With spring nearly here and Covid restrictions eased in many parts of the country, many businesses are preparing for an uptick in customers and visitors to their commercial property. Before the larger crowds arrive, now is the ideal time to walk around your commercial property to inspect everything is in good working condition, and perform maintenance or repairs as needed.

In today's Aegis blog post, we identify six areas that should be inspected on commercial properties, whether it's a busy shopping center, restaurant or bar, or other public business. Taking these proactive steps now can help business owners avoid costly repairs, accidents, or injuries later.

• Roofing

Commercial roofs are a major contributor to property damage if they're not inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Strong winds, debris, or sitting water can damage rooftops and cause damage down into the interior of the property, resulting in even more repairs and expenses.

Business owners should have their roofs inspected on a regular basis to ensure there are no cracks, leaks, loose shingles, or blockages in drainage that could cause roof or building damage in the future. If there is substantial damage identified, then businesses can have their roof repaired or replaced before the busy spring and summer rush of customers.

• HVAC Systems

While having rooftops inspected, it's also a good time to have HVAC maintenance performed to ensure all components are in good working order. A functioning cooling and heating system is essential to businesses in the Gulf Coast, and proactive maintenance can be the difference between a busy, successful summer or a frustrating, expensive summer while you wait for repairs and parts to arrive.

• Gutters and Drainage

With the arrival of spring also comes an increase in rainfall and severe weather events. Businesses in the Gulf Coast region should ensure that all gutters and property drainage are cleaned out to remove built-up leaves, gunk, and debris so rainfall can drain properly away from buildings and structures.

Without good drainage systems in place, businesses run the risk of having heavy rainfall accumulate and cause flood damage to their building and interior property. Flood waters can cause substantial damage that takes a great deal of time and money to repair, which many businesses cannot afford to spare.

• Patios and Outdoor Seating

Certain businesses, such as retailers and restaurants, rely on patio seating and outdoor benches to provide additional seating for customers to enjoy, but these can become damaged or unsafe over time. Damaged decks and patios can become trip and fall hazards for customers and employees, and patio umbrellas and outdoor heaters can become damaged or unsafe to use.

Before the arrival of warm weather, business owners should inspect their outdoor seating, decks, covered areas and dining patios to ensure that there are no damaged or deteriorated seats, tables, flooring, or coverings. In addition, businesses should make sure all outdoor areas receive pest control treatment to deter any wasps or bees from gathering on the commercial property.

• Entrances and Parking Lots

Also, commercial property owners and managers should regularly inspect their entrances, sidewalks, and parking lots to make sure there are no damaged areas. Business owners should identify and repair any areas of concrete or asphalt that are cracked, uneven, or have pieces of rebar sticking out.

• Landscape Sprinkler Systems

Finally, companies that have grass, landscaping, and trees should make sure their landscape sprinkler systems are fully functional. This can help ensure the health, beauty, and stability of landscape areas, and help property owners avoid having to rip out and replace dead grass, trees, or landscape gardens.

How Aegis Insurance & Financial Services Can Help

By inspecting outside areas and making repairs immediately, companies can protect their customers, employees, and vendors who might be on their property. These steps can reduce damages to vehicles, personal injuries, and liability claims that can hurt the success of a business.

Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is also committed to helping business owners get the protection they need through our full range of top-quality Business Insurance solutions. Business owners can get a customized insurance portfolio that's tailored to their specific industry needs and company goals.

Contact Aegis today for more information at 713-850-7622 or fill out our online form to request a free quote!