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Tips for Better Urgent and Emergency Facilities Maintenance & Repairs

Posted on July 5, 2022 by a1_admin

Facility managers play a vital role in building emergency maintenance service management. Facilities managers are the control point for all maintenance, restoration, and repair concerns, including emergency maintenance. Therefore, they must be able to communicate and allocate resources effectively and as quickly as possible during building maintenance emergency scenarios.

Emergency maintenance services include critical elevator cab concerns, water leaks, flooding concerns, and safety features. With preparation and professionalism, facility managers can handle emergency repairs swiftly without affecting the business flow and its occupants.

As the facilities management industry continues to grow, facility managers’ jobs are expanding to include more duties and skill sets, including emergency maintenance service. In addition, the physical environment of buildings is becoming more crucial to how modern society conducts business, enjoys entertainment, and enjoys lifestyles leading to increased facilities management budgets, which means managers have a more significant influence. But first, it’s essential to understand what urgent maintenance truly is and how it differs from standard maintenance.

What Constitutes a Maintenance Emergency?

How often do you think about the answer to, “what is emergency maintenance?” Emergency maintenance is a repair that occurs on an as-needed basis and requires immediate attention. An emergency repair must be made immediately when a piece of machinery or the structural integrity is in jeopardy, causing an emergency maintenance concern. Emergency repairs can happen at any moment and need a fast response as they could pose a danger or safety hazard to building occupants and staff. Some building maintenance emergency circumstances can cause a complete shutdown or even an evacuation, which can cause a loss of product and profit for business owners while also affecting the safety and health of patrons. Therefore, the longevity of the building is dependent upon prompt and effective responses to emergency maintenance and emergency maintenance service.

After-hours emergency maintenance and facilities management is an undisputed necessity for building owners. Fortune Business Insights states that “the global facility management market is projected to grow from $1,260.36 billion in 2022 to $1,856.44 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.7% in the forecast period…The global facility management market is projected to grow from $1,260.36 billion in 2022 to $1,856.44 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.7% in the forecast period”.

When unanticipated emergency maintenance occurs in a building, a reliable professional must repair it swiftly and affordably. However, most contractors are neither prepared nor created to tackle all the emergency maintenance demands during a building maintenance emergency. Seek a professional with an entire staff that assists building owners and property managers with critical and urgent emergency repairs.

Work with industry leaders that create and implement proactive and preventative maintenance that will inevitably increase building value by keeping it in tip-top shape. Implementing planned maintenance will help prevent future fixes, problems, and emergency maintenance. Below are upkeep practices and maintenance tips to remember to reduce the cost and frequency of emergency repairs and maintenance needs:

1. Address Issues When First Detected to Ensure Timely Response and to Reduce Further Risks

Routine and emergency maintenance issues can be detrimental if not addressed promptly. Putting off minor leaks, commercial glass restoration, loose floor tiles, and other repairs can be tempting. Still, these minor issues can quickly grow, leading to emergency repairs and even safety issues when ignored.

Repairs should be dealt with as soon as possible before they become emergency repairs and become more severe by producing additional risks to the building and its occupants. For example, a leaking outdoor faucet does not seem like a deal. Still, suppose a water leak is ignored for a long time or goes undetected. In that case, it will cause after-hours emergency maintenance, incurring extensive damage and costing thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Response time is vital. A safe and effective maintenance plan must be adequate to lower risk and maintain satisfaction. Using qualified and after-hours emergency maintenance specialists available around the clock for emergency repairs is a game-changer for facility management.

2. Define What Constitutes an Emergency and Who to Contact.

What is a maintenance emergency? Who is in charge of an emergency maintenance situation? Facility management teams should answer these questions and implement a plan. Ensure all parties in an authoritative position know what plan to implement, what constitutes an emergency maintenance concern, who to contact, and the difference between emergency repairs and routine maintenance.

Choose the appropriate leaders for after-hours emergency maintenance situations. Defined roles enable decisive and quick-thinking action. Share your emergency plan with others. Inform those in positions of authority and those with specific duties. Make the simplest, most straightforward after-hours emergency maintenance plan available to staff.

