Describes how keeping carpets in good condition depends not only on proper maintenance but also on careful carpet selection at the outset. Offers advice for restoring a carpet's new appearance through vacuuming and hot-water extraction and suggests ways to manage spots and stains. (RJM)

Spending by school districts on maintenance and operations increased in 2006-2007, reversing years of historic low expenditures. According to "American School & University's" 36th annual Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Cost Study, the median school district spends 9.19% of total district expenditures (TDE) on M&O, up from 7.58% the year before.…

The nation's school buildings are generally in poor repair. This article summarizes the 1987 Council of the Great City Schools Report's observations, statistics, and list of budgetary considerations associated with technology, educational programs, building utilization, equipment needs, and priority-setting. Toledo's (Ohio) experience and a recent…

Describes the following aspects of the State University of New York-Brockport's preventive maintenance computerization project: (1) software selection, (2) project implementation; and (3) problems and benefits of the system. (MCG)

A seminar was held to exchange experiences from participants on maintenance issues and attempt to define a common approach to the formulation of adequate and realistic maintenance policies and strategies. This paper discusses the major themes and conclusions from the seminar whose topics were structured around the knowledge of building stock,…

The position of caretaker of a school is a many-sided and an important one, and the matter of his selection, supervision, and training have hardly been given the attention they deserve. There have been, in recent years, some valuable local studies in this field, but no survey of national scope has been attempted since 1922. The importance of the…

A Colorado school district employs a professional consulting firm to give an unbiased opinion on the district's roofing needs. Built-up, single-ply, and modified asphalt roofing systems have all been utilized. Preventive maintenance keeps roofing bills to a minimum. (MLF)

The first of two articles outlines how the director of the physical plant at Monroe County Community College (Michigan) developed a preventive maintenance program. The first step, assembling a set of up-to-date records, is detailed. (MLF)

District custodial costs can be cut without sacrificing quality by adopting team cleaning. A team of trained cleaning specialists performs specific tasks (dusting, vacuuming, and restroom and utility cleaning) systematically, thereby achieving total cleaning with higher productivity and quality. If internal personnel are retrained, contracting out…

Describes how, although deferring maintenance can seem like the least painful choice among tough decisions about spending, some colleges have found it a lot more costly in the long run. (EV)

Roof problems arise from faulty design, vandalism, severe weather conditions, and more. Describes how three educational institutions overcame such problems. (MLF)

Discusses the prevention of high roof repair costs by implementing a roof-maintenance program as part of a total building-condition assessment. Assessing roof conditions and establishing a critical priorities list are examined as are the five key elements to properly managing a roof system. Final comments address ways to maintain the…

Discusses the key questions facility managers should ask during the selection process for a facility-maintenance software program. Questions include ease of use, asset modeling capabilities, ease of reconfiguration, and software scaleability. (GR)

Describes how a metal roofing system can offer a variety of cost and design benefits when retrofitting a facility. Discusses the available options in metal roofing systems, steps to take when initiating a retrofit, and suggested precautions, such as moisture control, when installing the new roof. (RJM)

Discusses how annual boiler maintenance can help cut fuel costs and prevent downtime. Outlines a cleaning program, which includes inspecting the fireside of the boiler, checking the refractory, and checking the waterside. Describes other maintenance measures, such as checking hydraulic fluid levels, and offers tips for analyzing combustion. (RJM)