Your building maintenance is critical all year round especially before the winter comes. When the leaves shift, and the temperatures cool down! That means that fall is here, and there is winter coming! For building owners and maintenance workers, this is a vital time to complete routine maintenance work on commercial buildings and facilities.

This fall, concentrate on the following maintenance tasks to enhance safety and performance, avoid costly repairs and maximize your building's lifespan.

• It is essential to clean your gutters, downspouts and roof trims. Stormwater does not fully drain away from the building when leaves, sticks and other debris collect, which can lead to expensive leaks and damage to the roof.
• Be sure to drain faucets and hoses and detach hoses from the outside of the building until winter sets in, or add freeze-proof equipment. Fall is also an excellent time to service irrigation systems underground.
• When the days get shorter and much colder, so it is likely that your energy bill will be higher. Take steps now to keep your heating systems running as smoothly as possible as the cold weather sets in to prevent any surprises. Schedule an annual checkup with a specialist before you flip the switch from cool to heat on your HVAC system. Your clients and workers will appreciate the smooth change.
• Be cautious of overloading circuits with the seasonal use of space heaters, and make sure they are switched off before leaving the house. You don't want a blowing fuse or creating a fire hazard. This is also a good time for checking the smoke detectors and generators for emergency back-up.
• Sometimes, colder temperatures mean that flu or viruses will flow freely. Promote health by deep cleaning the house, help prevent workers from taking sick days. Disinfect popular areas where they are able to cultivate bacteria and germs. The usual suspects that must be addressed are doorknobs, chairs, kitchens and bathrooms.