Author: MaintenX

Beautiful Flooring Options for Your Facility

Choosing the right floor is often a difficult decision for commercial property owners. It is not easy to replace in larger buildings, so the selection must be done right the first time in order to maximize value. But, as the commercial space changes tenants and develops wear and tear over the years, what is right for your space that will last over the years? 

 

Below are the top five choices for commercial flooring, as well as their pros and cons. Review each of these options carefully, and talk to your MaintenX installation team to determine which is right for your commercial space: 

 

Tile

Tile is a favorite for commercial facilities because of its durability and simple maintenance. Natural stone tile is the most aesthetically pleasing but requires a more careful maintenance plan as to not cause corrosion or fading of the stone with acidic cleaners. To make the most of your tile flooring, choose a dark color that won’t show dirt and be vigilant about grout cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth. 

 

Hardwood

Hardwood is one of the most elegant options you can install at your commercial facility. It fits both modern and classic designs and is often used in restoring historic buildings. The only downside to hardwood is the maintenance. Wood will warp and rot if water-based cleaners are used too often, so be sure to talk to your MaintenX installation team to determine which cleaners and tools are best for everyday care. 

 

Vinyl

Today’s vinyl isn’t the cheap, brightly colored flooring you remember from the 70s home decor style. Modern vinyl is often made to look like hardwood but is much easier to clean and maintain. Vinyl is also cheaper per square foot than hardwood and is a great investment for high-traffic areas or spaces where spills and messes are likely to occur. 

 

Concrete

Concrete is a simple and affordable option for business owners on a budget. Depending on the purpose of the building, it can provide a unique industrial feel to your space. However, concrete is not the best for professional settings or areas where comfort is a priority. 

 

Carpet

Carpet is last on our list because it is notoriously difficult to maintain. Spills are often labor-intensive to clean, and vacuuming on a daily basis is required to prevent dirt and odors from becoming trapped. However, carpet can be an elegant, comfortable, and affordable option if you are willing to do the proper maintenance for it. Commercial carpet comes in a variety of textures and styles to really make the space your own. 

 

If you’d like to learn more about flooring options for new construction or a remodel, give your local MaintenX a call today! We are happy to help you discover what is possible for your facility and provide experienced installation, maintenance, and repair services for all types of commercial floors.

Five Tips for Designing a More Elegant Commercial Bathroom

As a customer in any other business, you know how much of an impression restroom facilities can make. A spacious, well-designed bathroom can make your entire experience feel more relaxed and comfortable, while a dull, crowded, and messy bathroom can make a facility feel cheaper. However, this real-world experience often doesn’t translate when property owners design their own restrooms. 

 

If you want your facility to provide comfort and impress guests, follow these five bathroom design tips for your remodel or new construction: 

 

Make it low maintenance. 

Bathroom cleanliness is the most important element for visitors. If your bathrooms are spacious and easy to clean, they will make a better impression and keep janitorial costs to a minimum. Wider stalls make cleaning in crevices much easier, and simplistic fixtures can ensure your nightly cleaning is fast and simple. 

 

Prioritize privacy. 

Privacy for guests is a top concern as well, so be sure to design your stalls to minimize visibility. Choose doors with very little space at the hinges, and install durable locks that won’t break or cause problems when shutting. 

 

Choose soft lighting and colors. 

Most commercial bathrooms use blue fluorescent lighting and white walls, which can make your bathroom feel harsh and uninviting. Instead, choose soft grays and beige tones and pair them with warmer lighting to make your bathroom feel relaxed and inviting. Pair these colors with warm-toned stalls to amplify the style and create a modern, sleek style. 

 

Don’t sacrifice space for occupancy. 

A high-occupancy bathroom is important for larger facilities, but you shouldn’t sacrifice space for more stalls. A crowded line can make patrons frustrated and may even prompt them to leave early, so make sure your bathroom has plenty of space for hand washing and waiting in line. 

 

Add color and texture. 

While walls aren’t the only turn-off for commercial bathroom styles. Wall-to-wall color can make a bathroom feel claustrophobic, especially if space is limited. Add variation in color and texture, and don’t be afraid to add simple designs or novel materials such as tile and wood-like vinyl to your bathrooms to give them an appealing style. 

