As we say goodbye to the warm summer days, fall is the best time to prepare your commercial property or facility for winter’s cold, snow, and ice. With a bit of preventative commercial property maintenance now, you can save yourself from the stress and hassle of problems in the future. Winter weather can wreak havoc on your facility; power loss, freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and blustery winds need to be considered now to avoid a costly disaster later that can disrupt business. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your commercial property for snow and ice.
How to Prepare a Commercial Property for Snow and Ice
As a commercial property manager, facilities manager, or owner, you have a tough job. When a problem arises in one of your buildings, whether you manage a single site or national multi-site portfolio, it’s up to you to get the issue resolved and fast.
Search for Contractors Now
As we experience the beautiful fall weather now, it’s tough to think about the cold winter days. However, this is the best time to contact professional commercial snow and ice removal services. Many snow removal companies book up early, and if you wait, they might not have availability this season. When prospecting a snow removal company, ask important questions like what areas they cover (sidewalks, driveways, loading docks, parking lots, etc.), an estimate for their services, and proof of insurance. Don’t wait until the first snow or ice event to book a snow removal service; you’ll be left with a snow-filled parking lot and slippery sidewalks.
Fix Drainage Issues
If you noticed areas of your property that experienced puddles or pools of water after a heavy rainstorm this summer, it could be a sign of poor drainage. While this can seem like a nuisance in the summer, it can lead to treacherous conditions in the winter. Weak, damaged, or clogged drainage systems can flood and then freeze and become extremely dangerous. Plants and grass in the oversaturated area are also more prone to diseases. Late summer into early fall is the best time to talk to a professional landscaping company about your drainage issues to prevent liability problems and improve water run-off.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Winter weather is notorious for bringing freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and ice. Each of these can pose significant threats to your building or multi-site portfolios. Before the cold temperatures set in, complete a full inspection of your property and make sure you have the proper supplies in the event of an emergency. It is not uncommon to experience power outages, so before the season changes, stock up on essential supplies, like batteries, flashlights, first aid kits, and consider purchasing a backup generator.
Winter Landscaping
Prep your landscape now for when the winter weather hits! It is a wise investment to have a landscaper visit your facility in the fall to remove the dead, wet leaves that accumulated on your grounds. Heavy, wet leaves encourage disease and create a slick surface. Your landscaper can also plant cold weather-resistant plants and flowers and prune trees and shrubs.
Winterize Irrigation System
A burst or frozen pipe is any property owner’s or facility manager’s worst nightmare. Keep your facility up and running during the winter months when you winterize your irrigation system before the cold weather strikes. Examine your pipelines and ensure all the water is removed from them before the first freeze. Insulating your pipes can prevent frozen or burst pipes in cold weather.
Your commercial property maintenance checklist should include the above tips to ensure your facility or multi-site portfolio will operate safely and smoothly throughout the winter season. Get a head start on winterizing your properties when you contact Addilan Group for all your facility management needs. Contact us now at 833-ADDILAN.
