Author: MaintenX

As winter approaches, it’s important for facility owners to prepare for snow and ice. Typically, this involves removing snow from parking lots and outdoor areas, as well as removing ice from any place that causes hazards to tenants. However, there is another area where snow and ice can cause problems for your facility — your roofing. 

Most facility managers don’t think much about roofing maintenance throughout the year. Your roof does its job with the occasional leak or missing shingle which can easily be repaired within a day. However, if you don’t monitor the health of your roof, you could face serious repair issues come wintertime. Below are just a few ways in which snow and ice can cause adverse effects on your commercial roof: 

Stress on the roofing material

The heavy buildup of snow on your roof can cause stress on the internal structure as well as the external materials. The longer you go between cleanings, the more weight will start to warp your roofing. This can cause serious long term damage including cracks, leaks, and even cave-ins if you’re not careful.  

Ice dams

Ice dams are created when gutters fill up with ice and debris, and leave melting snow nowhere else to go. As the melted snow freezes again, it builds up at the edge of your roof and creates a dam. Not only does this put extra weight on your gutters, but it can creep up into your shingles and cause damage. In order to prevent this, you must clean out your gutters regularly and be sure not to allow snow or ice to build up around the edges of your roofing. Once an ice dam is on your roof, however, you’ll need to call a professional for help.

Freeze and thaw cycles

Freeze and thaw cycles cause many issues for your commercial facility, but can be especially expensive when they affect your roofing. As the ice thaws, the water will seep into small cracks and crevices of the roof. Then, the area will expand as it starts to freeze again. This can cause cracks in your roofing to become bigger and bigger with each freeze/thaw cycle and account for major repairs when spring comes around. To prevent this, you should schedule a roofing inspection before the first snowfall to look for cracks and other external roof damage. 

In order to prevent these issues, the first step is to schedule preventative maintenance on your roofing during the late summer and fall. The sooner you clean falling leaves from your roof and repair shingle damage, the better shape your roof will be in when snow starts to fall. Like most facility maintenance tasks, prevention is key to long-term sustainability. 

To learn more about winter roofing care and preventative maintenance, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Are you planning a roofing remodel, new installation, or repair for your commercial facility? If so, it’s important to carefully vet your roofing contractor to ensure they are up for the job. All roofers must go through state licensing programs, but there are other certifications you should look for when choosing your contractor. Below are just a few criteria you should look for before choosing a commercial roofing team. 

You should only hire roofing contractors that have their state license and a strong reputation in the area. Roofers are required by state law to have a license if they are operating independently. However, in Florida, you must have at least four years of roofing experience in order to obtain your license. An apprenticeship is typically completed, so if you’re not careful you may have unsupervised apprentices working on your roof rather than the licensed contractor. Therefore, it is important to look for a reputable company that has good customer reviews rather than just any licensed company in your area. 

Commercial roofers have an inherently dangerous job. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your contractor is also insured before you bring them on the job site. Insurance protects them not only from damages and accidents on the job site, but also protects you from lawsuits if someone is hurt on the job. Be sure to provide a safe working environment free of distraction, and ask your contractor about their insurance before you hire. 

You will also want to ask your roofing contractor about service warranties. This certifies that their work is of quality and that if there are issues with the roofing installation due to improper service, you won’t have to pay for it yourself. A service warranty may be offered by certified contractors of the roofing manufacturer, so look for this offer when you choose your contractor and materials. If not, ask the contractor you choose if they offer their own service warranty. 

Finally, ask your contractor if they have any specialized certifications for roofing services. They may specialize in TPO repairs, emergency roofing repair, or solar panel installation. This will help you choose the right contractor for a specialized roofing installation, or to help you choose a roofer with comprehensive long-term repair services. Or, any roofer with a specialization in preventative maintenance will be a major asset later on. 

MaintenX employs hundreds of certified roofing repair and installation experts across the state of Florida. We not only help you install the right roofing for your facility, but are there every step of the way to ensure safety and maximum long-term performance. 