 

MaintenX offers bathroom remodeling and construction services including plumbing, flooring, and electrical installation. To learn more about how MaintenX can help you design the ideal bathroom space, contact us today!

UPS vs. Backup Generator Pros and Cons for Your Business

At MaintenX, we recommend that every business, no matter how small, invest in a backup power supply. They are required for some industries such as healthcare and food service but can be a lifesaver for your employees regardless of the type of work you do. However, choosing the right backup power for your business can be trickier than you may expect. 

 

Generally, businesses can choose between a backup generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for their facility. A commercial backup generator is similar to generators for your home but is permanently installed and able to power entire buildings. A UPS system does the same but is installed inside the building and creates a seamless stream of power once the grid power is cut off. 

 

If you are in the market for a backup power supply, here is what you need to know about each of these options: 

 

Generators can be portable or installed.

A backup generator can be permanently installed outside of the building, but they are also available in smaller, portable options. 

 

UPS systems must be installed in the building.

Because a UPS system is powered by a battery and provides an uninterrupted power source, it must be installed into the building and connected to the electrical system. 

 

Generators are noisy and let off fumes.

Generators run on diesel, gas, or propane, and are therefore louder and more noticeable than a UPS system. They often let off fumes as well during the combustion process. 

 

UPS systems are quiet. 

UPS systems run on a battery and therefore make very little noise. They are ideal for facilities where loud noise could become disruptive, such as nursing facilities and apartments. 

 

Generators are more expensive in the short term.

Because of the size, generators are typically more expensive at purchase. However, they can often be cheaper to install than a UPS system because of the simplicity of the connection to your power grid. 

 

UPS systems cannot typically power as much.

UPS systems are designed to power the essentials, such as lighting and essential equipment. The UPS systems that are designed to power entire buildings are much more complex and expensive than a traditional UPS system. 

 

Generators require regular mechanical maintenance. 

Because generators are built with many more mechanical parts, they require regular maintenance to ensure they are in working order when a disaster strikes. We typically recommend yearly maintenance for any type of commercial generator. 

 

UPS systems have no lag time and are therefore safer for servers and essential services. 

If you run a complex or essential service such as a medical facility, UPS systems are the way to go. They protect your tech and ensure that no matter what happens, your essential services remain operational. 

 

MaintenX can help you find the right backup power and provide installation service for the industry’s top brands. To learn more about options in your local area, contact the MaintenX team today!

Four Hacks for Easier Roof Cleaning

Roof cleaning is a necessary burden for all commercial maintenance. Typically, it is neglected until visible signs of wear and tear are present on the roof. However, with a few simple tricks, you can make your roof cleaning much simpler, and in turn motivate you to schedule it as recommended. 

 

Use these four tricks to make your commercial roof cleaning easier for both you and your maintenance team: 

 

Schedule it in advance. 

Roof cleaning is a pain, so many facility managers avoid it until it’s absolutely necessary. However, if you schedule roof and gutter cleaning every six months, you’ll see it becomes easier and easier every time. Frequent roof cleanings can also protect your gutters and roof surfaces, making them last longer and need fewer repairs. 

 

Install a gutter guard. 

Gutter cleaning is time intensive and often unpleasant, but you can make it much easier with a rain gutter guard. This allows your gutter to effectively redirect water without gathering as much debris over time. While you’ll still need to clean it for buildup of dirt and smaller leaves, it won’t clog with large leaves, moss, or other debris nearly as badly. 

 

Use the right cleaning solution.

The cleaners you use will likely end up in the grass down below, do choose roof cleaners that won’t kill your surrounding greenery. Natural cleaners or simply a water hose can typically do the job and won’t cause brown spots in your grass. 

 

Use a garden hose over a pressure washer.

Unless your roof is concrete or another hard, flat surface, you should never use a pressure washer for roof cleaning. This can cause damage to the shingles and flashing and cause them to come off prematurely. Use a garden hose instead for removing dirt and debris.

