The Cold Season is Coming… Is Your Building Ready?

As the year draws to a close and the weather only gets colder, many businesses shut down for the holidays. If your facility is planning to close for a certain period, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive plan ensuring the safety and maintenance of the building during your absence. As a business owner or landlord, you wouldn’t want to be contacted during your peaceful holidays. 

To provide you with peace of mind, we have compiled a list of essential items to prioritize for the upcoming holiday season. Follow along with our Commercial Maintenance Checklist. 

1. Implement a Freeze Protection Plan

The freezing of pipes, irrigation systems, tanks, or other equipment can pose significant challenges for your commercial building. To mitigate these risks, implement a robust freeze protection plan that encompasses thorough inspections, preventive maintenance, and timely repairs well in advance of the onset of cold weather. It is important to ensure that your equipment is adequately insulated and safeguarded to withstand the anticipated drop in temperatures. In extreme cases, when the water freezes, it expands and can split or break pipes. By proactively addressing these measures, you can effectively safeguard your facility against potential damages caused by freezing conditions.

2. Check Weatherstripping and Caulking on all Exterior Doors and Entrances

If it is not already, weatherize your building by weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can seal leaks and airways around movable joints, such as windows or doors. It can prevent water or ice from entering your space. Additionally, it can prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Over time this will save energy on heating and cooling and minimize the risk of any additional harm to your space. 

3. Complete a Boiler Inspection

A boiler inspection can easily prevent major catastrophes from happening. Boilers are the heart of your building as it provides heat to your building. Depending on your boiler, it may also heat your water. As it gets colder, ensuring your building has adequate heating will prevent pipe bursts. 

4. Review and Update Your Emergency Contact List

It is essential to ensure that your emergency contact list is current and up-to-date. This list should encompass all subcontractors who can assist with various facility maintenance matters, along with their emergency or after-hours contact numbers. Verify their holiday schedules to ensure their availability when needed. With a commercial maintenance plan, you can streamline your maintenance needs and provide yourself with peace of mind. 

Get a head start this winter season! At OneContact, we pride ourselves on our round-the-clock availability and expertise, ensuring continuous support. With our extensive experience in managing a diverse range of facility types, we possess the expertise necessary to oversee every aspect of building operations. Our Commercial Maintenance Program can maximize the lifespan of your building and prevent costly repairs from occurring. Take a proactive approach and let us help you take care of your building maintenance needs. Contact us today.