Maintaining the upkeep of your facility all year round is crucial. Almost a third of facilities management professionals agree that a lack of general maintenance and repair often poses a safety risk, and over a quarter have been impacted by slips, trips and falls recently. And throughout the year, extreme heat, cold and rainfall can intensify these challenges, making a 12-month maintenance plan an essential tool for every facilities manager.
Conduct a detailed site inspection
Allocate time to tackle floor repairs
Prevent the risk of slips, trips and falls
Manage damp and water penetration
Ensure long-term protection
Detailed site inspections are crucial to identify potential hazards and prevent significant damage, especially in areas prone to weather or temperature damage. Watco’s FREE Checklist for Your Floor allows you to quickly and easily assess any damage and identify urgent repair needs.
Swift action upon identifying issues and damaged surfaces is essential. Prompt repairs not only save money on products but also free up time for other priorities, preventing small problems from escalating into larger issues.
Floors in a facility are highly susceptible to damage from heavy foot traffic and machinery. Rain can seep into small cracks, and when it freezes and thaws, it weakens the surface and leads to potholes. Any damage, regardless of the season, will only worsen if left untreated, posing safety risks and causing harm to vehicles and equipment.
Timely repairs, such as filling small cracks with Watco Fine Crack Filler, are crucial to preventing more extensive damage. For larger cracks, we recommend Watco Concrex Carbon Fibre - the number one epoxy resin floor repair mortar on the market.
Facilities managers should prioritise safety in high-risk areas when preparing for wet weather all year round. These areas can include spaces prone to wet floors from rain or external slopes and stairs at risk of icy conditions in colder months.
Applying an anti-slip coating like Watco Safety Coat within the facility can enhance grip and minimise the risk of slips. External surfaces, including steps, can benefit from anti-slip treads and nosings to improve traction and highlight edges for increased visibility, reducing the likelihood of accidents, especially in dark conditions.
Damp, leaks, and moisture in floors and walls can cause major issues, especially in wet weather. Porous concrete floors require a damp-proof membrane (DPM), like Watco Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane, to prevent water absorption. Without it, rising damp can damage floors and create an unpleasant environment.
Watco Moisture Guard, an anti-condensation paint, is ideal for areas with persistent humidity, temperature fluctuations, or poor air circulation, which can otherwise lead to mould and mildew growth.
Ultimately, a proactive approach to site assessment and making timely repairs can save you from a headache further down the line.
Approaching repairs and maintenance proactively leads to improved operational efficiency, cost savings, and most importantly, keeps those using the site safe.