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

Choosing a new roofing material for your commercial facility can be tricky. If you’re replacing old shingles, you may want to stick with what you have. However, new roofing technologies may provide you with more options that you were anticipating. And if you’re beginning with new construction, the options are nearly limitless. From high affordable shingles to advanced solar panel roofing, there is much to consider when choosing your commercial roofing in Florida. 

Florida is a warm and sunny place, which means your choice of roofing material is important. Florida is also susceptible to strong storms and seasonal hurricanes. This means that a cheap roofing material is oftentimes not your best option. You want something that will withstand the storms and not fade over time with direct sun exposure. 

The high intensity of sun can also make it more difficult to control the temperature of your building interior. During the long summer days in Florida, your building will be exposed to direct sunlight for 14 hours a day or more. This can cause issues with climate control unless you install a roof that helps to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. 

One option that is becoming increasingly popular for Florida buildings is solar roofing. Because of the high levels of direct sunlight throughout the year, Florida is a prime location for solar panel installations. A durable solar panel can help you reduce energy costs for your facility, and give a sleek, modern look to its exterior. Florida also offers many different incentive programs to help business owners make the switch to solar. 

In addition to energy efficiency and storm resistance, your roofing should be able to easily accommodate a rooftop HVAC unit. Rooftop HVAC systems are incredibly popular in Florida because they prevent damage and reduce noise at the ground level of your facility. Because cooling is typically much more expensive than heating in Florida, investing in a high-performance and adequately sized HVAC system is of great importance for commercial facilities. 

No matter what your priorities may be, you should look for these qualities in your roofing material selection:

• Can block or reflect sunlight to reduce interior temperature fluctuations
• Can withstand Cat 5 hurricane winds 
• Is waterproof or has a water-resistant sealant to protect against heavy rain
• Has space for a rooftop HVAC unit 

MaintenX offers roofing installation and long-term preventative maintenance for all types of roofing in Florida. We can help you choose the right material, install it efficiently, and help you reduce maintenance expenses through preventative care. For more information, contact your local MaintenX team today!

COVID-19 has devastated the lives of millions of Americans. With over 10 million confirmed cases and a climbing death count, businesses are still not back to normal in most states. Business owners have struggled for months now to maintain the health of their customers as a first priority without having to close their doors for good. Because of this, they are looking for new ways to cut costs and provide a unique, safe shopping experience. 

Because of the COVID-19 economic downturn, one would expect expensive renewable energy options to slow down dramatically in production and sales. However, the opposite trend is starting to show. Interest in solar energy for both residential and commercial buildings is actually increasing. Some industry experts cite the cost-savings benefits of solar, while others believe the cause is an increasing value of self-sufficiency. 

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, there are many new incentive programs for residential and commercial facilities to install solar panels to rooftops. These rooftop solar installations are made to reduce environmental impacts, but the cost-savings available to facility owners are impressive. In a time of great uncertainty and financial stress, solar energy efficiency is becoming much more attractive to even the most frugal of commercial property owners. 

If you’re interested in solar energy for your commercial facility, there are a few things you should consider: 

• While solar panels are a major upfront investment, there are plenty of incentives offered by both state and federal government to help you finance the upgrade.
• Solar panels offer an impressive ROI, as they typically pay for themselves in cost savings in the first 10 years
• Solar panels can be styled to look similar to traditional commercial roofing, adding aesthetic appeal to your facility
• Solar panels will instantly increase property value if installed by a reputable contractor

MaintenX offers installation and maintenance services for all types of solar roofing. We can help you choose the right solar panels for your facility, and offer a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan to ensure they last. We believe in the benefits of solar energy, and will help you make it happen for your facility. 

To learn more about MaintenX’s roofing installation and preventative care services, contact us today!

