Fall Inspections & Building Preparations

As the leaves start to turn, it’s the perfect time to prepare your building for storm season and colder weather. The exterior and roof will be exposed to rain, dropping temperatures, and fall storms going into winter. In addition to rain, storms can bring power outages, leaving your operations at a standstill. Taking preventive action will keep your building and operations running smoothly, saving you from costly repairs later.

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Prepare for Heating Season

Cooler weather is here and much colder is coming. Now is the time to service HVAC systems and make sure they are ready for heating season

Building Exterior Inspections

• Roof lines and soffits are free of damage

• Clean gutters and repair sagging or damaged areas

• Test gutters and downspouts for proper drainage away from the building

• Building envelope and siding are secure and well-painted

• Windows and doors close firmly and are free from damage

• Inspect caulking around windows and doors to ensure it is intact

• Check weather seals on windows and doors, replacing them as needed

• Brick, stone, stucco, and other masonry are in good condition with no cracks

• Steps, stairs, and handrails are in safe condition. Rugged stair or step treads may be needed in high traffic areas subject to ice build up.

• Carefully inspect basement windows and below grade window wells. Make sure windows are securely closed with tight weather seals. Depending on grade around the window proper drainage of sum pump may be needed to removed gathering water from storms

• Make sure chimney caps are in place and dampers close when not in use.

• If you have the resources and time, you can even go a step further by using infrared scans to find heat loss. Focus on doors, windows.

Log all inspections and needed repairs in your CMMS. Perform repairs in house of reach out to contractors as needed.

Cost-Saving Tip

“Did you know that sealing leaks around doors and windows can cut heating bills by up to 10%? A tube of caulk costs less than $10 and can prevent hundreds of dollars in lost energy.”

Prepare for Storms

Update your building's emergency plan and review it with your staff. Is the plan practical and 'real world' enough to be effective in the emergencies your facility might face? Review your vendor list and reach out to emergency vendors to ensure they can provide the necessary services quickly, even under less-than-ideal circumstances. Unexpected repairs or damages from weather events can leave you needed help at all hours of the day. Service contracts are vital to help secure and guarantee service. For critical building components such as the roof, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and emergency power, it is best to have at least two vendors at the ready.

Power Outages and Emergency Power

Emergency power systems are expected to function under the worst of circumstances. This makes proactive maintenance and inspections critical. At least bi-annual service to generators along with monthly exercising of the unit to ensure operation. Yearly load tests can prove the system will perform under the building's load and deliver the power needed. A generator running for hours can easily turn into days. Keep a log of equipment run time. Fuel, oil, coolant, and belts are depleted or worn and need frequent monitoring. Check with your service provider regarding service needed during this time. If needed have your generator fuel provider on call, ready to refuel.

Preparations Lead to Confidence

These preparations will ensure your property is ready for weather and storms. Adding them to a yearly preventative maintenance schedule will make the fall season a time of preparation and confidence, allowing you to enjoy cooler weather, beautiful colors, and falling leaves.