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Hoping for the best, but planning for the worst? Climate patterns are becoming more extreme. New England weather poses serious challenges to property owners, facility and property managers. Farmers Almanac predicts the winter of 2023 will be no different. Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts will experience intense stormy weather. January especially will bring forth excessive rain, sleet, snow, and ice. How will you conquer these forces of nature at your workplace?
There's a handful of property maintenance checklists that professional facility managers swear by. Here's a straightforward list that is bookmark-worthy.
Insulating and inspecting pipes is a "given" and should be your first step.
Besides that, what are some of the secrets to winter maintenance headaches that are typically overlooked?
To ensure your office, workplace or facility smoothly handles power loss due to storms, cold temperatures, snow, and ice, let's discuss some secrets that may not be top of mind. These professional pointers will contribute to your bottom line and help you avoid costly repairs or damaging lawsuits.
Secret 1 - Check the Roof
Commercial roofs are a critical part of your preparedness plan and are often overlooked. How often should my commercial roof be inspected? Bi-annually in spring and fall, says roofing professionals. Even after a roof inspection, it’s a good idea to keep a polymer-modified mastic on hand to make minor repairs to seal out water during the winter.
Check downspouts, gutters, drains, and loose or missing shingles. There is a current shortage of roofing shingles in the USA. Plan and order ahead from a trusted roofing vendor.
Repair and inspect for any leaks. Minor leaks can become a major problem in the winter. During freeze-thaw cycles, water will find its way into cracks. When water freezes and expands in a crack, it causes damage to the surrounding building material, making the leak worse. Dealing with these issues before freezing temperatures ensue, will make for a smoother winter season.
Once the season is upon us, taking measures to clear accumulated snow on the roof is key. If allowed to build up, excess weight could cause structural damage or ice dams to form. Paying attention to these issues can avoid gutter blockages and problems. Clear gutters allow melting snow and ice to flow freely and run off.
Secret 2 - Walkways and entrances
Each year, more than 800,000 people are hospitalized due to a fall injury. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), keeps yearly statistics on injuries. CDC statistics indicate that the medical cost for these fall injuries top out at $34 billion every year, with hospital costs amounting to two-thirds of the total.
You are the one who must act quickly and responsibly to ensure the safety of your customers, staff, crew, and tenants when Mother Nature brings black ice, freezing temperatures, snow, and high winds.
Have you stocked up on shovels, salt, de-icers, and sand? Have you recently serviced your snow removal equipment? Create a plan to remove hazardous snow piles and drifts. You will not only promote employee and visitor safety but also help to prevent lawsuits from accidents.
Secret 3 - Filters and HVAC
How is your heating system working? The colder it gets outside, the harder your HVAC system is pushing itself. If not cleaned and maintained properly, you may experience increased energy bills. Inspect all vents for cracks and inefficiencies in the heating system.
Air filters are typically replaced every 3 months. Depending on your building’s purpose that interval may be different. Retail strip centers, for example, should change air filters every 3 to 4 months. However, restaurants require a filter change every 4 to 8 weeks. Industrial facilities, depending on usage, may need an air filter change even more frequently.
Bonus Secret 4 - Walk-Off Mats
During the winter, walk-off mats offer critical protection to one of your most expensive investments, your flooring.
The largest surface area at every workplace is the floor. Here are 4 myths about flooring.
It may be luxury vinyl tile, hardwood, wide planks, or laminate. No matter what type of commercial flooring you have, it is not cheap to purchase, install or replace. Salt, sand, and other winter debris are tracked across your flooring every winter season. Extending the life of flooring is a common goal. To do that, commercial floor cleaners are called in for daily care, periodic strip and wax, or deep cleaning.
Lacking janitorial staffing
Concerned about a staffing shortage and whether you are using the right cleaning service for your workplace? It's not too late to find the perfect janitorial team that will keep your workplace clean and safe. Look for solid custodian referrals and consult with System4 IPS.
Which custodian or janitorial team is best for you? System4 IPS specializes in creating customized janitorial programs that meet the unique need of businesses like yours!
If your workplace experiences a singular COVID-19 positive case or outbreak, call System4 IPS and schedule your disinfection service today. Our professional team listens to your needs, requirements, and timing. See our many satisfied customer testimonials and public Google ratings.
