It may seem early but when it comes to preparing for the winter months ahead, it pays to be ahead of the game. Now is the time to check your building to ensure you do not incur any emergency callout spend and can keep on top of those energy bills.
Here’s a handy step-by-step guide to help you get ready for winter:
Step by step guide
Inspect your building and plant
- Building Inspection – visually inspect your building and roof for any damage or potential leaks. It is important to address any issues promptly to prevent water damage from rain, or even melting snow and ice when typically the problem will be more costly to solve. Throughout the winter, continue to conduct regular inspections to address any issues promptly and keep the property safe and functional.
- Gutter cleaning – Clean out your gutters and downpipes to ensure effective drainage. Clogged gutters from leaves and dirt can lead to blockages, ice dams and expensive water damage.
- Plant maintenance – Schedule maintenance for the heating, ventilation, and any air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure they are working efficiently during the winter months. Don’t forget to test the heating system in advance of it being needed to make sure it’s functioning correctly. If your property has an emergency power generator, check that it is in good working order so you are ready in the event of any power outage.
- Piping and plumbing – Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursts, as well as checking existing lagging and ducting. Know the location of shut-off valves and teach staff how to use them in case of emergencies.
Prepare your external spaces
- Winter Landscaping – It is important to trim nearby trees and branches that may be susceptible to breaking under the weight of ice or snow or are at risk from falling in high winds. Remove dead plants and leaves from the property which can be a slip hazard.
- Security – Check the security system, including cameras and alarms, to ensure they are working correctly. Increased darkness in winter can lead to security concerns.
- Salt and De-icing Materials – Be sure to stock up on salt and de-icing materials to keep pathways and parking spaces safe. Ensure easy access to these materials for maintenance staff.
Know what to do in the event of an emergency
- Emergency Equipment – Check that emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency lighting are in good order and easily accessible.
- Emergency Procedures – Review and update emergency procedures for potential winter weather events. These should include: evacuation plans; communication protocols to update staff and any tenants in the building; as well as an emergency contact list. This should include: utility providers, maintenance contractors, and local emergency services.
… And finally, check your insurance
- Insurance Review – Finally, if the worst does happen be sure to have reviewed your building insurance policy to ensure it covers winter-related damages to the required level of cover, updating it if necessary.
OJM Insulations – Expert help.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that your commercial property is well-prepared for winter, reducing the risk of damage, ensuring the safety of occupants, and maintaining the property’s value. At OJM Insulations we are happy to provide expert advice in the area of insulation. We can inspect ducting and pipework insulation, as well as undertake any preventative maintenance to ensure you are well prepared for whatever the UK winter brings! Contact us to find out more.