What is a maintenance emergency? In a June 2022 event in Wicker Park, Illinois, part of a building’s facade fell on a woman after authorities warned the owner to make repairs weeks earlier. According to CBSNews.com, The Department of Buildings contacted the building owner and told them to ”immediately put up a heavy-duty canopy on the public way around the front of the buildings, get a licensed structural engineer to assess the building façade, [and], get a licensed masonry contractor to make emergency repairs.” Also, the same article states, “While the heavy-duty canopy was put in place, the owner did not make any repairs.”

While this building owner may not have viewed this as an emergency maintenance issue, it resulted in the critical injury of an innocent passerby due to the delay in response to this after-hours emergency maintenance.

3. Weigh Options and Determine the Best Course of Action

Consider all available options when an emergency maintenance issue arises. Look at the best opportunity to reduce the impact of the emergency repair on other components and implement the best course of action and next step to address the situation.

A clearly defined plan, operating procedures, and proactive checklist will help ensure after-hours emergency maintenance have as few hiccups as possible, allowing business to proceed as usual and as quickly as possible.

4. Have a Team of On-Call Field Service Vendors Ready for Urgent or Emergency Maintenance.

An emergency maintenance service provider guarantees that emergency repairs are met with professionalism and competence. Facilities managers can handle the demanding nature of their work while cross-identifying problems, responding fast, and resolving emergency maintenance as soon as possible by accessing their network of on-call vendors available for emergency maintenance.

According to Landport X1, “the 3 AM wake-up call is often a reality for facility managers. Only 6% of companies have a well-established maintenance department. Yet maintenance issues threaten the very existence of a business.” An expert emergency maintenance partner has a network of contacts that assists with immediate and on-demand emergency repairs.

An emergency maintenance service provider with a well-established network can contact multiple resources if one is not readily available. A partner for commercial building maintenance takes the pressure off the building and business owners, allowing them to concentrate on business-oriented tasks.

If a network of after-hours emergency maintenance vendors is not available, a Plan B must be implemented. Planning and preparing as much as possible is vital. Have a list of preferred vendors to contact when an emergency repair arises. Ensure that a dedicated team is assigned ahead of time in charge of a building maintenance emergency.

5. Check Prior Emergency Routes and Evacuations and Follow Predetermined Plans as Necessary

For the health and safety of patrons, occupants, and staff, ensure that all evacuation plans are posted in the required spots in an emergency maintenance situation. When immediate action is needed, develop and implement an emergency plan, including emergency repairs and hazard and safety precautions that need to be considered. The strategy should consider immediate structure deterioration, chemicals, fire, and flood emergencies. Ensure that all staff is aware of the evacuation routes and up to date on new regulations and changes made to emergency maintenance service needs of the building.

6. Ensure All Field Service Vendors Have Proper Training

Vendors, team members, and other personnel must know their job and responsibilities in the event of an emergency maintenance issue. They must be fully trained in carrying out those duties, including updating processes and procedures if necessary and knowing when to provide emergency maintenance services. All should also abide by all safety-related rules and regulations.

All reputable organizations that provide building maintenance emergency and routine building maintenance services are highly qualified and hold the appropriate licenses for emergency maintenance services. Having written safety policies is highly important and must be effectively conveyed to all personnel, team members, and vendors involved in the facility. Each person has a role and needs to be trained in their specific duties and expectations.

7. Only Make Emergency Repairs According to Code and Engineering Specifications

Never take shortcuts or veer from regulated codes, standards, or procedures to save time or money. Faster and easier do not equal safer and more accurate. Shortcuts are great for driving but not for emergency maintenance services. Only qualified personnel should do emergency repairs and follow all building and safety requirements.

In 2021, it was estimated that 42.5 percent of commercial businesses spent between 21 and 40 percent of their operating budget on cleaning and maintenance equipment, personnel, and supplies, according to Statista. Therefore, prioritizing a facility’s upkeep and emergency maintenance service is vital to its longevity, functionality, and prevention of emergency maintenance.

9. Keep Your Window Accesses and High-Rise Platforms in Tip-Top Shape

A building’s plaza deck systems, rooftop doors, windows, window cleaning scaffolding, fire escapes, and other emergency equipment must be frequently examined to ensure they are safe, undamaged, and still in compliance with the law.

