Winterization Checklist for Your Office Building
- Deicers – Stock up on deicers and apply deicers before anticipated storms to keep snow from sticking to the ground by increasing the surface temperatures. Have absorbent floor mats on hand to keep ice residue from being tracked into the building. Remember that wet floors are hazardous.
- Snow removal – Have a snow removal plan in place, including clearing walkways and parking lots. Have a designated place to store excess snow that is removed. Identify proper equipment that will be needed along with a snow removal contractor to call.
- HVAC system – Schedule your HVAC preventive maintenance service and replace, repair or upgrade your HVAC system as needed to ensure it can handle the increased demand during winter storms and cold weather. Make sure filters are clean or replaced as needed. Optimizing HVAC equipment performance with inspections and maintenance will help to lower energy costs and ensure tenants are kept warm.
- Air leaks – Check for drafts, leaks and wall cracks where heated air can escape the building. Seal air leaks; caulk and weather-strip all openings to exterior windows and doors. Check ducts and pipes for leaks. Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing. Check insulation levels in walls and ceilings to ensure indoor spaces can be kept warm.
- Company data – With potential outages, make sure company and customer data is protected and backed-up and that your back-up system is working properly.
- Gas lines – If using gas heat, check gas lines and gas line connections for corrosion to determine if they need to be replaced, as if gas stops flowing then the facility will not have heat.
- Ice Buildup – Monitor outside sidewalks, exits, entrances, parking lots, pathways and gutters to prevent ice buildup.
- Indoor Air Quality – Ensure furnaces, filters and ducts are clean and monitor and maintain on an ongoing basis. Check for proper insulation. Water seepage in walls can result in mildew and molds, negatively impacting air quality. Check for adequate ventilation and dry areas where moisture has collected.
- Roofs and gutters – Inspect roofs and gutters and clean debris, leaves, sticks, etc. from roofs and gutters so they are clear and can drain properly. Run tests to ensure water does not back up in gutters and downspouts. Identify areas where water, ice or snow may accumulate. Melting snow or ice that stays on the roof can leak into your building; the weight of the snow can impact the roof’s structural integrity.
- Power outages – Check that surge protectors are properly installed in offices and that generators will be operational when needed to supply power to critical systems.
It’s a good investment to implement these preventive measures to avoid problems and ensure your tenants are safe and comfortable. Plan ahead and follow these weatherization tips for your building so your facility will operate smoothly throughout the chilly winter season.
Crockett Facilities Services is here to help you survive the winter months!
To learn more about winter weather maintenance and how you can improve the performance of your commercial heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with preventive maintenance, please contact Crockett Facilities Services, an award-winning mechanical contractor in the Maryland, Virginia and DC area. By signing an annual preventive maintenance agreement, you will receive priority emergency service to ensure your facility is always up and running and your tenants are comfortable. To get a cost quote or an HVAC system evaluation, please call us at 202.600.2787, complete an online quote form, or email sales@crockett-facilities.com. Even if you have an in-house maintenance or engineering team, we can supplement your maintenance needs by helping you with your HVAC repairs, installations and retrofits.
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