Author: MaintenX

A Five-Step Plan for Reducing Your Backlog

Overdue maintenance backlogs are one of the most serious problems we face at MaintenX. Oftentimes, business owners and property managers don’t know what needs to be done or don’t see maintenance requests as a top priority until they become emergent. This results in a backlog that is difficult to pare down, and frequent emergency repairs due to a lack of preventative care on significant appliances.

There is no better example of this than our National Parks System. In 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed, allocating $6.5 billion solely to addressing the maintenance backlog across 400 national parks. While this provided much-needed help to national parks across the country, it only covered half of the estimated costs of needed maintenance in the parks, and provided no funding to smaller state parks also in need of maintenance funds.

This excessive maintenance backlog leads to safety hazards for both park staff and visitors and makes it difficult for these public parks to continue providing educational and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. The same can happen to businesses that ignore their maintenance backlog, as their equipment becomes unusable for staff and reduces the ability for the business to provide great service.

At MaintenX, we understand the demands of running your business and how difficult maintenance planning can be. With these five steps, we can help you effectively reduce your backlog and get on a maintenance schedule that is effective, affordable, and meets your facility’s changing demands.

The Five-Step Plan to Reduce Your Maintenance Backlog

  • Sort current backlog to eliminate outdated and duplicate orders – If your maintenance backlog hasn’t been addressed in months, there are likely work orders that have either been addressed without proper documentation, or duplicate orders due to recurring issues. Before you can begin addressing your backlog, take some time to clean up and organize it.  
  • Prioritize current backlog – Once your work order backlog is organized, prioritize requests based on urgency and impact on your facility operations. This will make it easier to allocate resources based on needs and budget.
  • Assess risks and resources – Once you are ready to assign tasks to your maintenance team, be sure to incorporate a risk assessment to ensure your most experienced technicians take on the most complex work. Safety hazards, as well as financial risks and potential for emergency repairs, should be considered, as well as the available hours your maintenance team has to work on particular tasks.
  • Re-evaluate your work-order system – Once your team begins working on the backlog, you should take time to restructure your work-order management system to ensure that a new backlog doesn’t accumulate.
  • Put a PM plan into action – Finally, once you have your backlog reduced and your work order system in place, begin adding new maintenance requests focused on preventative care. This will prevent future emergency services and ensure your backlog is a productive tool rather than a burden on your facility.

MaintenX can help you reduce your backlog and stay on top of maintenance with our preventative care programs suited to your facility. If you’d like to learn more about our preventative maintenance can help your facility run more smoothly, contact our offices today!

Unique Options for Commercial Flooring

When purchasing or leasing a new building, one of the most common renovations business owners make is a new flooring installation. After years of wear and tear, even the nicest flooring can start to look dull. Plus, if a new tenant is entering the building, they may have different operational needs that require a change of flooring type.

If you are thinking about changing the flooring for your business, talk to MaintenX about the best options for your needs and building. If you’re looking for something different to add to the value of the storefront, consider one of these three unique commercial options:

Concrete 

Concrete may seem like a flooring option best suited for warehouses and industrial facilities, but it is popping up more and more in unexpected places. Today’s variety of concrete technology makes it possible for concrete to be styled to look like wood and tile. By raking the concrete for texture and applying a stain, you can get the look of hardwood with half the cost and maintenance requirements. This type of concrete application is useful for restaurants and other high-traffic businesses where aesthetics and practicality are equally important.

Parquet flooring

Parquet flooring installation is a type of hardwood or vinyl flooring installation where boards are placed to create unique patterns. This can dress up your office space without changing the structure or décor within the space. It can also add to the value of the building and impress customers as soon as they walk in the door.

Painted flooring

Most business owners believe they have to completely replace their flooring in order to change its appearance, but there is often a much simpler solution – floor paint. Hardwood, concrete, and even synthetic flooring types can be painted to mask stains, imperfections, or years of wear and tear.

MaintenX offers flooring repair and installation services for businesses across the U.S. To learn more about your local flooring service, contact us today!

Five Preventative Maintenance Services for Your Backup Generator

Backup generators are necessary for most businesses in Florida. In addition to facilities where they are required, such as hospitals and nursing facilities, they are also common for retail and other commercial applications due to our prevalent hurricane seasons. With any luck, you won’t need to use your backup generator over the summer. However, it is important to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure if you do need it, your backup generator is ready.

