MaintenX, Author at Maintenx

Three Tips to Improve Retail Communications

Most retail outlets are either small brick-and-mortar counterparts to a larger corporate chain, or are run by a sole proprietor who manages all operational needs of their boutique. While it may seem as though these two business models would have vastly different operational styles, they both have the same Achilles’ heel: communication breakdowns

Whether you’re a major retail chain or a local mom-and-pop shop, communication is essential to effective operations and marketing. Communication issues often arise when the corporate liaison or owner is unaware of issues on the floor, and store employees are not informed of marketing, operational, and other directives from higher up, impacting your bottom line.

If you want to improve your retail store’s performance, follow these simple communication tips:

Centralize communications.

Retail employees are often much more active than office workers, which means that email communications are not your most effective option. You don’t want to have too many options either, as some stores will prioritize certain types of communication over others. A mobile-friendly communication system that is used by in-store employees, as well as the corporate team or ownership, will make sure everyone is on the same page at all times.

Skip meetings for virtual connections.

In-person meetings are becoming somewhat old-fashioned as more businesses are embracing virtual communication more and more. Online meetings and group chats can save you time and ensure that everyone remembers important details of discussions by providing a written log of meeting notes in real-time.

Integrate communications with partners and vendors.

How you communicate with the outside world is just as important as how you communicate with each other. By investing in a communication platform with vendors, service providers, and partners, you can ensure that important information is relayed and your ground floor employees aren’t left without proper resources to perform at their best.

MaintenX offers a streamlined communication platform to help you manage service requests and preventative maintenance with ease. We make it simple for your employees to put in requests for service and for you to schedule upgrades, renovations, and annual maintenance on a schedule that works for you. To learn more about how we manage communications using our automated work order management system, contact your local MaintenX today.

Installing Additional Outlets? Here’s What You Need To Know

As your business grows, so will your need for technology. Many smaller commercial buildings will inevitably run into problems keeping up with increased electrical demand. By adding more wall outlets, you can create a more functional office space, but there are several considerations to make before you begin the installation.

Below are three tips to help you make the most of your outlet installation:

Install smart outlets.

Smart outlets use less energy, can have USB adaptations, and can even be controlled by Bluetooth for electronics like speakers and smartphones. These will be the new standard in several years, so the sooner you upgrade, the better your facility will be positioned for advancements in the future. For the modern office space, smart outlets are a must.

Choose the right placement.

Electrical codes specify how far apart outlets need to be, but you are allowed to place them anywhere. Make sure outlets are convenient for any place that people congregate, especially in open floor plan office spaces. Floor outlets are also a great option to ensure plugs aren’t a tripping hazard in high-foot traffic areas.

Replace old outlets as needed.

While you’re adding new outlets, ask your electrician about replacing old outlets and wiring that are giving you trouble. Older outlets can have issues with the electrical load of modern appliances and may not work as efficiently as new ones. They can also pose electrical hazards if the wiring is older and beginning to wear.

MaintenX works with top electrical professionals across the country to make your building renovations as simple as possible. If you’re interested in upgrading your electrical system with new outlets or other technologies, contact us today!

Why Choose Polymer Roofing for Historic Buildings?

Historic buildings are some of the trickiest sites for us to work on as commercial contractors. While we want to preserve the historic integrity of these buildings and keep them as true to their original form as possible, we also want the best in technology for our customers. Finding the right balance of modern technology with historic preservation efforts can be tricky, but is well worth the effort.

Historic roofing is one sector in commercial construction that has made great strides in this area. Historical preservationists often want to keep the natural slate or wood shake roofing on historic buildings for as long as they can, but this can pose safety hazards for the building and leave it less energy-efficient for modern appliances. The lack of proper insulation can make these roof types struggle to cope with modern heating and cooling needs, and can even become a greater fire risk. But, there is an alternative on the rise that is becoming more and more popular with historical preservationists.

Polymer roofing is a new option for historic buildings that preserves the structural integrity of the building itself while maintaining the same look of different periods throughout American architecture. Polymer roofing can be designed to look like natural slate or wood shakes, but provides a much more durable installation with modern flashing that will ensure the roof is well-insulated, safe, and built to last as long as other modern roofing options. Other benefits of polymer roofing include:

Decreased fire and natural disaster hazards as compared to original historic roofing
Increased roofing lifespan
Comparable aesthetic appeal to wood shake or slate roofing
Reduced risk of water damage due to improper insulation
Increased energy-efficiency
Value-add option for commercial property

Historical sites across the country are using polymer roofing to create the look and feel that old stone and wood shake roofing had, but with every bit of durability, that modern roofing provides. If you’re interested in restoring a historic commercial building with this modern roofing tech, contact MaintenX today! We offer expert roofing repair and restoration services from coast to coast.

