When winter approaches, protecting your commercial property becomes essential to keep your business running smoothly. The financial impact of neglecting winter preparation can be severe, from burst pipes causing thousands of pounds in water damage to heating system failures resulting in lost revenue and uncomfortable working conditions. With this in mind, this practical guide will help you take control of your winter readiness rather than leaving anything to chance.
Essential infrastructure and utility checks
Heating is the cornerstone of your winter operations, so now is the time to schedule a service well before peak demand begins. This gives you time to address any issues before they become urgent. You’ll want to check all radiators are heating evenly, thermostats are responding efficiently, and vents aren’t obstructed. Professional maintenance is vital for
commercial heating systems, even more so than in residential properties, because they’re more complex in nature.
Just as important is the plumbing system. Insulate any exposed pipes in unheated areas like lofts, basements, storage rooms, and loading bays, checking behind suspended ceilings where pipework can be neglected. Even a single burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage to stock, equipment, and building fabric, so it’s time and money well spent. You also want to take the time to locate your main water shut off valve in the event of an emergency.
Your roof and drainage systems face significant stress during the winter months. Inspect the roof thoroughly for loose or damaged tiles, cracks in flat roofing materials, or any signs of potential leaks so they can be repaired as soon as possible. Remember that even small issues now can become dramatically worse under
freeze-thaw cycles. Clear all gutters of leaves, debris too, as blocked drains can cause serious structural damage and interior flooding.
Checking the building envelope
The integrity of the building envelope directly affects heating costs and comfort levels for your staff and customers. First, examine all windows and doors for gaps and draughts, checking seals, weather stripping, and caulking around the frames. Even small gaps allow for a surprising amount of heat loss. You also need to ensure all the windows close properly and that exterior doors seal completely when shut. These simple checks can reduce heating bills substantially while improving working conditions for your team.
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can neglect ventilation. Use this time to replace or professionally clean air filters in your HVAC systems to maximise their performance and prevent the system working harder than necessary.
Exterior safety and grounds maintenance
Another key winterisation task is to develop a comprehensive snow and ice management plan, before the first frost arrives. Make sure you have an adequate supply of salt, grit, and sand, as these become scarce during severe weather, and identify high-risk areas like slopes, main entrances, disabled access routes, and loading bays for immediate treatment when the weather turns. You also want to survey the
surrounding grounds for potential hazards, trimming back weakened tree branches that could break under the weight of ice or snow.
Planning and Preparation
While taking care of the physical aspects of your business is very important at this time of year, it’s equally important not to neglect the administrative and legal elements of your winter readiness.
Review insurance cover
A vital starting point is to review your commercial property insurance policy, checking carefully that you have adequate coverage for the common winter damages and any business interruption. Understanding your deductibles and claims process before you need to make a claim, will also speed your business recovery when necessary.
Establish maintenance logs
An important element of your winterisation efforts involves the regular maintenance and documentation of your commercial property inspections throughout the year. Log the dates of service for your heating systems, roof inspections, and gutter clearances, and ensure they are scheduled in advance of seasonal weather disruption. This documentation will also prove invaluable for insurance claims and proving due diligence.
Develop contingency and communication plans
Ensure all key personnel know the location of your main water shut off valve, and where the main electrical consumer unit is housed. Maintain a strong internal communication chain to ensure you are able to notify employees and customers of any unexpected closures due to weather damage or utility failures.
By pairing robust physical preparations with administrative readiness, you will have a much sturdier shield against winter disruption, allowing you to safeguard your business operations safely and confidently throughout the winter months.
[Image source:
Deposit photos]
Guest contributor
