Commercial painting maintenance: A comprehensive guide for facility managers
Eivydas “David” Phillips Founder/President at Painters Inc.
The integrity of a commercial property must always be a consideration for managers and owners, as running afoul of safety regulations can lead to penalties and potential risks that can be hugely impactful. But the appearance of the property is also important, as this speaks to the quality of the brand, can add to the morale of employees and impress customers. Improvements to the property must be preceded by careful planning, and this includes building painting projects.
One of the best ways to maintain a property is to apply fresh coats of paint, which is the main focus of all commercial painting maintenance strategies. There are a variety of factors that need to be taken into account before embarking on a painting project, the first of which is to ensure you’ve got a trusted painting contractor working on your behalf, one that is capable of making all the necessary repairs to surfaces prior to applying the first coat of paint.
The following information serves as a comprehensive guide, addressing just about every question you might have about commercial building painting maintenance solutions and programs for facility managers.
Check out the following to figure out which is best for you:
- The importance of commercial building painting maintenance
- Commercial building maintenance for interior painting
- Commercial building maintenance for exterior painting
- Painting maintenance solutions for facility managers
- Regular maintenance painting programs
- Painter for a day program
- How often should your buildings' paint be maintained?
- How to create an effective commercial painting maintenance plan?
- Hiring leading commercial building painters in the Chicago area
The importance of commercial building painting maintenance
No matter which industry a commercial property is engaged in, there is a high likelihood that its surfaces require paint on interior or exterior surfaces. Painting maintenance is therefore one of the most important and sought-out specialties of professional contractors. Commercial building maintenance services provided by a quality painting contractor will include everything required to keep a property in tip-top shape.
Is the look of a property important? Yes, and for a variety of reasons, from curb appeal to employee morale, but for property owners, managers and for the safety of everyone in and around the property, the paint provides a layer of protection that ensures the integrity of the structures under it. Property managers make it part of their maintenance routine to inspect the facilities, checking for anything that could lead to downtime. This includes mold, cracks, bubbling or chipping paint and various structural problems. These inspections can lead to the initial call to a qualified painting contractor to come in and develop a plan to remedy various issues.
One of the maintenance capabilities painting contractors have is the ability to identify safety hazards, such as old paint that could contain lead, a type of paint that is a health risk and requires removal by a professional. And speaking of safety, some facilities require the cleanest air possible, even during a painting project. Many paints are known for their odor/fumes and their volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pose health risks. Professional painters today have a vast knowledge of all the paints on the market, including low- to no-VOC products that meet strict environmental guidelines.
Professional painters are also knowledgeable about the needs of their customers, which will almost always include concerns about the budget of the project and the time to completion. When you choose the right contractor, they’ll take all your concerns to heart.
Commercial building maintenance for interior painting
Regular interior maintenance can help to manage the daily wear and tear that interiors encounter. From high-traffic areas that can encounter regular scuffs and more severe impacts to rarely seen spaces where moisture problems would otherwise go unnoticed, a commercial building interior painting company knows where to look and how to address common problems, as well as the more uncommon issues that require a professional’s touch.
And speaking of “touch,” painting contractors aren’t just called in for major, full-blown projects – they’re also of great use for touch ups. In some cases, huge improvements can be made through minor touch ups. These minor fixes can help to prevent the paint from succumbing to bigger problems later. For example, an unsightly scuff on a wall can lead to more expansive issues, but by touching up the paint, the aesthetic of the interiors is greatly enhanced and you’ve also put off an impending complete repainting project. Take the next step in commercial interior maintenance by scheduling an inspection from a licensed painting contractor.
Tips for maintaining your facility's interior surfaces
Interior maintenance of surfaces generally begins with an inspection. The frequency of these inspections is dependent on the traffic in a facility, the type of traffic, the durability of the paint on surfaces and exposure to other environmental risks, such as moisture, dirt, grime, chemicals, etc.
In a non-industrial environment, the rule of thumb is to take on facility maintenance painting every three to five years, as this will sufficiently address the issues related to normal wear and tear and keep the facility from becoming an eyesore or the underlying surfaces from becoming damaged. Here’s some information that can help you in your initial maintenance planning.
Consider these tips for effectively maintaining facility interiors:
Regular interior cleaning and dusting
Regular cleaning will prevent dirt and grime from building up on surfaces. Never use harsh chemicals, detergents or cleaning brushes that could damage the paint. Effective removal of contaminants will help to extend the life of the paint.
Prompt repair of damaged paint
Accidents happen, especially in high-traffic areas, so when significant impact or regular wear finally damages the paint in a noticeable way, prompt repair of the area will not only help the visual appeal of the interiors, but will also protect the surface from further damage.
