How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for Seasonal Changes

Details: March 18, 2025

Seasonal property maintenance isn’t just about looks. Keeping your buildings and grounds maintained throughout the seasons helps attract potential tenants and enhances operational efficiency.

Assess for Vulnerabilities

Take stock of what tasks need to be done before you invest your time and money. Addressing the most pressing issues minimizes the risk of structural damage and safety concerns for tenants and visitors. Seasonal assessments help you stay in compliance with safety and building codes and avoid violation fees. You can improve your asset value over time and increase tenant satisfaction, too.

Complete Routine Maintenance Tasks

Inspect the Roof

Whether you face snow or rain, a well-maintained roof is crucial to protect your commercial building from water damage, mold and mildew. Look for cracks, missing shingles and weak points that could collapse under snow and ice. Check out the insulation underneath, too, as that affects temperature regulation during extreme temperatures.

Clear Drains, Downspouts and Gutters

Leaves, branches and debris can build up in your gutters, so inspect and clean them regularly to prevent blockages and overflowing. Verify that downspouts direct runoff away from the foundation to protect crawl spaces and basements from flooding and mildew growth. Remove leaves and debris from grates and gutters to prevent puddles from forming.

Test Lighting and HVAC Systems

It’s important to check your HVAC before extreme weather hits to ensure it regulates the building’s interior temperature. Replace air filters, clean ducts and inspect heating components to reduce the risk of a breakdown during a heat wave or cold snap.

Verify that all interior and exterior lights work and replace burnt-out bulbs right away. Invest in outdoor lighting that can withstand harsh weather, like high winds and ice. Swapping incandescent bulbs for LEDs enhances sustainability and reduces utility expenses.

Address Landscaping Needs

Heavy rain, snow, ice and high winds may knock down tree branches and damage your roof and siding, so trim foliage at the start of each season. Unkempt grounds also make your property look neglected, so clear fallen leaves to protect your lawn and keep walkways clean. Consider adding mulch to flower beds in the fall to insulate roots and preserve soil quality for spring planting.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Utility Management

Seal air leaks: Cracks and gaps around doors and windows will kick your heating and cooling system into high gear. Even a small leak can hike your monthly energy expenses, so apply weather-resistant caulk or sealant as soon as possible.

Upgrade the thermostat: Programmable and smart thermostats support efficient operation, whether your commercial property is occupied or vacant, to avoid wasting energy.

Implement utility monitoring: Smart meters and building automation systems allow you to track and maximize electricity, water and gas consumption.

Fix leaky fixtures: Address dripping faucets quickly to avoid wasting water. Installing low-flow toilets is another way to cut down your water bill.

Enlist tenant assistance: Provide tenants with reports to highlight their utility use and opportunities for efficiency.

Implement Safety and Security Measures for Weather Changes

Here are some things to remember when assessing the seasonal safety of your commercial property:

Test fire alarms and emergency lighting systems.
Install motion-activated lighting near outdoor walkways.
Upgrade to weather-resistant security cameras.
Stock up on rock salt and de-icing supplies.
Train tenants how to shut down HVAC and electrical systems in case of an emergency.
Provide a contact list of vendors and suppliers.
Notify tenants ahead of severe weather events.

Leverage Professional Services and Technology

Schedule a building inspection if you’re unsure of what to look for during your seasonal assessment. Partnering with professional service providers such as building inspectors, landscapers and weatherproofing specialists can simplify your preparations. It’s important to contact those vendors before the start of each season.

Doing so allows you to prepare your assets ahead of extreme weather and ambient conditions, so you don’t have to worry about finding someone at the last minute. You may also find more competitive rates if you contract professional services during the off-season.

Stay Prepared with Property Management Services

DRK and Company specializes in commercial property management services in and around Columbus, Ohio. We make the seasonal maintenance process easy so you can focus on maximizing your investment portfolio. Contact us to learn more about our services.