Embrace the Winter Chill: Ensuring Your Commercial Property is Ready

The winter season is fast approaching, and with it comes the unique challenges faced by commercial property owners and managers. Proactive planning is essential—not only to avoid costly repairs but to ensure smooth daily operations and the safety of all building occupants. While these challenges may seem daunting, rest assured that taking a few simple steps now can make a significant difference.

Interior Prep

• Have your HVAC system professionally serviced to enhance reliability and efficiency. This includes filter replacement, leak checks, and thermostat testing.
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows and doors that might allow heat to escape.
• Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas to guard against freezing and potential flooding.
• Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors—test their functionality, replace batteries, and ensure they haven't expired.
• Test backup power systems, like generators or battery packs. Ensure fuel or charge levels are sufficient and systems function effectively under load.
• Update internal emergency plans and publicize contact information in visible areas. Clearly communicate procedures to all staff and tenants.

Exterior Prep

• Examine the roof for signs of wear, such as sagging, broken shingles, or blocked drainage. Address issues before heavy snowfall occurs.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and ice dams from forming.
• Review snow removal contracts or restock supplies if managing in-house. Clearly delineate responsibilities and ensure timely response plans.
• Inspect parking areas and walkways for damage that could worsen in icy conditions. Fix issues now and ensure salt or sand is readily available.
• Conduct a walk-through of the property after dark to test lighting. Replace bulbs as necessary and consider upgrading fixtures to improve both safety and visibility.

By tackling these winter prep tasks early, you invest in operational continuity, occupant safety, and building integrity. Remember, addressing small issues now can prevent larger, costlier emergencies during the harshest months. Take action today—schedule those inspections or review service contracts to get ahead of the winter weather.