 

Want to make roof cleaning even easier? Contact MaintenX to schedule a professional cleaning service! We offer roof repair, maintenance, and cleaning services to make your maintenance routine easy and affordable. Call your local MaintenX team today to learn about your options.

Five Hacks for Commercial Window Cleaning

Window cleaning is often neglected at commercial facilities, despite its many benefits for both tenant and customer. Clean windows allow for a more beautiful view inside and outside of your facility. They also create a new and clean appearance for visitors and show pride in the maintenance of your building. Plus, window cleaning is typically easy to maintain on the first floor of any building, where it is most likely to be noticed. 

 

If you want your windows and glass doors to look better at your facility or office space, follow these five tips: 

 

DIY cleaners

Toothpaste, baking soda, and vinegar solutions all work well for tough stains on your windows. They can also be used for multi-purpose cleaning, which is ideal for a large facility where specific cleaning supplies can become both costly and difficult to store. 

 

Cleaning on an overcast day

The heat of the sun can make window and glass cleaners dry too quickly, which can result in unsightly streaking. If you are wiping windows and glass doors, choose an overcast day so you don’t develop streaks while trying to clean tough spots. 

 

Wipe down once a week 

Many businesses go weeks or months without cleaning their windows. This leads to mold and dirt buildup that can be a pain to remove. Instead, wipe down both the inside and outside of windows once a week with a simple glass cleaner to keep them looking great. This can improve the view and aesthetic appeal of your building and prevent expensive deep cleans later down the line. 

 

Microfiber cloths for cleaning

Many people use paper towels or regular cleaning rags for windows, but a microfiber cloth is best for reducing scratches and cleaning windows thoroughly. Never use a hard scraper for stuck-on dirt, no matter how difficult the stain may be. If necessary, let the cleaning solution sit for several minutes before scrubbing rather than using abrasive surfaces. 

 

Rinse with clean water 

If you notice streaks in your windows after you’ve wiped them, you can simply wet your cloth with water to remove the residue. This won’t leave additional streaks on the window because the water will quickly evaporate. This can also protect your window from years of cleaning solution buildup. 

 

MaintenX offers professional window and exterior cleaning for harder-to-reach windows and tough build-up. If you have questions or would like to schedule a professional cleaning service, give us a call today!

Five Energy-Savings Tips from The Pros

In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we hear plenty of complaints from clients about their annual energy costs. The extended period of summer heat we experience, coupled with the size of larger industrial and commercial sites can make electrical and HVAC efficiency of the utmost concern for facility managers. However, making your building more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are several DIY hacks you can do today to lower your energy usage over time. 

 

Below are our top five hacks for DIY energy savings at commercial facilities: 

 

Air seal your building. 

Climate-controlled air is easily lost due to cracks in windows, doors, and crevices in the walls. Cooled air leaks out, and warm air creeps in, making your HVAC system work much harder. By adding a seal to your windows and doors and patching up minor cracks in the drywall, you can stop air leakage and reduce HVAC energy use easily. 

 

Adjust your thermostat to the weather. 

Every degree above or below the temperature outside raises your bill about 6-8%. We recommend setting your temperature close to 75F in the summer (or whatever is bearable for your staff) and close to 68F (or whatever is comfortable) in the winter to decrease energy consumption as much as possible. 

 

Turn off electronics. 

Electrical components like lighting can take up nearly 15% of your electrical bill every month. It may seem easier to leave your facility running overnight, but the more you are able to turn it off, the more you can save on energy costs. Turn off or unplug electronics and all lights in areas that are not in use. 

 

Replace air filters. 

Most of us know to replace our air filters every month, but not everyone follows through with this simple maintenance task. However, this recommendation is not simply made to sell more filters. By changing them once a month, you ensure your HVAC system has a clear passage for air to flow, thus reducing energy requirements. 

 

Install a smart thermostat. 

A smart thermostat can automatically heat and cool a room to stay at an ideal temperature through transitional months like March and December. It can also be programmed to change temperatures according to your schedule, such as raising the temperature after closing to save on cooling costs. If you are looking for a thermostat replacement, always choose a smart thermostat option rather than simply replacing your current one. 

