They don’t call it “Winterpeg” for nothing – Winnipeg winters are known for their freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Preparing your commercial property for winter takes careful planning and attention to detail. Winter weather conditions can lead to all sorts of issues for property managers. From burst pipes, to snowed-in parking lots, failing to take preventative measures can lead to safety hazards, disruptions to your business hours, and costly repairs.
Winter maintenance is all about addressing the challenges of cold weather and precipitation. By assessing your property and implementing a plan, you can avoid the troubles that often accompany this season. In this guide to Winnipeg winter property maintenance, we’re going to help you conquer the cold!
1. Service your HVAC System
Your building’s heating system is of utmost importance during the winter months and maintaining your furnace, boiler, or heat pump ensures the comfort and safety of your staff and customers when the outside temperatures start to drop.
- Regularly clean or replace air filters to enhance indoor air quality and system efficiency. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, causing your HVAC system to work harder to heat your building. Not only can this shorten the lifespan of your furnace or heat pump, but it will cause your unit to work less efficiently, leading to higher monthly energy bills.
- At the beginning of the season, schedule a professional maintenance inspection. Your HVAC technician will lubricate any moving parts and inspect your entire system for wear and tear, making the necessary repairs.
2. Prepare your Plumbing
Freezing temperatures can be hard on your building’s plumbing. When pipes freeze, the water inside expands as it turns to ice, which can cause the pipe to crack or burst. Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage and involve extensive, costly repairs. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your building’s plumbing for winter:
- Install pipe insulation on any water pipes that run through uninsulated parts of your building.
- Disconnect any exterior water sources, such as hoses or sprinklers.
- Have a plumber inspect your building’s pipes before winter. A professional plumber can find areas of your plumbing system that are vulnerable to freezing.
3. Inspect your Roof
Heavy snowfall and snow accumulation can put excessive weight on your building’s roof, potentially causing structural damage or, in the worst-case scenario, roof collapse.
- Clean your gutters. Especially during the fall season, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate in your gutters and drains, which could lead to clogs and potential water damage. Remove any debris to ensure water can flow freely. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are secure and check for signs of damage.
- Inspect your roof for damaged shingles, potential leak points, sagging sections, or other problems, and promptly make the necessary repairs.
- Trim back any trees that are close to your building. Overhanging branches could fall under the weight of heavy snow, causing damage to your roof.
4. Plan for Snow and Ice Removal
Winter weather can cause challenges for businesses, especially when heavy snowfall limits accessibility and safety. Before winter begins, assess your snow removal needs. Does your business’s property have sidewalks, walkways, stairs, or a parking lot? All of these will need to be cleared of snow and ice to prevent accidents and injuries and allow access to your building. You will need a reliable plan for snow removal, whether you delegate this task to an employee or hire a professional snow removal service. Here are a few benefits of hiring a seasonal contractor:
- A professional snow removal company has the right equipment, knowledge, and skills to clear away snow and ice quickly and efficiently.
- Hiring a professional snow removal company will help maintain a safer premise and can protect your company against liability claims, should a snow or ice-related accident occur on your property.
- Winter weather is unpredictable and snowfall doesn’t always happen during working hours. Should a midnight blizzard occur, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you will wake up to a cleared property.
- Hiring a professional snow plow company saves you and your employees time and allows you to focus on other business tasks.
5. Have an Emergency Plan
Extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your business, and even with the best preparation, emergencies still happen. Have a list of contractors you can call in case of an emergency. This includes HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, maintenance, and snow removal companies. Consider purchasing a backup power generator in case of a power outage.
This guide has been intended for business owners and property managers, but the same steps can apply to homeowners and residential properties. Carefully preparing for winter will help ensure comfort, safety, and accessibility for customers, staff, or the members of your household. For snow and ice removal services, contact us today at Whiteout Group.
