Owning a commercial building has challenges. Constant maintenance can keep you on your toes. It also requires you to be ready for the worst at a moment’s notice. They require a lot of attention, and as the cold months arrive, winterization becomes vital to keep your building running smoothly during the winter.
Preventative maintenance is key to maintaining your building and keeping any damage during the winter months at bay. At McMahon Services, we’ve handled our fair share of commercial building repairs during the winter months. Read on as we share a few tips that can help you prepare your building and keep common issues from occurring.
Winter Maintenance Checklist For Commercial Properties
Keep your commercial building in tip-top shape by following these guidelines.
Check The Plumbing
Frozen pipes are the leading cause of water damage in properties. Before the temperature plummets, start your maintenance by covering your pipes with insulation.
- Check all exposed and exterior pipes for any signs of freezing.
- Insulate and seal any cracks or openings around exposed pipes. Insulation can be purchased from any hardware store, or in a pinch, towels works as a temporary solution.
- Even if the building is vacant during the winter, keep interior temperatures no lower than 55 degrees. If tenants are in the building, instruct them to do the same.
- Check for mold and mildew if you sense excess moisture or humidity in the air. Mold and mildew can be the sign of a water leak. A small leak can turn into a larger problem if left untreated.
Check The HVAC
When it gets colder, the heat kicks in, which means your HVAC system starts working more than normal.
- Inspect the hoses and blowers for any holes or cracks.
- Check for blockages in the vents.
- Replace air filters.
- Clean out vents to clear them of dust and debris.
- Calibrate thermostats if you notice the temperatures aren’t holding properly.
- Respond to abnormal sounds or odors.
- Empty condensation traps and verify they are not leaking, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Check The Roof
The roof keeps out the elements, but when there is a crack or hole, it can lead to problems.
- Keep snow from piling on the roof. The more snow that accumulates, the heavier it gets. This can lead to cave-ins.
- Before the snow falls, check for any loose shingles, cracks, holes, etc. and repair these problems right away. Call in a professional to handle the job for you if needed.
- Increase the insulation in the attic if you notice heating costs have increased during the beginning of winter.
- Clear out the gutters to prevent ice dams from forming.
Prepare For The Snow
Have tools on hand to keep the snow and ice from accumulating. The faster you respond, the safer your property will be.
- Monitor piles of snow to prevent them from accumulating and remove them quickly. They can become a safety hazard if they are allowed to remain unchecked.
- De-ice sidewalks and walkways as the snow is falling to prevent ice from forming.
- Any wet floor mats should be replaced quickly to avoid slips and falls.
Winter can create major problems for commercial properties, but staying on top of the repairs and maintenance means that you stay one step ahead of any issues At McMahon Services we offer commercial building restoration services for any damage caused by water, sewage, fire, smoke, or mold damage – call us today for more information and find out how we can help keep your commercial building safe and secure during the winter months.