High-quality paint selection
Quality painters know to use durable paints, especially in areas where frequent cleaning will be necessary. Painting contractors will also match paints to the use of the spaces they are applied to, which further enhances the longevity of the paint and the protection it provides.
Maintaining your facility's interior surfaces boosts aesthetics and longevity. Regular, gentle cleaning prevents dirt buildup, and high-quality paints with prompt repairs ensure lasting protection and easy upkeep. Partner with a skilled paint crew to keep your facility looking great and functioning well for years.
Commercial building maintenance for exterior painting
Commercial building maintenance of the exterior of the facility can provide a variety of perks. First and foremost, an organization’s outward appearance is important to the reputation of the company. Equally important is the protection qualities exterior paint provides.
With a high-quality building exterior painting contractor at your service, you can rest assured that you’re getting coverage with durable paints that protect against everything from ultraviolet sunlight to impact from flying debris to freezing temperatures and precipitation.
Using the right paint preserves the underlying structures, which include everything from brick and cinder blocks to metallic surfaces that are prone to rust and corrosion. And while the end goal is to prolong the life of the overall structure, there is value in the professionalism that is conveyed through a freshly painted exterior by a team of expert painters who have an eye for the smallest details.
Tips for maintaining your facility's exterior
There’s no arguing the fact that a well-kept exterior adds to the reputation of an organization, but aside from exterior facility maintenance related to aesthetics, there are plenty of preservative, protective benefits to gain.
Facility maintenance painting tackles both objectives, but there are also other preventative measures that will ensure the structural integrity of a facility, including regular inspections, cleaning and quickly addressing various issues, including water damage. In any case, bringing in a seasoned professional to assist will help avoid substantial problems.
Consider the following tips for effectively maintaining your exterior surfaces:
Regular exterior cleaning
It’s amazing what a routine cleaning can do for exteriors. It doesn’t take long for dirt and grime to build up on surfaces, and in the case of areas that are constantly exposed to moisture, the problems are often more associated with organic growth, such as algae and mildew. Following a regular cleaning schedule can eliminate these unsightly and potentially damaging problems.
Touching up paint regularly
Just because a few exterior areas of a facility look haggard doesn’t mean the entire building needs to be repainted. Wear and tear on small sections of the surface can sometimes be remedied with a painting touch up that can be completed quickly and at minimal cost.
Addressing water damage
Water damage comes in many forms, but having moisture-prone areas inspected will provide you with the knowledge you need to take action now so the problems don’t go deeper and cause structural issues. If the paint is showing signs of water damage, a cleaning and a touch up could solve that problem initially, but catching this issue early can also provide information that informs other decisions that run deeper than paint (redirecting water away from the building via repaired or new gutters, etc.).
Effectively maintaining your exterior surfaces will surely boost the curb appeal of your building, but it’s also going to ensure a longer-lasting structure. Partner with a quality paint crew that knows what to look for, has the skills to address all types of problems, and keep your facility looking great and completely functional for years to come.
Painting maintenance solutions for facility managers
Commercial painting services offer much more than just a fresh coat on your interior and exterior surfaces. Following a painting maintenance plan is an ongoing process that keeps your commercial building looking great and your surfaces protected. And while aesthetics are important, painting maintenance runs deeper than just cosmetic issues, because a properly maintained building will also keep the owner in compliance with OSHA regulations.
Taking a proactive approach to facility maintenance includes scheduling inspections that will reveal all problem areas, whether it’s general deterioration, rust, corrosion or organic buildup that needs to be addressed. These inspections can also help to plan for future projects that will need to be addressed, from light painting touch ups to full repainting projects.
At Painters Inc., we offer the “Painter for a Day” program, which is perfect for those smaller projects that don’t require extensive planning. Rather, this cost-effective solution for small-scale projects will help to address commercial painting needs that can vastly improve areas of the facility that need some attention from a professional. There is no long-term contract required, just schedule our professional services for the day you need us and we’ll tackle your small projects.
Regular maintenance painting programs
One of the best ways, and by some accounts – easiest – to keep a facility in prime shape is through regular painting via a painting maintenance program. It’s also a cost-effective method of upkeep, as those smaller, less complex paint jobs require far less time and labor than the complete repainting projects.
A facility maintenance painting program is not only essential in preserving the look of the interior and exterior surfaces of a commercial property, it also enhances the structural integrity of the building. Paint serves a vital function in protecting surfaces that are at risk for corrosion, rust or rot, but with high-quality paint protecting the surface, and with regular touch ups to manage problem areas, the structures will last far longer than those allowed to go unprotected.
If you’re dedicated to reducing the ravages of time and the usual wear and tear that occurs, following a regular painting maintenance program will prevent small problems from becoming big, expensive ones. Trusted local painting contractors are often called into commercial and industrial properties where the wear and tear is substantial and can sometimes be missed if not for the steps involved in following a regular maintenance schedule.