Depending on the type of building and its location, its cleaning and emergency maintenance service needs vary. For example, if the building has frequent foot traffic and faces a busy street, the need for window and platform cleaning is much higher than that of a building used for storage and facing a parking lot. Pollution and birds can also play a significant role in the frequency of cleaning. Bird proofing and deterrents in commercial buildings are necessary preventative measures that building owners can implement to reduce the cleaning frequency and emergency repairs.

10. Coordinate Scheduled Maintenance and Repair Services to Reduce Risk of Emergencies

The final way to reduce expenses related to emergency repairs of commercial buildings is to coordinate and schedule routine checks and emergency maintenance services and stick to the emergency maintenance service schedule.

Taking advantage of the technologies offered to facility managers is a proven game-changer for proactive and emergency maintenance management. According to FortuneBusinessInsights.com, “Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software tools streamline management and control of facility management maintenance operations. It comprises a variety of tools, including CAFM space applications, software, and systems.

Large organizations widely adopt CAFM solutions to design, observe, and execute their facility management tasks precisely. It combines administration, architecture, engineering concepts, and behavioral science to optimize business functions.” These capabilities make it easier to coordinate maintenance, both planned and emergency or urgent needs, in tandem, allowing facilities managers to stay strategic and avoid the pitfalls of missing one or the other.

11. Stay Informed of Emergencies Beyond Your Control, Such as Weather-Related Events

Staying informed and educated on natural disasters and weather-related emergencies is fundamental for emergency repairs and situations. Mother nature is unpredictable, and an event can happen anytime. Preparing an emergency maintenance service plan is the only way to ensure the health and safety of the building, its guests, and personnel.

Given that there are only so many ways to prevent weather-related emergencies and natural disasters, it is crucial to be as informed and proactive as possible. It is essential to monitor the situation closely and have a weather-related emergency maintenance service plan for emergencies like fires or gas leaks.

12. Retrain Your In-House Building Management Team on How to Respond to Emergencies

An emergency maintenance plan is only as effective as the staff implementing it. Providing up-to-date information is vital to ensure staff and personnel are able and ready to implement an emergency maintenance service plan when an emergency occurs. Through education and training, all employees are to be made aware of potential risks and the actions needed to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.

Performing routine drills and practices is a simple way to keep plans fresh in employees’ minds. Use various types of scenarios and techniques that can occur. Training must include communication, an emergency maintenance service plan, designated roles, warnings and alarms, evacuation, shutting down of necessary equipment, and sheltering.

13. Leverage Building Management Software & Partnerships While Also Tracking Lessons Learned From Urgent or Emergent Situations

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; the same goes for building maintenance, emergency management, and planning. Facility managers can learn from previous problems and emergency circumstances. This enables them to be better prepared for an emergency maintenance issue. As teams use scheduling software and cutting-edge technology, update monitoring and security systems, and collaborate with industry experts, they can avoid problems while learning what happened and why.

Further, working with Industry partners that specialize and are trained in emergency maintenance service and preparedness reduces risk. Essentially, this level of outsourcing takes the brunt of the building owner’s responsibility and allows them to focus on maintaining business as usual.

Stay on Top of Commercial Building Maintenance and Reduce Emergency Repair Costs by Partnering With Valcourt Today

Emergency maintenance is unpredictable and inevitable. Keeping staff trained and updated, maintaining an on-call vendor list, addressing issues immediately, and staying proactive are critical ingredients in the urgent facility management recipe.

Reduce the risk and costs by partnering with a thoroughly trained and established partner in the field of emergency repairs. Staying prepared and on top of all proactive and preventative emergency maintenance service plans can be overwhelming and costly. Streamlining the process through a pro is the way to go. So stay on top of building maintenance, reduce building maintenance emergencies, and contact The A1orange Group today!

What Are On-Demand Building Maintenance Services?

Posted on June 23, 2022 by a1_admin

Building maintenance services are a vital part of building management and ownership. It improves the property’s overall value, enhances the satisfaction of occupants and visitors, and eliminates safety hazards. Routine and scheduled maintenance is ideal, but not all issues arise on a planned schedule. Therefore, an on-demand building and maintenance company is needed.

