What Commercial Property Managers Should Do Before Winter
Whether you’re new to commercial property management, or double-checking your property’s preparedness before the first big winter weather event, we’ve got you covered with this seasonal to-do list. No matter what part of Canada you live in, weather fluctuations are going to happen. Rather than get caught off guard, be sure to check your winter maintenance plan against these tips. Here are your top to-dos to attend to.
Groundskeeping
With less daylight at this time of year, it’s especially relevant that walkways and parking lots are well lit. Help maximize visibility by updating signage, lighting, and pavement markings. Deal with potential outdoor hazards including broken branches, or any trees with rot (they may be unable to withstand the weight of snow and ice). If a visual inspection reveals tree limbs that are dangerously near power lines,we’d be happy to help you safely handle treecare.
Snow Removal
When it comes to keeping your properties safe and easy to navigate, we recommend putting a detailed snow/ice removal plan in place. Hiring a professional team will save you significant time and worry. Ultimately, having a reliable service provider isn’t just a matter of convenience– it’s a question of safety, liability, and avoiding potentially costly fines. Many Canadian city bylaws mandate that sidewalks and pathways be cleared of snow within 24 or less of it hitting the ground. If you don’t have a winterization plan in place for your property yet, get in touch with us about snow and ice removal, today.
Heating Systems
There’s nothing worse than going without heat in the middle of a sudden storm. Keep your tenants satisfied and warm by running well-maintained HVAC systems. Depending on the size of your team, it may make sense to hire an outside professional to inspect the wiring, replace filters, and recommend energy efficient upgrades to save you money in the long run.
Pipes
Frozen pipes, burst pipes, and flooding are among some of most headache-inducing tenant troubles that can crop up in the dead of winter. Fortunately, ensuring that your property’s pipes are properly insulated and leak- free are excellent, low-cost measures that go a long way. Insulation should be thoroughly inspected for cracks and other wear and tear. Some plumbing companies even offer camera inspections. Rather than trying to detect issues with the naked eye, it’s more reliable to send a waterproof camera into the plumbing system. This can help head off nasty surprises, ranging from pest problems to sewage backups.
Roofing
Much like a sudden plumbing problem, a leaky roof is something to avoid at all costs. Experts at Buildings.com suggest that regular roof inspections can save up to 45% in long term repair and replacement costs–quite substantial. Unless you have a specialist on your team, we recommend leaving roof inspections to a qualified professional.
Irrigation Systems
Extend the life of your sprinkler system, and make sure it’s in perfect working order when spring arrives. Have the system professionally inspected and shut down for the season.One essential part of winterizing includes draining the system and using compressed air to blow out any remaining water. This goes a long way towards reducing the risk of a burst pipe. Since these systems are engineered with complex sensors, it’s best to always leave this job to a trained technician.We’d be happy to assist you.
