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To a business owner or facility manager, the New Year means many things. It is a time to set new projections, goals, and budgets for the upcoming year. At MaintenX, the new year means creating new maintenance protocols for clients. We like to review preventative maintenance practices every year to ensure our teams meet their mark and improve facility efficiency. 

Before you head into the new year, it’s important to evaluate your preventative maintenance plan. Expenses you budgeted for last year may not be necessary, while other systems may be due for an upgrade. However, there are several questions to ask before scheduling preventative maintenance services:

• What equipment is critical to operations, and which is aging the quickest?
• What equipment requires regular maintenance, and what equipment only requires periodic audits? 
• Which anticipated repair costs will be most expensive? 
• What equipment or systems are having the most issues? 

After you’ve answered these questions with your maintenance staff, you’ll be better prepared to invest preventative maintenance with the highest ROI. As a rule of thumb, however, the four most important areas to evaluate and schedule preventative maintenance for include:

HVAC – Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units will not last forever, and can break down very quickly. To extend the life of your HVAC unit, preventative maintenance is necessary. Replacement of filters, tune ups on critical systems, and audits to predict lifespan of your unit are all essential. 

Plumbing – Plumbing issues pose the worst risks to facilities in terms of operational interruptions and water damages. If a line breaks, you could be facing an immediate shutdown of critical systems as well as significant water damage inside and out. Prevent plumbing issues with regular audits and proactive repairs. 

Electrical – Commercial facilities cannot operate without safe and continual electrical systems. If your electrical system is outdated or experiencing difficulty, you must take care of it immediately. The last thing you want is a power outage or other electrical issue to stop operations unexpectedly. 

Roofing – Roofing is one element of your facility that will last for decades if taken care of properly. Roofing provides protection from the elements, insulation, and a water-resistant layer for the interior. With proper maintenance, there is no reason your roofing can’t last 20 years or more. 

MaintenX offers comprehensive preventative maintenance services for businesses. We serve 13 states with HVAC, roofing, electrical, and plumbing services as well as emergency response service. If you’re ready to upgrade for 2020, talk to your local MaintenX team today!

With the New Year less than a month away, you’ve likely already planned a tentative 2020 budget. However, if you’re still on the fence on how to put your 2019 profits to good use, there are several ways in which you can give back to your building. Facility maintenance is not the most glamorous way to upgrade your business, but it is one of the most straightforward. When you invest in your equipment and facility systems, you can see immediate improvement in operational efficiency.

The MaintenX team prides itself on offering affordable maintenance and installation services for a variety of facility projects. Whether you’re planning to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment, or to give your building an aesthetic touch up, we are always here to help. Below are some of the top ways we recommend you invest in your facility this year: 

Roofing and waterproofing

A high-quality roof and waterproof membrane are your facility’s first defenses against water and storm damage. When it comes to the structural needs of your facility, roofing is a top priority. If your roof has not been coated with a waterproof adhesive or is starting to suffer from visible wear and tear, 2020 could be the year to invest in an upgrade. MaintenX offers affordable roofing and waterproofing services for facilities of every size and budget. 

Energy-efficient HVAC system

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning cost you tremendously each month if you’re not invested in energy efficiency. Old and outdated units run up to 30 or 50 percent more than energy-efficient systems, which can drive your power bill up. Instead of waiting for your HVAC system to give out, invest in an energy-efficient unit in 2020. The savings you’ll earn will pay for it in no time. 

Landscaping

Landscaping services are not typically seen as an “upgrade,” but they can be with the right landscaping team. Rather than paying for the bare minimum of service, invest in hew landscape design or a revamping of your outdoor lot design. A little TLC on the exterior will make a huge impression on new customers in 2020. 

An on-call maintenance staff

If you don’t currently have a contract with a maintenance staff for your building, now is the time to do so. In-house janitorial services can be a hassle to manage and require training that your facility may not be able to afford. Instead, outsource your facility maintenance tasks to the experienced professionals at MaintenX. 

MaintenX offers comprehensive plumbing, HVAC, landscaping, and emergency services across 13 states. We uphold a reputation for excellence in our services and relationships with clients. When you’re ready to upgrade for 2020, call your local MaintenX team for help. 

