How To Prepare Your Commercial Property For Winter

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to prepare your business for winter.

Winter facility preparation is so crucial to your peace of mind at your commercial property.  Having a check list of tasks is an efficient way to attack the needs of your building. Unexpected problems will always arise, but if you are prepared it makes dealing with those surprises less stressful. 

Facility roofs are a critical point of risk when it comes to winter weather. Facilitiesmanagment.com has listed some safety tips to consider during winter weather. 

Safety Tips for Your Commercial Property During Winter.

Flat roofs: Flat roofs require continual maintenance. Conduct required repairs of flat roof membranes and seams before cold weather compromises ability to do work. Be sure to identify areas where water can accumulate and where ice or heavy snow can pile up in wintertime.

Consider forming a snow and ice removal plan to prevent snow burden or ice overload from causing breakdowns in roof surface or even structural integrity. This is especially important when big snows are followed by a fast warm-up that can lead to standing water on roofs.

• Inspect roofs each week leading up to and during the winter season.
• Sweep up debris and check tar seals.
• Keep roof drains clear and be prepared if necessary to pump water off roof.
• Check that flashings are flush and secure.
• Plan for emergency snow removal in event of heavy accumulation. Identify and supply proper equipment and check it in advance of predicted snows.

Slanted Roofs: The various materials from which slanted roofs are made can present different kinds of problems. Even though water runs downhill and shingles or tiles are designed to shunt it off, slanted roofs can still leak and must be sealed correctly to prevent seepage.

• Inspect shingles and roof vents if applicable.
• Check roof-edge waterproofing and seal to prevent potential drafts.
• Install or check ice breakers to protect public safety.
• Trim back trees or branches that may impact roof integrity.

Water seepage is always something to consider in the winter as well.  Foundation seepage can reach into the interior of the building and cause mold damage.  This can cause air quality in the building to decline, which can lead to illness. Ensuring adequate ventilation and completely drying any areas impacted by moisture collection or seepage are the best ways to prevent mold growth.

 Winter Fire Safety

Fire safety involves both preventative and responsive measures at most facilities.

• Have electrical contractors run tests on “last mile” connections from input source to buildings and throughout the facility to check wiring and loads placed on outlets, panels and equipment.
• Run daily checks if necessary to prevent storage of flammable materials including cloths or other solvent-soaked items.
• Educate all people to proper fire escape and fire drill procedures.
• Inventory and check all fire extinguishers.
• Supply adequate heat to keep fire response equipment functioning safely, including value houses, water tanks, pump houses and other supplies.
• If your facility has fire protection tanks, check daily to prevent freezing.

Your commercial property is worth protecting from the winter weather.  Should you have a winter fire, mold damage, or water damage give SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside a call at 708-240-4873.