The key benefits of regular maintenance painting programs:
Cost savings
Cost is always a concern, but following a regular maintenance program can actually help to reduce costs, as catching small problems early will prevent having to take on the burden of a bigger problem later. Also, it’s cost effective because maintenance ensures the long-term stability of the property as a whole, reducing the chance of requiring a significant structural repair.
Enhanced visual appeal
There is a lot to be said about a boost in curb appeal for exterior painting improvements, but enhancing interiors with regular maintenance can offer a boost in morale among employees who take pride in working in an aesthetically-pleasing work environment. And for facilities where customers are welcomed, the ongoing focus on keeping up appearances only enhances the customers’ relationship with the brand.
Increased commercial property value
Nobody wants to pay top dollar for a run-down property, so if yours is on the market, getting problem areas touched up with new paint can make a positive impression on potential buyers.
Compliance with regulations
Adhering to safety and environmental regulations is a non-negotiable aspect of operating a commercial property. With a regular painting maintenance program, you can stay on top of potential issues that could impact the health of anyone who is on the property. And that also applies to the type of environmentally-friendly paints that are used. At Painters Inc., we only work with the top brands offering low-to-no VOC paints.
Minimized operational downtime
A full repainting can shut down a facility from several days to a week or longer, but with regular maintenance, you can put off the need for such a project for years, potentially. Furthermore, you can schedule your maintenance painting for times that will have the least impact on your business operation.
Only work with professional painting contractors who can take on these small yet important painting projects that work to enhance and fortify your facility. Establishing a relationship with a knowledgeable painting contractor will also help you to stay consistent with your ongoing maintenance needs.
Painter for a day program
Painters Inc. proudly offers the “Painter for a Day” program to our loyal customers who know the value of taking on smaller projects in an effort to maintain the looks of their property, but also protect it. The way it works is simple: the service offers customers a flat rate for eight hours of work. There are no hassles like hidden fees or scheduling conflicts that will derail your project.
Our painting professional will report to you and take direction on what needs to be done. You become the project manager as we tackle jobs that can be completed in that eight-hour block of time. This service usually involves touching up walls, refreshing a room and other smaller tasks that can be completed in a short amount of time.
Our painters report to the job with the latest tools of the trade and with high-end, durable quality paint that looks amazing.
The common benefits of "Painter for a Day" programs:
Cost-effective solution
A flat fee for eight hours of professional painting services is a cost-effective means of maintaining your surfaces while delaying large-scale projects that are time consuming and costly.
Flexibility and convenience
We work around your schedule so there is little to no inconvenience or downtime associated with our painting services. You choose the day and the block of hours you want us there.
Customized services
Part of being a quality painting contractor is knowing how to tackle many different types of jobs, from cleaning surfaces in preparation for paint to making small repairs to expertly covering surfaces with the best paint products on the market – we can do it all.
Ideal for small projects
Those small problems can really add up and put your facility at risk for bigger problems later, which is why “Painter for a Day” is a perfect service for your small, yet important tasks.
No long-term commitment
While the results of our work will last a long time, there is no long-term commitment with the “Painter for a Day” program.
When your painting project is small and might only require touch ups in various areas of your facility, you don’t need to sign on for a multi-day commitment. Rather, take part in our "Painter for a Day" program and we’ll tackle all the painting jobs we can in an eight-hour shift for one low flat fee.
How often should your buildings' paint be maintained?
There are many factors that go into deciding how often a building undergoes painting, but most commercial building maintenance plans call for a fresh coat every 5 to 10 years. Two of the biggest factors are the quality of the paint and the amount of wear and tear various areas of the facility receive (weather, traffic, etc.). For more information on painting maintenance, we’ve compiled some important factors to consider here:
Exterior paint maintenance
Every 7-10 years: A well-protected building or one in a moderate climate where harsh weather is rare, paint holds up well for 7 to 10 years. Exterior paint maintenance will afford the paint a better chance at hitting the 10-year mark.
Every 3-7 years: For buildings in an environment where the weather conditions are extreme, even the most durable paint will not likely hold up for more than seven years and require exterior maintenance from a trained professional. Intense sunlight can also break down paint quite fast, requiring exterior painting as soon as three years after being applied.
Interior paint maintenance
Every 5-7 years: Interior paint maintenance frequency often depends on the amount of traffic the surfaces are subjected to, as their harsh seasonal incidents are not a factor like they are with exterior paint. Generally, five to seven years is the lifespan of most paint on most interior surfaces.
As needed: Some rooms are prone to more hazards that could hasten the need for repainting, such as a high-humidity environment or common areas that receive far more use (wear and tear) than an office setting.