On-demand maintenance meets the immediate needs of issues that have come to fruition. Commercial properties specifically need on-demand care, as their businesses are on the line. A business can be significantly impacted by maintenance issues, especially if the time to repair is excessive. As a result, companies can see a loss of product, profit, and business while creating a safety risk to customers. Therefore, on-demand maintenance, restoration, and repair are vital to companies.

According to 2018 Building Owners and Managers Association International research, typical private building expenses can range from $0.02 to $0.06, but unplanned costs can quickly soar well above those rates. This data provides valuable information on the cost of upkeep and maintenance on commercial properties. In addition, routinely maintaining the exterior of the building, grounds, landscaping, and other equipment, such as the HVAC system, can help decrease the need for on-demand services.

What Are Building Maintenance Services?

Building maintenance services are services provided that maintain, preserve, and extend the life of the building and its components and include various tasks and efforts. Specifically, these services include inspections, emergency repairs, work orders, requests, and the overall general maintenance of a building. As time goes on, things deteriorate, especially without routine attention. Therefore, building owners and facility managers rely heavily on building maintenance services to ensure the functionality of all parts of the building and maintain a safe and healthy environment for all occupants, visitors, and employees.

Building maintenance services also keep everything up to code, in compliance with local, state, and national laws and regulations, and up to date on all inspections. A building that is not maintained is an accident waiting to happen. Ensuring routine maintenance is implemented is a surefire way to relieve some liability that would occur had the property been neglected.

What’s the Difference Between On-Demand Versus Schedule Maintenance?

On-demand services occur on an as-needed basis. For example, when a piece of equipment or component of the building stops working, it requires an on-demand repair. On-demand maintenance can occur at any given time and typically requires immediate attention as it can often be a safety or health hazard. For example, pest issues, HVAC problems, broken doorways, and water leaks require swift and efficient attention to maintain the structure’s longevity and the safety of building guests and staff.

Scheduled maintenance is preventative and proactive maintenance, regardless of the condition of the building. The building is inspected and maintained regularly to prevent major issues from occurring. Scheduled maintenance can often prevent on-demand maintenance issues from occurring.

Examples of scheduled maintenance are changing HVAC filters, building maintenance cleaning, maintaining and cleaning concrete, maintaining the building facade, and window cleaning. Scheduled maintenance also aids in preventing safety and health hazards to employees, tenants, and building visitors.

Why Are On-Demand Costs Higher?

On-demand building services and maintenance can be much more costly than scheduled maintenance. In addition, because it is not a routinely scheduled service, it causes maintenance crews to adjust their schedules and time to fit the maintenance request. This could mean after-hours and overnight maintenance calls, expediting the shipment and delivery of parts and canceling other jobs to accommodate the maintenance needs.

Another factor contributing to higher costs is that labor and supply costs have risen significantly over the past couple of years, affecting both on-demand and scheduled maintenance. However, urgent, on-demand needs will result in much higher labor costs as they are unplanned and urgent matters.

Examples of When On-Demand Maintenance Works Best

There are times when on-demand maintenance is necessary and could not have been avoided even with a routine maintenance plan enforced. These maintenance issues arise due to unforeseen circumstances and need immediate attention to remedy the situation before it escalates into a more significant problem. Below are a few examples of when on-demand maintenance works best:

Water Leaks and Water Leak Investigation

Temporary Broken Window Repair

Addressing Urgent Building Facade Damage

Emergency Exterior Repairs

Examples of Scheduled Maintenance Needs

Scheduled maintenance is routine, preventative maintenance. There may not be an issue at hand; however, maintaining equipment and all components of buildings is very helpful in preventing problems and prolonging the lifespan of the building and its assets. In addition, scheduled maintenance can prevent more significant issues such as roof leaks due to age, mold, safety hazards, bird infestations, clogged pipes or drain lines, and inefficiently working HVAC systems.