Below are the five services your technician will perform during regular preventative maintenance tune-ups for your generator:

  • General inspection – Prior to any maintenance service, your technician will perform a general inspection to look for mechanical issues in the exhaust, fuel, air intake, and other systems. Because backup generators are not typically in use, mechanical defects may develop over time without anyone noticing. An annual inspection and frequent tune-ups are therefore necessary to ensure that when you need your generator, it is in tip-top shape.
  • Lubrication – Just like any motor, lubrication is essential to ensure proper running. Because backup generators stay dormant for most of their service life, lubrication is essential to ensure the parts do not rust or stiffen over time. Your preventative maintenance will most likely include an oil change and lubrication of essential parts.
  • Check coolant level – Just like your HVAC system, your generator needs to be inspected to ensure it has proper coolant levels. During your inspections, your technician may top off the coolant and check the radiator for mechanical problems.
  • Check air intake and fuel service – The air intake and fuel systems can develop condensation over time, and need to be drained as well as checked for mechanical errors on a regular basis.
  • Electrical safety check – Your generator’s electrical system should be tested often and fully inspected annually to detect shorts, issues with the battery, and other potential issues. Electrical issues can not only leave you stranded in the event of an outage but can be just as dangerous as electrical problems within the facility itself.

Hurricane season isn’t over yet, which means it’s time to schedule your annual generator checkup if you haven’t already. To find out when and how to set up generator maintenance soon, contact your local MaintenX office.

What To Do After A Facility Fire: How To Help Your Business Recover

Building fires are a business owner’s worst fear realized. They are a terrible disaster that causes harm to your employees, patrons, and to the business you’ve worked so hard to build. While insurance can help you receive financial losses, there are intangible losses that even the best policies can’t cover.

While a building fire can be catastrophic, it doesn’t have to be the end of your flourishing business. Below are the best strategies to implement immediately after a fire to help your business have a speedy recovery:

Turn off utilities. 

Until the building can be professionally inspected, it’s best to play it safe and turn off all utilities including electric, gas, and water. Fires can cause serious mechanical and electrical damage to a facility which poses risks for further damage. By removing these hazards completely, you can be sure your fire damage stays at a minimum.

Collect as much documentation as possible. 

Once the building has been cleared, try to recover as many documents as possible, including insurance policies, inventory records, business licenses, and employee documents. You will also want to organize documentation in relation to the fire, including police reports and insurance updates to ensure you can contact the right people for help.

Invest in security. 

A vacant building can be a target for theft and vandalism if not properly attended. You can invest in private security as well as request an increased police presence after the fire. Many police departments will be happy to check on your block in the weeks after the fire to prevent unwanted intruders. However, private security including cameras or temporary fencing can also help you protect your building.

Move to a temporary location.

Even with an insurance payout, your business will be struggling financially after a fire. If possible, look for temporary locations for your facility if you are able to open quickly. Some business types such as food service and smaller retail locations may be able to open mobile units or rent out smaller facilities to keep the cash flow going while repairs are being made. Continuing online services and sales can also help you weather the storm until your storefront is repaired.

MaintenX is here to help after a fire with emergency maintenance services, repairs, and new installation for all commercial applications. If you have questions or need urgent help, contact us today.

Calming Colors for Your Office Space

Ready to give your office a fresh face? Perhaps you’re looking for ways to increase productivity or to renovate your building for a completely new tenant. If you’re ready to renovate your office space for a completely modern look, the first choice you should make is whether or not to repaint your walls.

In many ways, your choice of paint can influence the way your office space is perceived. It can even have tangible effects on productivity and shopping behavior. Color choice can be critical in places like medical facilities, where the guests are often in an emotional state and can be triggered further by surroundings. High-stress environments can be countered by calming colors to make your building a more inviting space for everyone involved.

Below are the most popular calming office colors for 2022 that you can use in your next renovation:

Sky blue

Blue is the most common office color because it is scientifically proven to calm the senses. Blue is a naturally familiar color and is found in logos for finance and tech industries because of its formal appearance. A sky blue, however, is cheerful and calming, which can elevate the mood of your staff and customers.

Mint green

Green is another naturally calming color, as it reminds us of forest scenery and is found in most of our surroundings. Light green with a blue undertone can be uplifting and soothe the senses. It is also associated with cleanliness, making mint green a perfect option for medical facilities or other places where sanitization is considered essential.

Sage gray

Gray is a common color in office spaces, but can be seen as cold and harsh if it is too dark or has a blue undertone. A sage gray, on the other hand, has a green undertone and is softer than slate grays. This color works well as an accent with other warm-toned greens and blues.

Lilac/mauve

Purple can also be a calming color, but a purple that is too saturated can be overwhelming in the office space. Lilac (cool-toned) or mauve (warm-toned) is more suitable for office spaces, especially for businesses geared toward women such as beauty salons or OB/GYN offices.