Energy efficiency should be a top priority for every facility and maintenance team. The savings you receive on a reduced power bill will return to you and your community. Energy-efficient appliances and commercial equipment often reduce the overall environmental impact of facility operations. Your employees, community, and clients will all benefit from the resource conservation effort when you invest in energy efficiency. 

While there are plenty of energy-efficient appliances and equipment available, not all make the same major impact on your budget. At MaintenX, we recommend that our clients invest in these energy-efficient heating options for optimal savings during the winter: 

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters have been around for many years. Situational on the ceilings and in corners of buildings, they radiate heat throughout a space. These heaters are easy to install and do not require the complex maintenance of other heater types. They are also instant heat sources, as opposed to HVAC systems which must cycle for several minutes before heating a room effectively. 

Radiant heaters are affordable, and can even be used in outdoor spaces for outdoor showrooms or workspace. Radiant heaters do pose some risks, but overall they can be a safe and effective heat source for small buildings. They do, however, become more costly in large, spacious facilities like warehouses and manufacturing plants. 

Warm Air Heating

Warm air space heating systems are very different from radiant heaters. Rather than emitting heat, they draw air from the environment and pass it through a heat exchanger. This cycles warm air with cool air until the entire space is climate-controlled. This is a much more common heating option in both residential and commercial facilities. However, because warm air rises it can be more difficult to maintain an even temperature in spaces with high ceilings. There are several workarounds to this issue. 

Destratification Heating

Warm air heating causes issues when a building has high ceilings and cannot effectively keep a consistent temperature. Destratification heating solves this problem with the addition of destratification fans, pushing warm air back down from the ceiling to the ground level. The implementation of destratification fans makes warm air heating a viable option for many more facilities. 

Commercial Fans

Commercial fans combine heating elements with large fans to push air throughout a building. They combine the elements of warm air heaters and destratification heating into one unit, making commercial fans a lower-cost option. Commercial fans do not automatically regulate temperature. They are better suited for low-cost heating options in large warehouse and manufacturing facilities.

MaintenX specializes in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. We serve over 13 states with preventative and 24/7 emergency services. If you’re interested in upgrading your heating unit or have questions about energy-efficient options, talk to your local MaintenX team today!

Heating systems are under intense pressure during the winter months. Depending on your location, you could experience cold spells through the springtime, or face a serious change in temperature for only a few months. In Tampa, Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, we weather a sudden change in temperature from late November to February. While the winter season does not last long, it often only takes a few weeks for peak low temperatures to arrive. This sudden change can put immense pressure on our clients’ heating units. 

To prevent major heating unit issues, look for these warning signs and know when to troubleshoot or call your MaintenX team. These common problems could be minor, but they could be signs of a major emergency repair: 

Issues with the thermostat.

If you notice a loss of heat in your facility, you may be tempted to blame the heating unit first. However, the problem could be as simple as a miscommunication between the thermostat and the unit itself. If a thermostat is not placed correctly, has low batteries, or is not signaling correctly, it could cause your facility to cool off more than it should. Before calling your MaintenX team about a broken heater, check the batteries in your thermostat and see if the issue is resolved.  

The unit is overcycling.

Your heating unit cycles periodically to ensure that your facility stays at the right temperature. However, overcycling may occur if you have a clogged air filter or thermostat issues. If your heating unit is overcycling, it will cause unnecessary wear and eventually lead to a breakdown. If you notice that your heater never seems to shut off, try changing the air filters and check your thermostat reading. If the problem persists, call your MaintenX team right away. 

You notice inconsistent temperatures.

If your system is cycling normally but changing temperatures far too soon, you could have an air leak in the facility, or suffering from poor insulation. Air leaks can be as minor as cracks in the walls or around doors and windows. They may be left undetected until the winter months arrive and you can’t keep your facility warm. If you notice this problem occurring frequently, you should contact your MaintenX team and schedule a caulking service. Using epoxy caulking agents, the MaintenX contractors can seal air leaks and prevent loss of insulation quickly. 

None of these issues are detrimental to your business, but if left unchecked, heating system issues can become major hassles. Contact your MaintenX team today to learn more about preventative maintenance and repair services in your area. 

