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In these cost conscious times, what is the most cost effective flooring material to maintain (marble, carpet, wood, tile, etc.)? Why?
Polished concrete is without a doubt the most cost effective floor to maintain. There are several finishes that fall under the category of “polished concrete.” Whether it is stained and polished or a diamond grind finish these types of floors are becoming more popular by the day. The popularity of this application is growing for the simple fact that it costs thousands of dollars less in maintenance annually. These types of floors eliminate the need for yearly strip, waxing and scrubbing services. Retailers are also leaning toward this choice for the significant sustainability provided. This flooring is a leap into the GREEN movement. All that is required to clean the floor is a dust mop, an auto scrubber and cleaning solution. There are a variety of GREEN neutral cleaners on the market today for use with auto scrubbers. Although the initial install cost is typically higher, the savings realized in maintenance and repairs over the life of the floor is substantial.
What are three preventive tips for a retailer’s HVAC system that can be handled in the winter months?
1) Make sure that your units are being maintained at least 4 times a year including, filter changes, belt replacements, and pressure tests. Performing a heating start up PM is vital to ensuring your systems are prepared for the cold weather. During this start up, it is important to have your heat exchangers evaluated, pilot light, burner flames and that gas is set and on for the unit. 2) If you have an energy management system, make sure that you set the temperature back, and your exhaust fans off at night. This will create cost savings in energy use and avoid losing heated air unnecessarily. 3) Talk to your energy management provider to see if it is effective to disable the automatic switchover from heating to cooling in the season they are not needed. At times the energy management system can go down and the unit will run in cooling in the dead of winter. This could be happening for awhile before someone realizes it.
What is the most common avoidable plumbing problem you see in retail facilities and how can it be avoided?
Backed-up/clogged drain line is the most common plumbing issue that we see in our retail clients facilities. The two most common reasons for the clogged lines are paper towels and feminine products. There are a couple of simple installations that retailers can do to avoid these costly repairs and the inconvenience that these repairs may cause for their customers. The first is a small, well maintained, easily accessible disposal can in each of the stalls. The second is Hand Dryers. Hand Dryers are a great alternative to paper towels and are becoming more affordable, with more styles and options every day. Hand Dryers are also high on the list of most retailers GREEN initiative. Both of these items will pay for themselves in a very short period of time. And finally; don’t settle for inferior fixtures. Choose toilets, urinals and faucets based upon their performance and dependability. The service call to repair a leaking faucet or to repair a non operational toilet or urinal quickly escalates to more than the extra cost of a quality fixture.
What type of pest control measures do you advise for retailers in the winter months?
Pest control is an issue year round but winter is the worst — especially if you have perishable items at risk. The best defense is a good offense. Unwanted pests can enter your store in a number of ways. They enter through failed expansion joints, cracks in the exterior wall, even through the front doors. The most common entry point however is the roll up dock doors. Maintaining a year round program is your best offense to unwanted pests. General contractors need to do a walk through with your pest extermination company at least twice a year to identify any areas that need to be sealed to avoid entry. Exterminators need to add to the number of catch solutions you are using during the winter months, when entry tends to be higher. Other tips your staff can do onsite is, make sure that during the season when you have limited space due to excessive stock, that you leave the pathways against the floor/wall junctures free from products and that you keep a clean and tidy store so that evidence of infestations are easily noticed. Following these simple steps year around will save you a bundle in damaged product and facility repairs.
