Author: MaintenX

During the fall and winter, outdoor insects and rodents often go looking for shelter from the cold. This can cause major problems for your facility if they make their way inside. Whether you’re dealing with a single unwanted critter or an entire infestation, proper maintenance and routine pest control can help you get rid of these pests. 

Below are the five most common fall and winter pests to look out for inside your commercial building: 

Ants – There are many different species of ant in the U.S., some more dangerous than others. Most ant species burrow underground in the summer, but they move to higher ground in the fall and winter. If your facility is not properly treated for ants, they can start to infest office or kitchen spaces quickly. 

Rats and mice – Like most mammals, rats and mice will look for shelter in the fall and winter, and your facility may be the perfect place to hide. It is oftentimes difficult to stop a rodent problem once it begins because they are typically nocturnal creatures and may go unnoticed if your facility is closed at night. 

Stink and Kudzu bugs – Stink bugs and Kudzu bugs are typically found in the middle and south Atlantic coastal states. While these bugs don’t bite or spread disease, they are nonetheless a nuisance and can cause a dent in your reputation if found by a client. 

Roaches – Cockroaches are one of the worst pests to find in your facility. Not only will they make your skin crawl, but they are considered high risk because of their potential for spreading disease. Roaches are one of the most important pests to treat your facility for, including both prevention and extermination measures. 

Outdoor pests – While they may not be inside your facility, dangerous pests such as mosquitoes and ticks will still be active in some parts of the country. It’s important to discourage their breeding in and around your facility by minimizing the occurrence of standing water and debris in your outdoor areas. 

Pest control services are not the only way to prevent pest infestations during the fall and winter. A facility maintenance team can help you reduce infestations by sealing small cracks and holes in the structure that act as entryways for most pests. By repairing plumbing issues you can also cut off water supplies to pests, which will deter them from using your facility as a winter home. 

For more information, contact your local MaintenX team today! We offer comprehensive fall and winter maintenance services to keep your facility running smoothly, pest-free.

Faulty plumbing is the last thing you want at the office. Employees may not complain right away, but low water pressure can be problematic to deal with day-to-day. And, it can also be a sign of serious damage to your plumbing system. If you notice low water pressure at your facility, it’s important to call your MaintenX plumber for a professional diagnosis. 

While a professional consultation will typically be necessary, it may not solve the problem immediately. Here’s what you should do as the facility manager to solve your water pressure problem faster. 

Talk to other businesses in the complex. 

If you’re in a shopping center or industrial park with many businesses under the same roof, talk to them to see if they’re also experiencing issues. If so, it may be an issue with the city water. If this is the case, contact the city to report an issue. In this case, you may not need to call your MaintenX plumber for repairs.  

Diagnose water pressure problems before you try a DIY fix. 

You may have experienced similar problems at home or at another facility, but it’s important to reach out for a professional consultation before trying any DIY fix. The diagnosis of a water pressure problem is essential. If you guess and try to solve the problem by process of elimination, you may end up causing more damage or spend more than you need. 

Determine whether water pressure, water flow, or quantity is to blame. 

Oftentimes low water pressure is misconstrued with low flow or low quantity of water. They may all feel the same out of the faucet, but your plumber will be able to tell the difference. Water pressure refers to the actual pressure of the water, while the flow refers to the speed at which it flows and quantity to the amount of water available at one time. 

These tips will help you solve the problem of low water pressure quickly and effectively. Remember, always contact your MaintenX plumber for water pressure issues. We are highly trained and can help you with any commercial plumbing repairs. Contact our team today for more information!

If you’ve ever had a baby in the house, you know just how important child-proofing is. Babies and toddlers are in awe of the world around them. That means they want to touch, taste, smell, and experience everything they can get their hands on. If you have children in your place of business, however, this can pose many risks. The simple process of child-proofing your facility will allow them to explore in a much safer environment. 

