Author: MaintenX

Five Commercial HVAC Terms You Need To Know

Talking to a maintenance technician can be just like talking to your mechanic. You only understand half of what they say, and you never really know if you’re getting your money’s worth on repairs and services that they say you need. This can lead to quite a bit of frustration, especially when you’re working with several management positions and a tight corporate budget. While it’s typically best to listen to exactly what your technician recommends, it can be difficult to explain why you need expensive repairs if you don’t know the terminology that goes with them. 

 

In order to facilitate HVAC services and better understand your system as a whole, learn about the different terms HVAC technicians use every day. These five are a great start to beginning a dialogue with your HVAC technician that is productive and can speed up your service requests:

 

Load Calculation

Load calculation refers to the calculation of heat gain and loss of a building. This is affected by insulation, sunlight, weather and climate, and building usage among other things. The load calculation is used to properly size your HVAC units and is therefore important for you to understand when upgrading equipment. 

 

Airflow

When your HVAC technician mentions airflow, they’re not talking about how fast your HVAC system can cool or how well it ventilated. They’re referring to the amount of air your system is capable of moving through the ducts, measured in cubic feet per minute. The larger the facility, the more important this measurement is. 

 

EER

Energy Efficiency Ration (EER) is the efficiency calculation used to rate your heat pump and A/C unit. Typically, the EErR is calculated in BTUs and is important when upgrading your system. The higher the rating, the more efficient and therefore cost-saving the system. 

 

Zoning System

Zoning HVAC systems are incredibly beneficial for large-scale building installations. They allow the temperature to be controlled by zones rather than setting one temperature for the entire unit. This can make your system more efficient and practical for buildings that require different temperatures for different operations. 

 

MERV Rating

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) helps to rate the efficiency of your air filter. This rating is more important in medical facilities, where trapping small microbial and viral particles is of the utmost importance. However, a higher rating can help improve indoor air quality for all types of commercial buildings. 

 

The more you understand your HVAC technician, the better you can plan maintenance now and in the future. To learn more about HVAC maintenance for commercial facilities, visit the MaintenX resource center.

Ensuring Safety Compliance for Your Electricians

Electrical work is some of the most dangerous maintenance work in the field. Not only does it require several years of training, but only experienced contractors can handle the ins and outs of commercial electrical repair. While at MaintenX we strive to provide every safety measure for both our clients and electricians, there are several steps you too can take to ensure your electrical work is safely performed. 

 

Below are # different ways facility managers and businesses can create a safer work environment for electricians and general maintenance contractors: 

 

Follow OSHA’s Plan, Provide, and Train Protocol

OSHA recommends following a three-step process for safety including planning your electrical service, providing adequate safety equipment, and training workers on proper electrical safety in the workforce. Below are just a few ways you can help establish this plan within your facility: 

 

  • Plan the electrical work ahead of time whenever possible. Electrical work can be invasive to the work environment, so plan ahead and make sure your contractors have everything they need for the service. You may also want to clear out any area where contractors will be working to ensure it does not get in the way of daily activity. 
  • Provide both electricians and workers with plenty of safety equipment for the electrical work. Whether it’s a small repair or a major rewiring of the building, you want to make sure everyone involved is prepared with electrical safety equipment and a clean, hazard-free environment. This is equally important for anyone near the worksite who is not trained in electrical work. 

 

  • Train workers on what to do in an emergency. Electricians are generally prepared for electrical emergencies, but your employees are not. Ensure they can react quickly and safely during an electrical outage, fire, or other hazard by training them during onboarding. 

 

Electrical safety is crucial for both you and your MaintenX electricians. To learn more about what you can do to create a safer work environment, visit our Resource Center for help.

Ensuring Safety Compliance for Your Roofing Contractors

Roofing is one of the most dangerous contract jobs in America. Because roofers must climb to the top of buildings, fall accidents are the number one concern when planning or implementing a roofing service. As the building owner or manager, you are just as responsible for providing a safe working environment as the roofer is responsible for following relevant laws and safety requirements. 