Energy-efficiency is at the top of every builder’s priority list these days. Optimizing energy efficiency used to be something only green builders focused on, but more often facility renters are looking for the benefits of cost-efficiency and decreased environmental footprint that energy-efficient buildings have to offer. 

There are many options available to help your building become more energy-efficient. Below are just some of the upgrades MaintenX can help you install to lower your energy costs and reduce your building’s reliance on non-renewable energy. 

Roofing upgrades

One of the most obvious ways to improve energy efficiency for a commercial facility is to use your roof space for solar panels. They can replace energy used from the power company, and can be styled to look like traditional commercial roofing. However, solar energy is a major investment that not every facility owner is ready for. There are other types of energy-efficient roofing options such as materials that can help block heat from sun rays and reduce energy usage inside. 

HVAC upgrades

Commercial HVAC systems typically consume 30% or more of a building’s entire energy input. By reducing the energy your HVAC needs to operate at peak performance, you can significantly reduce costs. There are a variety of Energy Star-certified commercial HVAC options available, which are widely considered to be the best option for reducing our energy costs. Talk to your local MaintenX provider about energy-efficient upgrades. 

Electrical upgrades

Easy electrical upgrades include smart lighting systems and low-energy appliances that can help lower overall energy costs. Installations such as occupancy sensors, timed lighting, and LED lighting can all help you save throughout the year. Energy-efficient motors, transformers, and control switches are more advanced electrical upgrades that require a greater upfront investment. However, they can greatly impact savings and the environmental impact of your facility. 

Energy-efficiency is about more than short-term cost savings for facility renters. It impacts your business, your community, and the world around you. As more businesses make commitments to reduce environmental harm and energy waste, we can create a better world for future generations. 

MaintenX is committed to environmental sustainability. We offer both installation and repair services for specialized low-energy equipment and appliances. This not only helps our clients, but it helps the communities around us. To learn more about the energy-efficient equipment we work with, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Winter is brutal for commercial facilities and their maintenance teams. The snow, ice, freeze-and-thaw cycles, and other harsh weather conditions can cause damage to your facility if you are not prepared. Proper maintenance for all major building components — your HVAC system, plumbing, electrical system, and roofing — will help you stay safe during winter and maintain peak operational performance. 

Below are just four tips you can use to protect your roofing and building interior during the winter: 

Clear debris before the first snowfall. 

Your commercial roof should always be cleaned of fallen debris to reduce the chance of long-term damage. However, this is especially important during autumn when leaves start to fall every day and the first snowfall is just around the corner. If you don’t clean your roof before then, you will put your facility at risk for serious roofing damage. Fallen debris can also clog your gutters, which will cause problems when the snow begins to melt. 

Remove snow ASAP. 

It may look charming, but if snow is left on your commercial roof for too long it could cause structural damage. Snow is incredibly heavy. It will put pressure on both the exterior materials and interior structure, which could cause leaks once it starts to melt. As snow melts it will also create the perfect environment for mold growth in the spring. A weakened roof with water damage in winter will deteriorate quickly if it is not well maintained. 

Repair or replace flashing. 

Maintaining your roof flashing throughout the year is critical, but especially during the winter. If the flashing under your roofing is worn or warped, it could cause issues when snow starts to melt. Water may leak into your facility, or the water will damage the underlying structure which will cause long-term problems. 

Schedule an inspection. 

The most important thing you can do to protect your roofing during winter is to call a MaintenX professional. Our team of roofers can help you repair damage, prevent water issues, and ensure a proper maintenance schedule to keep your roofing strong and sturdy throughout the season. We work with you one-on-one to ensure that your roofing services fit your facility and budget specifically. 

For more information about roofing preventative maintenance and winter care tips, contact your local MaintenX team today!

As winter approaches, it’s important to prepare your facility by sealing all air leaks. An air leak is any crack, crevice, or opening where heated air escapes your facility, and cold air from outside can come in. This affects the efficiency of your heater as well as the comfort of your tenants. Even small air leaks can create major expenses, so the sooner you fix them the better. 