Commercial and high-traffic areas painting maintenance
Every 3-5 Years: Commercial painting maintenance programs must account for high-traffic areas, particularly in industrial facilities where motorized vehicles, such as forklifts, are in operation, as these will generate more dust, dirt and grime that could necessitate commercial painting services every three to five years.
While these timelines are good guides to follow, every facility has its individual and unique circumstances that will impact the quality of the paint over time. By regularly assessing the condition of the paint, looking for signs of damage, such as cracks, chipping or bubbling, you can make the call on when building maintenance services are required. Only work with professional painters who know how to tackle these issues quickly and expertly.
How to create an effective commercial painting maintenance plan?
Creating an effective commercial painting maintenance plan is pivotal for sustaining the visual appeal and success of your business. The impression your commercial property makes on customers is paramount, whether it's a vibrant restaurant, a luxurious hotel, or a chic retail store.
Opting for a high-quality commercial paint job from a trusted contractor offers a multitude of advantages, setting the desired ambiance, attracting your target audience, and enhancing the overall customer experience. Once you've achieved the perfect aesthetic, preserving and safeguarding this investment becomes paramount.
Crafting a tailored painting maintenance plan is essential, as it adapts to specific conditions and strategically improves the value of your property. Whether it involves routine touch-ups, scheduled inspections, or proactive measures against wear and tear, a customized plan accounts for property maintenance painting needs as they arise and also provides information for decisions that will impact the future of the building.
When you work directly with a trusted painting contractor, you will have a professional’s years of experience to help you build a strategy that works for you and your facility.
Tips for creating an effective commercial painting maintenance plan:
Tailor a painting maintenance plan to your budget and timeline
Timing is everything with a painting maintenance plan, and budget is important, too. Begin with a checklist of all the painted surfaces and make notes about their condition.
Some areas might not require attention now, but as you notice a steady decline in the quality of the paint, you’ll have a better idea of how to budget for impending work, keeping in mind that you will need to hire a professional painting contractor in three years to seven years in most cases. The more meticulous you are in your planning, the more insight you’ll have into the cost of the maintenance over the course of many years.
Prioritize pre-work requirements
Most surfaces will require prep work before the paint can be applied, including but not limited to cleaning and minor repairs. In some situations, you’ll need to adhere to various building codes, which also takes planning and guidance from an experienced professional painter.
The value in prioritizing pre-work is that you can avoid disruptions due to unforeseen circumstances, and in most commercial properties, disruption equals costly downtime. To truly streamline the process and have complete assurance that your project will be completed on time and on budget, planning is the key.
Select a trustworthy painting company
It is crucial to partner with a trusted expert – a painting contractor that can provide a comprehensive range of services related to inspecting surfaces and following through with minor repairs, surface prep and touch ups on all types of surfaces using the preferred paint.
Look for a local contractor with plenty of references and proof that they can be part of your painting maintenance plan. They should come to you with plenty of advice about how to effectively create a strategy that will keep your surfaces in structurally great shape, as well as ideas about enhancing the look of your facility with fresh paint.
Prioritize quality in initial painting processes
The best results are those that look amazing and protect your surfaces for a long, long time. Quality painting contractors meet these goals by using the right tools for the job, applying paint in the right conditions with the right techniques and by using the best paint on the market.
Never choose a contractor that cuts costs by using inferior paint products, as these will be aesthetically displeasing, but will also break down really fast and fail to protect your property. Cheap work almost always has to be corrected sooner rather than later, adding to the expense and potential downtime for the customer, which is why choosing a contractor committed to quality is a requirement.
Maintain effective communication throughout
One of the hallmarks of a quality painting contractor is their ability to effectively communicate with their customers. Given all the particulars that go into a painting maintenance program, the contractor should be highly detail oriented and able to correspond with the customer on a frequent basis. The contractor must also be a good listener and take into account all customer concerns.
Successful businesses get that way, in part, because they are managed by people who know the importance of maintenance, which is why they have a trusted painting contractor at the ready, completely able to respond to a variety of painting needs in all areas of the property. A well-maintained property says a lot about the brand that occupies it, which means consumers will continue to be impressed and the overall image of the brand will never lose its luster.
Hiring leading commercial building painters in the Chicago area
Painters Inc. is a long-time Chicago-area painting contractor trusted by commercial businesses in many industries. And because every business is different, our professional maintenance painting services are customized to fit your needs. We are excellent communicators who put the customer first.
Our approach to painting maintenance services includes our “Painter for a Day” offering, which is a perfect fit for touch up jobs and other services that fall under the maintenance category. Our team of full-time painting professionals brings a high level of respect to every jobsite, no matter how small or large the project. Friendly, efficient, safe and fast, our painters are chosen for their ability to please the customer by providing outstanding painting services. Contact us and let’s discuss what we can do to enhance your property.