 

If you want to reduce liability and provide a safe working environment for your roofing contractors, there are several steps you can take to prepare before the service. OSHA provides simple guidelines for roofing work that can help both you and your contractor prepare.

 

OSHA’s Plan, Provide, and Train Model

OSHA recommends a three-step process for roofing safety compliance, including proper planning, providing adequate safety equipment, and training roofers as needed through licensing programs to ensure they are ready for the job. While you don’t need to train the roofers yourself, as a business you are responsible for several parts of this safety protocol: 

  • Plan a safe working surface by removing surface hazards, holes, and impalements. OSHA requires a safe working environment for roofing work, so be sure to inspect the roofing prior to maintenance service. If you see a place where a roofer could easily trip or get hurt while walking on the roof, you must either warn them or remove the surface hazard yourself. 


  • Plan the work site ahead of time to keep work materials close and on hand. Climbing up and down to the roof is the most dangerous part of a roofer’s job. To minimize fall risks, OSHA requires work materials to be close by while repairs or maintenance are being performed. Ensure your roofers follow this guideline and provide them with adequate materials for the job as needed. 


  • Provide fall safety equipment. Most roofing contractors will provide their own safety equipment, so make sure your contractors are following guidelines and not skipping any steps. This liability can fall on you if you’re not careful. 


  • Train anyone on the worksite on fall prevention strategies. Roofers are required to complete a licensing program before they can work on commercial sites, but training doesn’t solely fall on their shoulders. If anyone is on the worksite with them, be sure to go over safety protocols and ensure they are prepared for any part of the roof maintenance process. 

 

Roofing safety is critical for both contractor and business owner to understand. If you want to learn more about safety compliance for roofing or other maintenance work, visit our Resource Center.

Tips for Preventing Workplace Injury for Your Maintenance Team

HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofing repair are all dangerous careers to follow. They involve years of training and often require technicians to squeeze into tight spaces or go up great heights in order to perform the work. And that’s not to mention the inherent health and safety dangers of working with electricity or plumbing on a daily basis. 

 

Despite the dangers, these technicians do their best every day in order to ensure their clients are well taken care of. If you want to ensure the safety and continued great work of your MaintenX technicians, follow these # tips for maintenance work safety: 

 

Audit your facility for safety issues.

Accidents happen, but many of the accidents that occur during maintenance are due to improperly working equipment or facility hazards. Maintenance technicians spend years training and are well-equipped to avoid injury, but careless mistakes within the facility can cause emergencies. Ask your MaintenX team to perform a safety audit to remove hazards and create a safer place for everyone to work. 

 

Provide protective equipment. 

Many injuries can be avoided when maintenance staffing is well-equipped with masks, gloves, eye protective gear, and other items to prevent injuries onsite. These pieces of equipment can prevent injury especially during electrical and plumbing repair. However, they can also be used for anyone performing maintenance in tight spaces or dangerous conditions. 

 

Organize. 

An organized facility makes maintenance work much simpler. It can also prevent trip-and-fall accidents on the job, which result in a high percentage of workplace accident lawsuits. By keeping walkways and work stations clean, especially around pieces of equipment such as HVAC units and electrical boxes, you can ensure a safer place for everyone. 

 

Conduct physicals with new hires. 

Maintenance work requires a certain level of physical aptitude for some services to be performed safely. While physical fitness should not be the primary factor to consider when bringing on a new hire, ensuring that your staff is physically capable and won’t get injured on the job is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. For maintenance technicians with physical limitations, ensure they are partnered with other technicians that can safely perform more labor-intensive work. 

 

Provide ongoing training. 

Maintenance work is always evolving based on new tools, technologies, and equipment used at your facility. If you want your maintenance technicians to be prepared for anything, ongoing training is essential. Annual training camps or seminars when new technology is introduced can help your maintenance team stay ahead of the curve and provide more value to your facility and within their own careers. 

