Prepare Your Commercial Property for Winter
Brad Patton

Winter's Challenges: Are You Ready?

The winter season is approaching, and with it comes unique challenges for commercial property owners and managers. The cold months demand proactive planning to avoid costly repairs and ensure smooth operations while safeguarding all building occupants. With the right preparations, you can address these challenges head-on. Let’s explore some practical and highly impactful tips to prepare both the interior and exterior of your commercial property for winter.

Interior Prep

  • Service the HVAC System: Schedule professional servicing for your HVAC system. Include tasks such as filter replacements, leak checks, and thermostat testing to boost reliability and efficiency.
  • Seal Windows and Doors: Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows and doors, preventing heat loss and ensuring your heating system doesn't overwork.
  • Wrap Exposed Pipes: Protect pipes in unheated spaces by wrapping them to prevent freezing and potential flooding, which can lead to costly repair bills and disruptions.
  • Check Safety Detectors: Test the functionality of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, replace batteries, and confirm they haven't expired to keep your building safe.
  • Test Backup Power Systems: Check generators or battery packs to ensure fuel or charge levels are sufficient and that systems function under load, providing a reliable power source during outages.
  • Update Emergency Plans: Revise your building's emergency plans, ensure contact information is visible, and communicate procedures clearly to staff and tenants for comprehensive preparedness.

Exterior Prep

  • Examine the Roof: Look for signs of wear such as sagging, broken shingles, or blocked drainage. Address these issues before heavy snowfall to prevent leaks and damage.
  • Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris to avoid blockages and ice dam formation, ensuring water flows freely and prevents water damage.
  • Snow Removal: Confirm snow removal contracts or restock supplies if managing in-house. Review roles and ensure timely response plans are in place.
  • Inspect Parking and Walkways: Fix any damage in parking areas and walkways that could worsen in icy conditions. Have salt or sand ready for immediate use.
  • Improve Lighting: Walk the property after dark and test lighting. Replace bulbs and consider upgrading fixtures for improved safety and visibility.

The Benefits of Early Preparation

Investing time in these winter prep tasks early will pay off in operational continuity, occupant safety, and building integrity. By addressing small issues now, you prevent larger, costlier emergencies during the harshest months. Don’t delay—schedule inspections or review service contracts today to stay ahead of winter weather.