Every building requires timely repair and maintenance to ensure that they remain in their best condition and the integrity of that structure doesn’t go down. Whether it’s a modular building or a traditionally-built structure, the maintenance and care requirements are more or less the same. So, if you already have a traditionally-built building, you will already know what it takes to look after it. But if you don’t have any idea about maintaining buildings, here are a few helpful tips for you, especially for your modular building.
Perform Regular Maintenance Tasks
Just like any other building, modular buildings also require regular upkeep. Think of it as your usual office or commercial building, and perform all the regular cleaning and maintenance tasks. Sweep and mop the entire area every day to get dust and debris away. Check the plumbing system of the building from time to time to ensure that the entire plumbing system is in the best shape. Any plumbing defect can result in compromised quality of the modular building. This also applies to the electricals inside the structure. If you see any loose sockets or improper wiring, make sure you call your modular building manufacturer and get the issues addressed. Along with all these, keep a check on the flooring as well. Any cracks in the floor should be repaired in time, and if you have any loose tiles, get them caulked immediately to prevent any incidences.
Look After the HVAC System
Any failures in the HVAC system of your modular building can result in uncomfortable days and also incidences. Therefore, keep an eye on the heating and cooling systems of your modular structure. Hire a specialist to replace all air filters every 30 days to avoid clogging the air-ducts, heat-ducts and especially heat-coils, which can block airflow and cause freezing in the HVAC unit in the winter. Clean the evaporator and condenser coils every month for the proper functioning of the system. Keep the temperature setting at 20°C (minimum) in cold months to prevent the coils from freezing. Avoid blocking return air vents and thermostats with any kind of furniture, cabinets, shelving, or any other accessories. Keep the HVAC’s fan on the “auto” setting at all times so it can properly adjust itself to room temperature and climate conditions. Lastly, keep a check on the HVAC system to identify any potential issues that might cause a big HVAC havoc.
Check Waterlogging and Drainage
You must have heard your builder suggesting you keep water away from your home’s foundation and avoid waterlogging. This is because water pooling around the structure can result in basement flooding, floor settling, and other foundational issues. The same happens with your modular building. Waterlogged around the structure’s base can lead to foundational and structural problems. Now that the snow has started melting, you will have to be extra careful. Check for water leaks or any accumulating water in, on, or under the modular building. If it does, make sure you get it addressed and prepare a proper drainage system so that water can be directed away from the building.
Maintain the Roofing
The roofing is one of the most significant components of your modular building, and hence, it requires special care. Inspect the roof from time to time. To inspect the condition of your roofing, you will have to go up and check the surface and shingles. Likewise, take a look at the ceiling of the topmost floor to check the roofing from inside. Make sure that the roofing doesn’t have any bulges or bubbles that can ruin the roof eventually. Remove debris and dead leaves from the roof surface and especially from the eavestrough. Clearing the eavestrough in this season is crucial as directing melting snow away from the building is necessary to avoid any foundational issues. If you find any missing or damaged shingles while inspecting the roof, make sure you call the modular structure builder and get them replaced. If your modular building has siding, ensure that it’s in the best condition too.
Take Care of Windows and Doors
Every window and door in your modular building is equally important, and not just the main entrance of the structure. So make sure you take a look at them every week. Clean these windows and doors every week. See to it that the structures of these installations are perfect; make sure there’s no peeling or chipping. If you have wooden doors and windows, be more careful while inspecting as these installations are more prone to damages like cracking, warping, or chipping. If you find any loose or improperly working hinges, repair them immediately as issues with hinges can prevent you and your employees from using the doors and windows properly. Also, look for any depleting caulking around the door and window frames so that you can renew them if required.
Paint Whenever Required
If you had a traditionally-built building and noticed any peeling paint, you would’ve thought about painting and renovating the structure. Do the same with your modular building. You surely don’t want your employees, clients, and other visitors to come to a building that is falling apart. Therefore, paint the structure from inside or outside whenever required. Wash your modular building with a mild detergent and cold water. It is best to avoid using abrasive cleaners and petroleum distillates. Never use sandpaper steel wool, or mineral acids on the paint as it will quickly scratch the surface and ruin the paint.
Apart from these things, check the security systems installed in and around your modular building from time to time. These should be in the best condition and shouldn’t be obstructed by anything for the proper functioning. Replace the batteries in smoke detectors, emergency lights, CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and other security systems whenever required.
Being the manager of a modular building, you surely won’t look after these tasks on your own. So make sure you appoint a team to take care of your building and call the modular building specialist whenever needed.
