Cold Weather Maintenance Checklist

You already know commercial buildings and facilities require a lot of attention. And the necessary efforts escalate when the temperatures plummet. Snow, cold, ice, harsh winds and other winter elements can be problematic on your properties. Even if you took preventative measures during the warmer months to winterize your commercial buildings, you can’t let cold weather maintenance coast waiting until spring is in bloom.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

Use the following list of common winter threats to develop a strategy for you and your service team to keep your properties in tip-top shape no matter what the weather is outside.

Plumbing

Frozen pipes can lead to a wet mess, so preventing your plumbing from getting too cold needs to be a top priority.

• Check exposed and exterior pipes for signs of freezing.
• Insulate and seal cracks and openings around exposed pipes.
• Keep interior temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and instruct tenants to do the same.
• Look for signs of excess moisture and dry the area, as well as respond to mold or mildew that may have formed.

HVAC

The lower the temperature goes, the better the heating portion of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system needs to operate.  

• Check for cracks and inefficiencies in your heating systems.
• Inspect blowers and hoses for blockages.
• Replace air filters routinely.
• Respond to abnormal sounds and odors.
• Calibrate thermostats and make sure they are working properly.
• Empty condensation drain traps.
• Clean building air vents and monitor air flow.

Winter Elements

When the weather delivers ice, snow, high winds, and bitter cold, you need to act quickly and responsibly to ensure the safety of your tenants and your crew.

• Monitor snow piles and create a plan to remove it should it pose hazardous obstacles.
• De-ice sidewalks and walkways to avoid slips and falls.
• Clean and replace wet floor mats in entryways and indoor walkways to reduce slick floors.

Roof

If what’s overhead is in poor shape, what’s below immediately becomes vulnerable.

• Clear the roof of high-piling snow.
• Inspect the roof for loose shingles and other damage caused by ice and high winds.
• Monitor heating costs and increase attic insulation as necessary.
• Avoid ice dams from forming by keeping gutters clear and preventing heat from escaping out the roof.

The cold reality is that winter can wreak havoc on commercial properties, but with the right precautionary measures, you can avoid being left out in the storm. Work with your service team and call in skilled, professional vendors to keep your buildings running efficiently and effectively.

CODE RED IMMEDIATE RESPONSE DISASTER PLAN PROGRAM

A&J Property Restoration’s Code Red Program is a free opportunity for businesses to sit down with A&J’s Representatives and layout an immediate, restoration emergency response plan. Set up a disaster plan and make sure you are back in business as quickly as possible after damage to your commercial property from a water, fire, or storm.

We provide 24/7 emergency water, fire, mold, and sewage damage services for homes, businesses, and commercial buildings around Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Portage, Milwaukee, Brookfield, WI Dells, Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, West Allis, and surrounding Dane County Wisconsin areas.

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