The Differences Between Janitorial Services And Facility Maintenance
In several cases, you will find the terms “janitorial services” and “facility maintenance” used interchangeably, as though they mean the same thing. The truth, however, is that there are unique specialties, duties, and outcomes associated with each type of commercial service. And they are both critical to the proper function and safety of any commercial facility, office building, educational structure, or other commercial buildings and types of facilities.
Here we’ll dive into the important differences between janitorial maintenance and facility maintenance, and also learn more about the specific types of facility maintenance that are common in every commercial building. We’ll also explore the different types of building maintenance, preventive maintenance, and commercial janitorial services that are available, and explain how they work together to ensure the operational efficiency and safe function of each space.
Defining Janitorial Maintenance Services
Janitorial maintenance, or maintenance cleaning services, are different from janitorial cleaning services in some important ways. Janitorial cleaning services are the essential daily and weekly cleaning tasks that keep spaces clean and ensure that business can be conducted. Some of the most common types of janitorial cleaning tasks include:
- Cleaning high-touch areas (doorknobs, handles, railings, desks, etc.)
- Sweeping and vacuuming of floor surfaces
- Removing garbage and recycling
- Dusting common surfaces
- Cleaning and mopping restrooms
In general, then, janitorial cleaning is describing the tasks required to maintain a basic level of cleanliness in all assigned spaces.
Janitorial maintenance, sometimes referred to as maintenance cleaning, are more significant service tasks which take place less regularly. These may include deep cleaning tasks and may also involve both interior and exterior spaces depending on the needs of the commercial facility. Janitorial maintenance services may include:
- Deep cleaning carpets and upholstered surfaces
- Pressure washing interior or exterior spaces
- Interior and exterior window cleaning
- Stripping hard-surface floors and applying coatings as needed
These periodic maintenance cleaning services are performed less frequently, but are just as critical to ensuring safe, healthy spaces. They are also necessary to extend the lifespan of many surfaces and materials, thereby preventing expensive repairs or premature wear.
What Are Facility Maintenance Services?
Facility maintenance differs from janitorial maintenance in that facility maintenance includes both repair and preventive maintenance tasks. Preventive maintenance tasks are often performed according to a regular schedule, and there may be multiple maintenance schedules depending on the needs of each system or piece of equipment. Some of the most common examples of preventive facility maintenance duties include:
- Changing filters in HVAC systems, water fountains, and other equipment
- Inspecting and maintaining lighting systems and fixtures
- Performing regular inspections on appliances and equipment
- Testing outlets and electrical connections
Facility maintenance technicians also perform duties that fall into the category of emergency repairs and real-time repairs of equipment and systems when needed. From commercial buildings to manufacturing plants, several building systems need to be repaired immediately in the event of an equipment failure. Some common examples include:
- Circuit breaker replacement
- Electrical outlet and switch replacement
- Repairing plumbing leaks and malfunctions
- Addressing clogged drains
- Repairing fans, pumps, and other electrical equipment
From both the preventive and the emergency repair side, facility maintenance teams focus on ensuring that building systems are functioning properly and kept in working order.
How Does a Facility Manager Work with Janitorial and Facility Maintenance Teams?
Whether you’re talking about a large commercial space or a small facility, a facility manager plays a critical role in managing and maintaining the structures and systems. Sometimes called facility supervisors or facility administrators, the person in this role is often responsible for both the daily function of the space and the larger systems of the building.
For example, facilities managers will have a primary responsibility to ensure that HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems are functioning properly. They may also be in charge of monitoring the condition of surfaces like flooring and upholstery, ensuring that repairs or replacements are handled when needed.
Many facilities managers also have a responsibility to either manage the janitorial needs of their commercial structure, or to collaborate with a janitorial services manager for comprehensive facilities maintenance. Most of the time they utilize facility maintenance software that helps them track both preventive maintenance and emergency repairs, along with regular inspections and regular janitorial schedules.
Why Your Buildings Need Both Facility Maintenance and Janitorial Cleaning Services
The importance of both facilities maintenance teams and janitorial cleaning services cannot be overstated. And the number one reason why both of these duties are so important is because they are both critical to ensuring the safety and functionality of commercial buildings. From warehouses to medical facilities, retail outlets to office buildings and beyond, keeping facilities clean and in working order is by far the top concern of building managers, property owners, employees, and customers. Maintenance activities, regular janitorial services, and deep cleaning are all a part of the picture when preventing repairs and enhancing the appearance and safety of commercial spaces. This is why MasterCorp has teams of trained professionals in both janitorial services and facilities maintenance duties. This allows us to offer clients a customized, fully collaborative program of services from regular inspections to comprehensive maintenance schedules and every task required. Contact our team today to find out how MasterCorp can support your staff or provide comprehensive maintenance and janitorial services to enhance your commercial buildings and spaces.