Apr 22 2024
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Pressure Washing

The Role of Pressure Washing in Maintaining Your Building’s Exterior

By | Building Maintenance

Adding pressure washing to your routine building maintenance strategy is a simple yet effective way to achieve a clean and attractive facade. In spite of its simplicity, pressure washing is an often neglected strategy for maintaining a building’s exterior thought to be reserved for the toughest of stains or addressing years of neglect. Pressure washing revitalizes surfaces by cleaning and removing pollutants such as oils, mold, graffiti, and rust, thus making your building appear years younger. However, removing all those pollutants also contributes to your building’s structural longevity and can make walkways safer. In this article, we will walk you through the ins and outs of pressure washing, including what you should pressure wash and what you shouldn’t, along with the benefits of adding pressure washing to your routine property maintenance and spring cleaning. The Dual Benefits of Pressure Washing: Aesthetic and Structural In spite of its deep roots in physics, pressure washing is fairly straightforward. A water pump accelerates water creating a high-pressure stream. The water is then directed through a hose and out a spray wand. Users can tackle different levels of cleaning tasks by adjusting the pressure and changing the nozzle. Getting the most out of your commercial property requires proper maintenance that addresses its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Pressure washing shines in this facet, as it supports both of these goals. Leveraging this type of facade maintenance will improve your curb appeal, thus adding value. In addition, pressure washing can also remove harmful pollutants capable…

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Mar 28 2024
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Paver Pressure Washing Stock

How Spring Cleaning Builds Resilience for Commercial Properties

By | Building Maintenance, Window Cleaning

Leap year provided us an early spring this year, while the “prognosticator of prognosticators,” Punxatawney Phil, all but guaranteed it. With spring comes the welcoming, warm weather, losing an hour of sleep due to daylight savings time, and possibly even more when we realize it’s also time for spring cleaning. For commercial property owners, spring brings about the opportunity to get your buildings in tip-top shape in preparation for all that Mother Nature brings in beauty and beast. This article covers how a robust spring cleaning regiment fortifies your building against the upcoming seasonal challenges. The Power of Spring Cleaning The concept of spring cleaning dates back hundreds of years, if not more, and is steeped in cultural tradition. As a long-standing tradition, spring cleaning presents the perfect opportunity as the temperatures get warmer, the days get longer, and nature awakens from its slumber to restore your building’s shine. The building’s exterior is the first thing people notice, and a well-maintained facade can significantly enhance the building’s curb appeal. Spring cleaning improves the overall appearance and hygiene of your building by removing accumulated dust, dirt, and other debris. While the act of cleaning itself positively impacts health and well-being, it also affects the health and morale of occupants. As a building owner, checking off your spring cleaning list provides a sense of accomplishment and instills confidence that your tenants are taken care of. If you don’t have a spring cleaning checklist, start with an assessment of your property to uncover…

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Mar 22 2024
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Professional Glass Restoration

Deep Clean or Glass Restoration, Part 2: Comprehensive Guide to Professional Glass Restoration

By | Building Maintenance, Window Cleaning

Despite your best efforts in regular upkeep, natural wear and tear sometimes take its toll on your windows. When you notice that even the most meticulous cleaning doesn’t restore former glory, it’s time for a strategic pivot. This article will help you recognize the signs of window deterioration and introduce window restoration as a cost-effective and budget-friendly alternative to complete replacement. Glass Restoration: Reviving Your Windows Addressing common issues like stubborn stains and fading clarity shouldn’t cost you an entire window installation. When regular window cleaning isn’t returning your windows to pristine condition or staining, clouding, and etching won’t go away, restoration may be in order. Removing ground-level staining, which is expected due to hard water from irrigation systems, can rejuvenate your windows and add to your building’s curb appeal. This budget-friendly project is smaller in scope than a full glass restoration and is a good addition to any preventative maintenance plan, especially for areas notorious for hard water. Understanding the true potential of glass restoration is knowing when to intervene. This isn’t merely about reversing obvious damage; it’s about preventing the gradual, often unnoticed, deterioration that accumulates into major financial drains. The environmental onslaught of sun and storms, as well as the occasional misadventures of accidental damages, merits a comprehensive approach to window wellness. Commercial Window Restoration Process Revitalizing your commercial windows through restoration isn’t merely an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a strategic move that strengthens their endurance and function. Consider it a proactive measure to secure your property’s market worth…

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Mar 19 2024
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Replace Building Sealants

Strategic Sealant Replacement: Knowing the Right Time to Replace Building Sealants

