One way commercial property is just like residential property is that it has to be properly prepared for the winter months, especially if it is located in an area prone to harsh winters.
Cold temperatures and winter storms can severely damage commercial property, resulting in costly repairs and possible disruption of tenant business or decreases in the property’s value. Even your vacant properties need to be properly winterized to protect your investment and keep it in top condition for showings.
For commercial property owners who need to ensure their stores, offices, and other buildings are protected during the winter months, these commercial property winterization tips can help:
- Even if your property is vacant, keep your heaters on a low setting. Leaving your heater off during the winter months can cause the pipes to freeze and break. A small winter heating bill is a lot less expensive than the cost of repairing broken pipes.
- Check your roof and make sure there are no problems. Winter storms can often loosen tiles or shingles and cause other damage to your roof. Loose or damage shingles can result in leaks that can cause severe damage to your property, including mold damage threatening to human health. If you have roof damage to your commercial property, get in contact with a commercial roof repair company immediately.
- Regularly inspect your property. Catching damage early will allow you to repair it before it worsens and becomes much more expensive. Being on good terms with the neighbors can help, as they can call and alert you if damage has taken place.
- Eliminate drafts. Gaps around windows and doors let cold air into your property during the winter, running up heating bills for your tenants or you if you occupy your commercial property. Making sure all exterior doors and windows have weather stripping and caulking, and sealing gaps can help eliminate energy-wasting gaps.
- Shut down irrigation systems. If your commercial property has sprinklers, you’ll need to properly winterize them to ensure damage doesn’t occur during the winter. Drain the irrigation system of water and shut down the control box until spring arrives.
- Clean your gutters. Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and other debris that may have fallen during the autumn months. Clogged gutters can lead to water accumulating on your roof, which can cause leaks and expensive water damage.
- If your commercial property has a parking lot, head off accidents by keeping it clear of snow, and sprinkle salt or other material on it to increase vehicle traction and prevent accidents. A clear, safe parking lot is more appealing to customers and potential tenants.
Pfister Roofing is a family-owned roofing business specializing in commercial roofing and roofing renovation for churches and historic buildings. For roofing projects that require a high level of skill and planning, Pfister Roofing is the choice generations of customers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut have trusted.