 

Maintenance safety is a number one priority for MaintenX. We take every precaution to ensure our workers are taken care of and know how to handle potentially dangerous situations with tact. To learn more about ways you can improve your own workplace safety procedures, visit our Resource Center.

The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Roofing

MaintenX is known across the country as the go-to team for roofing repair and installation. We specialize in commercial and industrial roofing, and provide a variety of services from storm damage repair to new construction installations and more. However, you may wonder, “Does it matter who I choose to repair my roof? Can a residential roofer do the same job as a commercial roofer?”

 

Commercial, industrial, and residential roofing all have similarities, but they are much more different than what meets the eye. Below are some of the differences between commercial and residential builds that make the difference when repairing or installing a roof: 

 

Residential Roofing

Residential roofing is the type of roofing you are likely most familiar with. Because it is built to match the style of the home, aesthetic value is typically the most important factor when installing it. While you want your residential roof to be durable and practical, it is much easier to repair a residential roof, which means aesthetics can be factored in as a top priority. 

 

Commercial Roofing

Commercial roofing, on the other hand, values practicality and cost over aesthetics. Commercial roofing can be made to look like residential roofing, but is most commonly made from concrete to ensure it can withstand all types of wear and tear. Cost-effectiveness also plays an important part of commercial roofing design, which is why flat, concrete roofs are most common. 

 

Industrial Roofing

Industrial roofing prioritizes durability over all else, as the roofing and ceiling must be able to withstand heavy chemical processes, heating, and other demanding manufacturing conditions. Like commercial roofing, concrete is a common option but metal and other types of roofing can be used. Solar paneling is also common for industrial roofs as the large space can be maximized without having to worry about aesthetics. 

 

Because of the different materials and purposes for commercial roofing, it is best to call a commercial specialist for your roofing repair or installation. MaintenX focuses solely on commercial and industrial applications to ensure you receive the best service for your building. We offer a variety of services including repair, maintenance, storm damage assessments, and new roofing construction. To learn more about what MaintenX can do for your roof, contact us today!

Cost of Replacing Pipes for a Commercial Facility

In an older building, you may notice over time that your plumbing does not perform as well as it should. Whether it is experiencing frequent leaks, backups, or you notice your water bill is especially high, bad plumbing can lead to a host of difficulties as you’re trying to run a business. Fortunately, you always have the option to replace your plumbing and get it up to code. 

 

Benefits of Replacing Plumbing

You may think that repiping your entire facility is too much of a hassle, especially if you are a renter and not the owner. However, there are several key benefits that can make this extensive facility improvement project worthwhile: 

 

  • Efficient piping can help reduce water consumption
  • Pipes are less likely to back up, crack, or burst 
  • You can reinsulate piping to protect it from freezing temperatures
  • New plumbing can give you new options for restroom design, water usage, and more

 

The Cost of Replacing Plumbing

Most plumbing installations cost between $1 and $5 per linear foot, plus the cost of new fixtures and accessories. New construction typically costs more than replacing old pipes, but you should talk to your MaintenX contractor about exact estimates before planning your renovation. They can help you choose energy-efficient plumbing and fixtures and help design your plumbing infrastructure for better overall performance. 

 

Call MaintenX for Help

MaintenX specializes in plumbing repair, restoration, and installation for all types of commercial facilities. We can help you replace pipes from an older building, or install more energy-efficient plumbing into a newer facility. To learn more about our plumbing services, give your local MaintenX a call today!

Cost of Rewiring an Older Building

If you own or rent an older building, the idea has likely been thrown out a few times to rewire it entirely. Typically, older wiring is not as reliable, energy-efficient, or even up to modern codes. However, the process of replacing electrical wires is a lengthy one, with major expenses involved. If you’re thinking about biting the bullet and rewiring your entire facility, here is what you need to know first: 

 

How much will it cost? 

