As the seasons change, so do the maintenance needs of commercial properties. From blistering summers to frosty winters, each season brings challenges that can take a toll on the appearance and integrity of your building. However, with a proactive approach to maintenance, you can prevent weather-related damage, extend the lifespan of your painted walls, and save money on bigger, costly repairs in the long run. To help you, we’ve compiled a seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your commercial property in top shape throughout the year.
Your seasonal maintenance checklist
Summer: preserve and protect
As temperatures rise, it's essential to focus on preserving and protecting your property from heat and sun exposure. Inspect and clean exterior surfaces first. Power wash your building to remove dirt, grime and pollutants that accumulate over time, to maintain its appearance and prolong the life of the paint. Prevent the sun from shining through windows and keep your property - and patrons - cooler during hot weather with curtains or blinds and external shading.
Another must for your seasonal maintenance checklist is protecting your building's exterior paint from UV damage. Exposure to sunlight can cause paint to fade and deteriorate prematurely. Consider using high-quality, UV-resistant paints and coatings like the Weathershield coatings from Dulux. Products like these will help protect your property's exterior and extend the lifespan of your paint job.
- Inspect and clean exterior surfaces.
- Power wash your property to remove dirt, grime and pollutants.
- Install curtains or blinds to prevent sun exposure through windows.
- Consider using high-quality, UV-resistant paints and coatings.
- Protect the building's exterior paint from UV damage
Autumn: prepare and plan
As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures start to cool, it's time to prepare your property for the upcoming winter months. Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts as clogged gutters can lead to water damage and paint deterioration.
When it comes to paint maintenance, autumn is an excellent time to assess the condition of your building's exterior paint and plan for any necessary touch-ups or repainting. Address any issues before winter sets to help protect your property from further damage and ensure it looks its best year-round. Consider a professional painting contractor to develop a maintenance plan tailored to your property's specific needs.
- Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts.
- Assess the condition of exterior paint for touch-ups or repainting.
- Develop a maintenance plan with a professional painting contractor.
Winter: shield and strengthen
Winter can be a challenge for commercial property managers, with cold snaps aplenty and even snow in some parts of Australia. If your property is an area that’s subject to snow, an essential aspect of winter maintenance is monitoring and addressing snow and ice buildup. Keeping walkways and parking areas clear of snow and ice ensures the safety of your tenants and employees and helps protect your property. It’s also a good idea to check for drafts around doors and windows and make any necessary repairs to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Additionally, you should change air filters regularly and ensure heating systems work effectively throughout the winter.
Winter can be one of the most challenging times for your painted walls due to cold temperatures and heightened moisture. Lower temperatures can cause paint to crack, peel, or blister, while moisture can lead to mould and mildew growth. It’s important you address these as they’re not just cosmetic - they can lead to significant health risks and accelerate the degradation of your building materials. Both of which could threaten your property’s safety.
Consider paints and coatings specifically formulated for cold weather applications, such as the Acratex Cold Weather Additive from Dulux which helps protect your surfaces and has quick-drying properties for cooler climates. Additionally, schedule regular painting and maintenance inspections to help identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.
- Monitor and address snow and ice buildup on walkways and parking areas.
- Check for drafts around doors and windows and make necessary repairs.
- Change air filters regularly and ensure heating systems work effectively.
- Consider paints and coatings formulated for cold weather applications.
Spring: renew and restore
Spring marks the perfect time to refresh your property after the cold conditions of winter. As the weather warms up, look for any areas of your property that might need a bit of TLC after the winter months. For example, you can prune trees and shrubs to prevent damage from overhanging branches, allow more natural light to enter your building and also improve airflow around the property.
Spring is also an ideal time to assess the condition of your building's exterior paint because sometimes the impact of a rough winter shows up later on. Look for any of the aforementioned signs and chipped or fading paint. Tackling these issues early on will enhance the curb appeal of your property and protect it from further damage.
- Prune trees and shrubs to prevent damage and improve airflow.
- Assess the condition of your building's exterior paint and address any issues.
- Tackle chipped or fading paint to enhance curb appeal and protect the property.
By following this seasonal maintenance checklist, you can protect your commercial property from weather-related damage and ensure it remains a safe and inviting space for customers and employees alike. Remember, proactive maintenance is key to saving time and money in the long term, so don’t wait until problems arise—plan your seasonal maintenance and keep to your routine, on your terms.
Your paintwork is an investment that needs protecting to ensure the ongoing appearance of your building and reduce future expenses. Learn how to keep your paintwork looking fresh for longer with our handy guide to painting maintenance.
Higgins Coatings is Australia's premier commercial painting contractor with nearly 75 years of experience in providing cost-effective painting and tailored maintenance solutions to a broad range of industries including hospitals, aged care, schools, and strata. If you need quality painting services delivered on time and within budget, contact us today.