Throughout our extensive 60+ years of experience in commercial property restoration, we have encountered a wide spectrum of situations within the industry. We have had the opportunity to witness remarkable craftsmanship, where knowledgeable and dedicated property owners and managers have invested their best efforts not only to maintain the highest property value but also to ensure exceptional experiences for their tenants.
On the other hand, we have also seen how a relatively small problem spiralled into a full-blown disaster. For instance, someone ignored a mould report for a long time assuming it is a negligible issue. It turned out, however, a huge issue that required replacing every single piece of wood on several floors.
We have been producing content about the importance of preventative maintenance. Still, we can't overstate it enough. We believe it is the core essence of property management and why this industry should exist in the first place. Preventative maintenance is not only about cautionary tales. It is also about pushing your property to the highest level of potential profits.
To that end, we would like to share two significant preventative maintenance tips. These tips might sound 'trivial' but we guarantee that upholding these can dramatically impact the condition of your building in the long term.
1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
This may sound boring and even foolish to mention. However, a lot of people neglect this.
The primary function of gutters is to gather rainwater that lands on the roof and guide it away from the property's foundation using downspouts. Their role is crucial as they prevent water from pooling near the foundation. Without gutters, rainwater near the foundation may infiltrate windows or permeate into basements and crawlspaces, leading to possible water leakage and moisture-related issues.
In general, rain gutters usually demand minimal maintenance, apart from regular debris removal. When gutters become clogged, it can result in blocked downspouts. As a consequence, water overflows from the top of the gutter, spilling onto the ground below.
Neglected gutters can lead to significant mould problems. Mould and mildew on walls or ceilings may indicate clogged gutters. The build-up of water in the gutters after it rains is the leading cause of mold and mildew growth in these situations. By keeping unwanted moisture well away from your property, you can prevent mold-related issues and maintain a pleasant living environment.
2. Conduct main sewer line cleaning
This service thoroughly removes any debris or obstructions from your main sewer line, resulting in a significant extension of your building's sewer main lifespan. Plumbing issues and specifically main sewer blockages can be a major headache. n our vast experience, we have encountered numerous cases where property management has overlooked the importance of conducting thorough investigations and cleaning the main sewer line.
There are four signs that tell your main sewer line is clogged:
When you notice multiple drains in your property, such as toilets, bathtubs, showers, and sinks, exhibiting slow movement, gurgling noises, unpleasant odours, or water backing up.
When sewage becomes visible in your yard or starts to emerge from the clean-out pipe of your property's sewer line.
When you notice your floor drain backing up or draining slowly.
When you notice that water backs up in random places as you’re using water fixtures.
When you observe any of these warning signs, call for professional help immediately. Ignoring these issues can allow the problem to escalate, leading to more significant complications. It is worth noting that the cost of installing a new main line is usually significantly higher compared to the cost of having a professional clean the existing one.
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