March 2020

INSPECT TO PROTECT

Preventative Maintenance Tips

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By: Etta Smith, Generation Contracting & Emergency Services

As outdoor temperatures heat up and spring rolls in, it is prime time to create a check list of areas to inspect around your property following the winter months. Focusing on preventative maintenance can be critical to preventing property damage. Not only should you survey the exterior and interior condition of your property, but it is also important to review your database of vendors to ensure they are ready to respond if you do need help.

“After working in the property restoration industry for more than 20 years, I have no doubt that making time to walk your property on a regular basis can be invaluable to preventing costly damage,” said Scott Ledesma, CEO, Generation Contracting and Emergency Services. “Learning to recognize where property issues are likely to occur can help stop a small problem from turning into a big emergency.”

EXTERIOR CHECK POINTS

• Gutters & Sump Pumps – Ensure these areas are clear of debris and functioning properly to allow for proper drainage when the rainy days come.

• Windows & Sliding Doors – Inspect sills, seals, caulking, etc., for water-tight integrity. Clearing debris and spider webs may be needed to ensure a proper seal.

• Bugs & Varmints – Open storage sheds, crawlspaces and look for signs of rodents or animal nesting. Learn to identify signs of termite damage to wood finishes.

• Concrete Structures – Survey driveways, sidewalks, staircases and home foundations for signs of cracking that could create trip hazards or allow water intrusion.

• Nighttime Safety – Walk your property at night to locate areas where lighting may need to be serviced or installed. Look for trip hazards that may be hard to see in low light.

INTERIOR CHECK POINTS

Preventative Maintenance Tips

• Fire Safety – Smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries should be changed regularly. Test alarm systems to ensure they are operational. Have fire extinguishers serviced regularly.

• Proper Ventilation – Clear ventilation fans of dust to allow sufficient negative air flow. Inspect air filters for HVAC systems & replace every 90 days or as necessary.

• Plumbing Leaks – Inspect hoses and pipes for sinks, toilets, water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines for signs of moisture or water stains, indicating a possible leak.

• Deep Cleaning – An annual deep clean of ‘high moisture environments’ (bathrooms, laundry rooms, showers/grout) can help prevent microbial growth.

• Dust High & Low – Wipe down baseboards behind doors and in low-traffic areas that may not be accessed regularly. Remove dust from light fixtures and ceiling fans.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

• Credentials – Review service agreements, insurance certificates, licenses, etc., to verify that all documentation required is on file and up to date.

• Service Needs – Identify property services where you may be lacking a solid supplier connection or may need to add more vendors as a back-up option.

• Contact Information – Ask suppliers for an updated contact list to ensure you have the right information on file.

• Emergency Protocol – Review property emergency procedures. Ensure all staff are properly trained and know the initial actions in the event of a fire or flood on a property.

While this is not a comprehensive list, hopefully the check points above serve as a good starting point for creating your own spring-cleaning check list. Every property is different and may require different preventative measures. Once you have your check list in place, decide on a schedule. Some items may need to be inspected quarterly while others are better assessed on an annual or semi-annual basis. Consistency is the key to success!