4. Carpets and Matting: The placement of exterior rubber matting can pay enormous dividends when it comes to keeping interior entrances cleaner and free of debris — mats will collect soils, sands, etc. from being tracked in. Understanding and preparing for the particular climate expectations for various parts of the country provides an excellent foundation for implementing a matting and carpeting strategy. 

If a climate is hot and dry, dust and gravel is of primary concern. Should rain, fog and moisture be a regular meteorological occurrence, mud is the central enemy. Without proper mats and carpeting, the entrance of any facility becomes a funnel of moisture and mud that makes for exceedingly slick and dangerous conditions.  

Depending on the location and climate of the facility, there are a variety of matting strategies that can work to trap as much debris from entering the facility as possible. Not only does the entryway that's wet or muddy pose a physical threat to visitors, it invariably taxes the workers trying to maintain a clean area.    

5. Gutters and Roof: Where does water runoff from the roof accumulate and disperse? Will it create puddles or pooling near entrance areas or in spaces that walkers will traverse upon entering the building? Is snow and ice buildup an issue? 

If the previous months have seen a heavier-than-usual accumulation of water or snow/ice, ice melt or sand particles are ripe to be tracked into the building. Depending on the size and chemical makeup of these particles, vacuums and floor cleaning machines may clog earlier and more often. Filter usage rates might also increase, creating an added expense and costing workers precious time in maintenance and upkeep.  

Keeping the roofs clear of natural clutter will help other exterior maintenance workers do their job more easily. For example, debris-free roofs will provide easier access to necessary window washing tasks and make it easier for HVAC workers or cable and phone technicians to access vital equipment or antennae.  

If the facility has numerous gutters and downspouts, paying attention to the areas where runoff winds up helping to alleviate concerns with flooding, water pooling and even pest management. Standing water left unattended draws insects and provides a breeding hotspot for mosquitoes and other pests, making for an unpleasant exterior setting for employees that are on a break or visitors taking a walk.  

Understanding the drainage spots of a facility exterior helps create an inviting environment that encourages repeat visitors. It also helps with landscaping maintenance, prevents water from penetrating a building foundation or basement in unwanted ways, and limits invasive weed growth. 

Many visitors might not even notice most of the tasks that require constant attention and upkeep outside the building —but let them slide just a little, and they’re hard to miss. Clogged gutters, jagged cracks with weeds protruding, dirty water pools, and trash and cigarette butts make for a jarring blight on the exterior of any building, and visitors will undoubtedly carry that impression into the facility. For workers and employees that visit the facility often, a clean, tidy exterior means they’ll feel more comfortable, welcomed and excited to be there. 

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5 Ways Cleaning Can Make a Strong Impression



POSTED ON: 7/5/2022