms clean. Dirt and bacteria can build up over time and can leave your restroom not only looking unclean, but also smelling foul. Make your restrooms sparkle again! After a thorough clean and sanitization, you should then implement a routine for regular cleanings to maintain cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination and odor-causing bacteria. Use the routine to create daily checklists of areas to be cleaned, and maintaining the restrooms in your facility will be a breeze!

Organize and Stock Supply Closets

Organizing your supply closet may not always be top of mind, and because of that they can easily become disorganized. When your supply closet is a cluttered mess, day-to-day cleaning operations and restocking can be challenging. Spring is an opportune time to fully clean them out and evaluate what supplies work and which don’t. Once you have cleaned out the supplies that have not been used or have passed their expiration, you can restock your supply closet with products used daily for easy access.

Check your Air Conditioning Units

Spring means longer days and warmer temperatures are ahead. By checking and servicing your air conditioning units, you can be better prepared for rising temperatures. As seasons change, it is always a good idea to check the equipment in and around your facility as a means of preventative maintenance, which will also keep your reactive maintenance to a minimum. When AC units sit unused for months, they can not only become dirty but can also accumulate a build-up of dust which can impact its performance.

Power Washing

Cleaning the exterior of your commercial property is just as important as keeping the inside clean and sparkly. In fact, your exterior is the first impression visitors will have of your facility before entering the inside. Power washing isn’t only about improving your curb appeal, it is also used to clear away dirt that builds up over time from seasonal changes. Failing to clean debris on your property’s exterior can lead to more significant deterioration over time. The build-up of grime and other unpleasant material like dirt and bacteria can be difficult to remove if left untouched for extended periods of time, and in worst case scenarios, can compromise the structure of the building. Left uncleaned, moisture can become trapped, leading to mold and mildew which can cause health issues for tenants and visitors of your property.

If you are thinking about power washing your building, hire a professional! At Omni Facility Maintenance we can clean and disinfect your building, sidewalks, parking lot, drive-thru, dumpsters, and even shopping carts. Power washing requires time, care, and experience to ensure that all areas are being cleaned properly. At Omni, our professionals come equipped with the correct cleaning agents and tools to get your facility properly.

Exterior Caulking

Every building is susceptible to gaps and cracks, and when moisture gets trapped from wet weather conditions the issue can easily get out of hand, leading to a compromised building structure. Caulking can remedy the normal wear and tear on your facility’s exterior that comes with seasonal changes, like the April showers that we can expect to see this month! Caulking can be very beneficial on the exterior of your building because it not only improves the overall appearance, but also serves as a protective shield preventing drafty air and dripping water from coming into your building through small cracks.

Caulking can also be very cost effective; it can save you from having to replace items that might become damaged or moldy in leaky environments like ceilings, doors, windows, and flooring. The cost to repair or replace these items is well beyond what you would pay for caulking and regular maintenance. Additionally, if your building experiences water damage and that damage turns into mold, the potential for employee illness increases leading to a loss in productivity. Finally, caulking can save you money on your heating and cooling bills. By ensuring that windows and doors are properly sealed, you prevent costly hot or cool air from seeping out. 

Call Us

As your “commercial handyman” we specialize in commercial facility maintenance. If any of these maintenance tasks aren’t on the top of your to do list, contacting Omni Facility Maintenance should be! Our experienced team is ready to help get your building looking and performing at its best. Call us today and let’s get started.

Preparing Your Facility for Spring

Today marks the first day of spring. The good news is we can look forward to warmer weather, longer days, and sunshine. While it may not be top of mind, have you considered the maintenance your building might need now that winter is over? It’s time to shake off winter and plan your strategy for spring.

We know just how busy the spring months can get; it may be best to call your local professionals (that’s us!) to conduct a property inspection so you don’t have to think twice about spring maintenance. If you want to be more hands on here are just a few things, you can do to be prepared for spring.

Conduct Your Own Facility Check

Conducting a check of your facility isn’t a task that should be limited to spring. In fact, you should try to do a facility check with each passing season to stay on top of everything going on in your facility. Facility checks give you time to think ahead and anticipate potential problems before they get out of hand.

The best way to conduct a facility check is to create a master check list and prioritize needs according to weather. Give special attention to areas that have been hit hardest by winter, such as, checking pipes for leaks caused by melting ice or checking on equipment that has been left outside.

