Preparing for the Winter Months:
Top Building Exterior Winterizing Tips!
Winterizing buildings is vital to facility maintenance management for the winter months. From ensuring roofs are in good condition to cleaning out gutters and checking for drafts, there are many steps to take to make sure exterior buildings are correctly prepared for the cold season. To help facility maintenance managers on their winterizing journey, we’ve compiled a list of top tips and tricks to ensure buildings are winterized to the highest standard. Read on to learn more!
Why Winterizing Your Building is Essential
Why is it so essential?
Failing to prepare for the cold months adequately can lead to many issues that can disrupt daily operations and cost your organization significant amounts of time and money.
First and foremost, winterizing your building is vital for protecting the property’s structural integrity. Freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on buildings, causing cracks, leaks, and even collapsing roofs. By taking preventative measures, such as insulating pipes and sealing gaps, you can minimize the risk of these structural damages and ensure the safety of everyone inside.
In addition to structural damage, failing to winterize can lead to plumbing issues. Frozen pipes are a common problem during winter, and they can burst, causing extensive water damage and costly repairs. You can avoid this headache by properly insulating pipes and maintaining consistent heating.
Furthermore, winterizing your building is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and productive environment for occupants. An inadequate HVAC system or drafty windows can result in chilly indoor temperatures, which can negatively impact employee morale, productivity, and overall satisfaction.
Prevent Leaks & Drafts:
Check Windows and Gutters
At To ensure your building is properly prepared for the winter months, it’s important to check windows and gutters before the cold weather arrives. Long periods of rain during the fall season can lead to leaking window frames or make cracks in double glazing worse. By inspecting your windows, you can identify any areas needing to be sealed or repaired, preventing drafts and water leaks.
In addition, it’s crucial to check and clear your gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris before winter storms hit. Blocked gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging your building’s foundation and walls. Regularly cleaning your gutters throughout the winter season will help ensure that they remain clear and prevent blockage from snow and ice.
By checking your windows and clearing your gutters, you can address potential issues before they escalate, protecting your building and ensuring a comfortable environment for occupants.
Prevent Burst Pipes & Water Damage:
Insulate and Shut Off Exterior Plumbing
As winter approaches, one area that facility maintenance managers cannot afford to overlook is the building’s plumbing system. Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes, leading to burst pipes and extensive water damage. To prevent costly and disruptive issues, preparing your building’s plumbing for the winter months is crucial.
First and foremost, ensure that all exposed pipes are properly insulated. Pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap around these pipes, providing a protective barrier against the cold.
Next, make sure to locate and shut off any exterior water sources, such as outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. Disconnect and drain garden hoses; leaving them attached can cause water to freeze and back into the plumbing system.
Regularly check for any leaks or drips in the plumbing system. Even a tiny leak can worsen during freezing temperatures and result in significant damage. Repair any leaks promptly to prevent further issues.
Lastly, maintain consistent heating throughout the building, including in areas with plumbing. Keeping the indoor temperature above freezing will help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
By preparing your building’s plumbing for winter, you can avoid costly repairs, water damage, and disruptions to your facility.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – start winterizing your building’s plumbing today!
Prevent Roof Leaks:
Repair, Insulate, and Ventilate
Ice dams and roof leaks can cause significant damage to your building during the winter months. Ice dams occur when heat from inside the building escapes through the roof and melts snow, which then refreezes at the edges, forming a dam. As this process repeats, water can seep under shingles and into the building, leading to leaks and water damage.
To prevent ice dams and roof leaks, you can take several key steps. First, ensure that your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. Adequate insulation will help to keep heat inside the building, preventing it from escaping to the roof. Proper ventilation allows cold air to circulate, keeping the roof surface cold and reducing the likelihood of snow melting and refreezing.
More significant buildings might want to consider installing heat cables along the edges of their roof. These cables generate enough heat to melt snow and ice, preventing the formation of ice dams. However, installing them correctly and following the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial to ensure safe and effective use.
Lastly, regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage or wear. Replace missing or damaged shingles, and check for any areas where water may be able to penetrate. Promptly address any issues to prevent leaks and minimize potential damage.
Keep Warm & Healthy:
HVAC Inspections, Repairs, and Filter Replacements
Winterizing your building is only complete by ensuring that your HVAC system is ready for the colder months. Checking and preparing your HVAC system in the fall is essential for maintaining a comfortable and efficient environment during the winter season. So why is it so important to have a winter-ready HVAC system? Let’s dive in.
Fall is the ideal time to repair and update your HVAC system. The temperatures are still relatively mild, and the costs for maintenance and repairs are reasonable. By addressing any issues or inefficiencies now, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs when you need your HVAC system the most.
Start by checking and replacing filters as needed. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce the system’s efficiency. By replacing filters regularly, you can ensure that your HVAC system is operating at its best.
Next, inspect thermostats, temperature controls, air vents, blowers, and hoses for any signs of damage or wear. Replace any faulty components to maintain proper functioning and prevent system breakdowns.
Testing humidity and temperature controls are also crucial. Improper humidity levels can lead to discomfort and potential mold growth, while incorrect temperature controls can result in uneven heating throughout your building.
In the era of COVID-19, it’s essential to take additional measures to improve indoor air quality. Consider upgrading to more efficient filters that can help reduce the amount of airborne viruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Don’t forget about your ductwork. Over time, dust, debris, and mold spores can accumulate in your ducts, compromising indoor air quality. Cleaning your ducts before winter will help ensure clean and healthy air for occupants.
For added protection against airborne viral particles, consider installing a UV sanitizer in your HVAC system. UV sanitizers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses, helping to create a safer indoor environment.
By taking these steps to ensure your HVAC system is winter-ready, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient winter season. Don’t neglect this vital aspect of winterizing your building, and prioritize the maintenance of your HVAC system.
Building Exterior Winterizing Checklist For Facility Managers
Now that we’ve covered the importance of winterizing your building and provided tips for protecting your property let’s dive into an exterior maintenance checklist for facility maintenance managers. This checklist will help ensure that you cover all the necessary tasks to prepare your building for the winter months.
- Seal cracks and gaps: Thoroughly inspect the walls, windows, and doors for any openings that may allow cold air and moisture to seep in. Use weatherstripping or caulking to create a tight barrier against the elements.
- Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts: Remove any debris, such as leaves and twigs, to prevent water overflow and potential ice dam formation.
- Insulate pipes: Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to wrap around these pipes and prevent freezing.
- Locate and shut off any exterior water sources: Locate outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems and shut off the main water source. Disconnect and drain garden hoses; leaving them attached can cause water to freeze and back into the plumbing system.
- Check and repair the roof: Look for any signs of damage, missing or broken shingles, and areas where water might accumulate. Promptly address any issues to prevent leaks and structural damage.
- Service and maintain HVAC system: Schedule regular maintenance, including filter changes and inspection of ductwork, to ensure efficient heating and minimize the risk of breakdowns.
Call Us Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a consultation today, and let us show you how we can save you time and money while ensuring the safety and comfort of your occupants. We look forward to working with you!
Feel free to call us at (855) 347-1613 and speak to one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.
Read more about Winterizing Your Building here:
Why Commercial Drain Cleaning Is Important During Winter
Preparing your Building for Snow and Ice
Four tips on how to get your Business Ready for Fall with Routine Maintenance