Consistent property maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of all building users. Maintenance helps uphold the value of property and is an integral part of being a good steward. Insurance is a useful tool to transfer risk when it comes to damage caused by an incident, such as a fire or storm. Yet most property policies do not cover regular wear and tear or damage caused by long-term neglect. In order to uphold the value of property, it is vital to regularly inspect property and fix any maintenance issues before they become larger, more expensive issues that aren’t covered by your insurance policy.
General maintenance and upkeep should focus on a few main priorities:- safety
- security
- structural integrity
- grounds
Safety
What safety equipment is available on the premises? Is it adequate for the size and function of the building? For a very small, single-roomed church without a kitchen or general-purpose room, a single fire extinguisher may be sufficient. For a larger church with a kitchen and a variety of multi-purpose rooms, it may be necessary to have various types of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, a sprinkler system and other safety precautions. This safety equipment needs to be regularly checked and tested to ensure that it is in good working order in case of an emergency.Security
If neglected, some maintenance issues will make the building less secure, easier to break into and more likely to be targeted for theft. Broken windows, rusted window frames, rotting door frames – these things are not only maintenance issues, but can also make the property a more attractive target for theft and burglary.Depending on the building and location, there are other safety precautions that can make the building safer for those using the building. Outdoor lighting and motion sensor lighting can discourage theft and burglary as well as help prevent slips, trips and falls when the building is in use after dark.
Other security precautions may include burglar bars on windows, security doors, a perimeter fence and an alarm system with motion sensors and/or beams. For any of these measures to be effective, they need to be properly installed and in good working order. If your building is in a high crime area or is targeted for theft or burglary, then it may be worthwhile to re-evaluate what security is appropriate.
Structural Integrity
Structural integrity will keep the building in a safe condition for the occupants and users, helping maintain the value of the building. The roof should be kept in good condition and free from leaks. Replace any cracked or damaged shingles. In case it needs to be replaced or reinforced in areas, a corrugated iron roof should be checked for rust or weakened areas.Gutters and drainage should be kept free from dirt and debris to ensure water flows freely and not over the side. Areas where water is allowed to collect and pool can lead to overflow and leaks. Check ceilings and walls for any sign of leaks, including water rings, drip spots or mould.
It is also important to look out for insects and pests, such as rats or mice. Termites and wood-boring beetles can cause an enormous amount of damage to wooden supports, roof beams and other wooden items, such as furniture. Rats and other rodents can chew through electric wiring, causing extensive damage and making it harder to keep the building clean and sanitary.
Be aware and investigate any signs of pests, such as insect larvae, dead insects or tiny holes in wood. Either take steps to deal with this yourself or call in a professional pest service. The earlier these issues are identified and resolved, the less damage will be done and the easier and cheaper the solution will be.
Grounds
Maintaining your grounds is not merely about making the property look more attractive; it also plays an important role in maintaining your buildings. Walkways, paths, driveways and verandas should all be situated so that water is directed away from your buildings. It is also important to check for any low spots in the grounds where water may collect and cause soil erosion.Soil erosion can cause subsidence, especially when it is close to buildings. This damages foundations, which can cause cracks in the walls and even potentially make the buildings unsafe. This type of damage is often excluded under property insurance policies, so it is important to prevent it before it becomes an issue. Building retaining walls, filling or grading low-lying spots and planting bare earth can all help to prevent soil from washing away and creating unwanted ponds.
Trimming dead or damaged limbs from trees and removing dead trees is something that should be done year-round. In months with high rainfall and storms, branches and trees can fall. This can cause injury to people, damage property and become a fire hazard in dry months.
Regular inspection and routine maintenance are key to creating a safe environment for employees and visitors. In addition, the value of a high value asset can be retained and enjoyed for many years to come.
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