When people first approach your business, the exterior is the first thing they’ll see. But beyond simply wanting to make a good first impression, there can be legal requirements, safety concerns, and the stability of the building to prioritize.

The inside and the outside of your property require care. Sure, trimmed hedges and swept parking lots may not seem as critical as maintaining the interior of the building. Nevertheless, ignoring the importance of exterior property maintenance is a big mistake. Let’s take a look at the reasons why you’ll want to include maintenance for your building’s exterior at the top of your to-do list.

Compliance With Various Building Regulations

The most basic reason to maintain your property is that you are legally obligated to do so. A poorly cared-for exterior can violate building codes, safety regulations, and city ordinances. This not only reflects badly on your business, but it could also result in fines or legal action.

Tenant and Leasing Laws

Landlords must provide a safe, habitable environment for their tenants, which includes the exterior of the facility. If you own a housing property, you have a legal obligation to the tenants to uphold high-quality housing.

For example, failing to fix a leaking roof or addressing issues like mold growth could lead to tenants filing a legal case. Disputes can result in unhappy tenants and costly legal action.

Fire Safety Standards

Many buildings must have fire escapes so that in the event of a fire, everyone can safely exit the building. If your facility’s fire escapes are not in good working condition or look outdated, it could put your tenants and employees at risk and leave you open to legal consequences. Regular maintenance of exterior features like fire escapes is essential to ensure they remain functional and compliant with building codes.

Waste Disposal and Recycling Regulations

If trash accumulates in the parking lot, it can become dangerous to wildlife or the water supply. Due to this environmental impact, many cities have strict regulations on proper waste disposal and recycling. It’s a great idea to hire street sweeping services to promptly remove waste and keep your property’s exterior pristine.

ADA Regulations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that individuals with disabilities have the same rights as able-bodied people. Therefore, your property must have properly maintained sidewalks and parking lots that support wheelchair accessibility and more.

If a ramp is out of order or the pavement has cracks and bumps, these impairments will pose a problem. Keep up with regular maintenance and repairs to keep your property inclusive and compliant with ADA regulations.

Adhering to Local Laws

Different cities and states have different regulations regarding the maintenance of commercial properties. Make sure to do your research and stay up to date on any changes in laws or ordinances that may affect your property.

Maintain a Safe Environment

These laws are in place to protect the community. As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the building is safe. With regular maintenance, you can help prevent accidents and legal fees. Here are several common exterior issues property owners may encounter.

Falling Debris

Weather and time can cause exterior features such as gutters, roofs, and siding to deteriorate. If left unchecked, this could result in debris falling onto pedestrians or vehicles below.

Cracked Pavement

Over time, pavement can crack due to weather changes, tree roots, or heavy traffic. These cracks can become tripping hazards for pedestrians and affect ADA compliance. Regularly inspect and promptly repair sidewalks and parking lots to keep people safe.

Ice and Snow Buildup

During winter, ice and snow can accumulate on walkways, roofs, and stairs, creating slippery and dangerous conditions. Clearing snow and applying road salt can protect people from slips and falls. This safeguards pedestrians and your liability as the property owner.

Worn or Uneven Stairs

Stairways are a common place for accidents to occur. Damaged stairs can increase the likelihood of trips and falls. If any stairs start to crumble, it’s time to take action.

Loose Handrails

Stairs aren’t the only issues; handrails accompany stairs, ramps, and balconies. Loose or wobbly handrails can fail when someone needs them most, increasing the likelihood of injuries. Tighten handrails and replace damaged ones to keep them sturdy and reliable for guests.

Avoid Expensive Repairs With Preventative Maintenance

Regular maintenance is a smart preventive measure for property owners. You may worry about the cost of landscaping and cleaning services, but you’ll save much more on repairs if you choose the route of consistent maintenance.

Roof Repairs

Neglecting roof maintenance can expedite leaks, water damage, and structural issues. Regularly clearing debris, inspecting for damage, and addressing minor issues will extend the life of the roof and save you from the costly expense of a full replacement.

Window and Door Repairs

Drafty windows or misaligned doors can increase energy costs and reduce comfort. Examining the seals, hinges, and frames can prevent expensive repairs or replacements while keeping energy bills low.

Pavement Resurfacing

Cracks and potholes in parking lots and walkways inevitably worsen over time. To avoid safety hazards or replacing these pavements, seal and resurface the pavement instead. These repairs will keep it in good condition and save you money.

Encourage More Customers To Walk Through the Door

Beyond all these essential reasons to invest in exterior property maintenance, you also simply want your place to look good. This is your first impression of potential clients, tenants, or customers. A poor exterior could easily deter these individuals. Here are two quick reasons to keep up with outdoor maintenance.

Warm and Welcoming

A clean, well-maintained exterior shows you care about your business and the people you serve. Freshly painted walls, tidy landscaping, and pristine parking lots invite customers in and leave positive impressions.

Happy Guests

Consistent maintenance doesn’t just attract new customers; it keeps current ones coming back. People enjoy returning to a space that feels inviting, safe, and professional. Loyalty starts with their experience before they even step inside.

Begin Exterior Property Maintenance Today by Hiring CPM Sweeping

Now that you understand the importance of exterior property maintenance, it’s time to make a plan for how you will keep up with all the required tasks. Some small work may be simple to complete on your own. For other projects, hiring a professional service is the best course of action.

At CPM Sweeping, our professionals transform debris-filled pavements into incredibly clean surfaces. Contact us today to refresh your property’s parking lot or street.