These colors can uplift your office space without making it overwhelming on a daily basis to staff and patrons. With the right combination, you can boost productivity and create a space that is homey and welcoming to all.

MaintenX offers commercial painting services in 13 states across the U.S. To find a professional painter in your area, contact MaintenX today!

Tips for Painting Brick

Exposed brick has become increasingly popular in restaurants, retail stores, and other boutique storefronts across the U.S. The rustic style can create the perfect ambiance for small businesses, but only if it is done properly. If the exposed brick is not properly cleaned and painted, it will simply look old and neglected rather than rustic and charming.

Painting brick can be a difficult task as it is porous and uneven. A simple paint roller won’t get into every crevice. While you can carefully go over every spot with a small paintbrush, there are easier ways to paint your brick that will save time and money.

If you want your brick to look professionally painted, follow these steps for success:

Clean and prime before painting. 

Exposed brick is the perfect place for dust to collect inside a commercial building. Prior to painting, be sure to scrub the brick with a gentle cleanser and wait to dry fully before priming. You may also want to strip old paint off the brick if there is any on it. Then, apply a latex primer to the entirety of the brick wall and let dry completely.

Choose the right paint. 

Latex paint or paint made for masonry is best for brick, as it will soak into the crevices more easily. Talk to the sales staff at your local home improvement store to ensure you have the right paint for this application. You can also use a brick stain if your brick is in good condition but you want to add a protective barrier or change the color slightly without covering the brick completely.

Use a paint sprayer.

The best method for painting brick is to use a paint sprayer, as this will coat the surface evenly and get into cracks and crevices without hassle. If possible, purchase a paint sprayer at your local home improvement store. If you can’t find a sprayer, be sure to use a roller made for textured surfaces to minimize the touchups needed.

MaintenX offers professional painting services for businesses across the U.S. If you want to revamp your storefront and improve the look of your brick, contact us for a hassle-free painting service!

How Prepared Does Your Business Need To Be For Storms?

In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we are accustomed to the annual hurricane season that threatens our coastlines from June until November. While most businesses believe they are prepared for evacuation, they often miss critical steps that lead to damages that could have been prevented. Whether you live in a hurricane, snowstorm, fire, or earthquake-prone area, there are certain steps every business should take to prepare for disaster.

Five Steps to Disaster Preparedness

  • Update your evacuation protocol – If a storm becomes serious, you should have a plan in place to communicate closures to employees ahead of time. You should also provide the appropriate resources for evacuation including travel expenses or hazard pay and accommodations for employees that must stay (in places like medical facilities).
  • Stock up on essentials – If your facility must remain open during the storm or immediately after, make sure you are stocked with food, a backup generator, batteries, and other essential goods for those that will be present during or immediately after the storm. These items can also be used by the community after the storm has passed and people are in need of essential items.
  • Remove hazards from your outdoor facilities – Any merchandise or asset that is stored outdoors but not firmly secured to the ground should be moved away from the facility to prevent damage due to wind or flooding. This can include outdoor displays, trash cans, signs, vehicles, or other items that could be easily moved by wind or water.
  • Prepare your building as a shelter – If your building is a suitable storm shelter, make sure you have supplies on hand for rapid preparation. Boards to close up windows, emergency food stores, and sleeping cots should be available on short notice if your building is a designated storm shelter.
  • Renovate if necessary – Modern buildings are designed to withstand severe weather, but older buildings are not always up to modern codes. Storm-proof windows, roofing, and outdoor HVAC units are a must to ensure your building is still in working order during and after the storm.

MaintenX specializes in disaster preparedness and emergency maintenance service after storms. If your commercial building is at risk this season for storm damage, talk to us about more ways to prepare specific to your facility.

Using Drone Photography for Your Business

At MaintenX, we specialize in all things roofing. In recent years, this has expanded to aerial photography and drone photography for our commercial clients. We began using this as a means for inspecting roofing and providing in-depth technical diagnoses for large-scale buildings. However, our services have expanded to include drone and aerial photography for all kinds of commercial purposes.

Drone photography may seem like a luxury to most small businesses, but there are many applications in which it can be useful to your business or commercial real estate investment. Below are just a few of the ways our clients utilize drone photography to help their businesses prosper:

Real Estate Listings

If you’re preparing to sell a commercial property, aerial photography is a must. While a traditional photographer can help you capture interior details, an aerial photography service allows you to provide a complete picture of the property. Showcase the breathtaking views of your property or the expansiveness of the lot for sale by capturing more than what a camera on the ground can capture.

