Tips for Preparing your Commercial Building for Winter

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare now, and worry less about your property during winter months.

Winter here in Indianapolis can take a significant toll on your commercial building, which is why even though the weather may be decent right now, this is an excellent time to think about preparing your commercial building for winter. But how should you get started? And what areas of your building need special attention concerning winterization? Below, I'll outline several helpful tips to get you on your way.

When prepping your commercial property for the wintry wonderland that will soon be here, it can be helpful to approach it from several perspectives. First, you want to be pro-active and take preventative actions. While warmer weather is here, taking action now can reduce the worry about cold-weather issues like frozen pipes down the road.

Second, you'll want to think about the comfort and safety of your employees, tenants, and customers. And third, you'll want to consider potential energy savings you can capitalize on by addressing the heating and cooling needs unique to each building area. With these three perspectives in mind, it's time to look a little closer at the areas of particular interest when winterizing your commercial building.

Check for Drafts and Air Leaks

Check the structure of your commercial property for leaks, and consider getting an energy audit for your building, which can help find these problem areas. Another way to check for leaks and drafts is to walk around your building and check by using your hand or using a temperature gun to find any cold spots. Once they are identified, seal them up for considerable cost savings and increased comfort for your tenants.

Enough Insulation?

Does your building have sufficient insulation? Take a hard look at all of it to ensure even the more challenging spots are correctly insulated. There are various insulation options to ensure your building gets the best protection from the cold, including blanket-style insulation, rigid insulation, foam insulation, and more.

Roof Inspections

The roof of your commercial building can host many undetected issues, such as holes or damage that can lead to water leaks during winter storms and snowmelt. When inspecting the roof, check all flashing and seals and make sure the structure is sound enough to hold the weight of snow and ice that is sure to come. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, it's best to hire a professional roofing contractor to assist you.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes in Central Indiana are extremely common and cause extensive damage to commercial buildings; inspecting your plumbing now can save you time and trouble come winter. If you have exposed water pipes that aren't as well heated, you may want to insulate the pipes to ensure they don't freeze. Often, frozen pipes are found in warehouses, garages, and near entrances that are continually being opened.

Inspect the HVAC

Last but not least, be sure to prep your HVAC system. A good start is to schedule preventative maintenance and make sure the system is operating correctly and efficiently. Be sure to change out any air filters and check that exhaust gases are being appropriately ventilated.

It is advisable to keep the interior temperature at or above 60 degrees in your business. While this shouldn't be a problem in areas where your employees or customers are usually present, this could be a problem in garages, attics, basements, exterior buildings, storage areas, and warehouses.

Call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West

By following the tips above and keeping an eye on your commercial property, you can significantly reduce the risk of water and mold damage from a burst pipe this winter. If your business should experience water or fire damage, call SERVPRO of Indianapolis West. We are industry leaders in fire and water cleanup and restoration. We have the experience and training to fully restore your property and make it 'Like it never even happened." Click here or call 317-243-3149.