Buildings need TLC too!

Mike Perry • April 12, 2018

Health and wellness for your facilities.

Architects and engineers spend a collective number of years - if not, decades - designing buildings, their various systems and playing liaison between government agencies, contractors and owners. This affords us a unique and all-encompassing perspective on the entire construction process from conception to execution. Without the technical or administrative knowledge and experience of the architects and/or engineers, building construction would stall, if ever even getting off the ground to begin with. This has virtually been the case since time immemorial.

But what about the upkeep and management of a building once it's been erected?

As many owners will tell you, buildings and their myriad systems will eventually show you just how susceptible they are to deterioration and collapse. And they'll just as quickly show you how much money is required for their "resuscitation". It might sound a little strange but buildings are a lot like people in that sense and they want (and need) some TLC too!

A building functions much like the human body. There are organs of sorts; a heart - maybe the boiler. Lungs - perhaps ducts; fans. Even skin: brick; glazing. If any of these "organs" begin to deteriorate or fail, problems will undoubtedly arise. It may be a big problem or a small one, but it will be a problem nonetheless. And the longer the "organ" is allowed to atrophy, the harder - and more expensive - it is to revive.

There are certainly "health" parallels to be made here between the human body and a building. And just as there are medical experts - doctors, nurses, etc. - who look over your own wellness, there are also technical experts who can look over the health of a building! This is where architects and engineers come in. Who better to help you keep track of your building's health than the very people who design them and know them, literally, inside and out?

Spring Cleaning!

By Michael Perry • March 18, 2019
Almost everyone is familiar with the idea of “spring cleaning” in some form or fashion. Thought to have originated from the Persian New Year (Nowruz), people from all over the world partake in their own version of spring cleaning now. Here are several ways that you and your organization can take advantage of the change in season to get your buildings running at peak performance: Inspect the roof - roofs can take a real beating during the fall and winter months. A change in temperature can shrink, expand and deteriorate roofing members, potentially leading to water penetration and damage. It would be wise to ensure that your roof is well maintained in order to avoid further damage to the roof and the rest of the building. Clean windows - Windows should be thoroughly cleaned, especially after harsh winters. Light quality is greatly reduced by having dirty windows and buildings tend to look significantly worse and deteriorated. Clean windows help the overall appearance of a building. Exterior paint - the elements can really deteriorate the exterior of a building and make for an unpleasant place to live and work. Painting can really help to elevate the look and feel of a building while protecting the exterior from continued damage. Mechanical systems - A thorough inspection of all HVAC units to proper working condition before the summer temperatures heat up is a crucial component of preventative maintenance. Air filters should also be cleaned or replaced to ensure proper indoor air quality. This is also a good time to check the sprinkler/fire system. Pest protection - Warm(er) weather tends to draw out bugs and rodents. One should consider taking preventative measures by spraying the perimeter of the property to keep out ants, roaches, and other insects. Block off gaps, cracks, and holes where pests can creep in. And inspect for damage that pests may have already created, so that you tend to the problem before it persists. Drainage - It’s important to take note of any standing water and blockage to determine drainage issues. Clogged in-ground drain systems should be repaired immediately to prevent damage to the foundation, planting areas and basement. Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detectors - these are major life-safety pieces of equipment. It’s extremely important, for the safety of all residents living, and staff working, in the building to have working detectors to alert in case of an emergency. Nexus Facilities Management, Inc. is always here to help you with the task of managing the operations of your buildings. Feel free to give us a call to discuss how we can help! Mike Perry, CEO Nexus Facilities Management, Inc. m.perry@nexusmanages.com 347-916-3987