What is a Cool Roof System?

As businesses become more and more environmentally conscious, energy efficiency has become one of the biggest selling points in commercial real estate. Sustainability tech is the hottest trend for property owners and managers and can make a bigger difference to your clients than aesthetic choices or rent prices. If you’re interested in creating a more eco-friendly commercial building, a cool roofing system can help your facility stand apart from the rest.

Most property owners don’t think about their roof as an opportunity to reduce energy costs, other than solar paneling. However, solar panels are still out of the price range for many and have a slow payback as opposed to other energy-efficient upgrades. A cool roofing system, however, can reduce your interior energy costs which makes a bigger impact on your tenants.

What is a Cool Roofing System?

Cool roofing systems are coated with a light-colored acrylic coating that helps reflect light away from the building. Like wearing a white shirt on a hot day, this helps your building to stay cool on hot days as opposed to black or dark-colored shingles which absorb the heat. Cool roofing systems are typically applied with a spray-on coating and can be easily added to your existing roof.

Cool roofing systems offer a variety of benefits other than energy efficiency for your building, including:

Cost-effective coating: A cool roof coating can lower energy costs, extend the service life of your roof, and is highly cost-effective to install.
Durability: Cool roof coatings will often last several years or even decades if properly cared for and retouched.
Compatibility: Most roofing systems can be renovated with an acrylic coating to become cool roofing systems, making them one of the easiest energy-efficient upgrades you can make to your facility.

If you want your building to stand out as an energy-efficient and sustainable facility, ask your MaintenX team about cool roofing system upgrades. We can help you make your building a forward-thinking facility that is lower cost and easier to maintain than other buildings in your area.

To learn more, contact your local MaintenX contractor today!

How To Fix Roof Ponding

Flat roofing is most common in commercial buildings because it is sturdy, affordable, and ideal for roofing options like concrete. The larger the building, the more likely it is to have a flat top roof. While these roofing systems are ideal for most conditions, they retain water much more easily than a sloped roof. With no place for rain to runoff, your roofing may begin to pond which can lead to structural water damage.

Options to Fix Ponding ASAP

If you are struggling with ponding on your flat-top roof, you have two options to fix it:

Leveling your roof – There are products you can use to level your flat roof and prevent ponding in low/sloped areas. These leveling products are great options for DIYers looking for a simple solution to a small slope on their rooftop.
Installing drains – Drain systems are ideal for flat roofs because they prevent ponding every single time it rains. These act similarly to the way a gutter does on a sloped roof and will ensure any low spots on the roof don’t develop ponding.

When To Call A Professional For Help

Ponding can lead to structural issues such as ceiling staining, mold and mildew growth, and long-term water damage that can compromise the health and safety of your building. If this has happened as a result of ponding, you need to contact your MaintenX roofing contractor immediately.

The MaintenX team can help you repair the water damage and renovate your roof to prevent future ponding issues. We also offer preventative maintenance services for roofing to ensure you don’t experience any issues due to water damage.

If you’re interested in investing more in your roofing care, contact your local MaintenX today! We are happy to go over preventative care options tailored to your business needs.

Tips for Better Roof Maintenance Management

Roofing is one of your building’s biggest assets and one that is under the most duress from the outside elements. In Tampa, where MaintenX is headquartered, we understand the importance of quality roofing due to our turbulent hurricane season. Clients who take care of their roofing systems don’t have to worry about water damage and structural issues during the summer months, because their roofing is prepared for the worst.

Regular maintenance can save you thousands of dollars by preventing damage and emergency repairs. By making a few simple changes to your roofing maintenance plan, you can become a more proactive facility manager and help your maintenance team improve the quality of service along the way.

Proactive vs. Reactive Roofing Maintenance

Proactive roofing maintenance is the less popular approach because it seems more expensive. Regular roof inspections and cleanings will increase your annual spending slightly, but it will save you from shelling out for major roofing repairs and renovations. Preventative maintenance can also add 10 to 15 years of service life for your roof, making the yearly inspection and cleaning well worth the effort.