Finding the right contractor for your commercial facility should be the first priority, whether you’re a first-time facility manager or looking to renew a contract before the New Year. As the end of 2019 approaches, think about the qualities you look for in a maintenance team, and what expectations you want to lay out for them. Knowing your maintenance and facility improvement goals before you sit down with a potential contractor will help you better navigate your contract and decide who to call when an emergency maintenance issue arises. 

Before you decide on a general contractor for your facility, follow these steps: 

Question the contractor

Before you sign a contract, you should interview your contractor thoroughly to learn about their services. Ask them what services they can and cannot perform, as well as what client references they can provide. You will want to find out what separates them from other contractors, and how their prices match up.  Before you decide, interview several companies and compare notes. 

Audit the company

Unless it is an emergency, there should be plenty of planning in the process of preventative maintenance. Before you sign a company, you need to audit their facilities and ensure they can meet the demands of yours. You need to ensure they contractors on staff follow safe, clean, and efficient protocols and can back up their work. One of the best ways to audit a maintenance team is to review their references thoroughly and ask them the questions you want to be answered. 

Request case studies

If the company you hire is as good as they say, they should have case studies for you to review. Case studies could include the results they’ve achieved with other clients, or how their preventative maintenance programs have helped save clients on energy or power expenses. You should also be able to find out their project completion rate and time frame and compare these numbers to their competitors. 

Find out their expertise.

Every general contractor has an area of specialty. You don’t want to hire a contractor who is not specialized in the services you plan to schedule throughout the year. Smaller contractors may try to take on more jobs than they’re specialized in. However, this can get you into trouble as the client. Ask for their certifications and specializations to ensure the contractor you hire can do the job you need. 

MaintenX provides honest references, hard work, and certified contractors in a variety of fields. We work hard to ensure that when you have an emergency maintenance issue, you know who you can trust to save the day. MaintenX also offers year-round preventative maintenance contracts to help you keep your facility in tip-top shape. Contact us today to learn more. 

MaintenX is a nationwide general contractor for plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and electrical repairs. With 40+ years of experience and one of the nation’s largest networks of certified technicians, we have made a name for ourselves with a reputation for excellence. However, what separates MaintenX from your other contractors and maintenance techs? What makes clients call us year after year for their emergency and preventative maintenance service?

Safety is our priority

When an emergency happens at your facility, your first priority will always be safety. When you’re responsible for the health and wellbeing of your employees or tenants, it should be, and it’s our first priority too. MaintenX technicians are highly trained and specialized in what they do. They are up to date on all emergency protocols for your facility and tenants’ peace of mind. MaintenX also uses electronically dispatched service fleets to ensure the quickest response time. When your facility is in trouble, MaintenX will be the first to arrive. 

Emergencies are our priority

While MaintenX performs routine and preventative maintenance for all of our clients, we always put emergency and disaster response services first. When you’re really in trouble, you want the contractors who are readily available for you in a time of need. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster or have a major maintenance problem that’s putting your equipment or employees at risk, we will be there to lend a hand. 

Some of our emergency services include:

• Store Board-ups
• Emergency Backup Generators
• Generator Fuel Test/Generator Diesel/ BioFuel Test
• Generator Refueling
• Generator Repair and Replacement
• Water Damage Repairs from Flooding or Broken Pipes
• Repairs for Damage Caused by Fire or Smoke
• Storm Damage Clean Up

Your recovery is our priority 

After an emergency, whether it be a major disaster or simply a major inconvenience, we strive to make the recovery process as painless as possible. We understand the stress that you’re under and can put your mind at ease by showing up day or night to help. Some of our disaster response services include: 

• Developing and executing emergency response protocols
• Managing crews and equipment for generator deployment and connections
• Collaboration with power companies to bring power back ASAP
• Working alongside FEMA and Red Cross for an emergency response to all commercial and residential facilities
• Working with clients to open temporary stores 
• Emergency repairs to facilities
• Developing and managing fueling programs and staging areas for fueling

No matter what your needs may be, MaintenX is by your side. We offer emergency and disaster response services for clients in 13 states. Contact us today to learn more, or request an emergency team by calling 855-751-0075. 

Plumbing issues are never welcome, either in the home or in a large commercial facility. Even minor leaks and damages typically result in disasters when not cared for immediately. If you’re vigilant, you may be able to catch plumbing issues before they turn into an overflowing toilet or water line break. 

