The 2020 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of our lives. Businesses are clearly no exception, with as many as 60% of the UK workforce working from home. Naturally, that’s seen lots of commercial properties pretty much out of use for weeks or even months.
As lockdown eases, some of those commercial sites will be back in use. When that time comes, it’s important that your building is checked so it’s safe for staff to return. Not least because nobody has been there to flag any issues while it’s been out of use.
In this post, we’ll outline three post-lockdown checks to make sure everything is in order.
1. Damp
Damp is one of the most common issues for property owners. It occurs when moisture builds up on your walls, either from the ground, a leak in the roof, or simply drawn from the air. If it’s the latter, it can usually be prevented by keeping your space well ventilated and properly heated.
Unfortunately, commercial properties that have been unused for a long period won’t tick either of those boxes. If damp has built up in your office or warehouse, it can trigger issues with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
In other words, it’s not safe for your staff or other occupants. Make sure you check all walls and ceilings in your commercial space for any damp or mouldy patches.
2. Gutters
Guttering plays a critical role in every building’s wellbeing, making sure rainfall is guided away from the walls and foundations. That can be impaired when the gutters become blocked by a build up of leaves, twigs or other debris over time.
This blockage causes water to overspill and the added weight can lead to further issues for guttering, causing it to crack or loosen from your roof. That’s definitely relevant as we enter autumn, with plenty of leaves of falling all over the place.
After a long period away, it’s important to check your gutters are clear and remove any debris if needed. Because of the height of gutters, it’s best to get a professional who can safely access them and clear your gutters professionally.
3. Roof
As the umbrella to your commercial building, the roof is easily the most important aspect of your property. It protects it from the elements, preventing leaks and avoiding the water damage that comes with them.
When you’re using the building day-in, day-out, you’ll most probably spot a leak within a couple of days. Unfortunately, the same isn’t true when everyone’s working from home.
When you return to your offices or warehouse, be sure to check the roof space and ceilings. Look for visible leaks with water dripping as well as any damp patches. If you spot anything, be sure to get a commercial roofer out as soon as possible to identify the root cause and get it fixed.
Here to help throughout lockdown
At DPR Roofing, we’re committed to helping our customers overcome issues with roofing and guttering while sticking to the latest COVID-19 guidelines. If you’re looking to get back in the office after lockdown, we can make sure your roof and gutters are in working order and perform any necessary repairs.
Give us a call on 0113 335 0043 or email [email protected] to arrange a quote.