Submitted by Marcia Gabriel, LEED AP

An IFMA Lunch and Learn event was held on Monday, November 14, 2011 at WAM (Wisconsin Management Association).  The importance of preventive maintenance was the focus for this educational and informative event, presented by Anderson Ashton, Inc.  

Anderson Ashton, Inc. has been a practicing design-build general contractor in southeastern Wisconsin since 1959.  Located in New Berlin, they specialize in commercial, industrial, and institutional building projects.  Brian Fisher - Business Development Manager of Anderson Ashton, arranged the presentation.

David C. Miller, President of Anderson Ashton, Inc. presented an array of great information and included tips on the subjects of concrete and masonry maintenance, roofing, landscaping, painting, caulking and exterior metal doors.  Because of the extreme temperature swings in Wisconsin, this information was very valuable as well as timely.

Some very practical advice was given, such as avoiding the use of salt and caustic chemicals in favor of sand on concrete.  Some other tips of facility management were as basic as making sure that all subcontractors have a Certificate of Insurance on file to cover problem situations that might arise.  Other advice included -not painting the weeps shut, keeping up with maintenance painting – checking the grading around the building after settling to avoid water coming toward instead of away from the building, and the most important --- checking all of your areas periodically – not just when you have a problem.  

Dave’s practical tips on preventive maintenance were a great reminder to facility managers that a Wisconsin winter is on the way – and with it will come challenges and opportunities for all of us.  The presentation really reinforced the question –“Are you prepared?’’  Preventive maintenance to the outside of your building is as important to the success of your organization as is all the talent inside.

For more information on Anderson Ashton, Inc. please visit www.andersonashton.com. 

 Click here to view the "Performing Preventive Maintenance on Your Building" handout.