It might still be winter but spring isn’t far off, and as the weather starts to get warmer it’s a good idea to tackle a few regular maintenance tasks to prepare for spring and summer. Getting ahead of those jobs now may help you reduce the risk of damage caused during winter leading to ongoing issues, or worse – causing a safety hazard for your tenants.

Here are five jobs you should think about scheduling as we go into spring:

1. Inspect the roof. Now is a good time to check over the roof of your buildings to make sure there’s no damage from winter rain and winds. This will help reduce the risk of any further issues down the track as well as keeping your commercial buildings looking their best and improving their appeal to potential tenants. It’s also a good idea to clear out any debris from gutters that could pose a fire risk in warmer weather.
2. Make sure your irrigation systems are working. Cold weather can cause damage to your systems and as the weather gets warmer, the plants that have been lying dormant over winter will need a steady supply of water as they grow. Now is the time to check everything is in good working order so you can be sure your lawn and garden areas are looking their best.
3. Check for drainage issues. Drainage problems often become more apparent in winter with the increased rainfall leading to pooled water and flooding. Drains may become blocked with leaves and other debris and this can lead to widespread damage to buildings if left untreated. Make sure everything is flowing smoothly around your building by inspecting your drains and taking care of any blockages before they turn into a costly problem.
4. Prune your plants. It’s important to prune your dormant plants before spring to encourage new growth and remove any broken or dead branches. Pruning also helps prevent your plants becoming overgrown and blocking out light or obstructing pathways. This is the time to start thinking about pruning if you want to keep your outdoor areas looking their very best.
5. Check your air conditioning systems. Now is the time to check and maintain your HVAC systems – some systems may require filter changes to ensure the quality of the air indoors. This is best done before spring allergens and pollen become too prevalent.

It may still seem cold, but spring will be here before we know it. By taking a bit of time now to complete some routine maintenance tasks you can help protect your commercial buildings and keep them looking their best all year round.