As the winter season approaches, commercial property owners and managers face unique challenges. Proactive planning is essential not only to avoid costly repairs but to ensure seamless daily operations and the safety of all building occupants. While the prospect of winterizing might seem daunting, rest assured that simple steps can make a significant difference.

Interior Prep

• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces. This prevents freezing and potential flooding, safeguarding your building’s plumbing system during the coldest months.
• Test backup power systems, including generators or battery packs. Ensure fuel or charge levels are sufficient, and systems function under load to avoid downtime during unexpected outages.
• Have your HVAC system professionally serviced. This includes filter replacement, leak checks, and thermostat testing, all of which boost reliability and efficiency.
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. This simple action can prevent heat loss, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
• Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Test functionality, replace batteries, and confirm units haven’t expired to ensure safety.
• Update internal emergency plans. Ensure contact info is posted in visible areas, and communicate procedures clearly to all staff and tenants, preparing them for any emergency situation.

Exterior Prep

• Inspect parking areas and walkways for damage. Addressing these issues now prevents further degradation during icy conditions; have salt or sand ready for immediate use.
• Examine the roof for signs of wear such as sagging, broken shingles, or blocked drainage. Taking care of these issues before heavy snowfall is crucial.
• Walk the property after dark to test lighting. Replace bulbs and consider upgrading fixtures to improve safety and visibility during shorter daylight hours.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts. This helps avoid blockages and ice dam formation, ensuring proper drainage throughout the winter months.
• Confirm snow removal contracts or restock supplies if managing in-house. Clearly define responsibilities and ensure timely response plans.

Tackling these winter prep tasks early offers numerous benefits. This effort is an investment in operational continuity, occupant safety, and the integrity of your building. By addressing small issues now, you can prevent larger, costlier emergencies during the harshest months. We urge you to schedule inspections or review service contracts today to get ahead of winter weather.