On average, the cost to rewire a building ranges from $4 to $10 per linear foot, plus the cost of cables, panels, and other replacement parts that need to be installed. The actual estimate will depend on a variety of factors including: 

 

  • Soiree footage of the facility
  • The function of the facility and electrical needs for each room
  • Number of fixtures 

 

Costs may go up or down depending on the complexity of the wiring to be replaced, as well as the urgency of the service and if special electrical needs must be met. TO receive a more accurate estimate, contact your MaintenX electrician. 

 

How long will it take? 

 

The length of service again depends on the size and complexity of the job, but you can expect service to take several weeks if you are rewiring the entire facility. Rewiring a single room or a set number of outlets may only take a few days, but commercial facilities typically take longer than residential jobs. 

 

Does my facility need to be rewired? 

 

If your facility is not up to code, it doesn’t hurt to rewire it even if it is not required to ensure your electrical system can handle modern machinery. However, you’ll notice other signs that your system needs to be rewired, such as: 

 

  • Discoloration around wall outlets
  • Circuit breakers trip often
  • Lights flicker
  • Outlets are loose
  • You experience a small electrical shock when plugging something in
  • You’re using extension cords on almost every outlet
  • You hear a sizzling or cracking noise near outlets (this is a sign emergent repairs are needed)

 

MaintenX specializes in electrical rework and repairs for commercial buildings. To learn more about how you can save money and time on electrical remodels, call your local MaintenX today!

Five Hidden Culprits of Roof Damage

Roof damage is one of the most difficult maintenance issues to fix once it happens. Roofing is responsible for so much of your building’s function – insulation, ventilation, protection from the elements, and aesthetic appeal. Once your roof has become damaged, it can take days or weeks to repair depending on how extensive the damage is. 

 

Roof damage often happens slowly over time, which is why it’s important to regularly inspect your roof and look out for early signs of damage. Below are the five most common culprits of roof damage, and what you can do to prevent them from ruining your roof: 

 

Wind

Wind is the number one culprit of roof damage in Florida and along the Gulf Coast during hurricane season. Hurricane-force winds can easily take off shingles and tear down trees landing on the roof. While you can’t stop the wind itself, you can invest in durable roofing material such as concrete or high-quality shingles to prevent wind from taking off the roof by itself. 

 

Rats

Rats often live on rooftops to escape predators and nest in a warm, comfortable place. While you may think it’s preferable to have rats on the roof than to have rats inside, they can quickly cause damage to your flashing and cause leaks that damage your interior. Plus, roof rats eventually become indoor rats. If you want to protect your roof from damage, ensure you check for rats during regular extermination inspections. 

 

Sun

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, businesses take a hard hit from UV rays during the summer. This most often affects roofing, causing shingles to become brittle and fade over time. If you want to ensure your roofing still looks good and stays structurally sound through several summers, be sure to invest in proper UV protection. 

 

Debris 

Neglecting to clean the rooftop and gutters will allow mold and mildew to grow on your roofing over time. Gutter debris can also put undue pressure on your roofing, causing it to sag and shingles to become damaged over time. Luckily, this is an easy fix if you’re vigilant about your roof cleaning. 

 

Improper maintenance

Failing to repair flashing, clean between shingles, or neglect waterproof membrane maintenance will allow your roof to deteriorate much faster than its intended service life. THis is one of the most common causes of roofing damage we see, which is why we recommend customers implement a simple roof cleaning and maintenance routine for their building. With an annual inspection and basic repairs, you can ensure you don’t have to treat or replace your roofing prematurely. 

 

MaintenX specializes in roofing repair, maintenance, and installation for commercial buildings. If you are looking for a roof remodeling or some simple fixes to bring it back to life, give your local MaintenX a call today!

