When it comes to facility maintenance, you need to consider a variety of factors. As the need to keep commercial buildings in top condition grows, the maintenance list is also getting broader. This means including all the essential things that need to be done. In this article, we provide a summarized facility maintenance checklist to help your team keep up with the tasks that need to be completed on a regular basis.
Why You Need a Commercial Building Maintenance Checklist
A commercial building maintenance checklist details how frequently you need to conduct inspections for each area of your facility. By adhering to such a checklist, you can find assets and equipment that have a longer lifespan and allow your teams to respond to fewer reactive maintenance requests.
Facility Management Services List
The following facility maintenance checklist includes items that facility managers and leaders need to check on a regular basis. The list can also be useful in facility condition assessment to ensure everything is working as expected.
Exterior Commercial Building Maintenance Checklist
On the exterior of your commercial building, focus on the following areas:
Roof
Inspect your commercial building roof semi-annually to make sure they do not have any damage caused by inclement weather or other elements:
- Remove debris on the roof or in the gutters.
- Assess the flat portion of your roof for cracks, punctures, and blisters.
- Assess the sloped portion for buckled shingles, deformed edges, metal corrosion, and curling.
- Inspect chimney and vents.
- Assess all vents and drains to ensure they are working properly.
- Check for surface deterioration on the exterior wall surfaces.
- Inspect ceilings for water stains, cracks, and water leaks.
- Check for any metal corrosion.
- Ensure there are no missing shingles or tabs.
- Inspect interior wall surfaces for water stains, cracks, and water leaks.
Parking lots and garages
Proper maintenance of your lots and garages can help reduce accidents in the facility. Consider adding the following to your list:
- Label entrances and exits, ensuring adherence to ADA regulations.
- Remove debris from pavement, curbs, and signage.
- Check the functioning of the gate closure safety shut-off and test the efficiency of the gates.
- Ensure all lights are functioning and providing ample light.
- Shovel snow and/or ice as needed during cold seasons
- Checkthat tire deflation devices are well-maintained and well-marked
- Ensure shopping basket corrals are clearly marked.
- Ensure fire and traffic lanes are kept clear of cars and obstacles.
- Check for cracked paving or potholes in the parking lot and sidewalks.
- Ensure guard rails, handrails, and fences are all stable and structurally sound.
- Test emergency panic alarms to ensure they are fully functional.
Windows
Although you may not need to replace your windows frequently, annual inspections ensure they are functioning properly. Be sure to:
- Remove debris and grime from window sills.
- Add a non-oily lubricant to any windows that are sticking or sliding.
- Check all knobs and locks to ensure they work properly.
- Check the interior and exterior finishes for any water stains or peeling.
- Replace any damaged windows or those that do not stay open or closed properly.
Doors
Just like windows, doors are a long-term facility investment that requires annual inspections. Focus on these areas:
- Remove debris and grime from door tracks.
- Add a non-oily lubricant to any doors that are sticking or sliding.
- Check the interior and exterior finishes for any leaks
- Check all knobs and locks to ensure they work properly.
- Ensure the gate closure safety shut-offis functional.
- Repair or replace any doors with damaged embedded windows.
Seasonal building preparations
For commercial buildings in areas with regular temperature fluctuations, a seasonal inspection is needed twice a year. When temperatures drop, perform the following:
- Check exterior and exposed pipes for signs of freezing.
- Seal and insulate cracks and openings around exposed pipes.
- Look for signs of excess moisture around plumbing and dry the area.
- Keep interior temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check for inefficiencies and cracks in your heating systems.
- De-ice walkways and sidewalks
- Monitor heating costs and increase attic insulation if needed.
- Clean and replace wet floor mats in entryways and indoor walkways
When the temperatures start to increase in the spring, perform the following:
- Deep clean the floors.
- Wash windows.
- Sanitize the restrooms.
- Inspect the roof for damage.
- Take care of the greenery outside
- Check for cracks around doors and windows.
- Check the property for standing water.
- Spray the perimeter of your property
Interior Facility Management Services List
The maintenance of your internal facility is as important as the exterior. Your focus should be on the following areas:
- Electricity– Ensure that the wiring has been properly installed, check that the fittings are tight, and consider hiring a professional to double-check everything.
- Plumbing – Check for signs of active leaks, signs of corrosion, efficiency of the water heater, and whether drains are working properly.
- HVAC units:Clean or replace filters, check the heat exchanger, burner assembly, and any carbon monoxide or gas leaks.
- Equipment:Add all equipment items to your facilities management checklist and refer to each manual for instructions on how frequently inspections are needed.
- Total energy utilization: Install motion sensor lights, invest in a building automation system, replace light bulbs with LED light bulbs, and replace old equipment with new.
- Elevators: Ensure the doors can open and close freely, check for signs of damage, ensure the emergency phone is functional, replace lights as needed, and more.
Outsource the Services of a Professional
While having a facility maintenance checklist is essential, you may not cover all aspects of your building. You or your team may lack the time or expertise to fully inspect your facility. At DMS Janitorial, we ensure your commercial building is properly inspected and maintained. Get in touch with us today for any inquiries or to book full inspection management and oversight services.