Do you know what your roof needs?

Do you know what service your particular type of roofing needs, or how to identify early signs of problems? If not, you should have a talk with your maintenance team to better understand your roofing system’s needs and maintenance schedule that will best suit the material type. Some roofing materials like concrete need less maintenance, while stylish roofing options like wood shakes will need a strict maintenance routine to preserve their look and utility.

What about maintenance goals? Do you know how to tell when your roof maintenance plan is working? If your roof is well cared for, you can expect lower energy costs because the interior will be better insulated. You’ll also have no visible signs of damage, mildew, or algae growth if your roofing is regularly inspected and cleaned.

Roofing maintenance is easy with the MaintenX team by your side. We can help you curate a preventative maintenance plan that will ensure your roof reaches its maximum service life and can withstand the elements no matter where you’re located. To learn more about roofing repair, maintenance, and installations, contact your local MaintenX team today.

The Pros and Cons of Overlay vs. Tear-off Re-Roofing

When renovating a commercial or residential roof, you have more than one option depending on what is being used to replace your existing roof. Most property owners assume you must remove the roof entirely before adding new shingles or tiles, but this is not always the case. In many instances you can overlay, or “re-roof” your building without taking off the existing shingles, saving both time and money.

Meet with your contractor to discuss the pros and cons of re-roofing vs. tearing off the existing roof before you begin your remodel:

Reroofing is considerably less expensive.

The labor cost of tearing off the existing roof will be comparable to installing the new shingles, so a simple overlay can cut your remodeling bill almost in half if you go this route.

Reroofing reduces waste.

If you decide not to tear off the existing roof, there is considerably less cleanup and waste sent to the landfill afterward. The old roofing can also provide additional insulation, making it a practical “upcycle” for roofing that is no longer aesthetically pleasing or fully effective.

Reroofing won’t last as long.

While it is cheaper to overlay in the beginning, it may be more expensive long-term because the new roofing won’t last as long. The first layer of shingles may last 20 to 25 years, but the second layer will only last 15-20 even with proper care.

Reroofing makes inspections and later renovations more difficult.

Repairs and inspections become much more difficult when you’re dealing with two layers of shingles instead of one. And, because the overlay won’t last as long the second time when the roof needs to be remodeled again, it will be significantly more expensive to take off both layers of shingles and start over.

Reroofing is safer during the summer.

Reroofing makes it easier to cope with summer storms because your building won’t be exposed while the original roof is being torn off. During a tear-off installation, the flashing and interior may be at risk of water damage.

Weight and wind may be a problem with overlays.

An overlay may be simpler, but the added weight can cause stress on the underlying structure. The additional layers of shingles may also be more likely to come up during high winds than a roof that is directly installed on the foundation.

Not all roofing can be overlaid.

Tile, slate, and wood shakes require tear-off installations, as will any shingle roof that has significant damage. Before you count on an overlay installation, ask your contractor about your available options.

MaintenX can help you make the most of your roofing remodeling project and future maintenance needs! To learn more about our roofing services, contact your local MaintenX roofing team today.

Ask An Electrician: Four Most Frequently Asked Questions

Becoming a commercial electrician is one of the most difficult paths to take in the maintenance service world. These professionals must complete years of training and classes to prepare for the large scope of commercial electrical work and safety. However, those that make it are the best of the best. They can help you lower your electric bill and ensure your facility is safe and high-performing all throughout the year.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions our electricians receive, and what they recommend for electrical maintenance best practices:

How can I save energy at my facility?

Most people expect the answer to these questions will be to turn off lights or unplug devices while away. However, the biggest electrical drain in commercial facilities isn’t the lighting and appliances themselves, but the continued use of outdated options. Older appliances will use more energy than modern, energy-efficient ones, and will also cost you more than it will to replace them. If you really want to save money, upgrade your lighting and appliances to the most energy-efficient options on the market.

Do I really need a backup generator?

The answer to this question depends on the type of business you have operating in your facility. If you have a medical center, grocery store, gas station, disaster shelter, or any other facility that is essential in an emergency, the answer is absolutely yes. However, if you’re operating an office building or small retail business that can close during power or weather emergencies, you can decide for yourself whether the cost of a backup generator is greater or less than the cost to close your business during emergencies.

What electrical work can I do myself?

