The shifting seasons are a great opportunity for property inspections and cleanup. You may have overlooked maintenance concerns during the summer, or the heat and rain could have revealed new problems. Include the following tasks in your maintenance checklist to help prevent injuries and damage:

Repair Outdoor Walking Surfaces

Begin your inspection in the client parking lot and assess the full area. While doing so, look for faded parking lines, cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces. Potholes can damage tires, while buckled concrete or warped asphalt can result in serious falls. All these issues could potentially lead to lawsuits and insurance claims.

Inspect your entryway for any trip-and-fall hazards. Surprisingly, anti-slip mats and carpets can sometimes lead to painful sprains and falls. Check your winter snow mat for any wear and tear. If it is in poor condition, consider replacing it with a new one before the snow arrives.

Service Your Heating System

Schedule a professional inspection of your HVAC system. While your air conditioner may have been running hard, your heating system might need some attention. Test it out before the temperatures start to drop.

To ensure optimal performance, replace your HVAC filters every three months. If your work generates dust or other pollutants, consider changing them more frequently. Always use filters that are compatible with your system. For instance, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) that indicates their effectiveness in filtering contaminants. A higher MERV rating means better filtration efficiency.

Higher MERV values indicate denser filter materials that require more force to allow air to pass through. If your HVAC system isn’t designed to handle a high MERV filter, it could lead to reduced efficiency or even damage to the system. If you’re uncertain, consult your HVAC manufacturer for guidance.

Inspect Your Roof

Annual roof inspections are essential for spotting potential issues before severe winter weather hits. Addressing minor problems in the fall can help prevent more extensive damage from snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Always hire a licensed roof inspector for this task.

Remove Debris and Leaves

Clogged gutters prevent water from draining away from your building, which can cause water to flow toward it and damage the roof, siding, and foundation. A cracked foundation can get worse if standing water freezes inside the fissures. If standing water freezes on your roof, it could form dangerous ice dams.

Ice expansion can push water underneath your roof shingles, leading to rot and leaks. Additionally, frozen water adds extra weight to your roof, increasing the risk of premature wear and potential collapse.

Gutter Cleaning Supplies

If you or your maintenance staff will be cleaning the gutters, make sure to have the following tools ready:

• An extension ladder – Always avoid using a damaged or worn ladder, as it poses a risk of falling and injuring yourself.
• A standoff stabilizer – Stabilizers help prevent ladders from wobbling and protect gutters from the weight of the ladder resting on them.
• A dust mask – Wear a high-quality respirator, such as an N95, to filter out small particles and mold spores.
• A tarp or ladder utility bucket – Laying a tarp on the ground near the ladder makes cleaning up debris easier. If you’re using a bucket, ensure it’s securely attached to the ladder for safety.
• Goggles – Wear wrap-around goggles to prevent debris from getting into your eyes. If you opt for a face shield for additional facial protection, make sure to wear goggles underneath for complete eye coverage.
• Gloves – Select sturdy rubber or synthetic-coated gloves that you find comfortable and that will protect your hands from sharp debris. Be mindful of latex allergies when choosing your gloves.
• Nonskid shoes – Opt for closed-toe shoes with nonskid rubber soles to ensure a secure grip on ladder rungs.

Call Clyde Paul Agency if you have questions

Incorporate autumn touch-ups into your maintenance routine, especially after trees drop their leaves. This will help prevent costly issues and preserve the structural integrity of your building—benefiting your business in the long run!

This content is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing professional, financial, medical or legal advice. You should contact your licensed professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.