Summer brings everything from heat to rain to storms, and more. Maintenance managers should be planning for these weather events to help avoid property damage, repair costs, and potential work stoppage. Watching weather forecasts, putting practices in place, and training staff on protocols can help maintenance managers better manage extreme weather this summer.
Heat
Heat inside the building can cause discomfort for workers and visitors, so ensure that your HVAC system is working and that your air conditioner is ready to handle the increased use through the summer months. Perform regular maintenance like assessing thermostats, changing filters, and monitoring it through the season to avoid any surprises.
Extreme heat can degrade your building’s exterior with prolonged UV exposure, so check that sealants are still functioning, look for peeling paint, and signs of damage to your landscaping that you may need to address.
Forest fires are also affecting indoor and outdoor air quality for many businesses, reaching as far as thousands of kilometers from the fire sites. Ensure that you are using available resources to keep track of the air quality, schedule outdoor work accordingly, and ensure that outdoor staff are wearing the necessary PPE to keep them protected.
Rain
Spring and summer can bring a lot of precipitation and keeping it away from your building is a top priority for maintenance managers. Check downspouts to ensure they are working, check your roof to confirm that it is draining correctly, and seal any building openings in the brick or at entryways to keep the interior dry. Stay vigilant in identifying areas of moisture inside, like staining, odour, or peeling paint to catch any signs of mould in your building early.
Additionally, ensure that your parking drains are clear to avoid flooding and adjust your irrigation to account for the added natural watering.
Storms
Storms can come in quickly, bringing wind and rain that can cause damage to your building and affect labour if you are unprepared. Plan ahead for potential storms with alternate sources of energy like a backup generator and backup storage in case the power goes out or your building is struck by lightning, include solar powered lighting, and use battery powered equipment to minimize work disruption. If your region experiences severe storms, prepare an evacuation plan and communicate it to staff so teams can leave the building and get to safety in the case of an emergency.
Summer can bring extreme weather, and maintenance managers need to plan ahead to minimize the effects of that weather to stay on budget, manage labour, and keep the building safe.