Generally, we don’t recommend business owners or property managers do any of their own electric work unless they are themselves a licensed contractor. Even small jobs can compromise your business license and permits if not done properly. Plus, electrical work can be dangerous, so working on it without the proper skill can put you and your employees in danger.

Where can I find a commercial electrician?

Most commercial electricians work with a facility maintenance company to source jobs and handle communications between them and the client. This provides you with access not only to your area’s top electricians, but plumbers, HVAC techs, roofers, and other specialists. If you’re looking for a facility maintenance team that can handle all of your commercial work, talk to a local MaintenX team.

MaintenX works with top electricians across the country to provide you best in class service day and night. To learn more about our electrical repair and installation services, contact your local MaintenX today!

Ask An HVAC Tech: Three Most Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC maintenance is a top priority for most facility managers. It is one of the most important cost-saving services you can schedule and will improve the overall health and indoor air quality standards of your facility. Despite how important this service is, many facility managers don’t know enough about their HVAC system to maintain it properly.

Below are the most common questions we receive from clients, and what you need to know to improve your HVAC maintenance plan:

How can I reduce my heating and cooling costs?

This is the most obvious, and most frequently asked question our HVAC technicians receive. Most people expect answers like changing the thermostat setting or turning off the system at night. However, our technicians know that the best thing you can do for your HVAC system is to care for it. Neglecting to perform air duct and vent cleaning, preventative maintenance checks, and outdoor unit maintenance will shorten the service life and cost you due to decreased unit performance. If you want to save, invest in proper HVAC care.

Should I zone my HVAC system?

Zoning is the process of setting up sectioned HVAC systems that control temperature and humidity for different areas of your facility. This can allow you to customize the heating and cooling for different needs and therefore lower your energy costs for large buildings. However, it is not recommended for smaller offices or buildings where climate control is not a top priority.

Does the size of my HVAC system matter?

In commercial HVAC maintenance, size matters more than you think. If your system is too small, it will be constantly working to try and heat or cool the facility. This will lead to premature service problems and inefficiencies in system performance. If the system is too big for the building, however, the system will have trouble controlling humidity. A commercial HVAC system needs to be sized properly for your building and adjusted when building remodeling and additions are made.

MaintenX specializes in HVAC maintenance for commercial facilities across the U.S. To learn more about our services and technicians, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Ask A Roofer: Five Most Frequently Asked Questions

MaintenX specializes in roofing repairs, installations, and preventative service throughout Florida and the U.S. We believe this is one of our most important services, as often commercial roofing maintenance is neglected in favor of other maintenance services. Roofing maintenance, however, protects your entire building from water damage, structural problems, and other maintenance disasters you’d much rather avoid.

Below are our most received roofing questions from clients, and how you can better service your facility with roofing maintenance:

Are solar panels worth the expense?

More and more businesses in Florida are utilizing solar panels on their roofing to cover part of their energy cost. Commercial roofing is often made flat, which is ideal for solar panels, but the initial cost of investment can drive some property owners away from the installation. However, over time the solar panels can reduce your energy bill by more than half, paying for themselves over several years. They are also a great value-add to the property itself when it comes time to sell, as new buyers are more concerned with their real estate’s environmental impact than ever before.

How often should I schedule roof inspections?

Commercial roofing is typically built to withstand harsher conditions than residential roofing, so it only needs to be inspected every two to five years to prevent damage. Commercial concrete roofing may need fewer inspections as it will need very little repair throughout the years.

What’s the best way to replace my roofing?

When replacing a commercial roof, you have two options. You can tear off the existing roof, or you can build on top of it (assuming the old roof is in good condition). The ideal option of the two depends on the condition of your existing roof, its texture, and what you want to put down to replace it.

How long does commercial roofing last?

Most commercial roofing will last a minimum of 20 years, with more durable materials like metal and concrete lasting 40-50 or more with good care. More aesthetically pleasing options like TPO and shingles do not have as long of a lifespan but are ideal for smaller businesses with low roofing.

What is the biggest concern for roofing maintenance?

Most people assume that weather is the biggest threat to roofing. While this is true for Florida businesses during a hurricane, the most consistent predictor of roofing failure and leaks is a lack of maintenance. A storm may be able to damage your roof, but neglect will ensure your roof has a much lower service life. Be sure to care for your roofing system so it can withstand years of wear and tear.

For more information about roofing maintenance and installations, visit our Resource Center or contact your local MaintenX team today!

Author: MaintenX