As winter break quickly approaches, it’s an opportune time for facility managers to coordinate and prioritize specialty maintenance projects while K-12 schools, universities and colleges are closed. With most buildings unoccupied for up to a month, facility managers have the time and space to perform detailed, in-depth projects without disrupting students and staff. Deep cleaning academic areas and checking maintenance systems during winter break should be prioritized to ensure that buildings maintain a pristine image while adhering to building regulations and codes. It also allows students and faculty to be welcomed back in the New Year with clean, safe and healthy facilities to promote a positive learning environment.
Prioritize the following during winter break:
- Inspect the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) – Perform routine HVAC system maintenance to keep everyone comfortable and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) campus-wide. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board has consistently ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health – with clean IAQ noted as an important component of a healthy indoor learning environment. During winter break, or at least once a year, inspect the entire system including the electrical components, exhaust outlets, thermostat settings, fuel lines, refrigerant levels and lubricating parts. Be sure to change the air filters and clean the vents and ducts to improve IAQ and help everyone breathe easier when they return to classrooms and dormitories.
- Focus on Floors – School floors experience tremendous wear and tear from high foot traffic, outdoor elements, scuff marks, food spills and more. Deep clean and polish floors to make them sparkle again before students return. Consider deep cleaning all carpeted areas as well. This process steams and shampoos the carpet to efficiently remove debris, stains and odors. It’s also a great time to strip and refinish floors or perform tile and grout restoration while buildings are vacant.
- Test and Inspect Fire and Safety Systems – Monitor and inspect fire and safety systems. Having reliable systems in place provides early fire warnings, encourages quick evacuation and can minimize damage in case of a fire. During break, perform a comprehensive inspection and test all safety measures to ensure fire and safety systems work properly. This ensures buildings adhere to safety codes and minimizes disruptions by testing loud alarms while school is not in session.
- Shield Students and Staff with Barrier Protection – In the height of cold and flu season, winter break is the perfect time to disinfect all surfaces, especially high touch points and areas that are hard to access while school is in session. Consider a deep disinfection service that can be sprayed evenly on all surfaces by trained technicians. For ultimate protection, apply an antimicrobial barrier. This is applied to high touchpoints such as light switches, door handles and railings. It’s verified by an ATP meter to guard against viruses, bacteria and mold for up to three months. Doing so can help prevent students and staff from spreading infectious pathogens when they return.
- Inspect the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) – Perform routine HVAC system maintenance to keep everyone comfortable and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) campus-wide. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board has consistently ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health – with clean IAQ noted as an important component of a healthy indoor learning environment. During winter break, or at least once a year, inspect the entire system including the electrical components, exhaust outlets, thermostat settings, fuel lines, refrigerant levels and lubricating parts. Be sure to change the air filters and clean the vents and ducts to improve IAQ and help everyone breathe easier when they return to classrooms and dormitories.
- Focus on Floors – School floors experience tremendous wear and tear from high foot traffic, outdoor elements, scuff marks, food spills and more. Deep clean and polish floors to make them sparkle again before students return. Consider deep cleaning all carpeted areas as well. This process steams and shampoos the carpet to efficiently remove debris, stains and odors. It’s also a great time to strip and refinish floors or perform tile and grout restoration while buildings are vacant.
- Test and Inspect Fire and Safety Systems – Monitor and inspect fire and safety systems. Having reliable systems in place provides early fire warnings, encourages quick evacuation and can minimize damage in case of a fire. During break, perform a comprehensive inspection and test all safety measures to ensure fire and safety systems work properly. This ensures buildings adhere to safety codes and minimizes disruptions by testing loud alarms while school is not in session.
- Shield Students and Staff with Barrier Protection – In the height of cold and flu season, winter break is the perfect time to disinfect all surfaces, especially high touch points and areas that are hard to access while school is in session. Consider a deep disinfection service that can be sprayed evenly on all surfaces by trained technicians. For ultimate protection, apply an antimicrobial barrier. This is applied to high touchpoints such as light switches, door handles and railings. It’s verified by an ATP meter to guard against viruses, bacteria and mold for up to three months. Doing so can help prevent students and staff from spreading infectious pathogens when they return.
- Wash Away Dirt and Grime with Pressure Washing – Pressure wash buildings and exteriors with a cleaning solution during break to keep the school campus looking its best. Pressure washing quickly and effectively removes dirt, grime, mold and mildew, while also protecting the structural integrity of buildings and walkways. It’s an essential part of routine maintenance to continuously foster a welcoming environment.
- Resurface Parking Lots – Resurface parking lots while students and faculty are away to minimize disruption. Resurfacing parking lots is a cost-effective way to revitalize and protect them without having to replace them entirely. It will also help increase viable parking and reduce trips and falls.
- Complete Heavy Pruning and Landscaping Projects – Take care of heavy pruning and landscaping projects during break to utilize as much space needed to complete the tasks. Pruning can be a major undertaking, especially on large campuses, but is essential to keep students safe and adhere to municipal codes. It will also ensure that staff and students are welcomed back to a vibrant, well-kept campus.
- Flip Dormitory Rooms from Top to Bottom – Prioritize flipping dorms thoroughly to ensure a satisfying and smooth transition for students with new room assignments in the new year. Ensure dormitory rooms sparkle for move-in day by professionally cleaning floors, disinfecting all surfaces and completing any necessary repairs and maintenance touch-ups.
Help is Always Available
While this list of maintenance tasks may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. To tackle winter break maintenance quickly and efficiently, partner with an integrated facilities management (IFM) provider, such as The Budd Group. Offering comprehensive facility services tailored specifically for all educational institutions, The Budd Group can help school facility managers navigate multiple projects during winter break by strategically coordinating janitorial, landscaping, maintenance and specialty services – regardless of complexity. With more than 4,000 highly trained, expert employees, The Budd Group can complete all tasks properly and on time.
For help with your winter break maintenance checklist, visit www.buddgroup.com.