 

Energy efficiency is something every building manager should focus on to improve facility costs. To learn more about easy DIY hacks you can use for your building maintenance, visit our Resource Center.

Four DIY Maintenance Hacks You Can Use At Your Facility

At MaintenX, a job well done is our top priority. We always encourage clients to use professional help when they need it, and to schedule preventative repairs so they can avoid emergencies. However, there are times when a quick time- or money-saving maintenance hack can get you back up and running in a pinch. 

 

Below are some simple DIY tips and tricks you can use to perform maintenance at your facility. These don’t pose a risk to your equipment, and can make you more effective in performing daily tasks for your business: 

 

Know where your water shut-off valve is. 

This important knowledge can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs when a plumbing leak or overflow happens. Water overflow can not only cause shutdowns at your facility, but will cost you in flooring repairs and plumbing damages. When the flood starts to come, know where your shutoff valve is to save your facility. 

 

Unclog your own pipes. 

Commercial drain cleaners are effective, but they are incredibly corrosive for your plumbing. Instead of using those, try a DIY solution of boiling water followed by baking soda to break down the blockage safely. If this doesn’t completely clear the clog, you can use a snake until your next hydro-jetting service. 

 

Air seal your facility. 

Typically, you don’t want to perform DIY repairs on your HVAC system because of the complexity and vital role this system plays in your operations. However, you can make your HVAC’s job easier by sealing any places where air escapes from your facility on a regular basis – windows, doors, and cracks in the drywall. 

 

Switch to LEDs.

LED lights are unfortunately not as popular as incandescent bulbs in office spaces, but they are far more cost-effective when looking at long-term use. An incandescent bulb costs around $3 as compared to a $6-8 LED bulb. However, the cheaper incandescent bulb will only last about 1,000 hours, as compared to the LED which can last 25,000 hours or more. This easy electrical hack can save you money throughout your facility that will add up over the years. 

 

Maintenance tips like these can make your life and your technicians’ jobs much easier. To learn more tips and tricks from the MaintenX world, visit our Resource Center.

Five Commercial Electrical Terms You Need To Know

Working with an electrician can feel like working with a rocket scientist. Most head electricians are engineers by trade, and the technicians they work with have years of training in technical school and as apprentices, making their technical knowledge incredibly expansive. They need this technical knowledge due to the dangerous nature of electrical work, but it can make communicating to them as non-expert very difficult. 

 

If you want to make communicating with your electrician easier, it can be useful to learn some of their terminologies. Below are some of the most common terms used in commercial electrical repair, and how they apply to your business:

 

AC vs. DC Current

You may have heard of the band, but do you know where these acronyms come from? AC (or alternate current) refers to currents that reverse their direction several times per second in regular intervals. DC current, conversely, only flows in one direction. 

 

Electrical box vs. circuit breaker

Some people mistakenly call their circuit breaker the electrical box, but these are not the same. The circuit breaker is a protective measure to ensure overloaded circuits do not cause electrical fires, but rather shut off when power is overcapacity. The electrical box, on the other hand, is the box behind the wall where every fixture or outlet collects to the electrical circuit.

 

Ground Fault 

Ground faults are unintentionally electrically conductive connections between underground conductors and a typically non-conductive surface such as metal. These can disrupt the electrical flow and are common causes for electrical issues in a building. 

 

Multimeter

If you’ve called out for electrical repairs, chances are your electrician is bringing their multimeter with them. This device is similar to the diagnostic tools used for cars. The multimeter measures voltage, current, and resistance to determine the root cause of common electrical problems. 

 

NEC

If your building is “up to code,” that means it is following the National Electric Code established by the National Fire Protection Association. This code was established in 1897 but is continually updated every three years to provide electricians with all of the information they need for safety and compliance. 

 

With these terms in your arsenal of maintenance knowledge, you can begin to have more productive conversations with your electrician. To learn more about electrical care and maintenance for your facility, give your local MaintenX a call today!