Landscaping and Grounds Upkeep

Bird Deterrents

Sealant, Waterproofing, and Beyond Services

Glass Restoration and Repair

HVAC Inspections

Regular Building Maintenance Cleaning

Clearing Gutters and Drains

Concrete Upkeep

What to Look for in On-Demand Building Maintenance Companies

A competent on-demand building maintenance company helps a well-maintained business decrease the total cost of ownership while ensuring the building remains in tip-top shape. This partnership provides comfort and safety for the building owners, occupants, and visitors. Below are tips to remember when choosing a building maintenance company.

Experience in providing services to your unique building types. There are several types of buildings, each requiring different maintenance requirements and needs. Professional building maintenance companies are trained in the management and maintenance of all kinds.
Ability to follow all laws and regulations affecting safety. All professional building maintenance companies have fully trained experts with the necessary certifications for specific repairs.
Ability to address potential problems to prevent further damage. Building services and maintenance professionals remediate the issue at hand while also being proactive and fixing more minor problems that will eventually lead to significant issues if not addressed.
Around-the-clock availability. On-demand building maintenance services are available around the clock, night or day, on weekends and holidays. Commercial building maintenance companies know that emergencies do not just happen during work hours.
Restoration services for a variety of emergencies. Commercial building maintenance companies have expertise in an array of areas. This ensures that they can address issues ranging from a water leak to an HVAC issue.
Highly-trained field service vendors will address the needs fully and professionally. Building maintenance companies are competent and able to maintain professionalism, even as stress levels are high while completing the task.
Cross-functional reporting, such as reporting facade stucco damage when fixing window leaks. On-demand maintenance teams can recognize issues unrelated to their task that could lead to problems.
Provides quality customer service. Ensure they are responsive, timely, and efficient. Response time is vital when an emergency occurs.
Ensure they have a team local to the facility. On-demand maintenance typically needs immediate attention. Having a professional nearby is a must for a quick response time.
An array of equipment is at their disposal. However, each property has its demands and needs. Therefore, ensure the building and maintenance company has the necessary equipment to meet the needs of the specific task.
Make sure their cost matches your budget. It’s always a good idea to be upfront with a budget. Asking for a quote will help decipher the comfort in fees and supplies.

Improve Your Team’s Efficiency With Quality Commercial Building Maintenance Companies Under the Valcourt Umbrella

Building maintenance is an essential aspect of management and ownership responsibilities. It increases ROI, removing safety hazards. Therefore, routine and regular maintenance is preferable. However, not all issues occur on a predetermined timetable. When this happens, on-demand, sometimes emergency, services are required.

On-demand costs can be higher but are frequently necessary for emergencies. There are many things to consider when searching for building maintenance services, including expertise, location, and safety certifications, to name a few.

Any company under the Valcourt umbrella will bring top-notch attention and services to the project at hand. Specializing in communication, accountability, safety, and complete building services, choosing Valcourt won’t steer you wrong. Improve your team’s efficiency with quality commercial building companies under the Valcourt umbrella! Contact The A1orange Group today.

The Ultimate Rundown of Commercial Glass Restoration

Posted on June 15, 2022 by a1_admin

The building owner and manager highly desire their structure and its commercial plaza deck makes a stunning first impression. Clean and sleek glass is attractive, no matter the structure. Glass accounts for a substantial part of the care and attention given to commercial buildings and components.

Glass restoration companies install glass in multiple areas of buildings, not just windows. According to Buildings.com, “Depending on how the glass is treated before installation, it can be a viable option anywhere in a building. It can be tempered as well as annealed or laminated for extreme safety. As an interior wall or partition, it’s hard to think of why you wouldn’t be able to use glass. Translucent (and opaque) glass products are great as demountable partitions, in reception areas and conference rooms, or as stairs and treads. How the glass is treated or fabricated governs where the glass can be used.”

Seeing glass stained with residue, graffiti, and scratches is unattractive. In addition, it affects the energy efficiency of appliances such as the HVAC system. Therefore, the type of restoration glass used, sealants, and waterproofing membranes are utilized to improve energy use and enhance energy efficiency.

When a residential window becomes damaged, it is typically a task that the homeowner or landlord can tackle. Commercial glass damage is a tedious task that requires the work of professional glass restoration companies. Some commercial buildings are one story, while others are massive skyscrapers. The glass requires special skills, tools, and equipment.