Air leaks typically occur where two building materials join, or where an opening such as a door or window is placed. Air leaks can also occur where piping enters a building, where vents are placed, or any other area where building materials may expose a crack in the structure. These areas are built to be sealed, but over time your building’s structure may weaken and air leaks will begin to cause problems. 

There are several ways you can detect air leaks at your facility. Some can be done by your staff, while others require specialized equipment from your maintenance technician.

The flashlight method. 

This simple method for detecting air leaks can be done with the help of one of your facility staff. If you notice a draft in an area of the building and suspect an air leak, partner with someone else to shine a flashlight at the area from inside. If the light can be seen from the outside (this works best at night), then you likely have an air leak. This works well for windowless doors, vents, and other areas with noticeable gaps. 

The dollar method. 

If you believe a door or window is to blame for your increased HVAC costs, try the dollar bill method. SImply close the door or window on a dollar bill, and see if it can be easily pulled out. If so, the seal around the door or window is not tight enough, and you have an air leak. These can typically be fixed at a low cost, and the cost-savings will make this fix practically pay for itself. 

Infrared thermography

This technique is an advanced method used to find air leaks you can’t detect with the naked eye. Thermal imaging allows your maintenance technician to detect changes in temperature within your facility. If they notice an area of the building that is significantly colder than the rest of the space, they can use advanced methods to find the air leak and repair it. 

Once you detect your air leak, you will need to call MaintenX to find a solution. Air leaks should be plugged as soon as they are detected to help you save more and stop paying for wasted heating and air conditioning. Different options ranging from caulk, weather stripping, foam, and equipment repairs can all help you reduce your winter heating expenses. 

These efforts can save your facility nearly 30% on energy costs if done properly. To learn more about air leak prevention and solutions, contact your local MaintenX team today!

The cold months are fast approaching, which means a shift in focus for MaintenX teams across the country. Every year we prepare for common winter maintenance issues, including freezing pipes and line breaks due to improper maintenance. Therefore, our primary goal is to help clients reduce the risk of piping issues with proper preventative care services and advice. 

Below are four tips you can use to prevent piping issues during winter at your commercial facility: 

Paint exterior faucets. 

This will make them easier for your plumber to find in an emergency. If your plumbing freezes or there is a major line break, your plumber will need to turn off exterior faucets quickly to get the job done. By painting these faucets, you will be one step ahead of emergency plumbing repairs in winter. 

Invest in insulation. 

One of the main reasons that facility plumbing starts to have issues in winter is because it is not properly insulated. If you’re unsure of whether your facility has proper plumbing insulation, contact your Local MaintenX plumber for a consultation. They can help you determine the needs of your indoor and outdoor plumbing and help you prepare for the coldest months. 

Check your water heater. 

Many plumbing issues in winter stem from an insufficient water heater within the facility. If your water heater won’t heat properly, has corrosion or damage, or is starting to develop mineral deposits, you will need to schedule repairs or potentially replace your water heater entirely. Schedule preventative care services before winter to prevent this major inconvenience. 

Monitor your HVAC system. 

Believe it or not, oftentimes the reason that pipes freeze in the winter is because the facility interior is not being warmed efficiently. A low-performance heater will create poor conditions for your interior plumbing. This can lead to damage over time, plus having an insufficient heater will make your occupants uncomfortable while in the facility. Keep an eye out for HVAC issues as winter approaches. 

With these tips in mind, you should be able to prevent most piping issues during winter. However, emergencies happen, and you’ll want to have a reputable emergency maintenance contractor on-call. MaintenX offers 24/7 emergency repair services for clients in 13 states. We offer reliable services and affordable pricing to keep your facility in top-notch condition year-round. 