Whether you run a preschool, pediatrician’s office, or simply want to create a child-safe place for guests and staff, there are many things you can do to child-proof. The first thing you will want to determine is where children will and will not be allowed. For example, if you work in a medical facility, children are likely to visit but should not be allowed in every area of the building. Blocking off areas that are not child safe is essential to protect them and your staff. 

Once you’ve determined where children will be allowed at your facility, it’s time to child-proof. These preventative measures will make your facility a child-friendly environment, and can reduce the chance of liability in the event of an accident:

• Cover electrical outlets with child-safe covers 
• Cover sharp corners and edges 
• Store chemicals, cleaning supplies, or other hazardous materials in child-proof containers or cabinets
• Put child-proof guards on all windows
• Cover radiators, hot pipes, and other hot surfaces 
• Separate electronics from water sources whenever possible (for example, move the water cooler away from the lamp or front desk)
• Minimize tripping hazards
• Remove all protruding nails, bolts, and other sharp objects 
• Bolt any tip-over hazard such as a TV stand or bookcase to the wall
• Ensure plastic bags, matches, candles, and lighters are not accessible to children
• Remove all choking hazards from child access
• Ensure outdoor play areas are safe for children, or there are ample warning signs for potential hazards
• Shield lighting fixtures from children whenever possible

These child-proofing measures will help make your commercial space safer for everyone. Of course, the best course of action for child protection is to make sure they are always supervised. No commercial facility will be quite as safe as the home, which is why we encourage all commercial facilities to follow each of these tips if they welcome children. 

For more information on facility maintenance and safety, talk to your local MaintenX team today!

Electrical fires are rare, but they are incredibly dangerous. Over 80% of electrical fires spread from the source of the fire, and they can result in the destruction of entire buildings. The worst part is that most electrical fires can be prevented. If your facility is serious about fire prevention, follow this guide for electrical safety. 

Electrical fires are typically caused by:

• Faulty or improperly installed wiring
• Overloaded circuits, outlets, and extension cords
• Defective switches, plugs, and outlets
• Misuse or lack of maintenance for lighting fixtures

These issues can almost always be prevented with proper maintenance and monitoring at your facility. Follow these seven steps to reduce your chance of electrical fires: 

• Find out if the current electrical system is up to building code. This should be the first step you take, preferably before you move into the new commercial building. Even if you are not required to update, it is wise to do so if your electrician recommends it. 
• Have your electrician inspect all wiring. An inspection on wiring should occur every ten years or as your electrician recommends. Wiring deteriorates over time, and if not maintained it could cause several different issues, including fires. 
• Replace wiring for appliances. If wiring to your appliances and electronics show signs of wear, replace them right away. You may need a technician to inspect wiring for appliances such as commercial kitchen or specialty office equipment. The same goes for the plugs to different appliances, as they can deteriorate over time.
• Be careful with cord placement. It is not recommended to run cords under anything flammable such as carpets. Placing cords in areas of high foot traffic can also increase the risk of damage and fraying that leads to electrical fires.
• Use the right bulbs and shades for lighting fixtures. Lighting fixtures can cause electrical fires if they are covered by flammable materials such as drapery. Light shades can help prevent this even when you’re not paying attention. It’s also important to use the right light bulb wattage for all commercial lighting fixtures. 
• Add additional outlets rather than extension cords. Overloading outlets or extension cords can be dangerous, especially if you rely on them to power your electronics daily.
• Use surge protectors. Surge protectors are specifically designed to protect against electrical fires. They can prevent sparks, and also save your appliances and electronics from electrical issues. 

Every step you take to prevent electrical fires is a step toward your staff and customers’ safety. To learn more about electrical safety and maintenance, visit our resource center.

If you have any experience owning or managing a property, you know that contractors can be a major burden. From shoddy work to unreliable subcontractors, there is no shortage of issues that contractors can cause at your commercial facility. Finding a reputable contractor, therefore, should be of the utmost importance. Finding the right team for your project is the most important step in the entire process. 

