Modular Building Maintenance Inspection Checklist & What to Know About Permitting

Nov 30, 2021

Just like traditionally-built structures, modular buildings require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure a long lifespan. But with so many aspects to consider, it can be difficult to implement a regular commercial building maintenance schedule.

Our modular building maintenance inspection checklist is designed to make your life easier by streamlining the process. Plus, we’ve provided information about modular building inspections and permitting to put these maintenance tasks in context. We’ll start by reviewing the benefits of basic building maintenance for modular structures.

Routine Building Maintenance Checklist for Modular Structures

There are many benefits of creating - and sticking to - a modular building maintenance inspection checklist, including:

Eliminates many potential problems and minimizes dealer service requests
Extends the useful lifespan of your modular building and keeps it looking like new
Helps prevent weather-related damage and ensures your building can handle the elements
Allows you to catch minor issues before they become major, expensive problems

While you may be able to make some fixes on your own, contact your dealer if routine maintenance uncovers the need for more complicated repairs.

Doors & Windows

Here are a few modular building maintenance guidelines to keep in mind when inspecting your structure’s doors and windows:

Ensure that rain diverters are preventing blowing rain from penetrating doors.
Clean sliding door tracks regularly to prevent dirt accumulation, which can interfere with its operation and cause premature wear on hangers.
Clean hinges and hydraulic closers on swinging doors regularly to prevent dirt buildup, which can interfere with its operation and cause premature wear on hardware.
Lubricate door closers and hinges every winter to avoid freezing.
Caulk small gaps around doors and windows in the fall and spring.
Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows regularly for adjustment and damage.
Clean sliding window tracks frequently and ensure their drain holes are kept open.

HVAC

Your HVAC system is one of the most important aspects of any commercial building maintenance schedule. Here are your most important jobs:
Change your HVAC filters every month.
Clean your HVAC air ducts every season.
Keep supply registers open and ensure return air grilles aren’t blocked by furniture or decorations.
Clean your A/C condenser coils over the summer.
Have your heating system serviced in the fall and your cooling system serviced in the spring.
Remove any objects blocking the skirting vents around the base of your building.
Keep the thermostat no higher than 72 degrees F in the winter and no lower than 68 degrees F in the summer to avoid overworking your unit.
Run your A/C in hot weather and during evenings, weekends, and holidays to maintain safe temperature and humidity levels. High temperatures and humidity produce excess moisture, which causes mold spores to grow and can degrade building materials.

Roofing

It’s important to pay close attention to your modular structure’s roof and ensure it stays in good shape. Keep these essential building upkeep items in mind:

Clear the roof of all debris, especially sharp items like nails, screws, stones, and branches.
Unclog debris from gutters and downspouts.
Inspect roofing for visible tears/cracks and loose/missing shingles in the fall and spring.
Examine roof caulking for cracks.
Remove snow as soon as possible to prevent leaks. If a leak does occur, dry the affected area immediately and use dehumidifiers to complete the drying process and prevent mold growth. Notify your dealer of any leaks.
Ensure adequate storm drainage to eliminate any chances of pooling water.

Siding

Here are a few modular building maintenance responsibilities to keep in mind when examining your structure’s siding:

Inspect siding for cracks, chipping, and scratches and touch up damage as necessary.
Caulk siding materials and window frames as needed to prevent water penetration.
Lightly pressure wash steel panels every year to avoid corrosion if your building is near bodies of saltwater or facilities that use chlorine.
Wash siding paint regularly with a mild detergent and cold water. Never use sandpaper, steel wool, or mineral acids on paint.
Apply a high-quality siding wax every year to help maintain your structure’s exterior finish.

Modular Building Inspections

Understanding how modular building inspections work (and what happens before your structure leaves the factory) goes hand-in-hand with completing your building maintenance responsibilities.

One of the biggest misconceptions about modular structures is that they don’t have to undergo inspections, but this isn’t the case. In fact, modular buildings are subject to more rigorous inspections than traditionally-built structures because they must withstand transportation to the jobsite.

Modular structures undergo comprehensive inspections at each stage of the design and build processes. We’ll take a closer look at each of these below.

Stage 2: Before Delivery

Because they’re fabricated in sections via an assembly line system, modular buildings receive frequent inspections and testing. This controlled environment also maximizes efficiency and productivity while ensuring structures of the highest quality. Additionally, non-compliance issues can be caught and corrected without affecting other areas of the building process.

Modular structures are evaluated based on the building codes applicable to where they’ll be installed. Temporary structures that will be used in several locations are evaluated and inspected to meet regulations for several states simultaneously.

Once all approvals have been provided, proof of compliance (usually a tag or seal) is applied to each module before it’s shipped to the jobsite.