As winter approaches, it’s crucial for commercial property owners and managers to shift their focus to preventative maintenance. Preparing your property for the colder months is about implementing a proactive strategy to ensure the longevity and safety of your property. The key to effective winter preparation lies in anticipating potential issues before they arise and taking timely steps to prevent them.

How WorkSpace can help:

This is where the preventative maintenance module in WorkSpace becomes an indispensable tool. Our product is designed to keep your engineering team ahead of the curve by offering built-in reminders and the ability to set timed intervals for various maintenance tasks. This not only helps in organizing and prioritizing winter preparations but also ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. With WorkSpace, your team can shift from a reactive to a proactive approach, focusing on prevention rather than scrambling to address issues and problems as they occur.

Your Winter Checklist

The following checklist outlines the essential areas to focus on when preparing commercial properties for winter. By using WorkSpace’s preventative maintenance module, you can systematically address each item, ensuring a thorough and efficient winter readiness plan.

  1. Roof Inspection and Maintenance
    • Schedule annual roof inspections:
      1. Check for loose or damaged shingles or roofing materials.
      2. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
      3. Ensure gutters and downspouts are securely attached and properly directing water away from the building.
      4. Look for signs of water damage or leaks inside the property.
      5. Inspect for adequate insulation to prevent heat loss.
  2. Landscaping and Grounds
    • Prune trees and shrubs, especially those close to the building.
    • Remove dead plants and foliage.
    • Winterize irrigation systems to prevent freezing.
    • Apply salt or sand to walkways in anticipation of ice.
  3. Heating Systems
    • Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of the heating system.
    • Replace old or clogged air filters.
    • Test the system to ensure it’s working efficiently.
    • Inspect chimneys and flues for blockages, if applicable.
  4. Windows and Doors
    • Check for drafts and seal any gaps with weather-stripping.
    • Ensure windows and doors close tightly.
    • Replace any cracked or broken windows.
    • Consider adding thermal curtains to help with insulation.
  5. Plumbing
    • Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
    • Locate and label the main water shut-off valve in case of emergencies.
    • Check for leaks and address them promptly.
    • Drain air conditioning pipes and hoses.
  6. Exterior Walls and Foundations
    • Examine walls for cracks or gaps and seal as necessary.
    • Ensure that the ground around the foundation slopes away from the building to prevent water accumulation.
  7. Equipment and Machinery
    • Winterize any outdoor equipment or machinery.
    • Check antifreeze levels in applicable equipment.
    • Store equipment in a dry and covered location when not in use.
  8. Snow and Ice Removal
    • Contract with a snow removal service or ensure you have adequate machinery and manpower for the task.
    • Stock up on ice melt or sand.
    • Ensure pathways, parking lots, and entryways are kept clear.
  9. Emergency Preparedness
    • Ensure that the property has an emergency kit, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, and first aid supplies.
    • Check that fire extinguishers are operational and not expired.
    • Review and update emergency exit plans.
  10. Communication with Tenants or Occupants
    • Notify tenants of any impending winter maintenance or inspections.
    • Provide guidelines for winter safety and property care, such as not blocking pathways with parked vehicles.
    • Offer tips on energy conservation during colder months.
  11. Lighting
    • With shorter days, ensure that exterior lighting is functional and adequate.
    • Consider adding motion-activated lights in key areas.
  12. Pest Control
    • Seal gaps or holes in the building’s exterior to prevent rodents from seeking shelter.
    • Schedule regular pest control inspections during the colder months when pests might move indoors.
  13. Insurance Review
    • Check your commercial property insurance policy for coverage related to winter damage.
    • Update your coverage if necessary.
  14. Miscellaneous
    • Remove or secure any loose items on the property that might get blown away or damaged in winter storms.
    • If the property has a pool, ensure it is properly winterized.

By preparing your commercial property for winter, you can ensure the safety of its occupants and prevent costly damage or repairs later on. Regularly reviewing and updating this checklist according to the specific needs of your property will also be beneficial.

If you’re looking for best-in-class property and asset management software to help you track and boost your KPIs, you’re in the right place. WorkSpace has everything you need to monitor and improve the top property management KPIs.

Book your demo today to see how.