Finding the right contractor for electrical maintenance is especially important. Electrical work is both essential to your daily operations and an inherently dangerous job. If you choose an inexperienced electrician to provide maintenance services, you could put your facility and employees in serious danger. 

MaintenX works with the best local contractors in a self-performing network of electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, roofers, and more. Below are just a few of the ways we vet our electricians, and how we recommend you choose your own electrician. 

Contractor Essentials: 

• They are licensed and insured
• They have done an onsite inspection and have given you a fair estimate
• They were professional and courteous during the first call

If the contractor does not meet these basic requirements, they should not be the one you choose to do electrical work on your facility. However, to get the best work, it’s important to look for these additional qualities: 

Years of commercial experience

Experience is critical when it comes to electrical work. It is one of the most dangerous contractor lines of work, and must be handled with care. Even if an inexperienced contractor can provide quality service, you’ll want someone who’s proven they’ll be there for long-term service.  Residential electrical work is also very different from commercial work, so be sure your contractor is specialized in commercial repairs. 

Experience in different environments

Electricians don’t always specialize by industry, so it’s important to choose one who has worked in a variety of facilities and operations. An electrician who can work on both commercial kitchen and industrial warehouse repairs in the same day is a contractor you can trust for all of your electrical maintenance needs. 

Strong communication

Because of the risk involved with electrical work, it’s important that your contractor has strong communication skills and can work with other service providers or staff at your facility. If your electrician is clear and communicative before the job, it is a safe bet that they will do the same while working on the job site.  

Service warranties or guarantees

An electrician who can provide quality work will not mind offering a service guarantee on work performed. If you’re paying for repairs, you should expect them to last. Ask your contractor about service warranties for installation or guarantees for repairs.

If you’re looking for a qualified electrician in your area, contact MaintenX today! Our self-performing contractor network is the #1 choice for commercial facilities across the country.

More often than not, roofing issues go unnoticed at commercial facilities. Facility managers take the “out of sight, out of mind” approach to roofing, but this can make it easy for roofing damage to turn disastrous. An experienced facility manager, however, will take steps to prevent roofing damage by looking for the signs early on. 

Below are five of the most common signs of roofing damage that you can spot easily. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call your MaintenX roofer. 

Cracked shingles or tiles

Cracked roofing is very common, and can happen because of storm damage, fallen heavy debris, or age. Typically this is not a major concern for the structural integrity of the roof, and should be expected over time. In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, cracked roofing is very common throughout the hurricane season. However, it is important to replace cracked shingles and tiles to prevent damage to the structures underneath. 

Rooms have varying temperatures 

If you notice issues with climate control within your facility, several issues may be the culprit. While the first place to check is your HVAC unit, you may also want to inspect your roofing. Poor insulation or roofing ventilation can cause issues with climate control within your facility. This can also be the cause of an overworked HVAC system. 

Interior ceiling stains

Ceiling stains are most commonly caused by leaks in the roofing. Unfortunately, these are easily missed if you have tall ceilings or if the leak only causes watermarks rather than dripping water. They can still cause severe structural damage, however, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any sign of water damage on your ceiling. 

Water damage under roof tiles. 

This is something your roofer may alert you to during an inspection. Ideally, tile roofing will never have water seep underneath, but if it was improperly installed or has reached the end of its service life, this may occur. If your roofer tells you there is water damage under the tiles, be sure to ask them for the quickest repair possible.

Algae, mold, and other natural growth. 

Algae, mold, moss, and even some vegetation will likely try to make a home for itself at some point on your roof. While the actual growth is usually harmless and can be cleaned, it could be a sign of excess moisture pooling on the roof. Call your MaintenX team to clean off the growth, and ask them to look for signs of water damage. You’ll want to address both the aesthetic issue and the potential water damage at the same time. 