Check Equipment

The next thing you should set your sights on is checking in on your equipment that has not been used during the winter months. Is it still in good and safe working order? If not or if you’re unsure, take the time to make any needed repairs to ensure your equipment is up and running this spring. Now is also the time to order equipment and confirm you have parts on hand such as air filters. This will help prevent minor issues from becoming larger ones, which can be far more expensive to repair.

Equipment and technology have progressed a lot over the past few years, but it is still imperative to plan routine checks on all equipment including regular inspections, cleanings, and part replacements. For more on maintaining your technology and equipment read our blog, Facility Maintenance in 2023. 

Tackle Small Repairs

While conducting your facility check, make note of small things and minor damage. Caulking is a very overlooked strategy. It is a great money saving tactic to keep your building happy and healthy this spring. Caulking does a great job in preventing pests during warm weather such as bees, ants, and beetles. This can also improve your facility’s general appearance.

While minor damage may not seem important, it should still be added to the list of tasks you have while preparing your building for spring. Your customers, tenants, and employees will notice the difference, even in the small things.

Identify Cost Saving Maintenance

As a facility manager, saving money on maintenance is probably top of mind. Another easy and cost-effective way to save money in preparation for spring can be carpet cleaning. As the winter months end and spring arrives, although the weather can still be unpredictable with uncertain rainy weather, but an easy way to keep your high traffic areas presentable is having your carpets cleaned. Replacing flooring can be expensive and is not always the necessary course of action. But protecting your investment, with thorough cleaning, is a smart and proactive approach.

These are just a few things you can do to prepare for spring as we have said goodbye to winter. If you can’t fit your facility maintenance into your schedule, we can help! Call our team and we can handle this entire list and more!

Reactive Vs. Preventive Maintenance

In facility management it’s unavoidable, things can and will go wrong. However, as a facility manager, steps can be taken to promote safety and reduce reactionary maintenance by taking preventative measures. Being proactive towards fixes and your equipment is the first step to saving money and keeping everyone safe.

Reactive Maintenance

First, let’s define reactive maintenance, it focuses on diagnosing and fixing a problem once something has already broken down or malfunctioned. A maintenance technician identifies the issues that have occurred and takes steps to restore the equipment to operational condition. A common misconception is that reactive maintenance is a bad thing truth is, it’s nearly impossible to predict and prevent all malfunctions in your facility. Most facilities have an extremely healthy balance between reactive maintenance and preventative maintenance. The key is, to keep reactive maintenance to as much of a minimum as possible.

Preventive Maintenance

How do you keep reactive maintenance to a minimum? It’s a lot easier than you think, preventive maintenance has an emphasis on regular scheduled maintenance tasks. The goal is to give your equipment and assets the care it requires before malfunctioning and not after. This will actively minimize the chance of failure, costly repairs, and unexpected downtime. Neither occupants or facility managers enjoy dealing with a broken air conditioner or a leaky pipe but, having a regular routine checklist can minimize the chance of running into these issues.

Why Preventive Maintenance is Important

Reactive maintenance can be expensive and facility managers can face a hefty cost when things breakdown unexpectedly, including the cost to diagnose the issue, replace parts, and fix the problem. Preventive maintenance can dramatically reduce the chance of these risks. Preventive maintenance also, reduces the risk to injuries. Keeping employees and customers safe by conducting reoccurring inspections on dangerous machinery. Even do the same for things you would least expect to like, security cameras, locks on doors, fire extinguishers, emergency exit signs and anything else that can safeguard people from danger. All facilities can face risk and when left unchecked can put your facility and those who occupy it at risk. Preventive maintenance keeps you, your employees, and facility safe.

Implementing Routine Checks

It’s important for facility managers to implement routine checks and planned maintenance to avoid costly fix. This does not need be an added task to never ending to-do list, at Omni Facility Maintenance you can contact us for a property inspection to make your job that much easier. Many facility managers like the idea of preventative maintenance but get frustrated not knowing where to start. We provide preventative maintenance services for all areas of your facility because we know how important it is.

Facility Maintenance in 2023

A lot has changed over the past few years; workplace occupants and their customers now expect a higher standard of service, safety, comfort, health, and experience from their office spaces. It’s safe to say that the world is advancing with new technologies and advancing in ways we didn’t imagine. This means that the maintenance done to your facility also needs to make the same types of advancements.