MaintenX prioritizes preventative maintenance with each of our clients. We tell them that a preventative repair is always less costly, and less stressful than an emergency repair, even if it seems inconvenient. While bringing in the maintenance team regularly may seem like an unnecessary expense, you’ll be glad when you go through the year without any major or emergency repairs. 

If you want to prevent costly plumbing repairs, look for these signs and perform the preventative maintenance tasks recommended by your MaintenX team.

Higher-than-normal water bill

Unless your facility is under special circumstances, you should use approximately the same amount of water every month. A sudden jump in water usage could signal a problem in your plumbing, such as a leak or a part malfunction. You may notice small leaks from time to time, but the real damage of these remains hidden until you receive your water bill. Even a small faucet leak can cost you hundreds of dollars in a month if not attended. 

Water heater malfunctioning

This is a very common problem to catch in residential areas because it affects shower temperature. However, a water heater malfunction is not always caught in a commercial facility, where the temperature is not as readily detected unless utilizing special equipment. Your water heater should last up to 15 or 20 years. However, if you notice rust, leaks, or other signs of wear and tear, call your MaintenX plumber. If a water heater malfunctions, you could face serious damages 

Drains that don’t run out immediately

A clogged drain may be nothing new at your facility, but if you start to notice the problem across several applications, you may have a serious problem on hand. Slow-moving drains across the facility could indicate a problem with the external lines connecting the building to the city line. There are many different possible causes, so call your MaintenX plumber immediately. 

Rusting pipes

This sign is harder to detect because much of your plumbing will be hidden from sight. However, if you notice rust in any of your pipes, it is a cause for concern. Rusting can lead to a pipe burst, and then severe water damage. If rusting does not cause a burst, it can significantly reduce water pressure. Rusted piping can be repaired with an epoxy lining to reinforce weakened areas, or it can be replaced through a process called pipe bursting.

Preventative plumbing maintenance can be easy and intuitive with a bit of proactive effort and the MaintenX team by your side. Contact us today to learn more about plumbing preventative maintenance and emergency services. 

One of the primary determining factors to a facility’s structural integrity is its roofing, and therefore, its shingles. Shingles are used in roofing for many reasons. Carrying sheets of small shingles is much less labor-intensive and safe than laying large pieces of asphalt or fiberglass. The small size of shingles also makes it easier for them to appear even when constructed manually. They provide a sturdy exterior shell to your roofing that ensures it can withstand rain, wind, snow, and sun. 

You may be accustomed to one type of shingle for your facility, but MaintenX offers a wide variety of options for our clients. Different shingle materials provide different benefits as well as different price points. Below are some of the most common shingle types used in commercial applications. 

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingles. They are durable, affordable, and most roofers will be able to repair and replace them. Asphalt shingles are also easy to install, cutting costs for new or replacement roofing labor. Asphalt shingles can deflect UV rays, which also helps to lower your energy bills during the summer. While asphalt shingles are fairly inexpensive, they are the most prone to damage. You will need to replace asphalt shingles more frequently because they are less durable than other types. 

Metal shingles

Metal roofing is a much more durable option with the same UV and leak protection benefits of asphalt roofs. Metal roofs will last up to 30 years longer than asphalt roofs and are much less prone to damage from falling debris or inclement weather. However, installation costs are much higher for metal roofing. The specifications required for metal roofing are also much more strict, so this roofing option is not viable for every facility. 

Slate shingles

Slate shingles are another long-lasting option for commercial facilities. They can last decades — eve centuries — if kept in good condition. They are also an eco-conscious and aesthetically appealing roofing option for facilities where outward presentation is important. Slate is one of the most durable options that will help to insulate and reduce your building’s environmental footprint. However, they are the most expensive option. Slate is costly to install, and if a shingle does break or wear, it can be difficult to find matching shingles after the initial order. This may be a great investment for your building, but you must beware of the associated costs. 

MaintenX is passionate about roofing and preventative maintenance excellence. We are up-to-date on local safety codes and roofing best practices to deliver the best customer service possible. If you are interested in roofing repairs or shingle installation services, contact your local MaintenX team today!