Glass restoration companies breathe new life into your windows, making them seem new without the high replacement cost. A business with dull and grim windows and glass may feel compelled to spend money on new glass, but this is not required. Eliminating the need for window replacement, which may be a pricey expenditure for some businesses, saves money in the long term. In addition, investing in the maintenance, restoration, and repair of the exterior of the building encourages customers to return.

What Is Commercial Glass Restoration?

Commercial glass restoration is the careful process of repairing glass instead of replacing it. Glass restoration companies extend the life of the glass by repairing imperfections and damages and avoiding the costly replacement of the entire piece of glass. Maintaining the glass is essential to an attractive curb appeal and overall aesthetics of the building.

Commercial glass restoration companies can repair a broad spectrum of glass damage using glass restoration services. In addition, professional service providers for glass restoration may finish the job in less time than it takes to replace and at a lower cost.

Commercial buildings, including apartments and condominiums, office buildings, skyscrapers, and other large buildings, have many different types of windows and glass that need specific care. Trying to save money here and there by not hiring a professional is never a good or responsible solution. Hiring professional glass restoration companies is vital to the longevity of commercial glass. Only highly trained and specifically certified employees of glass restoration companies are permitted to touch glass and ascend to such great heights to deal with these types of commercial glass repair and commercial window care needs.

Difference Between Replacement and Restoration

Restoration is the process of glass restoration companies repairing something, while a replacement is a process of replacing something. Restoration can remove scratches, cloudy residue, and chemicals from glass and windows. Restoration is a much more financially feasible option than replacement. The replacement consists of new glass, the surrounding hardware, framing, flooring, caulking and sealants, and anything else that might be affected. The process is much more complicated and expensive for commercial glass contractors.

Transforming historic downtown areas into commercial hotspots is a growing trend in U.S. cities. Frequently, buildings in these areas have old, antique glass that is irreplaceable without changing the overall appearance of the structure. Replacing this glass would change the entire vibe of the building. Professional glass restoration companies can fix emergency leak repairs, repair oxidation, mineral deposits, chips, oils, rain damage, weather damage, scum, lime buildup, and graffiti from the glass, all while keeping the original charm of the historic building.

What Causes Damage to Commercial Glass?

There are many contributing factors to commercial glass damage that glass restoration companies need to consider. Below is an overview of a few factors to take into consideration:

Weather – Weather plays a significant role in commercial glass window damage, especially in skyscrapers and high-rise buildings. Nature’s elements and forces are more substantial and cause more damage. Wind, hail, and temperature changes can weaken the glass.

Irregular or Incorrect Window Washing or Window Installation – Sometimes, errors can start at the beginning. Improper installation of glass sets the stage for failure. When researching reputable glass restoration companies, ensure they offer installation and cleaning services. Maintaining and keeping the commercial windows clean is not just for a positive visual appearance. Dirt and debris can build up and cause pressure points. These pressure points are more apt to cause cracking and shattering. Also, the residue can scratch the windows, leading to the need for glass restoration services.

Accidents – Several types of accidents can lead to damaged glass. A foreign object could hit the glass and cause damage. Glass can crack, shatter, and break due to rocks, balls, tree limbs, and flying debris from traffic accidents. Another possibility is that a bird could fly into the glass and damage it. Bird-proofing buildings is an excellent way to aid in preventing this. Bird deterrents in commercial buildings control the bird population safely and effectively, avoiding damage to the building and its glass components.

Unmaintained Glass Damage – A small, damaged area never repaired or maintained by glass restoration companies can spread, causing significant damage. As with a vehicle’s windshield, a small crack signifies it is time to repair the commercial glass. Without repair, it will eventually spread and lead to the need for a complete replacement of commercial windows.

Graffiti or Vandalism – Arguably, the most common form of glass damage is etching caused by graffiti and vandalism. Unlike etching caused by accident, graffiti is typically words or visuals that are offensive or simply unattractive to building visitors. Glass restoration companies have the means and tools to address graffiti.

