…with the spectre of overflowing gutters, burst pipes and a host of other issues likely to make anyone responsible for managing a commercial building want to turn their phone off until spring.
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst is good advice – maintenance issues likely to cause the biggest headaches can be headed off now before the worst of the weather arrives. We can help you get ahead and get your buildings winter ready before the rush:
- Clearing and repairing gutters and gulleys to prevent overflowing and damp.
- Inspecting joints and roofs and carrying out repairs to prevent potential leaks.
- Repairing cracks in stonework and render to prevent leaks damp and the potential for falling masonry.
We have prepared a Get Ready for Winter checklist.
Get Ready for Winter Checklist:
Heating – Check that boilers has been recently serviced and that every radiator (some may need bleeding) or storage heater is working.
Water pipes – If the property has water pipes that are exposed to extreme temperatures because they’re outside or the building isn’t heated, they need to be insulated. If the building is vacant or extreme weather is forecast, consider turning off the water at the mains and draining them.
Gutters and gullies – Neglected, blocked gutters will eventually cause water unable to drain away from the building to find another outlet – that’s usually the start of water ingress. A pre-emptive gutter clearance now, most of the leaves have fallen will significantly reduce the risks a blocked gutter carries. Similarly, soggy leaves that are left to swell in the gullies are going to eventually cause problems, from flooding (and potentially freezing causing a hazard) to the erosion of the ground where the water is allowed to gather. A good ground leaf clearance is vital if you wish to avoid the pitfalls of flooded car parks and other outside areas.
Roofs and balconies – Standing water on flat roofs and balconies will find its way through any cracks and cause lasting damage, while strong winds and driving rain will find any weakness in tiled roofs and cause problems internally. Carrying out repairs before the worst weather arrives could prevent a remedial work later.
Electrics – With short dark days approaching be sure that your electrical systems are reliable. If you haven’t had a recent periodic inspection, now is the time to book it in. It may also be a good time to think about switching to LED lights and PIR sensors, if you haven’t already, to benefit from potential cost savings it offers and do your bit for the environment! As part of this, ensure that you have sufficient external lighting for people to access the building and parking areas safely in the dark.
External cracks – During the winter, water can get into cracks in render and brickwork, freeze and expand causing damage to the surface increasing rise of falling masonry and potentially damp inside the building. Preventative maintenance now could save bigger issues later on.
Boundary fencing and walls – it is worth checking for loose brickwork and rotten posts now and making remedial repairs in order to avoid safety and security issues. Should boundary walls or fences be blown over during the winter months. Consider your security as well health & safety.
Pigeons and seagulls – Commercial buildings often offer perfect nesting sites for pigeons in the winter months. Pigeon droppings (pigeon guano) are unsightly and a health hazard, and it will not make your tenants or their visitors happy to receive a pigeon present on their heads (however lucky it is supposed to be!). They can be humanely deterred from gathering on ledges etc. using methods which are easy to install and require little maintenance. Seagulls are a similar menace but can be deterred from nesting with netting.
Snow and Ice plan – If there’s a big freeze and steps, paths and car parks become icy is there a salt bin at your property and has it been replenished for the winter? Do you have contractors on call, ready to clear snow and ice if necessary?
Preparing for winter is essential if you want to keep your building and the people in it happy. Having a Darenth Valley Facilities Maintenance (Planned Preventative Maintenance) Agreement will ensure that your building is happy and ready for every season’s challenges and give you the peace of mind that if emergency maintenance is required you can call on us 24/7 and we will resolve it.
For advice about preparing your building for winter or putting a PPM contract in place contact Alex Tait our Business Development Manager.