Springtime is outdoor asset protection time Important to do’s

As spring rolls in, it’s high time to start inspecting and fixing winter damage, cleaning and maintaining outside areas and facilities, and getting the necessary upkeep going. Here we look at the key measures that need to be taken – at the municipal level, too.The new season brings up important maintenance steps that should be on the agenda for many organizations, be they publicly or privately owned. It’s why they call it spring cleaning. “Right around now, inspections everywhere are underway to appraise any winter damage and people are getting started on repairs and on cleaning and maintaining external areas and outdoor facilities. Facades, access ways and buildings – everything is getting a makeover. Of course, it’s about bringing out the good looks of a property, but it’s also about preserving the value of these important assets,” summarizes Siegfried Ruhkamp, an expert on building cleaning and operating manager at the Niederberger Group’s Cologne location. Here, he has brought together the key measures that need to be taken in spring when it comes to facility management. Addressing grit and salt damageAll that grit and salt spread out in winter leaves marks on floorings in entrance areas and stairways that need to be removed. Characteristic of salt damage is a tarnished, pitted floor surface. Very porous natural stones like limestone or Jura marble are the most susceptible. Building cleaners are busy every year fixing damage caused by salt, particularly on calcite-bound natural stone. “Cleaning can be particularly laborious, as it takes several passes to first dislodge the salt and then several more to clean the cracks with a dry blasting procedure.” Crystallization only begins after the cracked parts have been smoothened out. Here, the surface is polished, cured and compacted in order to inhibit the impact of the salt. “Depending on the extent of the damage, the crystallization process may have to be repeated,” cautions Ruhkamp. Once all traces of salt have been removed, waterproofing will protect the stone against weathering while providing improved re-staining resistance, especially in non lime-bound natural stone. Glass facadesFrom the end of March, intense activity prevails in the glass cleaning sector. “We can’t get started on this any earlier for health and safety reasons because there’s no way we could send employees out to clean glazed facades in the freezing temperatures we sometimes have in winter.” Here, using demineralized water prevents stains, smears or streaks. It also helps avoid the residue left by surfactants. The heat caused by direct exposure to sunlight should not be underestimated, either, as it can burn this residue right into the glazing,” he adds. There also comes a point when even the longest telescopic boom is too short, and the company’s rope access technicians have to take over the cleaning. 360 degree facility checkA thorough all-round check of all the facilities is standard procedure each spring. And the inspection begins on the roof: As blocked and overflowing gutters lead to water damage on the facade, gutters and downpipes, it is imperative to verify that they are not obstructed and to free them up as necessary. Photovoltaic systems require special attention to ensure durability and performance: The combination of special cleaning brushes on telescopic carbon fiber telescopic tubes and demineralized water is perfect for tackling winter dirt deposits head on. “Solar panels supply the most amount of energy between April and September, so they really should be up to peak potential when the weather starts to get warmer. A light film of dust and dirt, and already your yield from solar energy goes down 30 percent,” he explains. With the switch to daylight savings time, timers on electrical appliances like heating and ventilation systems or lighting are reset. Soak-aways and lifting stations get a service, too, as do the water supply’s outdoor taps to be fully operational during the busy period. Speaking of outdoor areas: Spring is the time for a proper makeover. This starts with the removal of grit to prevent runoffs and drainage systems from getting clogged. Outdoor and green areasDrainage channels, especially in large open areas, can easily become blocked with all the grit applied during the winter and, as a result, no longer drain efficiently. Pressure washers are perfect helpers for cleaning surrounding walls and paths, clearing moldy growth from wood surfaces like wooden fences, pergolas and playground equipment. Where necessary, the wood gets a coat of sealant or paint. If the frost has lifted slabs on paths and accesses, smaller repair jobs are in order to make everything smooth and level again. The cold and wet of the previous months usually does a number on lawns. Raking, fertilizing and reseeding will ensure they will grow evenly lush, green and thick again, and create a uniform lawn. Winter also takes its toll on many outdoor plants: Time to trim off dead branches on shrubs and trees to help them in their growth cycle. Casualties of the winter frost offer the opportunity to plant other species and set new color notes. Source: Niederberger | peter.hartmann@holzmann-medien.de