Five Ways to Maintain Your Vacant Commercial Building

COVID-19 altered all aspects of life. One such disruption that is still reverberating its effects is the closure of many businesses. Commercial space owners who are currently holding vacant real estate will, hopefully, not need to sit on it much longer as the economy makes its way back post-pandemic. Even with the threat of other potential variants of the virus still in our midst, we have gained enough confidence and experience to properly handle any future surges without significant disruptions to business.

For current holders of vacant commercial space, there are steps you should take to maintain your building and have it ready for a swift return to operation. The following five actions, when performed regularly, will significantly prolong the life of your commercial space.

1. Repair Leaks and Water Damage

Any water damage in your commercial space must be addressed immediately as it can lead to even grander issues down the road. A burst pipe, structural leaks, or severe weather may start small but could quickly become a substantial drain on your budget if not addressed immediately. To prevent significant water damage from even happening, it is recommended that you regularly check your space for any signs of water inside the building. If you detect a leak, repair it immediately to prevent future damage to the structure.

2. Cover Up Any Cracks and Holes

Covering up any holes and cracks will not only make your space more visually appealing to prospective occupants, but will also prevent insects, rodents, and other pests from entering the property. Additionally, keeping ceilings, walls, and floors damage-free and sealed will make your space more energy efficient. As sustainability continues to be a hot topic, not just for environmentalists, but also to tenants, government entities and the public at large, eliminating from a structural perspective any sort of energy drainage or waste in your space will be essential. As an added perk, a focused effort on increasing your building’s energy efficiency will result in a lower energy bill for you.

3. Address any Corrosion to Metal Surfaces

Much like with water damage, metal corrosion has the potential to become an enormous problem for commercial property owners if not closely monitored. As metal corrosion tends to happen over time, applying the appropriate protective coatings can prolong the life of any metal surface. Regular checks for corrosion on metal surfaces during routine commercial and industrial building maintenance inspections should include all interior and exterior surfaces and exposed piping.

4. Get Rid of Peeling Paint and Repaint

Take advantage of a vacancy by applying a fresh coat of paint to your walls. Repainting your facility is one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve its appearance. At a minimum, any peeling paint needs to be addressed as it is always unsightly and can lower the perceived value of your commercial property.

In addition to improving aesthetics, today’s paint formulas are pretty advanced and help protect surfaces from extreme weather and element-related erosion. Antimicrobial paint formulas should be strongly considered for properties housing commercial businesses that serve the public. Such paints are designed to decrease bacteria and germs in the air and have become increasingly popular as employee health and their safety are a priority in today’s work environments.

5. Damaged Floors Should Get a Fresh Coating

We’ve written extensively on the importance of properly maintaining commercial space flooring. Both commercial and industrial floors are subject to a significant amount of wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas, so applying a protective coating to these surfaces is essential to preserving its longevity and ensuring the safety of employees and patrons. An enormous incentive for property managers to get their floors coated during a vacancy, especially if there is damage or fading, is that they will cut down on labor time and cost.

Get the Job Done Right with Alpine

Make the most of the time your commercial space remains vacant by performing these vital maintenance actions. Alpine Paint can address all steps and will expertly revive your space in preparation for its next occupant. We’ve been professionally serving commercial properties, like retail spaces, places of worship, and warehouses, in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania region for over 45 years with efficient, responsive, and exceptional expert service across industries. Contact us for a quote today.