Industrial and commercial building security is much more than what’s on the inside. Even though this is the case, many landlords neglect the building exterior when it comes to protection, which is a big no-no.

From damaged cladding to leaky gutters, dodgy roof panels, and more, seemingly harmless issues can reduce property safety and lead to various building security risks. This can not only cause damage to your building itself, but to your reputation as a landlord, resulting in less trust and less tenants.

That’s why a clear assessment and maintenance process is crucial for landlords who own industrial and commercial premises, just as much as reactive repairs. Preventing action today can reduce issues in the future, helping you maintain asset value and do right by your tenants for longer. 

In this article, we’ll provide an exterior protection checklist, break down the most common causes of damage, and demonstrate how ACS Coatings can help you safeguard your property investments for the long term.

The Property Exterior Protection Checklist

Carry Out Regular Inspections

Building security doesn’t have to be complicated, and you can start with scheduled walk-arounds of your property to visually inspect its state. 

Check for signs of peeling paint, algae growth, corrosion, and damaged cladding, and if you spot any problems, get your property inspected by a professional as soon as possible. 

This prevents issues from manifesting into something more serious, and something as simple as cladding spraying services can restore and protect vulnerable exterior sections.

Maintain Gutters and Roof Panels

Blocked gutters and damaged roof panels can cause leaks and damp inside commercial buildings, both of which can be harmful to property safety and cause costly issues for landlords. 

To get around this common commercial building security issue, carry out seasonal checks where damage is more common. Our industrial roof guttering team can help with inspection, repair, and relining, tailoring every job around your needs and schedule.

Keep External Surfaces Clean

Dirt and build-up make commercial properties look old and neglected, but they can also accelerate building decay and create building security vulnerabilities. 

Our pressure washing service is ideal for keeping all kinds of industrial and commercial surfaces clean and safe, removing contaminants and extending the lifespan of cladding, paving, and more.

Seal and Protect Cladding and Façades

Once building exteriors have been sufficiently cleaned, panels should be sealed with protective coatings to reduce UV damage, water ingress, and chemical damage. 

The experts at ACS Coatings deliver high-performance spray coatings tailored to commercial properties and site-specific requirements. This can go a long way to improving the appearance and security of landlord’s premises with minimal disruption.

Check for Signs of Subsidence or Structural Movement

Cracks on external property cladding often mean visual and structural problems and put building security at risk. While not always at the top of a landlord’s to-do list, these issues should be regularly reviewed and repaired when needed. Doing so will help you avoid expensive repairs and replacements later. 

At ACS Coatings, we can assist with commercial and industrial building façade repair and advise on maintenance steps to protect your premises for longer.

Reassess Access Points and Fixtures

Just like at home, you should make sure that all your business; doors, windows, and external fixings like lights and signs are safely installed and securely attached. 

Loose panels or faulty fittings can be incredibly dangerous to staff and business visitors and can impact your building security obligations as a landlord. This might put you in hot water with legal and insurance repercussions.

Log all Maintenance Work 

Keep a record of maintenance and work completed on your building exterior to create a clear history that supports compliance and asset planning. 

As well as helping you budget and plan for the future, this allows for better communication with tenants and more peace of mind given. This is particularly important in long-term lease agreements.

What Can Typically Cause the Most Damage to the Exterior of Your Property?

The Great British Weather 

Heavy rain, UV exposure, wind, frost, and pollution can all damage surfaces over time, and are all widespread in the UK. Left unchecked or poorly maintained, they often lead to peeled coatings, rust, or water ingress and damp. 

Our cladding spraying services provide long-lasting protection against the elements and can set your property up for the future with durable, resilient finishes.

Property age and previous repairs

Older buildings that haven’t been well looked after are much more likely to experience wear and tear than newer ones. Without regular restoration work and relevant building repairs, they can deteriorate and leave you with an expensive, time-consuming headache. 

But not to worry, as our pressure washing cleaning and cladding spraying services do fantastic work in bringing older buildings back to their prime. 

Blocked or poorly maintained gutters

Overflowing gutters lead to water running down walls and pooling on roofs, which leads to unwanted damp issues and even structural damage to commercial properties. 

Fortunately, our industrial roof guttering team of experts is on hand to repair and maintain drainage systems for long-term performance.

Neglect or reactive-only maintenance

Many landlords wait until a tenant complains or exterior damage is impossible to ignore before tackling it. However, this can be incredibly expensive and lead to more problems than you need. 

Instead, establishing a proactive approach can save you time and disruptions, not to mention high costs and stress. 

At ACS Coatings, we support proactive asset care with scheduled maintenance and cladding spraying services.

Biological growth and pollution

Algae and moss can not only stain, but damage external panels, particularly in damp or dark areas of your building exterior that aren’t in the sun’s direct light. 

These issues may seem small, but over time, they can contribute to problems and higher maintenance costs. That’s why landlords who act early benefit most in the long run.

Our pressure washing service is designed to remove stubborn growth safely and restore visual appeal for longer, which is great news for landlords.