How to Prepare Your Commercial Property for the Winter Months
5 min read
As winter approaches, property owners and managers face the annual task of preparing buildings and grounds for the colder months ahead. Winterizing isn’t just about keeping space warm; it’s about preventing costly repairs, ensuring tenant safety, and protecting your investment. A thorough preparation plan can make all the difference in how a property withstands the harsh winters.
One of the most crucial aspects of winter readiness is ensuring that the heating system is in optimal condition. This involves a professional inspection of furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps to confirm they work efficiently. Replacing filters, cleaning ducts, and checking thermostat settings are key components of heating maintenance. Keeping heating systems in good working order reduces energy bills and maintains comfort for tenants throughout the season.
Energy efficiency is equally essential; minimizing drafts around doors and windows can significantly help. Cracks in caulking or weather stripping let warm and cold air out, making the heating system work harder. In some cases, adding window insulation film or thermal curtains can provide an extra layer of warmth, helping you maintain a comfortable environment for everyone in the building.
Frozen pipes are another common winter hazard, leading to water damage and expensive repairs. Insulating pipes in unheated spaces such as basements, crawl spaces, and garages is essential. In addition to wrapping pipes with insulation, keeping a low, constant heat in these areas during extreme cold spells can further prevent freezing. Educating tenants about these steps, like running a slow drip in extremely cold weather, can also reduce the risk of frozen pipes and the disruption they cause.
Preparing for winter also means ensuring that the roof and gutter are ready to handle snow and ice. Roof inspections should check for damage or missing shingles, which can cause leaks when snow begins to melt. Clearing gutter of leaves and debris is critical to prevent ice dams, which form when trapped water freezes at the roof’s edge, causing potential leaks and structural damage. Some property owners install gutter guards to keep debris out throughout the season, reducing the risk of blockage and overflow.
Snow and ice removal is essential to winter maintenance, not only to maintain tenant safety but also to comply with local regulations. Stocking up on ice melt, salt, and shovels ensures that walkways and entrances can be cleared quickly after snowfall. Contracting with a reliable snow removal service is wise for properties with extensive parking lots, sidewalks, or pathways. Planning these arrangements before winter hits means you’ll be prepared no matter when the first storm arrives.
Winter brings a heightened need for emergency preparedness. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested, and their batteries should be replaced as needed to ensure safety in case of power outages. Checking that emergency lighting and exit signs are functional adds another layer of preparedness. Having flashlights, blankets, and other essentials on hand in common areas can be valuable in emergencies, helping tenants feel more secure.
Outdoor spaces, landscaping, and even property structures should be addressed in winter preparations. Trees and shrubs near buildings should be trimmed to prevent branches from breaking under heavy snow or ice, which could damage nearby structures. Draining outdoor water systems and storing or securing outdoor furniture also help protect against harsh water. Some owners may consider planting winter-friendly plants to preserve landscaping throughout the season.
It's also a good time to communicate with tenants about winter safety. Reminding them to report heating issues, keep their thermostats at steady temperatures, and clear any personal outdoor spaces of ice and snow can help maintain a safe environment. Tenant cooperation with winter protocols is essential in minimizing property strain and promoting safety.
Finally, energy use should be monitored and adjusted to strike a balance between warmth and cost-effectiveness. Keeping unoccupied spaces at lower temperatures and relying on programmable thermostats can help manage energy use without compromising tenant comfort. Encouraging tenants to use energy-efficient lighting, as well as exploring options like double-pane windows, can also lead to lower heating costs over time.
Once all winterizing steps are completed, a final walkthrough of the property provides peace of mind. This last check ensures that all potential issues have been addressed and that the property is ready to handle winter’s challenges. Property owners can safeguard their buildings, keep tenants safe and comfortable, and enjoy a smooth winter season by investing time in these preparations.
References
7 tips to prepare a business for Winter. Morison Insurance. (n.d.). https://www.morisoninsurance.ca/news/prepare-business-for-winter/
Pre-winter checklist: How to safeguard your commercial property. Clintar Landscape Management. (2023, September 1). https://www.clintar.com/blog/2023/09/01/pre-winter-checklist-how-to-safeguard-your-commercial-property/
Tips on winterizing your commercial building in Southern Ontario. Grandmother’s Touch. (2024, July 9). https://www.grandmotherstouch.com/tips-on-winterizing-your-commercial-building-in-southern-ontario/
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