Preparing for Winter

Making Sure Your Properties are Ready for Winter

As temperatures start to drop property owners start to prepare as much as they can for the uncertainties of winter. This can include events like frozen pipe bursts, falling frozen tree limbs, and so many more that are brought on by unexpected winter storms! Taking care of a property requires the property owners to start thinking ahead and creating a plan of action before, rather than later. 

Although there are no certainty problems won’t arise, but you can be certain you know what to do if one does happen. Whether you are looking for help with commercial property management or residential property management, our checklist will help make sure you are ready for whatever winter might throw your way.

1. Pipes Bursting, Avoid the Mess

“Pipe burst” and “avoid the mess” in one sentence? To ensure no big clean up is needed, once a frozen pipe is identified, start by shutting off the water at the meter and then begin to drain the remaining water found in faucets. In addition to these steps, allow for warm air to enter the building and most importantly close to the frozen pipe. 

If you are looking for a way to avoid pipes bursting all together, try adding insulation to your property to allow for warm to always be present. Adding heat sleeves to pipes that are unable to be insulated helps to prevent the pipes from freezing as well.

2. Keep Your HVAC Healthy

Before getting too far into the winter months, it’s important to make sure your HVAC, or the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit,  is in good health. This requires an HVAC inspection that verifies that there are no cracks in the ductwork or drain line clogs. 

Problems with your HVAC in the winter can mean uneven heating throughout rooms as well as carbon monoxide leaks due to a ventilation blockage. 

3. Inspect Roof and Insulation

Prior to winter arriving, it is very important to know the conditions of your roof and insulation. Every six months it is recommended to complete a roof inspection from the ground to make sure there is no visible damage like missing shingles. In addition to inspecting the shingles, it is important to inspect the gutters for damage and to make sure they are cleaned before winter. If there are any clogs in the gutters this can prevent water from flowing and when temperatures drop and that water turns into an ice structure that could cause more damage.  

Looking for holes and leaks in the insulation will help to prevent energy loss throughout winter. Holes and leaks in your insulation will allow for heat to leave the building and create a draft, which is anything but ideal for winter.

Get Help From the Experts

If your commercial property isn’t quite ready to take on winter, call the experts at Maintenance Management. Our trusted technicians are ready to prep any building for winter as well as tackle any issues that might arise. 

Our team will create a custom winter-ready plan to ensure your commercial buildings are ready, no matter how harsh winter might be.