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Get Ready For Summer: Building Maintenance Tips
July 2nd, 2021
Last updated: June 25th, 2024
Summer is a time when many businesses get proactive and start to “get jobs done”, but in truth, any good business will already be on top of their game, and will be well-prepared all year round. Planned preventive maintenance is about being prepared for all eventualities and having round-the-clock protection against unforeseen problems and also seasonal variations. But if you don’t have these systems in place, you can still have your facility well prepared for the different challenges of the summer months and take full advantage of the better weather. Think of it as a type of spring cleaning.
Here are some key areas found in most commercial businesses and how you can get each of them ready for summer.
External
The freezing temperatures we have just encountered over winter can leave some hard-to-detect problems in their wake. This might be obvious and more visible in cracked pavements, roofing or car park surfaces that need repairing, but might also be evident in external pipework. So you need to inspect drains, guttering and the outlet pipework for air conditioning systems for any cracks or damage.
Landscaping is also important at this time of year, you want to create the best impression of your business and facility over the summer months, but also cutting back foliage in trees and bushes can prevent the ingress of pests, which could cause damage and nuisance to the building.
Roof
You should take this period of time to carry out an inspection of the roof. This is to detect leaks, signs of damp, damage to tiles or cracks appearing. These can all develop over winter and can lie undetected and develop to cause problems which could be prevented if you spot them early.
Lighting
Where energy-saving lighting systems are in place you can now adjust the settings to allow for British Summer Time and the lighter evenings and mornings. In the long run, this kind of housekeeping can provide cost and environmental savings.
Alarm Systems
It is possible that people are remaining on site for longer periods during the summer period, and it is common to put a summer shift pattern in place to extend working hours. This means your alarm systems will need adjusting to reflect this change in occupancy. Spring is a good time for fire and security alarm systems to be properly inspected, adjusted and maintained.
HVAC Systems
Air conditioning systems naturally work longer and harder during the warmer summer months, so you need to get them ready for action with a full service in the spring. Filters and pipework will be blocked or clogged with dust and dirt from over the winter, so to prevent breakdown and ensure maximum operating efficiency, all HVAC systems should be serviced before the summer.
Boiler
Your boiler will have worked very hard over the winter and will deserve a break as temperatures rise. But of course you still need hot water all year round for critical welfare services. However, now is the time to get your boiler serviced so that you can still provide hot water and the boiler is ready and prepared for next winter.
Water Systems
In manufacturing environments water systems are usually used 24/7 and require regular maintenance throughout the year. But during the better weather is a good time to check the system more thoroughly. Many businesses will carry out an annual shutdown in the summer where water systems can be emptied, flushed and cleaned, and any signs of freeze damage, bacteria build-up or leaks can be attended to.
If you have any concerns about summer maintenance and getting your facility ready for the warmer summer months, contact Robinsons Facilities Services. We can talk to you about your various systems and what work is required, and we can also talk about planned preventive maintenance and how these systems can help your facility operate efficiently all year round, so get in touch today.
Working across Yorkshire, we cover North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire and offer a fast, efficient response time to all breakdowns and repairs. Contact us today for all planned, reactive maintenance or emergency call out.
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