How to Prepare a Commercial Building for Scorching Summer Heat

May 12, 2021

Summer is almost here, and so is that summer heat! What does this mean for your commercial building, and how do you prepare a commercial building to beat the heat? High summer temperatures can affect your building in many ways, including the quality of your roof, your HVAC system, how efficient your building’s systems run, and more. Quality of roof is a necessity and an indicator as explained at the website. Start preventative care today so little issues don’t become bigger ones over time. Get prepared with these four steps:

Get Your Roof Ready for the Heat:

The heat and humidity that come in the summertime can threaten the quality of your commercial building roof. The roofers waltham ma always warn about it. There is potential for thermal shock, drying, sun damage, moisture retention, popped seams, and loose screws. While there is normal wear and tear on a building in the summertime, a roof inspection is vital in order to catch the beginning stages of any previous heat damage that could become worse. 

Some signs of heat damage to look for are:

• Cracks in wall or roof materials
• Water stains on walls and ceilings
• Loose or buckled flashing
• Gaps in caulking around penetrations or masonry panel joints
• Cracks or blisters in the membrane
• Loss of UV reflective granules

Prep Your HVAC System

As a commercial building, keeping your employees or tenants comfortable is of top priority. Taking the time to prepare your HVAC system for the summer months will keep everybody happy and healthy. Here are some ways to go about prepping your HVAC system:

• Clean & Replace Air Filters
• When your air filter is backed up with dirt and dust, your commercial building can quickly become stuffy. Clean and replace your air filters ahead of time to create a pleasant atmosphere for everyone.
  
• Clean Your Ductwork
• Your HVAC ductwork can grow filthy and prevent breathable and comfortable air quality. If you’ve noticed an increase in allergy symptoms, dusty surfaces, or respiratory issues, your ductwork needs cleaning by a professional.
• Thermostat Check
• Ever feel like it’s hot in one room and cold in another? Your HVAC system isn’t distributing your ideal indoor temperature evenly. Check your thermostat and get it inspected by a professional technician to make sure it’s working correctly.
  
• Schedule Routine Maintenance
• It’s important to get an air conditioning check at least once a year, especially before the summer heat. Getting a regular check will extend the lifespan of your air conditioner.

Plant Trees and Vegetation

Plants make a huge difference to the look and feel of your commercial building. They have a way of inviting people in and making things beautiful. If you have just planted or are thinking of doing it, here are some tips with the summer heat:

• Get your plants rooted! Now that the cold months are gone, the ground holds better moisture and gives an opportunity for your plants to root well and flourish.
• Water, water, water! Consistent and diligent watering routines are essential to keep the health of your plants, especially new ones. Don’t overwater but make sure to keep an eye on them when they seem dry.
• Get any drainage issues repaired. If you notice unusual puddling or water run-off, you may want a professional to come and take a look. This could potentially cause landscape issues in the future.

Conserve Energy and Save Money

• Adjust your thermostat
• Did you know you can save money up to 3% for each degree the thermostat is raised in the summer? An easy way to save is to turn the temperature up when everyone is gone for the day. You can also use fans to improve air circulation!
• Reduce your lighting.
• This is an easy one but a major energy and money saver! Make sure to turn off all lights that are not being used and to double-check before leaving the building.
• Don’t forget to turn off office equipment.
• When your office computers, copiers, and monitors are not in use, turn them off. This can help cut energy costs by around 40%.
• Use shades and blinds.
• When the summer heating is blazing, don’t forget to draw the shades and curtains to lock out the sun. Also, don’t forget to close outside doors to keep the cool air trapped inside.

These four steps are a great way to start preparing your commercial building for the scorching summer heat! Proactive maintenance lets you save a ton and maintains the quality of your building.

Contact PCE

Contact us at PCE today to get a quote on your next commercial building project. Our team of experts can help you choose high-quality materials that best fit your building’s needs.