Jan 04 2023
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commercial window caulking

Caulking & Sealing Commercial Buildings: Why It’s Important to Use Expert Services

By | Building Maintenance

Your commercial building is an essential component of your success, and it is your command center, public face, and a sense of pride for your employees. Protecting your building is of the utmost importance, which is why commercial building service professionals are crucial for maintaining such a significant investment. Expert caulking and sealing protect your asset by sealing off gaps and cracks that might result in air, moisture, and pests penetrating your commercial building. Why Use Caulking/Sealing? Every building is susceptible to gaps and cracks forming between different materials. When moisture penetrates your facility, it further deteriorates and compromises the structure, opening the door to even more severe problems. Air entering your building causes uncomfortable drafts that make energy bills much higher. Caulking the exterior of your commercial building remedies the normal wear and tear that comes with seasonal contraction and expansion. As old caulk loses its elasticity, it is necessary to replace it to maintain the protective shield that is your building’s exterior. As exterior caulking reinforces your building’s protective shield, interior commercial caulking prevents drafts and water damage on the inside. Many areas of your building’s interior need a regular caulk refresh, including the following:  Plumbing fixtures Expansion joints Control joints Baseboard and trim Tubs and showers Countertops Vents and pipes Areas where different materials meet (gas and electrical entrances, air conditioners) Sealing includes weatherproofing concerns that go beyond caulking. Just as building expansion and contraction impact joints and materials, so are surfaces like windows. Reglazing window systems…

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Dec 16 2022
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wall_coating

The Benefits of Commercial External Wall Coating Services

By | Building Maintenance

Walls are an essential part of any building, and their integrity and strength are critical barriers that prevent the interior from being exposed to the elements outside. Walls also accentuate the cosmetic and decorative beauty of architecture, and it’s the exterior surface that everyone recognizes when they get a chance to see it. Walls need protection, just like any other architectural surface on a building. That’s why exterior wall coatings are so important for commercial buildings and why property owners across the United States partner with building service companies specializing in exterior wall coatings. This article looks at some of the benefits of maintaining your exterior walls, offering readers a summary of the type of service options available to protect your structure. What are Wall Coatings? Wall coatings refer to a specialized decorative layer that is applied directly to the exterior surface of a building. Applying external coatings protects walls from the constant bombardment they receive while being exposed to the outside world. Dirt, ultraviolet rays, moisture, salts, chemicals, and other debris can cause building surfaces to crack, break, blister, chip, warp, and erode. External wall coatings principally act as a moisture barrier and line of defense from outside exposure; however, they also enhance the architectural beauty of a structure to improve the building’s overall aesthetics. Wall coating systems are generally much thicker than a layer of paint, providing a weather-resistant barrier that helps increase the lifespan of the commercial wall. The thickness of the wall coating also helps cover…

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Sep 23 2022
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post_tensioning

Why Should Buildings Use Post-Tensioning Systems?

By | Building Maintenance

Commercial concrete management, including post-tensioning systems, is critical to any residential or commercial high-rise and multi-level parking garage construction project. Post-tensioning involves placing prestressed steel “tendons” tightened once the concrete hardens. The additional stress of tightening compresses the concrete into its strongest state, ensuring it can support the external service loads (weight) once using the structure.  Failing to factor in the load-bearing capability of a structure can lead to catastrophic events, such as the collapse of the Hotel New World in Singapore in 1986. The six-story building collapsed in 60 seconds, resulting in 33 deaths. More recently, investigators are still trying to determine the cause of a partial parking garage collapse in Baltimore in July 2022. This article looks closer at post-tensioning systems, explaining what they are, how they work, and their benefits to construction and architecture. We’ll also present some practical applications of post-tensioning concrete, criteria to consider when evaluating such systems, and where to turn for post-tensioning repairs. What is Post-Tensioning? Post-tensioning is a unique design technique that reinforces concrete in commercial building construction. This process helps strengthen concrete, allowing it to hold up better post-construction, keeping structures secure and stable. Post-tensioning tendons generally consist of stainless steel and reinforced cable bundles. These run inside plastic coatings or sleeves, placed inside the casings where concrete is poured before filling. Afterward, the cables are tensioned and anchored against the other concrete edges.  The post-tension acts much the same as support beams and improves the safety and stability of concrete…

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Sep 15 2022
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Commercial Building Leak Detection

Characteristics of Best in Class Rapid Commercial Building Leak Detection & Repair

