27 Oct Exterior Building Maintenance Plans: Why They’re So Important

First impressions last a lifetime. That saying is generally applied to meeting people for the first time, but it can also be applied to buildings and their exterior. When it comes to commercial real estate, appearances matter, which is why you need to have an exterior maintenance building plan.

With everything going on within and around a commercial building, it can be easy to let exterior maintenance fall by the wayside—but exterior maintenance plan importance cannot be overstated.

And that’s what this article will cover. Here are the top FAQs.

Why is exterior building maintenance important?

Exterior building maintenance is important for three main reasons: aesthetics, safety and operation. Aesthetics are pretty self-explanatory; you want your commercial building to look as good as possible to everyone that enters it or even passes by.

An exterior building maintenance plan can also make your building safer as well. This is because routine exterior maintenance can ensure that your structure is up to code and that there aren’t any cracked sidewalks that might pose tripping hazards or roofing issues that might allow moisture and mold to grow.

The third reason that highlights the importance of an exterior maintenance building plan is that you need your commercial real estate building to be in good shape so that your business can operate properly. A crumbling structure typically isn’t conducive to business growth.

What is an exterior building maintenance plan?

An exterior building maintenance plan is a detailed checklist outlining all the necessary maintenance that the exterior of a building needs. The list can be detailed, including listing maintenance by priority, and include estimated costs for the maintenance as well. Some tasks will need to be completed more often than others, so make a note of that too.

What are some examples of tasks listed on an exterior building maintenance plan?

While every commercial real estate building is different, there are some common items that are usually listed on most exterior building maintenance plans. This non-exhaustive list includes:

• Roofing: The roof can be a big problem in older commercial buildings if it’s not addressed. To prevent small leaks in your roof from becoming wider and far-reaching problems, schedule regular roof-cleaning (especially after storms), and have it inspected at least twice per year.
• Gutters: Maintaining clean gutters is key to preventing unwanted water from pooling on your roof and keeping water from overflowing and falling off the edge of your building. You should routinely be checking your gutters to make sure they’re not clogged with leaves or other debris.
• Windows and doors: You’ll want to check seal points like windows and doors, especially if they are opened and closed often. Check for any leaking or improper sealing around the outside of the window or door.
• Sidewalks and parking lot: If you live in the Midwest where winter temperatures can dip below freezing, you’ll want to check your sidewalks and parking lots for any cracks or potholes that can be caused and made worse by winter water’s freeze-thaw cycle.

Call for your building’s exterior maintenance today

Now that you know why you need to have an exterior building maintenance plan, call us at Knauss Property Services, LLC. in Indianapolis, IN. We understand the importance of having an exterior building maintenance plan, and we’d love to help you keep your commercial building looking great.