If you’re in a location with rough winters, you know the major damage that can result from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Are you prepared?
Here are fundamental areas and tips to add to your property maintenance checklist.
Exterior Safety
Icy parking lots can cause falls and car accidents. An icy sidewalk also poses a slip risk.
You can keep your customers and employees safe by shoveling, plowing, and de-icing directly after a snowfall.
It’s also important to make sure your entrances, walkways, and parking lots are well lit. Good lighting helps people navigate your property and can even scare off criminals.
Plus, a clear, well-lit parking lot is more appealing to customers.
Building Safety
Water and snow tracked inside your building create a slippery surface. Keep visitors and employees safe with quality entrance mats and slip-resistant flooring.
Mats also help keep your floors clean. Studies show that 70 to 80% of the dirt tracked inside buildings comes from people’s shoes. In winter, snow and road salt can get tracked in, as well. That grime can be difficult and expensive to remove from your floors. Save yourself the trouble with quality floor mats.
Heating Systems
Stay safe and warm all winter long with annual furnace maintenance. This prevents breakdowns and keeps your heater running efficiently. And don’t forget minor maintenance tasks that should be done more frequently, such as replacing air filters and cleaning air vents.
Also, you can save money on your utility bill by calibrating and regulating your thermostat.
To calibrate your thermostat, tape an accurate thermometer next to your thermostat on the wall. Wait 15 minutes, then check if both devices give the same reading. If not, you may need to repair or replace your thermostat.
Also, experts say that for every degree you lower your thermostat, you’ll save 1% on your heating costs. Consider regulating your thermostat and dropping the temperature as much as is comfortable to lower your bill.
Note: If your furnace is ten years old or older, consider replacing it for safety and efficiency.
Plumbing
If one of your buildings is empty, you may be tempted to turn the heat off to save money.
However, it’s important to keep your building’s temperature above 45 degrees Fahrenheit to protect your plumbing. If the temperature drops below freezing, pipes could crack and create costly problems. A small heating bill is much less expensive than repairing broken pipes.
If you have exposed pipes outside your building, remember to inspect them for damage regularly and insulate them from the cold.
And if there are sprinklers on your property, winterize them to avoid damage. Drain the irrigation system of water, shut down the control box, and insulate the above-ground components.
Electricity
If a weak tree branch falls on a power line or telephone pole, your electricity could go out. It’s a good idea to inspect those elements regularly for signs of weakness.
Just in case your power does go out, consider investing in a backup generator to keep the lights on until the electric company can fix the problem.
Regular Inspections
An integral part of property maintenance is regularly inspecting your building.
Scan your roof for loose shingles and general damage, which could lead to leaks and water damage. And if there’s been a heavy snowfall, it’s a good idea to clean it off your rooftop. Large amounts of snow can slide off onto people or vehicles or lead to roof failures.
Clogged gutters can be a problem, too. If melted snow can’t run off, it builds on your roof. Keep your gutters clear of leaves and debris.
And check doors and windows for gaps. Any openings can let heat out, increasing your utility bill. They could also let in cold air, water, and pests, which can cause serious damage. If you find openings between windows, doors, and exterior walls, apply caulk or weather stripping to seal them.
Maintaining a commercial property is no easy task. But you can trust our experts to handle everything for you, from exterior services to utility management. Learn more about our property management and property maintenance services.
Have questions? Let’s talk about them.
Have a nice week,
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