How To Prevent Roof Problems in Florida

Roofing problems are unfortunately very common in Florida. MaintenX is headquartered in Tampa, where coastal hurricanes and generally stormy weather threaten local businesses every summer. Coupled with the brutal summer heat and UV rays that can make roofing brittle over time, it is critical for Florida businesses to care for their roofing in their maintenance plan. 

 

Below are four steps you should take to ensure your Florida business isn’t negatively impacted by roof damage over time: 

 

Choose the right roofing material. 

During hurricane season, roofing is the most important part of your facility to care for. Most structural damage to your building can be fixed, but if the roof collapses, you’ll be looking at years of rebuilding. In Florida, we recommend choosing hardy roof material like concrete for commercial buildings to help it weather the stormy seasons. 

 

Care for metal flashing. 

Flashing is the barrier between the ceiling and rooftop to prevent water from leaking inside. When the flashing becomes damaged, it can lead to structural problems with the roof, as well as major leaks inside the facility. Metal flashing is often screwed or cemented onto to ensure it does not crack or leak over time. It is often more durable than plastic, but should still be well-maintained to ensure it lasts the full extent of your roof’s service life. 

 

Repair cracks or tears in the membrane. 

The waterproof membrane of a roof helps to maintain its strength and prevent water damage from accumulating over time. However, damage to the membrane is similar to damage to the flashing – it leads to leaks and water damage within the facility that can be disastrous. In order to catch these issues early, schedule regular roofing inspections before hurricane season. 

 

Get rid of roof rats. 

Florida is a prime location for rats to make their homes, as the weather is typically favorable throughout the year and they aren’t likely to freeze over the winter. Rats will live in any part of your facility, but roof rats are especially tricky to exterminate because they are larger and much better climbers than the rats that live within the facility. In order to prevent these pests from causing issues with your roofing, look for signs of them during your roof inspections and ask your exterminator to check roofing during their visits. 

 

MaintenX specializes in roofing repair, maintenance, and installation throughout Florida. If you are interested in learning more about proper roofing maintenance for your location, give us a call today!

Choosing the Right Roof Ventilation for Your Building

Roof ventilation is a critical component for all types of commercial facilities. For retail stores and office buildings, it can ensure comfort and greater indoor air quality for tenants, while it can be required for commercial kitchens and manufacturing sites for health and safety. Regardless of your specific needs, choosing the right ventilation system is essential when designing your building roof.

 

Below are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a roof ventilation system with your MaintenX contractor. We can help you choose the right brand and system based on these needs, and plan an installation that will get you up and running faster: 

 

What type of building do you have, and what is its function?

A hospital, school cafeteria, warehouse, and office building all have different ventilation needs based on size, function, and operational time. For example, a hospital that runs 24/7 and has sanitization and food service ventilation needs will need a much more complex system than a simple office space that is open 9 to 5. The structure of the building itself can also play a big part in how large or complex your ventilation system will need to be in order to function properly.

 

Where will the ventilation system be installed?

You have several options when it comes to choosing the installation site for rooftop ventilation systems. Some are built into the ceiling, while others are installed inline. Some can be installed on the rooftop along with the HVAC system, while others must be inside. Where you plan to build the ventilation system makes a big difference in the specific machinery your MaintenX contractor will choose. 

 

Types of Roof Ventilation Systems

Depending on your specific needs, your MaintenX contractor will recommend a brand for one of these types of ventilation systems for your building: 

 

  • Downblast roof ventilators move clean air steadily in low-to-high static pressure
  • Upblast roof ventilators move air away from the roof and walls and are often used in commercial kitchens 
  • Turbine ventilators are used to create a natural draft that keeps air circulating up and out of the building
  • Exhaust fans installed near the roof remove pollution and hot air rising, as well as help control humidity
  • Smoke exhaust ventilators for fire safety 

 

MaintenX can help you install, maintain, and repair ventilation systems for all types of commercial facilities. If you’d like to learn more about installing or replacing a current system, give us a call today!