Technology and Maintenance

Just like in all aspects of our lives the implantation of new technology in office spaces continue reshaping our workspaces and how they need to be taken care of. As technology expands so does the maintenance needed to keep everything running smoothly. We have seen great advances in technology and the impact those advancements have had on facility maintenance improvements, including cutting costs! The best way to prepare for the year is property inspections.  

Technology and The Evolution of Maintenance

While technology has improved office spaces broadly, it has done wonders for the field of facility maintenance and its reliability. Maintenance has undergone a huge transformation as a field of work. Before, reactive maintenance was used to response to something that had already broken. Now, preventative maintenance has come into play as the more cost-effective method. Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, preventative maintenance has evolved allowing facility owners and managers to inspect the property and equipment in advance to make sure everything is running smooth.

Maintenance systems vary depending on the facility, but some common types that can be put in place include, periodic inspections, cleanings, and even part replacement if needed. We have seen and will continue to see these systems evolve as communication, internet, and processing technology grows.

Example of Useful Technological Advancement

Sensors are one example of technological advancement that can be placed to provide automatic monitoring on equipment so that regular maintenance can be scheduled timely which helps prevent imminent failure. Sensors can also help with ordering parts as needed before a major breakdown. Sensor data that is collected can also help reduce costs maintenance costs in your facility. Sensors are only one example, there are other types of technologies that help the user analyze data effectively such as mobile solutions.

Facility Maintenance for the Future

Technology has made our lives easier in many ways, especially when it comes to facility maintenance. At Omni Facility Maintenance we are dedicated to keeping our team knowledgeable and up to industry standard. With our experienced team and wide range of services we are ready to help you and your facility function at its best. Contact us today to get started!

Cold Weather Tips for Your Facility this Winter

It’s time to brace ourselves for extremely cold temperatures, snowfall, and ice. While winter can be dreadful, don’t let your facility bear the consequences. You can avoid many hazardous and inconvenient damages to your facility if you utilize the tips below.

Look for Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors

It may not be the first thing you think about but, check all your windows and door for any air leaks! First, do a visual inspection, look at all exterior corners do you see any gaps? During this inspection you also want to check for any cracks in corners of all doors and windows, if you can see daylight around a door or window frame that usually means you have air leaks. You can reseal these leaks by caulking them. You may also want to consider replacing any windows or doors with newer, high-performing options before the weather takes a turn.

Salting Around Your Facility for Snow and Ice Removal

Ice in extreme cold is not only possible but expected. Make sure your employees and customers can safely walk in and out of your facility by applying salt to sidewalks and near entryways. Make sure you apply the ice melt safely and correctly, using either a hand sifter or cup to distribute a thin and even layer of salt. Despite the common practice of heavily salting, you do not need a thick layer of salt to achieve your desired results. You will, however, also want to be sure to wear gloves while distributing the salt, especially if you decide to spread with your hands.

Also, it is important to be aware that not all ice melt salt is the same. Read packaging before applying, as some products may work better during certain temperatures than others. While an area may appear to be “fine” one moment, any condensation will freeze immediately in cold conditions, so make sure you use the correct product for different temperatures. And although salt may seem like a big mess to clean once winter is over, we are at your service to help with our power washing services! Protect your facility for the winter weather, and when spring arrives, we can wash away the memory of the cold.

Clean your Exterior of Snow

While this isn’t a fun task, it is a necessary one. Make sure to routinely remove snow from the exterior of your facility. Be sure that roof vents are kept clear and are not being covered with snow and ice because this will lead to improper ventilation and can lead to costly repairs if not regularly maintained.

It is also important to make sure that your roof properly drains water that gets collected from rainfall or melting snow and ice. Keeping your roof’s integrity during winter months is essential in your facility’s overall care. Removing snow from the roof with shovels and rakes into a deposit snow safe area on your property and cleaning ice and snow from gutters can aid in keeping your roof and exterior safe during winter.

For more tips and tricks read our blog Winterizing Your Facility, and contact us your facility handyman!

