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Commercial Property: Winter Prep Tips You Can't Ignore
Amber Purvis

Winter Is Coming: Prepare Your Commercial Property

As winter approaches, commercial property managers face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and efficiency of their buildings. The season brings not only frigid temperatures but also the potential for costly repairs if proactive steps aren't taken. By planning ahead, you can maintain smooth operations and ensure the safety of building occupants. Here are some practical, yet highly impactful tips to get ready for winter on both the interior and exterior of your property.

Interior Prep Tips

  • Update internal emergency plans. Ensure contact info is posted in visible areas and communicate procedures clearly to all staff and tenants.
  • Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces to prevent freezing and potential flooding.
  • Test backup power systems, like generators or battery packs. Make sure fuel or charge levels are sufficient and that systems function under load.
  • Check carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Test their functionality, replace batteries, and confirm they haven’t expired.
  • Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps around windows and doors that could leak heat.
  • Have your HVAC system professionally serviced. This should include filter replacement, leak checks, and thermostat testing to boost reliability and efficiency.

Exterior Prep Tips

  • Inspect parking areas and walkways for damage that could worsen in icy conditions. Fix issues now and have salt or sand ready.
  • Clean out gutters and downspouts to avoid blockages and ice dam formation.
  • Confirm snow removal contracts or restock supplies if managing in-house. Review who is responsible for what and ensure timely response plans.
  • Examine the roof for signs of wear, such as sagging, broken shingles, or blocked drainage, and address issues before heavy snowfall.
  • Walk the property after dark to test lighting. Replace bulbs and consider upgrading fixtures to improve safety and visibility.

Addressing these winter prep tasks early not only safeguards your building against potential emergencies but also serves as an investment in operational continuity and occupant safety. By tackling smaller issues now, you can prevent larger, costlier problems during the harshest months. Let's stay ahead of the season by scheduling inspections or reviewing service contracts today. Protect your property investment and ensure a worry-free winter for you and your tenants.