“Why Should You Care About Having the Best Facility Maintenance?” – Jason Gassett, Childers Construction Company

Most of us work in a building outside of our homes and some of us probably own those buildings, which is a substantial investment. With any investment, we want that investment to continue to grow and be more valuable with time. Real Estate is one of the few investments that provides economic growth over time but lack of facility maintenance can be a deterrent to that growth and future sales values.

Facility maintenance is critical because it enables a business’ assets to remain productive for longer than otherwise possible. This is important because extended useful lifespans mean reduced repair and replacement costs, which can be very expensive. Moreover, this minimizes the potential for interruptions to the revenue-earning operations, something that can pose a significant impact to the existence of smaller businesses when the asset or assets that give out are of sufficient importance.

Second, facility maintenance is what enables a business’ assets to continue providing the best performance possible, thus making for increased efficiency across the entirety of its revenue-earning operations. Sometimes, this means buildings as well as their contents. Other times, this means the business’ human resources. After all, people prefer clean, well-maintained office environments rather than dirty, dilapidated spaces, meaning that this can have a real impact on their morale and productivity.

Facility maintenance encompasses a wide range of tasks. For example, the inspection of HVAC systems for potential issues that need to be corrected can be considered maintenance, janitorial tasks that restore office spaces to a clean state and exterior façade/roof cleaning are an obvious facility maintenance.

Maintaining exterior paint and sealants for building weatherability are other very important maintenance tasks, but sometimes it’s those items behind walls or above ceilings or in mechanical closets that get overlooked because they are not obvious things we see every day as we go in and out of our buildings. Whatever its exact nature, facility maintenance is critical for business success and longevity, and is often overlooked or deferred for financial reasons.

A crucial aspect of facility maintenance that often goes unnoticed is the integrity of a building’s exterior weather barrier. This protective layer plays a vital role in shielding structures from moisture, wind, and temperature fluctuations, all of which can lead to long-term damage if not properly managed. Cracks in sealants, deteriorating caulking, or gaps in insulation can create vulnerabilities that allow water intrusion, leading to costly repairs down the line. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance ensure that these issues are addressed before they escalate into major structural concerns.

One key component of an effective weather barrier is insulation, which not only helps regulate indoor temperatures but also prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold or structural degradation. Many facility managers are now incorporating thermal barriers as part of their exterior maintenance strategy, recognizing their ability to enhance energy efficiency while also reinforcing the building’s defense against harsh weather conditions. By sealing gaps and reinforcing insulation, these barriers help maintain a comfortable indoor environment and reduce energy costs, making them a valuable investment for long-term building performance.

As a general contractor for 17 years, I have too often seen buildings where maintenance had been prolonged, whether it is roofing replacement/repairs, building envelope weatherability, leaking waterproofing, etc., and in most cases the cost for these repairs are more extensive or have resulted in damage to other areas of the building.

When it comes to HVAC systems, ensuring they are regularly serviced is essential to maintaining optimal performance and energy efficiency. Neglecting HVAC maintenance can lead to increased energy consumption, poor air quality, and higher utility bills. That’s where Lee’s HVAC comes in—offering reliable, professional services to keep your heating and cooling systems running smoothly. From routine inspections to diagnosing potential issues early, their team is equipped to handle all aspects of HVAC care, ensuring your system operates efficiently year-round.

In addition to HVAC maintenance, the importance of air duct and dryer vent cleaning cannot be overstated. Over time, dust, debris, and allergens accumulate in your air ducts, potentially compromising air quality and causing your HVAC system to work harder than necessary.

For professional cleaning services, a trusted Salt Lake City Duct Company can ensure that your ducts are thoroughly cleaned, restoring efficiency and improving the overall air quality within your home or office. Regular dryer vent cleaning is equally vital, as blocked vents can pose a fire hazard and reduce dryer efficiency. By incorporating both air duct and dryer vent cleaning into your routine maintenance, you can enhance your HVAC system’s performance, improve air quality, and reduce potential risks in your home or business.

Summed up, it should be clear that facility maintenance is a source of all-around helpfulness for businesses. It is one of those things that can seem invisible when it is being performed properly, but when it isn’t, a wide range of things can start changing for the worse at a rapid pace. If you see something that doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. If you have a friend that’s a contractor, give them a call and have them give you their opinion, or ask a friend for a recommendation. You most likely already have a plumber and HVAC contractor for repairs. Make sure they have you on a yearly maintenance plan and if they don’t, call another reputable contractor. As such, there can be no doubt about the fact that the best facility maintenance is a critical component of business success.