Winterizing Your Facility

Sooner rather than later it will be winter again, that means a few things. Temperatures are dropping, snowfall will be increasing along with ice and power outages will be on the rise. Winter is undoubtedly a dreadful time especially for facility managers as it comes with many challenges. You might be wondering how can snow and colder temperatures can impact your facility and its power systems?  Well, the snow and ice can cause building leaks that can seep into electrical conduits causing even further hazard. We want to help you winterize your facility and avoid any hazardous and inconvenient damages to your facility.

Facility Inspections

The winterization of your facility is a process and the first step ensures that your building is prepared for winter at all, property inspections. A commercial property inspection is meant not only to keep people safe but your building as well. Having a property inspection can reduce energy and costs. This task will also help determine which tasks need to be taken care of to properly winterize your facility to keep things running smoothly throughout the winter months. To properly begin the winterizing, process a property inspection is essential to begin the process.

It is even an option schedule your property inspection with Omni Facility Maintenance Services. We can help save you time, money, and the physical toll of dealing with conducting a property inspection on your own. 

Inspect Roofs and Clean Out Gutters

After property inspections have been made or scheduled with us, start from the outside. The outside of your facility is not only your first impression but will endure the weather conditions on the frontlines. Make sure to remove any debris that can be on the roof and clean gutters of any leaves or obstruction before any snowfall. Any build-up will prevent rainwater from draining properly, which could cause water damage when temperatures drop to below freezing. You also want to inspect your roof for any signs of damage, this is essential in making sure your property is ready for winter. Check for missing shingles, lose or any other problems that could lead to leaks in your building. You should replace or patch any visible damage before winter arrives.

Clean and Change HVAC Filters

This step ensures air circulation in your space is clean and free from contaminants like dust. HVAC filters should be a regular preventative maintenance task preformed 2-4 times a year, ensuring your HVAC system ready to endure winter conditions. Not only should filters be changed but an inspection for any broken or damaged parts that cause your HVAC system to be replaced before winter.

Comfort for Employees and Customers

Lastly, the best practice to winterize your facility is to be prepared! Our Fall Preventative Maintenance Checklist is also a good place to start in being prepared and keeping your facility ready for all occupants and making them comfortable. Maintaining comfortable indoor air quality during cold weather is also necessary. Make sure your heating and cooling system are in good condition before the start of winter. Everyone including your property can be ready for winter!

Our Checklist for Fall Preventative Maintenance on your Facility

The leaves are changing colors and, that cool fall breeze is upon us. This means, it is time to review your facility needs for Fall. A few steps in preventative maintenance for your facility’s indoor and outdoor needs can save you in big money when warmer weather returns.

Follow our checklist for indoor and outdoor preventative maintenance care and keep your property running at its best and looking great too.

Indoor Checklist

There is more to the interior of your property than simply it’s design; keeping up with building maintenance is also an important consideration for any property owner. Every facility is unique but here are 3 basic preventative steps that you can add to your indoor maintenance checklist.

  1. Cleaning your carpets

First start inside your facility, and it’s easier than you think. Cleaning your carpets can be number one on the list. Replacing flooring is expensive so protect your investment by cleaning your flooring regularly. In addition to keeping your investment safe, this act also ensures that they look great and can help reduce the amount of damage caused as a result of constant foot traffic. The benefits to carpet cleaning expand beyond cost and appeal; regular carpet cleaning reduces and removes allergens that can hide within your carpet fibers.

  1. Electrical and Energy Utilization

Energy use varies with seasons, in colder months energy usage starts increasing. Review energy consumption reports in your facility. Changing your lighting may not seem like much in terms of conserving energy however, checking light bulbs, and inspecting wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion can save you in the long run. Consider swapping the light bulbs in your facility out with LED lighting. LED lighting may seem more expensive than standard lighting, but in the long run it is more cost efficient as LED bulbs are longer lasting than CFL bulbs.

  1. Plumbing

Lastly, checking for any water leaking in your office’s kitchen and bathroom areas, and inspecting for any damaged equipment. When it comes to self-checking your plumbing, it is vital to understand the differences between residential and commercial pipes. Doing routine checks are important and professionals, like us, recommend an inspection every two years. With older properties, more frequent checks are advised and can save thousands in the long run.

Outdoor checklist

The exterior of your building is exposed to a lot more extreme weather conditions especially as the weather turns colder. The outside of your facility is exposed all kinds of different weather conditions which is why these 3 routine checks are critical to not only save you from bigger repairs but also protect your facility overall.