The biggest threat to any facility is water damage. Water pooling leads to mold, mildew, and rust, which almost always require invasive removal services for affected areas. During the winter months, facilities are at high risk for water damage. While the rainy season many have passed, snow that accumulates and then melts can be disastrous for roofing that is not well-maintained. In order to keep your facility in tip-top shape, you’ll want to invest in several preventative maintenance services. 

By cleaning out your gutters year-round, you can prevent the number one cause of water damage at your facility. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up into the fascia. Debris can also cause gutters to sag and put unnecessary stress on your roofing. The decaying matter, if left unchecked, will inevitably lead to mold and rot, or provide a safe haven for pests. 

Prevent roof and facility damage by following these five gutter maintenance tips: 

Trim your trees

This may seem obvious, but in our experience, the most common culprit of gutter buildup is a lack of lawn and tree maintenance. During the fall, leaves will build up in gutters and immediately cause buildup. It is essential to not only clean your gutters but trim trees around the roofing to reduce debris as much as possible. 

Invest in a mesh screen cap or tension hood

In addition to scheduling regular gutter cleaning, you can also invest in barriers to keep debris out. Mesh screen caps and surface tension hoods are both affordable and effective ways to reduce large debris buildup. Smaller particles may still cause occasional clogs and the tops of these surfaces will need to be maintained, but cleaning requirements for the gutter are significantly reduced. 

Tackle slime buildup head on

Gutters don’t suffer from debris buildup alone. If left unchecked, algae and bacteria can build up to form a thick and unpleasant layer of slime. This will cause fast wear and tear that you don’t want to have to pay for in the future. Be proactive by scheduling regular gutter cleaning treatments from MaintenX

Look for future gutter repairs

Gutters wear down just like any other structure. You will need to routinely repair leaks, tighten downspouts, and invest in gutter protection products as the parts wear. These repairs can be done by your MaintenX team on a schedule or as you see fit. We specialize in roofing and gutter repair for facilities of all sizes and needs. 

If you want to get ahead of your roofing and gutter maintenance checklist for the winter, contact MaintenX today! 

As the seasons change, so do the needs of your facility. Snow, sleet, and temperature drops can put your structures under significant stress, especially if you neglect to care for them in the summer and fall months. Preventative maintenance is the first step for keeping your equipment, employees, and structure under safe conditions throughout the snowy season. 

At MaintenX, we encourage all of our clients to conduct a thorough facility inspection before the first snowfall. This helps to identify and prevent maintenance problems that can turn into costly emergencies. However, not every facility follows this procedure. If you’re looking for ways to prepare your facility for the winter months, here is what we recommend to all of our clients in cold climates: 

Budget in advance

Winter maintenance is often the most-labor intensive, and therefore the most expensive. Outdoor services during snow and icy conditions will cost you more, so it’s best to plan for preventative maintenance before the weather becomes too severe. You will also want to budget for ancillary expenses that only come during the winter. Be prepared for heater repairs, snow and ice removal, and plumbing issues due to temperature changes.

Schedule preventative maintenance for your roof

Roofing is one of the most affected yet least cared-for areas of large facilities during the winter. Your roof may experience water damage due to melting snow and ice, and will have additional weight that it doesn’t have to carry in the summer. Care for your roofing by scheduling regular inspections of flashings, coverings, ballast and drainage systems. You will also want to ask your MaintenX team about emergency snow removal services. If too much snow accumulates you could face leaks and cracks that end up as costly repairs. 

Fire Safety

Fires are unfortunately much more common in the winter as heating units are pushed to the limits. The risk of fire protection tanks freezing can also put employees in danger, which is why preventative maintenance is a top priority. If your fire system freezes, call your maintenance team to carefully isolate the frozen area, warm it to force ice from the pipe, and reinstall. This process should be done by a professional MaintenX technician.

Waterproof your roofing

Waterproof membranes will save your roof and interiors from severe water damage during the winter. You want to invest in roofing membranes before the worst of the snow or ice, because it is difficult to install once late winter arrives. This preventative maintenance step will also increase the insulation of your facility, reducing heating and energy costs. 

The MaintenX team will be by your side throughout winter to keep your facility in tip-top shape. Contact us today to schedule a facility audit and start planning for winter preventative maintenance.