Commercial Winter Prep: Keep Your Property Ready

As winter approaches, commercial property owners and managers face unique challenges. Proactive planning is essential to avoid costly repairs, ensure smooth daily operations, and maintain the safety of all building occupants. Simple steps can make a significant difference, and acting now can set the stage for a warm and secure winter season.

Interior Prep Tips

• Wrap those exposed pipes in unheated spaces to prevent freezing and potential flooding.
• Have your HVAC system professionally serviced. Include filter replacement, leak checks, and thermostat testing to boost reliability and efficiency.
• Test backup power systems, like generators or battery packs, to ensure fuel or charge levels are sufficient and systems can function under load.
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows and doors that could leak heat.
• Update internal emergency plans. Ensure contact info is posted in visible areas, and communicate procedures clearly to all staff and tenants.
• Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors by testing functionality, replacing batteries, and confirming they haven’t expired.

Exterior Prep Tips

• Inspect parking areas and walkways for damage that could worsen in icy conditions; fix issues now and have salt or sand ready.
• Examine the roof for signs of wear, such as sagging, broken shingles, or blocked drainage. Address issues before heavy snowfall.
• Walk the property after dark to test lighting. Replace bulbs and consider upgrading fixtures to improve safety and visibility.
• Confirm snow removal contracts or restock supplies if managing in-house. Review who is responsible for what and ensure timely response plans.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to avoid blockages and ice dam formation.

Tackling these winter prep tasks early offers numerous benefits. View this effort as an investment in operational continuity, occupant safety, and building integrity. Addressing small issues now can prevent larger, costlier emergencies during the harshest months. Schedule inspections or review service contracts today to get ahead of winter weather.