Inspections

Inspections were among the first services we provided for clients to help them catch roofing and other maintenance issues that they don’t typically inspect. Drone footage makes the facility inspection process much faster and keeps maintenance techs safely on the ground until an issue is detected.

Data Collection and Orthomosaics

Drone footage can be used for collecting data or surveying land for development, industrial, or tech applications. We use drone footage for orthomosaics (similar to Google Earth imaging) as well as land surveying or data collection from industrial sites. This can help you improve efficiency and more accurately plan for new construction on undeveloped land.

Construction Site Monitoring

Managing a large construction site can be incredibly difficult, especially if multiple buildings are in the plans. Aerial photography allows you to monitor progress and provide visual representations of progress to investors and stakeholders.

If you are interested in what MaintenX has to offer, contact your local team to learn about drone photography services in your area!

How We Waterproof Flat Roofing

Flat roofing is very common for commercial applications. It is aesthetically pleasing, versatile, and allows for rooftop installations such as HVAC units and solar paneling. While flat roofing is popular for its design benefits, it can also be problematic. Flat roofing has a very slight slope which makes it easy for rainwater and debris to collect. If the roofing begins to sag, pools of water can collect and cause mold, mildew, and other water damage to your building. It can even seep into the interior of the building if left unattended.

Waterproofing is therefore essential for commercial flat roofing to prevent expensive repairs and potential health hazards within your building. At MaintenX, we use a variety of techniques to waterproof flat roofing and prevent sagging and other issues associated with flat roofs.

Single-ply waterproof membrane

Single-ply membranes are most common for commercial applications, as they are more affordable for large buildings which require a lot of coverage. Plastic fasteners or polyurethane adhesive is used to attach the membrane to the roof. This ensures that the membrane can withstand intense outdoor exposure without coming off. While this method is most common, it can come off more easily than membranes that are installed under the roofing or applied using a liquid method.

Reinforced Bitumen Membrane Waterproofing (RBM)

Bitumen membranes are more common for smaller commercial buildings and those converted from residential buildings, as it is a more lengthy installation process. This type of waterproofing involves layering bitumen across the roof and then installing a polyester coating to ensure water cannot penetrate beneath the roof.

Liquid Waterproofing

Liquid waterproofing is a less common but highly effective form of waterproofing used for flat roofing. Unlike membrane waterproofing, a liquid coating is applied like paint to the roof to completely seal it. While not as common, this type of waterproofing can last for 30 to 40 years with proper maintenance.

If you are looking to waterproof new construction or an existing commercial building, talk to your local MaintenX team today for more information!

Is Your Roof Energy-Efficient?

When business owners talk about improving energy efficiency, roofing is rarely one of the topics that come up. Your roof doesn’t use any energy to function, and unless you install solar panels, it plays no part in creating energy for your building. However, your roof plays a critical role in how energy-efficient your building is as a whole.

Your roof insulates the interior of the building and (hopefully) prevents heat absorption from outside. An energy-efficient roof helps keep climate-controlled air consistent, which helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. Roofing also plays a part in your building’s ventilation system which also consumes a great amount of energy for your building.

Hallmarks of an Energy-Efficient Roof

An energy-efficient roof will do several things to benefit your building. It will reduce heat absorption from outside, prevent water damage due to rain, and maintain proper ventilation for your facility. If your roof has these features, it is likely energy-efficient for your building:

  • The roof is properly insulated – Roofing insulation, including the flashing and interior insulation, helps to prevent heat absorption or loss during the summer and winter months. This helps your HVAC units run more efficiently and reduce the energy needed for climate control.
  • It has a light-colored and heat-resistant exterior – The material used for your roof plays a big part in whether or not it is energy-efficient. A roof that is dark in color or made with a heat-absorbing material will heat your building much more quickly in the summertime. Choose light-colored roofing that is insulated and sturdy enough to block heat absorption in the interior of your building.
  • It is waterproof – A waterproof roof is not only important to prevent water damage, but can also insulate your roof for improved energy efficiency. Waterproof membranes are relatively easy to install and are considered especially important for commercial roofing applications.

If your roof does not have these features, you may be spending more on energy for your building than you should be. Energy efficiency is not only important as a green initiative – it can cost you thousands of dollars a year to not make your building as energy-efficient as possible.

MaintenX provides energy-efficiency audits for roofing, as well as preventative care and installation services to help you design a more efficient building. To learn more about our roofing audits and preventative maintenance services, contact your local MaintenX team today!