Roofing maintenance can be simple if you’re diligent. For more information on roofing maintenance best practices, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Roofing maintenance is often overlooked by facility managers when creating their annual maintenance plan. However, it should be one of your top priorities. Your roofing system is more than a static element of your building. It is an integral part of your heating, cooling, and ventilation system. When you think of your roofing system in this way, it becomes apparent how important proper preventative maintenance is for the overall health and performance of your building. 

Some of the benefits of preventative maintenance for commercial roofing include: 

• Increases HVAC performance and efficiency 
• Reduces the chance of water damage inside and outside the facility
• Maintains high properly value
• Protects building against major storm damage
• Reduces the cost of roofing repairs
• Extends the lifespan of expensive roofing materials
• Offers the option to install solar roofing if roofing structure is well-maintained

There are so many reasons to protect your roofing with proper preventative care. At MaintenX, we strive to educate clients on these benefits and build a solid preventative maintenance structure that will help them long-term. These cost-saving and building performance benefits should be factored into your maintenance strategy for the year. Below are some of the best roofing maintenance practices you can implement at your facility:

Schedule roofing inspections as per manufacturer guidelines. 

As your roof ages, you will need to look for signs of damage including water pooling, buckling, paint bubbles, and shingle breaks. The roofing manufacturer may also recommend specialized services to prevent damage after a certain period of time or on an annual schedule. Talk to your MaintenX technician to determine the best schedule for your facility. 

Address ponding immediately. 

Ponding is a common issue with flat roofs experiencing drainage issues. Small puddles can form after a rain or after snow melts, which can leave watermarks on the roof. If left untreated for a long period, this can cause structural damage. If you notice ponding, call your MaintenX technician to find the cause of the drain issue. 

Clean debris and snow regularly. 

This is especially important if you have a flat commercial roof. You must regularly clean debris, snow, and other natural elements to ensure that buildup does not occur. Because your roof is rarely inspected or visited, debris can go unnoticed until it causes a serious problem. Schedule cleanings regularly throughout the fall and winter, and on a set schedule during the spring and summer to prevent this. 

These tips can help you maintain your commercial roofing to the fullest extent of its service life. MaintenX strives to help all clients get the most out of their roofing system, and that starts with preventative care. 

To learn more about our roofing services, contact your local MaintenX team today!

For the most part, roofing is a static element of your commercial facility. Aside from cleaning the gutters and replacing the occasional broken panel, most facility managers don’t think much about their roofing maintenance. Unfortunately, this is almost always the wrong approach to roofing maintenance. Your roof’s structure, insulation, and ventilation are critical to monitor and address when problems arise. 

Roofing ventilation is what keeps your building climate-controlled and safe from long-term roofing damage. In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, roofing ventilation is essential to reducing humidity levels inside commercial facilities. If the ventilation is obstructed in any way, this can lead to a buildup of moisture, causing mold, mildew, and roof rot. 

Roofing ventilation also helps protect your insulation. Without proper vents installed in the roofing system, your roof insulation may see excessive water damage. If the problem gets out of hand, aesthetic faults such as paint blistering and shingle damage can occur as well. 

Proper ventilation controls the flow of air in and out of the facility to ensure that humidity is not trapped and that your HVAC system does not have to overwork itself. You should regularly check the ventilation of your roofing with a MaintenX technician. Look for signs of mold, mildew, or rust toward the ceiling of your building. If you notice signs of water damage up high, it could point toward poor roofing ventilation. Other signs of improper roofing ventilation include: 

• Ice dams
• Blistered paint or damaged shingles
• Increased energy costs and an overworking HVAC system
• Mold or mildew in the ceilings or on shingles

Maintaining roofing ventilation starts with proper roofing maintenance. Talk to your MaintenX technician to create a preventative maintenance schedule that addresses the issues of ventilation and roof rot, as well as other prevention measures against major roofing repairs. Some o the routine services we recommend include: 

• Shingle replacement
• Inspection and cleaning of roofing and gutters
• Flashing repair 
• Leak patching 
• Application of waterproof elastomeric coatings

MaintenX offers a variety of preventative care and installation services for commercial facilities across the U.S. We work with you to determine the most effective preventative maintenance plan that will help you extend the life of your roofing for an affordable price. To learn more about our services, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Winter is here, which means facility managers can expect rising heating costs and high-maintenance landscaping after the first snowfall. In addition, your roofing maintenance needs will likely change in the winter. Heavy snow and ice will put pressure on your roofing system and can cause damage that won’t be visible until spring. This can also cause problems with your building’s climate control if the roofing is not well-insulated. 