Five Commercial Roofing Terms You Need To Know

When working on repairing or installing a new roof, it is easy for clients to get lost with all of the jargon and acronyms thrown at them. Terms like TOP, R-value, and roof substrates are very important to us but often fall on deaf ears when talking to a manager who simply wants their leak fixed. 

 

MaintenX believes that education is the first step to a productive technician-client dialogue. If you’re curious to learn more about your roofing service, below are a few of the common terms you may hear, and how they pertain to your roofing service: 

 

Roofing systems: EPDM, BUR, TPO, and PVC 

The roofing “system” used simply means the type of material used for your rooftop. While some systems you may be familiar with – such as concrete or asphalt – these less common systems are important to understand for commercial applications: 

 

  • EPDM – A single-ply hardy rubber material that is common for walkways and roofing. 

 

  • Built-up Roofing (BUR) – A semi-flexible roofing membrane that is constructed in layers to achieve maximum durability and water resistance. 

 

  • TPO – A single-ply roof membrane made of synthetic compounds to increase durability and water resistance. 

 

  • PVC – a double-layered roof material where polyester is added between the layers of PVC to support the system.

 

Roofing coatings: elastomeric or acrylic

Roofing systems are not constructed in a single layer. They have materials underneath and coatings to protect the material from sun and water damage. The two most common types of roofing coatings are elastomeric and acrylic, both different kinds of plastic which provide a waterproof barrier. 

 

Flashing 

Like the roof coating, flashing helps protect the roof from water and weather damage. Flashing is placed underneath the edges of the roof to prevent leaks and debris from entering the interior of the building. 

 

R-Value 

The R-value of a roof is its rating for the ability to resist conductive heat. This is especially important for determining the energy efficiency of roofing in sunny areas like Florida and can determine whether a roofing system is safe for commercial or industrial applications.

 

Substrate 

The substrate is the foundation of the roof. It is the layer upon which everything else is built, including insulation, flashing, and waterproof barriers. 

 

With this knowledge at hand, you can better communicate with your MaintenX contractor and prepare for roofing maintenance for your facility. To learn more about the roofing industry and services we provide, visit our Resource Center.

Five Commercial Plumbing Terms You Need To Know

When you’re working with a plumber on your commercial site, chances are you’re in a stressful situation. Plumbing emergencies are some of the worst to deal with, and even preventative repairs can take up a lot of time and slow down your business operations. This headache becomes especially painful when during your consultation, you can’t understand a word of the technician’s terminology. 

 

As for maintenance experts, we sometimes forget what our analysis must sound like to clients. So, to help you bridge some of the knowledge gaps, these are common plumbing terms you need to know as you work on repairs at your facility: 

 

Backflow 

Backflow is the wastewater that travels back into the main plumbing after someone uses a drain. When water backs up, it can cause damage or even cause the drain to overflow, becoming an emergency repair. We offer backflow testing for all commercial facilities to ensure their pipes are in good working order and that minor repairs are caught early. 

 

Hydro-jetting

At home, you likely clean your pipes with a snake or chemical drain cleaner, but commercial facilities often use hydro-jetting as a more efficient and safer way to break up blockages. Hydro-jetting uses pressurized water to clear tree roots, clogs, and other debris from the pipes, minimizing the risk of corrosion due to chemical cleaners.

 

GPM

Gallons per minute (GPM) is the term used for the measurement of the amount of water an appliance typically uses. Low-flow faucets and toilets have a lower GPM rating, which makes them more efficient for your facility. 

 

PPM

Parts per million (PPM) is the concentration of chemicals found in a water system. This can help analyze the safety of the water for drinking, cooking, or industrial use, as well as the toxicity of the wastewater at your facility. 

 

Burst pressure 

Burst pressure refers to the water pressure required to make a pipe burst on its own. This is typically used in a rating system to evaluate the condition of the pipes, as well as to determine when piping will need to be replaced. A lower burst pressure may indicate that hydro jetting is not a safe option for pipe cleaning as well. 

 

With this knowledge, you can have a more engaging dialogue with your plumber and make better choices for your preventative maintenance schedule. To learn more about preventative plumbing repair, visit our MaintenX resource center here.