To learn more about our preventative and emergency services, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Autumn is in full swing, which means it’s time to revisit your maintenance plan. As opposed to summer, fall poses several challenges to facility managers — from rising heating costs to increased landscaping needs and much more. If you want to be prepared for the change of seasons, follow these four maintenance tips from your local MaintenX team. 

Hurricane season isn’t over yet, so be prepared. 

If you live on the East Coast or near the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane season is still an issue for you until late November. Many facility managers don’t fret over hurricanes after the summer, but the risks are still there. Be sure to invest in proper backup generator equipment, and have an emergency maintenance staff on call in case of major facility damage. 

Schedule an HVAC check-up to ensure your heater is ready for winter. 

Fall is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is up to date and won’t cause problems when the first cold front hits. If you live in a warmer climate, you likely don’t use your heater except for two or three months out of the year. But, during those months you want an efficient and high-performance heater to keep your occupants comfortable. 

Prepare for increased outdoor maintenance. 

During autumn you will need to prepare for several landscaping issues relating to the falling leaves and colder temperatures: 

• Leaf debris can cause issues with your gutters and roofing if not removed regularly
• Leaf debris can kill grass, flowers, and other plants in your landscaping 
• Pests oftentimes nest in fallen leaves which can bring them into your facility
• If not removed, fallen leaves near buildings can cause rot and mold growth 

Therefore, you should start scheduling landscaping services that address these issues. Landscaping companies book quickly in autumn, so the sooner you call the better. 

Piping insulation

Pipes can freeze and expand in the winter, causing them to break and create disastrous plumbing issues for your facility. Before it gets too cold, be sure to insulate your piping. This will prevent catastrophic emergency repairs, and ensure better flow of water through your piping. This preventative measure can also provide benefits year-round including piping protection from corrosion and contamination. 

When you prepare for fall at your facility, there should be nothing to worry about. For more information on fall maintenance tips and preventative care for your commercial building, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) is a method of maintenance planning that focuses on improving performance longevity and the reliability of equipment. Unlike reactive maintenance or basic preventative maintenance following the manufacturer’s schedule, RCM is a dynamic and proactive approach to maintenance for commercial facilities. However, just like with any other maintenance plan, it only performs well when the maintenance team is committed and fully understands the workload required to make it work. 

One of the biggest obstacles to implementing RCM is company culture. The Association of Asset Management Professionals (AMP) conducted a survey on the sustainability of RCM practices. They asked, “What is the #1 reason Reliability Centered Maintenance implementation has such a low sustainable success rate?” and the results were surprising: 

• 35% responded that a lack of executive sponsorship created hurdles to RCM implementation, while another 48% believed there was cultural resistance to new RCM.

Only 18% cited technical issues in maintenance procedures slowing down RCM strategy. This means that if you want your RCM plan to work, you have to have the leadership and culture shift to embrace it. When leadership encourages the adoption of RCM as a time-saver and performance-enhancer, it is more likely that the maintenance culture will change. Without the shift stemming from executive leadership, it is unlikely that your RCM plan will be successful. 

If your maintenance staff is not properly trained in RCM, or if they do not understand the strategic reasons for implementing a new and potentially more time-intensive plan, it is unlikely that they will adopt it. The facility manager should therefore shape the culture to embrace RCM as the best option for the facility as a whole. 

So, how do you shape your culture to adopt an RCM strategy when maintenance staff is used to a mix of reactive and manufacturer-recommended preventative care? You have to show the benefits of RCM not only for the company, but for the maintenance staff:

• Predicting and preventing failures of individual equipment pieces is more efficient because it takes into account service history rather than just the equipment’s service life
• RCM uses performance indicators like wrench time studies for procedural improvement
• RCM can save money for the facility, which can go back into your maintenance department’s budget
• Encourages root cause analysis rather than surface repairs 
• Minimizes the necessity for overhauls and equipment replacement

If you fully embrace the benefits of RCM, there is no reason your company can’t transform the maintenance culture to adopt it. To learn more about RCM and custom preventative care for your facility, contact our offices today.