Every business has assets that it needs to maintain, it’s just that there are some which – because you review them on a regular basis – are at the forefront of your mind more often than others.
Let’s give this some perspective. On a daily basis, you’ll replenish paper and ink in the printer, wash up your mug, or even give your computer a quick security scan. Believe it or not, these are all examples of elementary office maintenance tasks – aka the stuff you do on autopilot. But for some reason, when it comes to the more constant bricks and mortar stuff, this often gets overlooked and forgotten about.
We’ve spoken before about the car analogy too – and that rings true here! Your car has various movable parts which need maintaining regularly, and you don’t give it a second thought when it comes round to booking in your next service – so, why should you when it’s your windows and doors?
So, why is it crucial that your company looks after its aluminium glazing assets? From safety, and functionality to bottom line impact, we take a look in a little more depth below…
It keeps windows healthy
A glaringly obvious reason as to why commercial glazing maintenance is vital is that your windows and doors will last longer.
One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is to think that because it doesn’t look broken, it doesn’t need fixing – this is not always the case.
Sometimes there can be gaps emerging around the frames, seals may have come to the end of their lifespan, locking mechanisms could be faulty, or you might have fallen victim to the dreaded in-pane condensation.
A regular, thorough audit of the condition your installation is in – including the inspection of vents, drainage channels, locks and glass – will massively prolong its shelf life and help to prevent any logistical or financial nightmares from happening. And this takes us nicely on to our next point…
It avoids a molehill becoming a mountain
Of course, if you’re frequently getting your windows and doors inspected, this means you’re more in-sync with their condition and how they’re performing.
The regular check-ups make it easier to spot any issues or potential problems early on – and mean there’s more chance of being able to repair them – enabling businesses to nip any costlier refurbishment or replacement projects in the bud.
Perhaps you’re wondering how often you need to have your installations serviced? Well, there’s actually no universal answer for this one. Yes, age is a largely defining factor – the older the unit, the more attention it will likely require – but given that no one site is an exact carbon copy of another, surveying assets to suss out the status of the units, is pivotal.
You’re safety and efficiency-optimised
If all windows and doors are serviced regularly, the chance of them malfunctioning or causing an accident greatly decreases. For example, if there are cracks in your glass, this needs urgent attention and a robust replacement plan in place, so that there no chance of the unit collapsing and injuring someone.
The same applies to doors too. If the mechanics of the opening and closing aren’t smooth-flowing, it could indicate an operational issue – and if this is left unresolved, worst case scenario is that it could detach from the hinges and hurt somebody.
You may be thinking that this seems a little far-fetched, but you’d be surprised at how many instances the team has seen of safety hazards waiting to happen on commercial buildings. And when investigating why, it always comes back to the age-old excuse that because it seemed ok, maintenance was an afterthought. So, just remember that looks can be deceiving when it comes to the health of your glazing fixtures.
But maintenance doesn’t just supercharge your safety, it can also improve your building’s energy efficiency. For instance, if you’ve noticed that your heating bills are peaking a little higher than usual, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to rule out any issues with window-related heat leakage?
The truth is that if elements of your windows and doors aren’t operating correctly – i.e. if seals are broken or moisture is appearing between your windowpanes – then you could be losing valuable heat, and paying for the privilege! While in contrast, well-maintained installs ensure an efficient energy footprint and less battered bottom line.
In short, no matter how large or small and young or old your glazing assets are, planned regular maintenance should play a central role in every business’s building upkeep strategy.
If you’d like to learn more about glazing maintenance, take a look at our dedicated webpage, or contact one of the team to discuss your firm’s requirements!