We see it all the time – properties fall into a state of degradation that require major repairs to fix the problem, leading to overblown budgets, huge disruptions and unhappy owners.
But there’s another way – having a preventative and proactive maintenance approach. By addressing maintenance regularly, with the help of a reliable contractor, such as Carus, you can save yourself time, money and stress in the long term.
Here are some of the many advantages of having a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to maintenance.
Reduced costs
Surface damage can lead to significant repairs, which can come with a significant price tag. By scheduling maintenance work on a regular basis, you can prevent damage, decay or rot from even occurring, simply by undertaking painting or surface cleaning, which costs much less.
Better budget planning
When managing a sinking fund, it is important to plan ahead, as well as budget for the unexpected, and big withdrawals can make this much more difficult. Painting, for example, is typically done every 7–10 years, and often comes at a large expense, but by spreading this cost out into smaller jobs, you can plan ahead easily and ensure there are funds left in the coffers should anything catch you off-guard.
Carus offers several maintenance painting solutions, from pay-as-you-go to even spread, so you can pick the solution that suits your budget and needs perfectly.
Easier organisation
You have a lot of day-to-day responsibilities that can be difficult to juggle. Preventative maintenance means one less thing on your plate, as maintenance is regularly scheduled without you having to think about it. It also means fewer rude shocks, as more frequent inspections mean potential issues like water damage or rust are detected and addressed early, before they develop into much more significant problems.
Added peace of mind
When you work with a trusted contractor, you can be confident that they are up to date in the latest painting and maintenance developments, as well as with the most recent safety and legislation requirements.
Here are a few proactive maintenance tips to help you keep your property in tip-top shape.
1. Wash surfaces at least once annually
By washing surfaces annually, you can extend the lifetime of your paintwork by several years. For a basic cleaning of an exterior surface, mix environmentally friendly detergent in a bucket of warm water, and apply with a soft-bristle cleaning brush or broom. Start at the top of the building and move down, to prevent streaking, and rinse off with a garden hose before it dries.
2. Be smart about planned maintenance
Planned maintenance painting does not mean the surface must be painted at the scheduled time. This is neither technically correct, nor economically expedient. Rather, it should be dependent on the condition of the surface – you may find the surface only needs to be washed, which costs less than a repaint.
Surfaces also do not deteriorate at the same rate – generally speaking, the west wall will show the first signs of wear and tear, followed by the north wall, the east wall, and finally the south wall. Planning your maintenance accordingly will ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
3. Mechanically clean rather than convert rust
While rust-converters seem might like a great time-saver, they are not recommended. Instead, rust should be removed via mechanical means, like high-power washing, mechanical abrasion or hand sanding, then spot-primed and top-coated. This should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional applicator.
4. Fix timber cracks in a timely manner
When timber cracks, moisture can enter the area, causing blistering, mould and rotting. That’s why cracks should be addressed as quickly as possible. Rectification should be carried out by a suitably qualified professional applicator.
5. Clean mould and mildew in a timely manner
Mould or mildew in a property can pose a health threat, causing allergic reactions and breathing difficulties, so any mould or mildew should be cleaned as quickly as possible. Simply clean the surface with a solution that is 1 part bleach, 4 parts water and rinse thoroughly while the surface is still wet.
December 9, 2020
If you have any questions or want to talk through your ideas and requirements with us, we’re here to help.