By | Building Maintenance, Waterproofing

What is the key to building longevity? For the Romans, with structures still standing 2,000 years later, it was self-healing concrete. In the U.S., where the average age of commercial buildings qualifies them for an AARP card, the key to longevity is preventative maintenance. Sealants protect buildings and prevent water, air, and other environmental elements from seeping in and wreaking havoc. When left unchecked, external elements can significantly damage your building’s structural integrity and shorten its lifespan. This article will guide you through the optimal timing to replace building sealant, signs of sealant failure, and actionable advice to ensure your building’s longevity and aesthetic appeal. Building Sealant Application and Lifespan Most commercial buildings in the U.S. are in the “old-age” phase of the building life cycle, with an average age of over 53. A condo in Honolulu shows that buildings have the potential to last hundreds of years through a proactive approach and by addressing warning signs before they lead to significant problems. Sealants aim to keep unwanted water, pests, and potentially hazardous pathogens at bay. These applications are an industry staple, but they don’t last forever. They require inspection, reapplication, and replacement to ensure effective weatherproofing and waterproofing. There are two main types of sealants to consider, each offering distinct advantages. Silicone sealants are known for their durability, flexibility, and resistance to temperature variations and UV light, making them ideal for use on glass, metal, or tile surfaces. More of a joint compound than a sealant, silicone dries fast…

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Mar 12 2024
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waterproofing blog

Staying Ahead of Damage: Embracing Proactive Waterproofing Solutions

By | Waterproofing

Staying Ahead of Damage: Embracing Proactive Waterproofing Solutions Predicting the weather has never been an exact science. Mother Nature is making weather forecasting even more unpredictable with a series of odd weather events, including one of the wettest Januarys on record. Much like meteorologists aim to predict the weather, you aim to predict what measures will best safeguard the structural integrity and value of your building in the long run. Effective waterproofing prevents costly water damage by addressing potential risks before crises occur. This article will dive into the benefits of proactive waterproofing and why this investment delivers a layer of security to reduce risk against the known and the unknown. Avoid Disaster with Proactive Waterproofing A study by the EPA revealed that 85% of buildings randomly surveyed across the U.S. had past water damage. Nearly half of these buildings were still experiencing problems with water damage, and over one-third reported leaks in occupied spaces. Once water infiltrates a building and continues unmitigated, it can lead to various issues, including mold growth, structural damage, and even health hazards for occupants. The commonality of water damage and its potential to cause damage merit a proactive approach to stop water infiltration. A proactive approach creates and maintains a waterproof barrier around your building envelope. This approach differs from reactive waterproofing, which involves repairing damage after signs of water infiltration. Repairing water damage is costly, far surpassing the cost of preventative measures. In addition to cost savings, a proactive approach to waterproofing reduces…

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Mar 05 2024
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Parking-Garage-Maintenance

Parking Garage Maintenance: What to Do to Prevent High-Cost Structural Repairs?

By | Parking Garage Services

Parking garages face unique challenges due to their constant exposure to vehicular traffic, environmental elements, and heavy loads. As a result, they require diligent, routine attention for basic upkeep like cleaning, lighting, and proactive structural care. This preventative maintenance, as well as responsive repairs, are essential for ensuring safety, preserving profitability, and maintaining property value. Investing in routine parking garage maintenance also ensures smaller issues are resolved before they become larger —and much more costly— structural repairs. Especially noteworthy is the increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), often 30% heavier than traditional gas-powered cars, adding an extra layer of stress to parking structures. A recent assessment of four parking garages in Asheville, NC, found they needed over $11 million in repairs, and continued deferred maintenance could lead to structure collapse. This article contrasts regular maintenance costs with extensive repairs due to neglect, underscoring the importance of proactive care for parking structures. Parking Garage Essential Maintenance Practices Parking garage maintenance should be a top priority. Here are some best practices for knowing where and what to look for and the action needed to maintain the facility and avoid the high costs of more extensive repairs.   Monitoring for Leaks, Spills, and Damage: Vigilantly checking for any signs of leaks, spills, or structural damage and addressing these issues promptly to prevent minor problems from escalating into significant concerns. Structural Assessments: Regular structural assessments identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. Sealing and Waterproofing: Applying sealants protects against water infiltration, which…

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Mar 05 2024
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Building-Service-ProviderBuilding-Service-Provider

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Building Service Provider

By | Building Maintenance

Choosing the right building service provider is paramount for property managers and building owners. The stakes are high, as a poor selection can lead to inadequate maintenance, increased liability, and even property devaluation. Making an informed decision means considering expertise, safety standards, and customer feedback. This comprehensive guide will assist you in navigating through the selection process, ensuring you partner with a service provider who aligns with your property’s specific needs and maintains its value and integrity. Consequences of Poor Selection: Liability and Cost Implications With so much on the line, the consequences of choosing a substandard service provider can lead to significant liability claims, fines, and costly repairs. Premises Liability Claims: This type of claim arises when injuries occur due to a dangerous condition on another person’s property. To establish a premises liability claim, it’s typically necessary to prove three key elements: a dangerous condition existed on the property, the property owner was negligent in creating or not addressing this condition, and this negligence directly resulted in injury or property damage. Building service providers who lack experience, perform low-quality work, or use cheap materials put building owners at greater risk of falling victim to this type of claim. Lost Time Managing Subpar Vendors: Hiring subpar vendors often results in poor communication, lack of follow-through and response time, and rework. Spending time constantly following up with vendors or even chasing down an unresponsive vendor wastes your time. In the long run, you will likely need to find another provider to…

