7 Summer Maintenance Activities For Facility Managers

People make a big deal over spring and autumn maintenance -- after all, you definitely don't want to be caught unprepared once extreme temperatures and severe weather hits. There's a lot to be done during summer, too. Here are seven tasks you should take care of to make sure your facility keeps running smoothly all summer long:

1. Check on those air filters.

The best time for HVAC maintenance is before you need it, but that doesn't mean that you're off the hook all summer. Keep an eye on air filters -- they can easily become clogged with dust and pollen during the hotter months. This restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to keep things moving. It also lowers air quality.

2. Maintain your pavement.

Water is the enemy of pavement. Tiny cracks and gaps are inevitable, which let water seep in. When water freezes, it expands, creating larger cracks and potholes. Spring and winter are notoriously hard on pavement, and summer is the best time to start repairs. Scope out the locations of damaged pavement around your facility, and make a plan of attack. Don't forget to account for things like parking needs and traffic flow.

3. Check for strange odors.

It's not uncommon for things to smell damp and faintly musty in wet weather. In the Northeastern US, summer is generally drier than spring. If you're still smelling that mildewy smell around your facility, it may mean mold damage. Now's the time to check little-used areas for strange smells, and start remediation procedures. Correct poor ventilation, check for leaking pipes, install dehumidifiers as needed, and clean up any moldy or mildewy spots. Keep an eye on affected areas to make sure mold doesn't return.

4. Clean the building's exterior.

Having a clean, neat-looking building exterior impacts the experience of your tenants and guests, but spring brings a lot of mud, pollen, and water stains. Cleaning the outside of a building is more than just cosmetic, however -- it also lets you spot water damage, potential leaks, and areas in need of repair. Schedule time to clean windows, power wash pavement, and exterior walls, and clean debris from the roof and gutters. Now is also a good time to repaint any areas in need of refreshing. These tasks can take a significant amount of time. If you're going to undertake a major product like window care, repainting, or roof repairs, plan accordingly. These aren't tasks that you want to cut corners on -- some extra attention now can save you a major headache later.

5. Examine your lighting.

The angle and intensity of the sun changes significantly throughout the year. During summer, you might find that your indoor lighting is more intense than you need. If your lighting is automated, now is a good time to adjust your timers to account for changes in daylight hours. You may also want to see which areas of your facility can get by with natural lighting alone. This can save electricity and, if your facility uses incandescent lights, it may also help keep your building cooler.

6. Watch for pests.

Some pests, like rats, are more likely to start moving in when the weather gets cool and food becomes scarce. Others, like ants, are more active in summer. Keep foods and other attractive materials sealed up tightly, and make sure spills get cleaned up before pests find them. It's also a good idea to periodically check for holes, cracks, grease stains, and areas that appear chewed or shredded. Seal up any spaces that might allow pests to sneak in.

7. Tend to landscaping.

Summer heat can be rough on landscaping. If your facility has multi-season landscaping, summer is the time to start cleaning up spent spring plants. If you have a lawn, stay on top of fertilizing and irrigation. Prune shrubbery and pull weeds. If your property isn't flat, erosion might be a concern. Keep an eye on the side of slopes, and get ready to act if you start seeing eroded surfaces. Put down erosion control fabric, or landscape with plants like creeping juniper, buckthorn, or honeysuckle. Every season comes with its own maintenance tasks. Take advantage of summer's warm, drier weather to repair leaks, spruce up building exteriors, and repair pavement. Don't forget to schedule a time to check on your air filters, lighting systems, and landscaping, too. With a good plan and your priorities in order, you can have an attractive facility with minimal downtime all year long.

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