Choosing the right roofing insulation for all seasons is critical if you want to maintain energy efficiency during the summer and winter months alike. MaintenX works with facility managers to help them choose the right insulation for their commercial roofing because not all options are ideal for every building design. Below are some of the most common options, along with the pros and cons for each: 

Expanded Polystyrene

Expanded Polystyrene is made of a special type of plastic, and is considered an affordable, quality option for most commercial facilities. It provides a strong barrier over a large surface area, making it ideal for commercial facilities on a tight budget. It can be used for flat or sloping commercial roofing. 

Extruded Polystyrene

This type of insulation is on the higher end of insulation options but is one of the longest-lasting and thermally insulating. It is made of the same material as Expanded Polystyrene, but is even denser. This type of insulation is excellent at preventing structural damage, which is essential for any facility that must weather harsh winters or stormy seasons. 

Polyisocyanurate

Polyisocyanurate is a “happy medium” between expanded and extruded polystyrene. It is made of a foam plastic between layers of felt or fiberglass. This provides excellent thermal insulation and durability, but is more affordable than extruded polystyrene. For facility managers looking for a long-lasting insulation option that fits within a budget, this is one of the best options. 

These options are the most common for commercial facilities, and can be easily laid down with the installation of a new roofing system. The choice of roofing insulation should be given as much thought, if not more so, as the roofing material. The roofing material itself will be easier to replace down the line, so be sure to choose the right insulation for your building before choosing the metal sheets or shingles. 

MaintenX specializes in roofing installations and maintenance. We take pride in the quality customer service we deliver, and can guarantee long-lasting performance from your roofing installed by our team. To learn more about our services and pricing, contact your local MaintenX team today!

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we are all too familiar with the impact of storms on commercial roofing. The hurricane season for the Gulf of Mexico lasts from June until November every year, and we almost always have one major tropical storm or hurricane that causes lasting damage to our clients’ buildings. We encourage clients to invest in preventative maintenance to reduce the chance of major roofing damage. However, if you do have issues after a storm, we can help you assess and create a plan for repairs. 

The first thing to do is to assess the damage done to your building after a storm. Whether it’s a snowstorm or a hurricane, you’ll want to address the most critical repairs first. If your roofing has collapsed, it will be considered an emergency repair and likely take priority even over electrical and HVAC concerns. However, if you notice only a leak or missing shingles, other damages will take precedence. It is essential, however, that you identify all roofing damage — both major and minor — before planning your repair schedule and budget. 

Below is a list of damages to look for when you first visit the storm site with your contractor:

• Cracked or missing shingles
• Surface bubbles and cracks on flat roofing
• Gutter buildup from composition shingles
• Water damage from wood shakes
• Damage to flashing and roof cement
• Missing or damaged gutters

Once you and your contractor have identified all signs of potential roof damage, you’ll need to talk to your insurance adjuster to make claims for repairs. You will need to begin repairs quickly, but making the call before you begin is always a safer bet. It’s important to bring your contractor in on the consultation to ensure your insurance company receives an accurate estimate for total repair costs. 

MaintenX offers affordable roofing repairs and replacement shingle installation after major storms. We specialize in emergency maintenance, and understand the hardships you’re going through after major storm damage. When your MaintenX team arrives we will assess all major damage and ensure that your critical operations are up and running as soon as possible. We work fast and effectively to give you the best quality service for a great price. 

Roofing damage is stressful, but it is manageable with MaintenX. To learn more about our roofing repairs and preventative care service, contact us today!