Age – Glass becomes subject to damage when frames, insulation, and structure deterioration occur over time. In addition, as the air between the panes expands, fractures can form, allowing water infiltration and moisture to seep in and cause commercial building water damage. Condensation and foggy glass signify that a commercial window repair is needed.

Why Should Building Owners Outsource Glass Restoration?

A consultation with professional restoration companies is crucial when starting a project like glass restoration. DIY might sound cheaper but will cost more money in the long run. Maintaining the exterior building envelope is critical to the overall curb appeal and the structural integrity of a building, its plaza deck systems, waterproofing envelope, and beyond.

Glass restoration companies inspect all the glass, sealants, and other components to ensure everything functions appropriately.

Multiple types of glass are made specifically for commercial buildings. This glass is different from residential glass and needs special care and attention. Some types of commercial glass are:

Tempered glass can withstand high temperatures. Unfortunately, it also breaks into small pieces instead of more significant sharp shards.

Laminated glass holds together if it is broken. As a result, it does not shatter into pieces, making it easier to clean up and preventing injury.

Wired glass has embedded mesh wire that does not allow it to shatter onto the ground if broken, preventing injuries.

Tinted glass blocks out UV rays and makes the interior of the building cooler and not as bright.

Insulated glass keeps buildings warmer or cooler, depending on the exterior weather. It is beneficial in areas that have extreme heat and extreme cold temperatures.

Bulletproof glass is impenetrable, making it an excellent option for storefronts prone to vandalism and violence.

A glass company’s installation efforts can affect the overall quality of the glass and the likelihood of damage over time. And if damage occurs, how easy or difficult will it be to restore is the critical question. Ensure professional restoration companies and window cleaning service providers regularly work together in this regard. While window washers remove debris and residue buildup, commercial glass companies will inspect the glass for nicks and scratches. Below are reasons to leverage a professional commercial glass company.

Reasons Building Owners Should Outsource Glass Restoration

Glass breakage is a prevalent hazard. The damages need to be assessed by commercial glass companies to decide whether to repair or replace the glass. The HVAC systems can be affected by glass damage as increased usage results from excess heat consumption and energy loss. Contracting glass restoration companies provide specialized services, minimize costs, and provide the best long-term solution.

The commercial glass company uses its equipment and will perform the restoration window glass task more professionally than any in-house maintenance that does not specialize in glass restoration. When properly executed, outsourcing will save money by extending the life of the commercial glass.

Honesty about a budget allows a qualified commercial glass business to assist in making the most cost-effective choice and reduce your costs.

Glass replacement and restoration can be risky with safety liabilities. Hiring a commercial glass company relieves a building manager and owner of associated risks and liability. Someone not adequately trained might injure themselves or others while performing repairs or installations, costing thousands of dollars in fines and worker’s compensation penalties.

When sanding and buffing, glass particles fly through the air and surrounding areas. All safety precautions need to be taken to ensure the health and safety of not only the technicians for the glass company but also the building occupants. Performing a DIY glass repair could cause the glass to shatter. Shattered glass is extremely sharp and dangerous if not handled with care. This liability alone should be enough to hire a professional glass polishing company.

Outsourcing to glass restoration companies takes the hassle out of coordinating with in-house maintenance. Glass replacement can be time-consuming and possibly dangerous for a non-expert. Hiring a glass company that specializes in this area relieves that burden. Typically, commercial window cleaning companies are also commercial glass window contractors, which the building facilities manager is probably already using. Glass restoration companies know precisely the type of glass and supplies needed, which takes the guesswork out of it.

Steps That Go Into Glass Restoration

Sand and buff the damaged spot until it is smooth and blends with the surrounding glass, similar to sanding a rough piece of lumber. Repeat this process until achieving the desired results. Sanding glass creates particles that can be extremely dangerous to contractors. They must take safety precautions, such as respirators and eye protection, to avoid injury.

Polish and buff until the blemish is no longer visible. How deep or severe the scratch dictates how much buffing the glass polishing company needs to perform.

Ensure proper light reflection and that there is no distortion in the glass. Does the glass repair produce the expected results? If not, the glass may need more sanding, buffing, and polishing to meet the expectations for restoration.

