Winter-proof your commercial property
Plumbing
Don’t wait until a costly leak or burst pipe rears its head. Building’s pipes may burst with freezing temperatures. Ensure that your plumbing system is well insulated. Check the irrigation system, exterior faucets, and drain hoses. Insulate and seal cracks and openings around exposed pipes.
Heating systems
Make sure you are getting the most out of your heating dollars. Check heating system for damage or worn-out parts and carbon monoxide leaks. Inspect blowers and hoses for blockages. Empty condensation drain traps. Clean air vents and monitor air flow for potential blockages.
Windows and Doors
Do not let the cold enter your building or allow the warm air to escape. Examine your doors and windows and seal gaps between the frames and exterior walls. Check to make sure that caulking is still flexible and is sealing any gaps between window/door frames and exterior walls. Check the weather stripping at all exterior door frames to make sure it’s still in place and serving its intended purpose.
Entrance Areas
Your first line of defense to keep interiors clean and safe. 80% of dirt found in commercial buildings is tracked in on people’s shoes. A simple way to fix this issue is rubberized entrance mats. They also help limit slip hazards. If ice is an issue, use deicer on walkways to increase safety.
Roof and Gutters
Don’t let a leak become an emergency. Repair loose shingles. Remove dirt and debris that collected on the roofs to avoid the drains from getting clogged, and clean gutters and downspouts. Check flashings at vertical wall intersections, chimneys, and plumbing vent boots to confirm there are no holes or other damage which make them vulnerable to moisture infiltration.
Exterior Concrete and Asphalt Pavement
Keep costly repairs down. Perform regular sealing of exterior cracks in sidewalks and paved areas during the fall. Water that freezes in these cracks can cause these surfaces to deteriorate. The water penetration can also cause the base to soften, leading to settlement and potholes.
Attics
Don’t let rising heat escape through the attic. Check Attics check to see that all vents are operating properly and there is no insulation blocking the continuous soffit vents around the attic perimeter. Make sure the insulation is adequate to perform its job.