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Mar 05 2024
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Building-Facade-Maintenance

Leveraging Building Facade Maintenance to Beat the Odds in a Challenging Market

By | Building Maintenance

In the face of reduced office occupancy post-pandemic, increased vacancies, and a cooling residential rental market, building managers and property owners must once again prioritize their efforts to attract tenants. Strategic façade maintenance enhances aesthetic appeal, attracting tenants and buyers; improves energy efficiency, reducing operational costs; and ensures safety, mitigating costly legal and repair liabilities. This comprehensive approach ensures that every dollar spent on facade maintenance not only preserves but also adds value to the property, making it a wise and fruitful investment in today’s competitive real estate market. Current Market Challenges for Commercial Buildings In today’s uncertain economic landscape, characterized by escalating costs and a squeeze on capital, commercial property owners face a crucial need to adapt. The commercial real estate sector is navigating a turbulent period marked by significant challenges: Impact of High-Interest Rates: Rising interest rates have reduced commercial real estate lending activity. With fixed and floating-rate loan costs increasing, property sales are facing financial pressure. Higher interest rates have raised debt service payments and tightened underwriting criteria, impacting loan proceeds and necessitating additional financial safeguards. Low Office Occupancy Rates: The aftermath of the pandemic has brought about a notable change in work patterns, resulting in decreased office occupancy rates. This change has directly influenced buyer perceptions, making it challenging for property owners to maintain or increase the value of their office spaces. Navigating a Perfect Storm: High interest and low occupancy rates create a perfect storm. Experts predict an outcome that lands somewhere between manageable and…

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Mar 05 2024
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commercial-building-maintenance

Staying Ahead of Wear and Tear: The Merits of Commercial Building Preventative Maintenance

By | Concrete

Reactionary measures have their place. They’re your go-to in emergencies and the unavoidable hiccups of running a building. But wouldn’t it be better to minimize those emergencies in the first place? That’s where preventative maintenance shines, particularly for a building’s exterior. It’s more than just a defensive tactic; it’s an essential strategy for consistently maintaining the aesthetics and structural integrity of your building’s exterior. The implications of neglecting preventative maintenance can be both financially and operationally burdensome. This article will explore the essential elements of an effective exterior preventative maintenance program, underlining its numerous benefits and emphasizing the value of engaging with industry specialists. Three Strategies To Mitigate Wear And Tear With A Commercial Preventative Maintenance Strategy So, you’re committed to staying ahead of the game with preventative maintenance. Fantastic! What are the best strategies to pull this off? We’re talking about actionable steps that can make a tangible difference in managing your property. In the next section, we’ll dig into three key strategies to set you up for long-term success. Regular Inspections And Early Detection You wouldn’t drive your car 100,000 miles without a check-up, right? The same principle applies to your building. Conducting regular inspections isn’t just good sense; it’s non-negotiable for your property’s health. This involves monitoring the interior and exterior, from structural components to fall protection systems and everything in between. Train your staff or bring in pros to look for things you might not even know could be a problem. Put it on the calendar,…

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Mar 05 2024
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Cracked-concrete

Why Does Concrete Crack and Spall, and How Can It Be Prevented?

By | Concrete

Concrete, the backbone of modern commercial properties, is revered for its strength and durability. Yet, despite its robustness, concrete is not immune to the phenomena of cracking and spalling. Both cracking and spalling are signs of deterioration and critical concerns for a building’s structural integrity and aesthetics. While both may initially seem minor, they can lead to more severe issues if left unaddressed. This article explores the causes and implications of these common issues, offering insights into preventive measures and repairs. What are Concrete Cracking and Spalling? In the lifecycle of concrete structures, two prevalent issues are cracking and spalling, each signaling different underlying problems but often interconnected in their effects on a building’s health. Concrete Cracking is a common occurrence that can result from several factors. Unlike spalling, cracking refers to forming fissures or lines on the concrete surface, which can vary in depth and length. Concrete Spalling, on the other hand, goes beyond surface-level deterioration. It involves the breaking off or flaking of concrete surfaces, often exposing the reinforcing steel bars beneath. When this happens, it can lead to accelerated corrosion of the reinforcement and further compromise structural integrity. Concrete spalling and cracking can arise from various sources: Water Ingress and Freeze-Thaw Cycles – Moisture penetration, followed by freezing and thawing, can cause the concrete to crack and eventually spall. Settlement – Uneven settling of the ground beneath the concrete can create tension, resulting in cracks. Overloading – Exceeding the weight capacity of the concrete can cause cracks…

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