  1. Roofing

You don’t need to be a roofing expert to do some simple things to help keep your roof in tip-top shape. Remove any debris from the gutters, while this isn’t glamorous work it can save you tons in the long run. Next, identify any visible damage, corrosion, or cracks on the roof. Finding these types of damage before it gets too cold outside can prevent more issues that can lead to draining your pockets in repairs.

  1. Exterior Caulking

Caulking may seem like an overlooked way to improve outdoor appearances, but it can also help in saving money. In addition to cost savings, caulking also improves appearance and can keep pests out of your facility. If you want more information on the benefits of exterior caulking read our blog on The Benefits of Caulking.

  1. Power washing

Power washing not only can give your facility a good cleaning, but it can also disinfect your buildings, sidewalks, and parking lot. It’s not just about rinsing dirt off the side of your building or the sidewalk power washing, provides a deep and sanitized cleaning on your exterior.

Power washing can prevent damage, save you money, and boost your curb appeal. Not to mention that having cleaner facilities is always safer!

This checklist, while it may seem short, has long term benefits on your budget and your facility’s appearance and lifespan. These preventative care maintenance steps are top on our list for Fall so put them on yours and be ready for the cold Fall weather coming our way.

benefits of caulking

The Benefits of Caulking

Caulking is often an overlooked strategy for saving money and keeping your commercial building healthy, but this small task can provide innumerable benefits. If left untreated, poorly done or old caulking can degrade the integrity of your building and even cause health issues for tenants, employees, and customers. While seemingly small, the benefits of caulking can be easily realized. All you need is a commercial general contractor like Omni Facility Maintenance Services to perform proactive maintenance and keep your building in pristine care.

Saves Money

Having your commercial building professionally caulked can save money in several areas of your business. First, it can help prevent water from seeping in through the cracks and causing water damage or mold to your ceiling, doors, windows, and flooring. The cost of replacing these things and having mold remediation is far more expensive than paying for regular caulking and maintenance. Plus, if you have employees, you could lose money on potential sick days should they come into contact with any mold. Black mold especially can cause sick days as it can produce symptoms of dizziness, irritation, cough, and fatigue.

In addition to saving money by neglecting to allow water to come in and wreak havoc on the building’s structure, you save money on energy used for heating and cooling. By ensuring your windows and doors are properly sealed, you prevent the cool and hot air from seeping out, as well as preventing cool and hot air from seeping in. This prevents your HVAC system from working too hard and driving up energy costs. Between saving money on potential water damage and energy costs, having your building checked for leaks and opportunities for new caulking should be a no brainer. However, if you’re still not convinced, there are two more immense benefits of caulking.

Prevents Pests

Similar to preventing drafts of cool and hot air from entering the building, proper caulking can prevent pests from coming inside as well! Over time, caulking will deteriorate and lose elasticity, making it easier for bees, ants, beetles, spiders, and other bugs to make their way through the old, faulty caulking and into the building. This can concern employees, customers, and even tenants! To prevent pests from finding shelter inside no matter the season, make sure your caulking is properly filling the spaces between windows and doors. A professional team like Omni Facility Maintenance Services can check your caulking for you and determine if it’s time for a new application. In some ways, this could save you money, too, depending on the degree of infestation that occurs from faulty caulking letting pests inside and how long it goes unnoticed for.

Improves Appearance

Old, faulty caulking will crack and isn’t very appealing to the eye. While not that important compared to the other two benefits of caulking, your building’s curb appeal is still valuable for several reasons. First, if you ever wanted to sell, the building looks as if it has been taken care of which can raise its value. Second, your customers, tenants, and employees will notice. Nobody wants to shop, live, or work in a building that is falling apart, molding, wet, or riddled with pests. With caulking, you can prevent these unsightly issues from occurring and make those who are inside or simply walking by feel as if the building is well maintained and cared for.

The benefits of caulking your commercial building are numerous and not limited to those listed here. While the biggest savings may be your pocketbook, also consider how being inside the building affects others and if they are taken into account when providing routine and preventative maintenance for your commercial building. In the long run, preventative maintenance is guaranteed to save you money. Just hire Chicagoland’s preferred general contractor, Omni Facility Maintenance Services, and we will take care of the rest.