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After a long winter of blistering snowstorms, salted pavements, high winds and thunderstorms, springtime heralds a thorough property check-up. Cracked asphalt and chips in the walls make your commercial property appear unwelcoming, while disheveled trees and water seepage pose safety hazards. Among a facility manager’s most crucial responsibilities are the safety of employees and customers on the property as well as the positive public image of the business. Now that warmer days are upon us, it’s an excellent time to arrange for exterior building maintenance covering the following areas.
Landscaping
In geographic regions that endure a brutal winter climate, the lawns and gardens may require some serious treatment. Wounded trees could be in danger of toppling over. The lawn may be browning in patches. Branches and other debris may have upset the borders and features of your once pristine landscaping. Certain plant species may not have made it through the colder temperatures. If you notice any of these things upon walking around your property, it’s time for a landscaping makeover.
The most imminent safety threats should be addressed first. According to toddsmariettatreeservices.com, any trees suffering severe damage or on the brink of death need to be trimmed or cut down before they fall over onto the building, sidewalks or cars. Flooded areas can be analyzed for the most effective maintenance strategy, such as planting local species or adding mulch to absorb water, creating slopes or run-offs, installing drains, etc. After this, your landscaping plan will still need to include the basics like weeding, trimming, mowing, new plantings, fresh mulch, and watering.
Caulking
Caulking is one of the most impactful and inexpensive ways to care for your property. If left unresolved, cracks allow water and pests to infiltrate the building, resulting in mold, flooding, water damage and infestations. At best, cracks may cost you in heating and cooling bills, and at worst, they could lead to foundation issues or collapsed walls later on.
Cracks in the sidewalk and pavement not only look unappealing but could also trip and injure passersby, which is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Ask your exterior maintenance provider to conduct a sidewalk inspection and seal these cracks in the building’s walls and sidewalks with caulk or compound.
Window Care
There’s no greater put-off than windows fogged up with grime, salt, dirt and fingerprints. Plus, dirty windows let in less light, which creates a gloomy atmosphere inside your store or office. Window cleaning is perhaps an overly simple yet underrated means of increasing your property’s beauty and ambiance very quickly. Wash your windows regularly, both on the inside and outside, until you see that satisfying sparkle of brilliance again.
Caulking is also applicable to window care. Inspect the frames around your building’s windows and doors to locate holes and gaps in need of fortification and sealing. This will help keep the building well-insulated against temperature changes and critters.
Parking Lot Maintenance
When was the last time you took a comprehensive stroll through your property’s parking lot or parking garage? You may be surprised by piles of litter and debris lurking in the corners or oil stains and tire marks left behind by the hundreds of vehicles coming through every month. Combine these unsightly characteristics with poor lighting, faded parking lines, or insufficient signage, and it’s no wonder your customers prefer ordering online or even switching to a competitor. A clean and well-marked parking area enables customers to come and go from your business with ease and confidence.
It’s no secret that a safe and well-kept storefront attracts customers both new and repeat. That said, consider your building’s exterior maintenance as a sort of investment in advertising. When your landscaping appears nicely groomed, and your facility doesn’t look like it’s falling apart from cracks, when the parking lot and windows radiate cleanliness, it says a lot about your business. Like waxing a prized sports car, maintenance and cleaning are like expressions of love for something you greatly value.
You may also like: What’s the Best Way to Design a New Parking Lot?
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