5 Key Maintenance Areas on Your Industrial Building
Maintaining an industrial building is crucial to ensuring its longevity, safety, and functionality. Regular inspections and upkeep can prevent costly repairs and downtime. This booklet covers five key maintenance areas: roofs, box gutters, fibreglass and polycarbonate sheeting and windows, paint condition, and flooring. Each section will provide practical advice on how to inspect, maintain, and repair these areas to keep your industrial building in optimal condition.
Roofs
The roof is one of the most critical components of any building, protecting the interior from the elements. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent leaks, structural damage, and energy loss.
Roof Inspection:
Inspect the roof at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and autumn, and after any major storm.
What to Look For:
Roof Maintenance Tips:
Common Issues and Solutions
– Roof Leaks: Identify the source of leaks and repair immediately. This may involve patching small areas or replacing sections of roofing material.
– Blistering: If blistering is observed in the roofing material, it may indicate moisture trapped beneath the surface. Address this by repairing the affected area.
– Structural Damage: If structural issues are detected, consult with a professional to assess and repair any damage to the roof’s support structure.
Box Gutters Maintenance
Box gutters are essential for managing water runoff from the roof. Poorly maintained gutters can lead to water damage, mould, and structural issues.
Box Gutter Inspection:
Inspect box gutters at least twice a year, ideally before and after the rainy season.
What to Look For:
Box Gutter Maintenance Tips:
Gutter Lining:
We recommend that it is best to line box gutters as soon as reasonably possible and not to wait until you have corrosion before taking action. This extends the life span of the materials and reduces the later costs of ongoing and emergency maintenance. Additionally our recommendation is to a polyurethane coating as opposed to a bitumen based coating. Once these surfaces are contaminated by bitumen based products one is generally locked into bitumen based products for ongoing maintenance.
Hail guards:
In regions where hailstorms happen on occasion, we’d recommend the installation of hail guards. This will help prevent the solidification of hailstones into a solid mass that may block up box gutters, downpipes and outlets essentially preventing the passage of water and causing temporary leaks and flooding.
Common Issues and Solutions
Polycarbonate / Fibreglass & Windows
Polycarbonate, fibreglass sheeting and windows provide excellent insulation and light transmission. However, they require specific maintenance.
Polycarb, Fibreglass and Window Inspection
– Inspect every six months or after hailstorms and heavy winds where applicable.
What to Look For:
?– General surface damage, holes and cracks
?– Discolouration or yellowing of the material.
?– Cracks or breaks.
?– Loose fasteners, seals or frames.
?– Damage, embrittling of putty where applicable
Maintenance Tips:
– Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to clean polycarbonate windows. Avoid abrasive cleaners and materials that can scratch the surface.
– Seal Maintenance: Check seals around the windows to ensure they are intact. Replace any damaged or worn seals to maintain insulation and prevent water ingress.
– Fasteners: Check waterproofing / sealing washers and fasteners to ensure that every sheet fastener is correctly secured and waterproofed
– Impact Resistance: Regularly check for cracks or chips, especially after storms or impacts. Replace any damaged panels to maintain the structural integrity.
Common Issues and Solutions
– Scratches: Minor scratches can be buffed out using a specific polycarbonate polish. For deeper scratches, consider replacing the panel.
– Yellowing: This is often due to prolonged UV exposure. Apply UV-resistant coatings or replace the panel if the discoloration is severe.
– Cracks: Small cracks can sometimes be repaired with a polycarbonate adhesive. Large cracks generally require panel replacement.
– Washers: Its common place for contractors to use the incorrect washers for these applications. There are specialised polyurethane / epdm washers designed specifically for polycarbonate sheeting installations.
– Overlaps / Drip Flashings: The correct sheeting overlaps and drip flashings are an integral part of this type of design. Relook at the design and construction if you find that you have a persistent leak that seems impossible to address
领英推荐
Paint Condition?
The condition of the paint on an industrial building is not only aesthetic but also protects the underlying materials from corrosion, weathering, and wear.
Paint Condition Inspection
Inspect the paint condition annually.
What to Look For:
?– Peeling, cracking, or blistering paint.
?– Faded or discolored areas.
?– Mold or mildew growth.
?– Rust stains bleeding through the paint.
Exterior Paint Maintenance Tips:
– Touch-Ups: Address small chips and cracks in the paint with touch-up paint to prevent further damage.
– Repainting: If large areas of paint are failing, consider repainting the entire area. Ensure proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming before applying new paint.
– Protective Coatings: Apply protective coatings, such as sealants or anti-corrosion treatments, to prolong the life of the paint, especially in harsh environments.
– Environmental Considerations: Use paints and coatings designed for the specific environmental conditions of your building, such as high humidity, chemical exposure, or extreme temperatures.
Common Issues and Solutions
– Blistering: This can occur when paint is applied over a wet or contaminated surface. Remove the affected paint, prepare the surface properly, and repaint.
– Mildew: Clean affected areas with a mildew remover, rinse, and allow to dry before applying mildew-resistant paint.
– Chalking: Over time, paint may begin to chalk due to weathering. Wash the surface to remove the chalk and consider repainting with a high-quality exterior paint.
Flooring
Flooring in an industrial building must withstand heavy traffic, machinery, and sometimes harsh chemicals. Proper maintenance is vital to ensure safety and durability.
Flooring Inspection
Inspect flooring quarterly.
What to Look For:
?– Cracks, chips, or uneven surfaces.
?– Wear patterns in high-traffic areas.
?– Stains or chemical damage.
?– Loose or damaged tiles, if applicable.
Flooring Maintenance Tips:
– Cleaning: Regularly clean floors to remove dirt, grease, and chemicals that can cause wear or slippery surfaces. Use appropriate cleaners based on the flooring material.
– Repairs: Address any cracks or damage immediately to prevent further deterioration. For concrete floors, consider resurfacing or applying a sealant to extend the floor’s life.
– Protective Coatings: Apply protective coatings, such as epoxy or polyurethane, to high-traffic areas to reduce wear and enhance the floor’s durability.
– Safety Considerations: Ensure that flooring remains non-slip, especially in areas prone to moisture or spills. Apply anti-slip coatings where necessary.
Common Issues and Solutions
– Cracking: Concrete floors may crack over time due to settling or heavy loads. Fill small cracks with epoxy or concrete filler, or resurface if needed.
– Staining: Clean stains promptly to prevent permanent damage. For stubborn stains, use a specialized cleaner suitable for the flooring material.
– Wear and Tear: High-traffic areas may wear faster. Consider reinforcing these areas with additional protective coatings or mats.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance of these key areas—roofs, box gutters, fibreglass and polycarbonate sheeting and windows, paint condition, and flooring—is essential to the longevity and safety of your industrial building. By following the guidelines outlined in this booklet, you can prevent major issues, ensure a safe working environment, and preserve the value of your property. Remember, proactive maintenance is always more cost-effective than reactive repairs.
Further reading on this is available here:
Feel free to contact us via our website or via LinkedIn for any of these industrial services.