We’re still enjoying summer, but fall is around the corner, and that means being prepared for the winter weather that’s coming. Maintenance managers know that taking a prepared, proactive approach means less hassle, making the most of your time and money, and less risk for unexpected costs and work stoppage.

There are several steps you can take to get a jump-start on the change in seasons and prepare your building and property for the harsh winter weather.

• As the light fades, keep safety and visibility in mind. Adjust the timers for your lighting to come on earlier to accommodate for the shifting daylight. Also, replace any missing bulbs in stairwells, parking lots, and entrances to ensure maximum visibility and increase safety.
• Check parking lines and signage, repairing and replacing them where necessary to ensure clear directions for snow removal and winter traffic.
• Cleaning eavestroughs and roof drains can help move water away from your building and avoid ponding water on your roof, which can cause damage during winter’s freeze-thaw cycle.
• Protect your pipes and avoid accidental freezing by preparing them early. Wrap exterior pipes to insulate them, remove and store all hoses, and cover faucets to help protect them through the winter.
• If you have sprinklers, get your irrigation system winter-ready by shutting off the water and draining the system. Do this at the end of the season, as watering your lawn is important through the fall.
• Check door, vent, and window seals for drafts or air leakage and re-seal any spots necessary. These tend to be easy fixes you can address with a caulking gun and weather-stripping once you locate the target areas.
• Discourage pests from nesting in your building by sealing any cracks or possible entry points with mesh and foam or caulking.
• While safety is always a concern, fall is a great time to check your fire exits, alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors to ensure that they are in working order for the upcoming season.
• Ensure that your heating system is ready for the drop in temperatures with seasonal maintenance like changing the air filter, cleaning the heat exchange, investing in smart thermometers, and checking for any leaks or cracks that need repairing.
• Protect your landscaping from snow, ice, and wind by wrapping trees and bushes. Using a durable material like burlap allows the tree to breathe while limiting its exposure to the harsh elements. This will keep it healthy and ready for spring.
• Once the leaves fall, rather than raking them or blowing them, leave them to decompose on the lawn over the winter to create a habitat for pollinators, insulate your grass through the season, and provide nutrients for your lawn in the spring.
• Create a strategy for snow removal so you are not scrambling when winter arrives. Stock up on ice melter, check last year’s equipment to ensure it’s still operational, and contract for snow removal if necessary. Watch the weather reports so you are ready for the first snowfall.
• Snow and ice can increase the risk of slipping and falling, so plan to add matting to your entrances to protect your floors and your occupants. Also, consider adding non-slip treatments to indoor and outdoor surfaces for extra protection and stock up on wet floor signage to prepare for winter weather.
• With more required cleaning, staff allocation may need to be adjusted during the winter months. Ensure that you have enough staff to stay on top of wet floors and any snow and ice that get tracked through the building to keep it looking its best.

Getting ahead of the winter weather with a fall maintenance checklist can help you avoid costly surprises and stay prepared for winter’s arrival.