Owning your own business means taking care of your people and the building or facility they work in. If you own the building, then you have even more responsibility when it comes to its maintenance. If your building was constructed before 2000, it’s probably in need of some TLC. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can weatherproof your older building to strengthen its infrastructure and keep your employees safe and comfortable all year round.
Simple Fixes for a More Energy-Efficient Building
As a small business owner, it’s critical to find all the ways you can maximize your bottom line. Keep your building warm in the winter months and cool in the summer months with these cost-saving tips.
Seal the Exteriors of Windows and Doors
Older buildings are especially susceptible to cracks and gaps around windows and door frames as your building expands and contracts seasonally. These gaps leave your building vulnerable to moisture seepage which can wreak havoc on your building’s structure. Cold drafts can make your occupants uncomfortable and significantly increase your energy bills. Combat the elements by caulking the exterior of your building. Make sure to reseal gaps when the caulk loses its elasticity.
Replace Your Insulation
Proper insulation can help keep your building’s temperature and energy bills in check. Make sure to insulate your attic, which is most likely the easiest part of your building’s structure to insulate. Common types of insulation include mineral wool, cellulose, vermiculite, and fiberglass.
In addition, it’s advised to insulate your crawl spaces. This is a more cumbersome feat than insulating your attic because crawl spaces usually have excessive amounts of moisture. Make sure you have an exhaust fan to keep moisture at bay in these tight spaces.
Manage Indoor Temps with the Latest Technologies
Control your building’s temperature from anywhere and keep your energy costs at bay with smart, programmable thermostats. Adjusting your temperature by just a few degrees can make a big impact over time when it comes to your energy bills. Make sure to have your HVAC system serviced annually by a professional.
Close Gaps around Window Air Conditioning Units
If your building uses window air conditioning units in the summer, it may be prone to chilly blasts of air from the outside during winter. Help keep your employees comfortable by using a cover that fits around the exterior of your AC unit. These disposable covers are effective, inexpensive, and can help keep your energy costs down.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Get ahead of any infrastructure problems before they cause serious damage with these simple maintenance tips.
Clean Your Gutters
When your gutters are clogged, water damage can ensue and mold can begin to flourish. It’s imperative that you clean your older building’s gutters twice a year–once in the fall and once in the spring. Remove all the debris and run water through your gutters with a hose to ensure there are no blockages. Pooling water can lead to water damage.
Repair Any Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can wreck your insulation. If your building has recently leaked, schedule an appointment to repair the roof and inspect the insulation to prevent any further damage.
Address Rotted Wood
Older buildings are more likely to have wood rot due to prolonged exposure to the elements, weakened roofs, or leaky windows. As you know, water damage can cause a slew of expensive repairs. Get to the source of the excess moisture as quickly as possible. When moisture gets into the wood, it creates the ideal environment for fungus to grow and decay to spread. Wood rot compromises the integrity of your building’s overall structure which can be dangerous for your employees and visitors.
Refresh Peeling Paint
Peeling paint on the exterior of your building is another sign of moisture. Identify the moisture source and repair the leak prior to addressing the peeling paint. Once you’ve made the repair, scrape the peeling paint off, sand any rough spots, prime the area, and apply a fresh coat of exterior paint.
Watch Out for Mold
Mold can cause significant health problems for you and your employees. The tricky part is that mold can be hard to detect because it often grows within the walls. Avoid mold growth by immediately fixing leaky pipes, roofs, or windows, and make sure to regularly monitor your humidity levels. Make sure you have a ventilation system in place that circulates dry air.
Are you ready to start tackling your building’s weatherproofing list? Find everything you need to make repairs in every area of your building at Zoro.com.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.