By | Building Maintenance

Commercial leak detection and repair might seem farther down the to-do list with everything building managers have to track and monitor. However, knowing how to find and address a water leak in a commercial building is a significant point facility management teams cannot afford to overlook. A simple little water leak might seem like a minor issue, but in reality, must be addressed as soon as possible before it becomes a situation that needs emergency leak repair services.  If a little leak is ignored, it can eventually lead to significant water damage and other issues, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. Home Advisors offers the following estimates for home repairs, which can be much higher for commercial properties. They estimate the cost of a plumber averages from $175 to $450 for a typical job, and average hourly rates can be as high as $200. Depending on the job, some plumbers will also tack on a flat rate or service fee that could be hundreds of dollars as well.  This is why commercial leaks and signs of water intrusion must be dealt with sooner rather than later. A water leak in a commercial building can be much more complicated and involved to fix, and the damage caused by delays in detection and repairs can be significant. Common Areas For Water Leaks in Commercial Buildings As a business owner, not much will frustrate and disrupt the way unexpected interruptions to daily operations and routines. These interruptions can pull attention away from…

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Sep 08 2022
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Commercial Building Maintenance

What Are the Commercial Building Services Needed to Take Care of My Building?

By | Building Maintenance

Running and managing commercial properties requires specialized care and attention, especially building maintenance and repairs. Routine and emergency facilities maintenance and repair services remain in high demand. Maintenance collaboration and service coordination can help ensure facilities are properly managed and maintained when things are good and when things aren’t so good. Valcourt does all the work of facilities management and commercial building maintenance using their staff of highly skilled and experienced professionals. They work to provide services for commercial buildings and high-rise building maintenance services that have remained in high demand for many years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, an estimated 6 million U.S. commercial buildings contained 97 billion square feet total as of 2018. The number of commercial buildings requiring routine maintenance and upkeep increased by 6%, and commercial square footage increased by 11% since the prior CBECS in 2012. The number of commercial properties has continued to grow, though some estimate at a slower rate than in previous years. People spend nearly 80–90% of their time in commercial buildings, whether for work, errands, or dwelling. Building managers constantly look for ways to improve maintenance and upkeep operations to make their lives easier and to improve the lives of workers, tenants, and the general public. Here is why commercial building maintenance companies remain in high demand in 2022. Damages Caused by Neglected High Rise and Commercial Building Maintenance  Many issues can arise when building maintenance and repairs get ignored. Increased…

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Aug 18 2022
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rooftop anchors systems

The Role of Rooftop Anchors & Systems for a Building’s Fall Protection system

By | Building Maintenance

All manner of roof work and exterior work can present safety risks as part of on-demand building repair work. The simple task of replacing shingles, tarps, or washing windows on a four-story building can result in a fatal fall. Something as seemingly innocent as a strong gust of wind can lead to a trip and fall from a roof, scaffolding, or other precarious perches.  An example of this was on a terrifying display in Florida in December 2021 when workers cleaning a high-rise building were left hanging high in the air. A partial scaffolding collapse at Hallandale Beach High Rise saw two workers rescued after dangling from their harness lifelines. Both workers escaped severe injury due to the harness and anchor systems that were up to code and operational. Regulations passed and updated by OSHA regarding standards for fall protection help ensure workers have as safe a work environment as possible. Employers must provide adequate safety gear and equipment and ensure commercial buildings get appropriately outfitted with a roof anchor system. Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic and fatal workplace injuries in the United States. However, adequately utilized roof anchors and an up-to-date fall protection system can significantly reduce these risks and eliminate fall injuries and deaths.  What are Rooftop Anchors?  Rooftop anchors are straightforward yet vital components of any high-rise building safety system. They help establish rooftop anchor systems and fall prevention methods that offer enhanced fall protection and increase the safety of your building. It…

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Jul 29 2022
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facility_management_services

We Have a Leak! Why Hiring an Expert Service Is Key to Avoiding Costly Damage

By | Building Maintenance

Owning commercial buildings comes with expenses, and the last thing an owner wants to do is pour more into facility management services. In actuality, facilities management is a service that, over time, may save your business money in the long run. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid costly facility repairs and stay ahead of the game with routine maintenance.  In fact, according to Statista.com, “In 2020, the global facility management market was worth approximately 1.34 trillion U.S. dollars. Facility management involves delivering support services like cleaning, catering, accounting, and IT services for professional organizations.” Facility management is an industry that has a great future ahead.  What Kinds of Costly Damages Are Commonly Seen? In facility management services, costly facility repairs and damages occur at any given time. Being prepared is vital for any of these occurrences. Ensure staff is well equipped and knowledgeable on handling each specific situation, whether it is an act of mother nature or a human mishap.  The most common types of commercial property damage claims consist of:  Storm Damage – Storm damage can be highly destructive. They have the potential to destroy the entire structure, knock down trees, crack windows, cause the need for commercial glass restoration, cause damage to equipment or inventory, and even create power outages. Fire Damage – Fires can be highly detrimental to the structure of a building. If not immediately contained, the entire building and its contents are in jeopardy of the fire.  Water Damage – Often caused by…