Factors Affecting Pricing for Glass Restoration

Many things come into play with the topic of glass restoration prices. Typically included in glass restoration companies‘ pricing are travel time and the overall difficulty of the project. In addition, professional glass restoration companies know which repairs to perform on each specific type of glass, saving the total replacement cost. This factor alone makes their costs well worth it.

Pricing differs from company to company, just like any other provided service. Most glass restoration companies assess the square footage, depth of the damage, and the amount of time it will take to fix. The damage’s severity, location, and type of glass are all factors. Below are these factors and core considerations in detail when determining pricing differences:

Type of Glass – There are multiple types of commercial glass, depending on the type of building and structure. Clear, tinted, coated, double-paned, bulletproof glass, awnings, and skylights are some of the most standard glass types that commercial glass contractors restore. Each type comes with its unique demands and skills required for restoration, ultimately affecting the overall cost of the restoration glass project. In buildings built before 1978, lead-based paint is a significant concern.

Location of Project – The site of the glass damage is an essential factor in determining the restoration cost. A one-story building with glass damage will be much less expensive than window damage on the 20th. The price is also affected if the blemish is in a harder-to-access area.

The Severity of Damage – A tiny rock chip will be cheaper than a whole pane scratched from top to bottom. Depending on the severity of the damage, different equipment and supplies may be necessary, affecting the overall cost. The more severe the damage, the more aggressive the job is. This can sometimes lead to further irreversible damage, which is why hiring glass restoration companies is highly encouraged.

How A Professional Will Prolong the Life of Your Commercial Glass

There are many ways to prolong the life of commercial glass in buildings, but it all comes back to hiring commercial glass companies. Below are a few ways glass restoration companies will extend the life of your commercial glass:

Keep Glass Free of Debris and Buildup – Corners of glass are the perfect spot for insects and dust to accumulate, leading to stains and distorted views. To be repaired, the windows must occasionally be polished. Buffing the glass eliminates harmful residues that have built up over time. It also removes scratches that have collected on the glass. A glass polishing company may also easily remove acid-etched graffiti on windows and other glass surfaces.
Keep Glass Free of Contaminants – Many contaminants cause corrosion, eat away at seals, and create a residue on the glass. Keeping glass free of contaminants prevents the degradation of the glass and surrounding structures. However, contaminants can enter through the glass pores leading to significant problems. A professional glass polishing company has the tools and cleaning supplies specific to each type of glass and contaminant to maintain the life of the commercial glass.
Using Proper Cleaning Supplies – Professional glass restoration companies stock their staff with specific cleaning solutions and tools made specifically for glass cleaning and restoration. As a result, they can perform their job efficiently as it is their area of expertise.
Protect Glass From Damage – When trying to tackle a glass cleaning without the value of expert advice, damage to the glass is likely to occur. Using the wrong cleaning product or supplies can scratch the surface or leave a residue.

Choose the JOBS Group to Streamline Commercial Glass Restoration Today

Glass restoration gives your windows new life and makes them appear brand new without the expensive replacement cost. Often, commercial glass is an overlooked commodity. With other business deals on the line, cleaning the windows is typically the last thing on the mind of a business owner. Commercial glass companies aim to make it as easy as possible to maintain business flow as the restoration window glass evolution continues.

The goal is to provide damage-free and clean glass throughout the structure. Repair, rather than replacement, is often the most cost-effective and sensible approach to enhancing commercial glass and maintaining commercial waterproofing. At a fraction of the replacement cost, glass repair gives the appearance of new, restoration glass.

It may be tempting to turn a glass restoration into a do-it-yourself project. However, the better choice is to reach out to glass restoration companies for the job. Restoring glass is time-consuming, with many intricate details that building managers should not and cannot ignore. In addition, the restoration window glass project fundamentally differs from other projects and requires specialized expertise, techniques, and equipment.

The glass restoration process has many ins and outs, simply too many for the untrained person. So, obtain the help and guidance of glass restoration companies to get the job done right. Contact The A1orange Group to streamline your commercial glass restoration project today!s your organization struggling to understand what goes into glass restoration and which glass restoration companies can help your building look its best? Learn more today.

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