Owning and working in any commercial building or property means you should always take the necessary measures to keep it in its best condition. Winter is one of the most intensive seasons that needs proper measures to be considered. Therefore, property owners should consider adequate winterization measures to prepare their properties for extreme cold temperatures.
Whether dealing with the heating system, frozen pipes, snow and ice buildups, slippery roads, or any other issues that might arise, you must employ the right measures to keep your property safe. This will also help you avoid costly repairs, keep your workers comfortable, and save energy bills despite your above-normal electricity use. Here are 5 tips that you should consider.
Have the Heating Systems Inspected and Repaired
The HVAC system is the most crucial appliance needed to survive winter. Therefore, it’s a no-brainer that it should be in its best condition to keep your commercial building warm throughout the cold season. The best way to check and repair your heating system is to hire a professional HVAC technician.
These experts will look into issues affecting the system’s functionality. This includes cracks in the heat exchangers, the condition of the furnaces, rooftop units, and setting the heaters with the correct pressure. They should also inspect the burners and brush boiler tubes to keep the heater effective.
Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit would help determine whether your commercial building will be energy efficient during winter. A registered energy advisor or auditor should conduct the audit and recommend ways to reduce energy costs while keeping your commercial building comfortable during winter. Some of the things that the auditor will analyze include the building’s insulation level, HVAC condition, and air leaks. Ensure you implement the auditor’s recommendations to keep your property energy efficient over winter.
Properly Insulate the Building
Your energy auditor will most likely recommend insulating your commercial building to prepare for winter. Therefore, look for areas needing additional insulation, especially the ceilings, floors, and walls. You can use blanket-style insulation for beams and joints in the floor and walls or loose fill or foam to insulate hard-to-reach areas. You should also insulate the plumbing pipes to prevent freezing, especially in areas directly exposed to cold.
Prepare the Plumbing for Winter
Your commercial building’s plumbing should also be ready for the bitterly cold winter weather. Otherwise, it may result in expensive damages if you don’t take the necessary protection measures on time. The kind of measures you’ll consider depends on whether it’s outside or inside plumbing. Some of the measures you can take for the outside plumbing include the following:
- Closing all foundation vents with wood blocks
- Caulking the pipes in areas they enter the home
Some of the measures you can use to protect inside plumbing include the following:
- Insulating the pipes in unheated areas such as basement, attic, and crawl spaces
- Leaving the furnace in a low setting if you’ll be staying away from home for a while
Inspect the Roofing
A commercial building roofing can have several undetected issues, such as holes and rusty sheets that must be checked and repaired before winter. Repair or replace any holes it may have to avoid leakages during snow melts. You should also check the seals and flash in areas around the chimney, vents, and pipes to avoid air leaks during winter.
Winterize Your Commercial Building Ready for Winter with Strategic Grounds Management
Failing to prepare your commercial building for winter may result in excessive energy use and costly repair expenses. However, your intention to prepare your property for winter can be more expensive if you hire different experts for every measure you take. This calls for an all-maintenance service provider who can help you implement all your intended winterization measures at go.
For the most trusted full-service commercial maintenance service provider, look no further than Strategic Grounds Management. It doesn’t matter whether you own multiple commercial buildings across your state or all over the county: we are here to serve your needs. Call us today, and let’s help you winterize your commercial property the right way.