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Jul 27 2022
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on-demand_building_repairs

What Goes Into Professional On-Demand Building Repairs

By | Building Maintenance

On-demand building repairs are an essential component of managing and managing and owning a commercial building. Typically routine facilities maintenance is the preferred maintenance that avoids downtime of the building’s functionality and features. According to Plant Engineering, “The cost of unplanned downtime includes more than just that of the parts and labor needed to fix a piece of equipment. Both tangible and intangible costs must be considered.” However, even with a routine maintenance plan, emergencies and unforeseen circumstances will still arise, and a plan to address these concerns must be in place.  It is impossible to avoid all emergency building maintenance situations. Commercial buildings have a business at stake. Avoiding routine or on-demand maintenance is detrimental to business flow, resulting in reduced profits, loss of goods, decreased customer satisfaction, and safety concerns. On-demand building maintenance services are essential to the overall functionality of a building.  What Are On-Demand Building Repairs? An on-demand building repair occurs when a repair is necessary and urgent. For example, when a piece of equipment or the structural integrity of a building is at risk, on-demand building repairs need to addressing immediately. On-demand building repairs occur unplanned and require quick action as they can provide a threat to the safety of the building, occupants, and employees. Some on-demand building repairs require a complete shutdown or even an evacuation, which might result in a loss of sales and profits for owners as well as compromise the safety and well-being of customers. Minor repairs are simple to put…

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Jul 14 2022
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building_repairs_and_maintenance

How to Reduce Costs When Building Management Needs Arise

By | Building Maintenance

High maintenance, restoration, and repair expenses affect the profitability of a building and company. Keeping these costs to a minimum is ideal but is necessary to maintain a profitable business. Working to reduce these costs with building management systems and building energy management is vital. A reactive approach to building repairs and maintenance can result in excess spending and expenses. Investing in a proactive approach will change the game and reduce structural deterioration.  1. Work to Eliminate Reactive, Unplanned Maintenance Backlogs It might be tempting to put minor main concerns on the backburner when it comes to building repairs and maintenance, such as commercial glass restoration. However, this is never the best route to take. Ignoring, what appears to be minor issues, can lead to much more severe problems down the road. Before these problems become an emergency in building management systems, address them immediately.  It’s impossible to avoid all emergency maintenance, but having a proactive maintenance plan in place will help alleviate a lot of the stress that comes with urgent and emergency facilities maintenance and repairs. Such a plan must include clearly defined procedures, checklists, and building management sensors to ensure that after-hours emergency maintenance goes as smoothly and swiftly as possible.  2. Use Digital Building Management Tools to Understand Your Maintenance Schedule Multiple digital and technological tools are available to facility managers and building management systems. Accessing and implementing these tools, including building management sensors, is a game-changer in understanding a maintenance schedule. Technology intelligent building management…

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Jul 05 2022
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emergency maintenance

Tips for Better Urgent and Emergency Facilities Maintenance & Repairs

By | Building Maintenance

Facility managers play a vital role in building emergency maintenance service management. Facilities managers are the control point for all maintenance, restoration, and repair concerns, including emergency maintenance. Therefore, they must be able to communicate and allocate resources effectively and as quickly as possible during building maintenance emergency scenarios.  Emergency maintenance services include critical elevator cab concerns, water leaks, flooding concerns, and safety features. With preparation and professionalism, facility managers can handle emergency repairs swiftly without affecting the business flow and its occupants.  As the facilities management industry continues to grow, facility managers’ jobs are expanding to include more duties and skill sets, including emergency maintenance service. In addition, the physical environment of buildings is becoming more crucial to how modern society conducts business, enjoys entertainment, and enjoys lifestyles leading to increased facilities management budgets, which means managers have a more significant influence. But first, it’s essential to understand what urgent maintenance truly is and how it differs from standard maintenance. What Constitutes a Maintenance Emergency? How often do you think about the answer to, “what is emergency maintenance?” Emergency maintenance is a repair that occurs on an as-needed basis and requires immediate attention. An emergency repair must be made immediately when a piece of machinery or the structural integrity is in jeopardy, causing an emergency maintenance concern. Emergency repairs can happen at any moment and need a fast response as they could pose a danger or safety hazard to building occupants and staff. Some building maintenance emergency circumstances can…

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