Maintenance issues in winter are always more expensive. Frozen pipes, leaking roofs, and broken heating systems cost thousands to fix. Fortunately, spending a few hours now on pre-winter prep keeps your buildings running smoothly, avoids those late-night emergency calls, and keeps your residents happy once the temperatures drop. Here's where to start before winter arrives:

  • Inspect Heating Systems: Get ahead of the first cold snap by having your HVAC systems inspected now. Swap out filters, look for leaks, and make sure every thermostat is working the way it should. Catching small issues in the fall is far cheaper than scrambling to fix a no-heat call in the middle of January.
  • Check Plumbing And Insulate Pipes: Inspect exposed pipes and insulate where needed, especially in unheated areas like basements or mechanical rooms. Make sure outdoor spigots are shut off and drained to prevent freezing and burst pipes.
  • Clean Gutters And Downspouts: Leaves and debris left in gutters can cause water backup and ice dams. Clear everything out so melting snow drains properly and doesn't damage roofs or siding.
  • Check Carbon Monoxide And Smoke Detectors: During winter, with heaters running and windows closed, CO incidents are most common. Test every detector, replace batteries, and make sure you have enough devices for code compliance.
  • Seal Windows And Doors: Walk the grounds and look for gaps or drafts. Replace worn weatherstripping. Caulk around windows and doors to keep heat in and energy costs down.
  • Prep Snow And Ice Equipment: Don't wait until the first storm to find out the snowblower won't start. Test equipment, stock up on ice melt, and confirm your snow removal contractor is scheduled and ready.
  • Review Emergency Plans: Make sure your team knows who to call for after-hours issues and that emergency contact lists are updated. Consider sending residents a quick communication about how to report emergencies during severe weather.
  • Inspect Roofs And Flashing: Look for missing shingles or loose flashing that could turn into leaks once snow and ice build up. Addressing roof issues early prevents costly water damage later.
  • Service Water Heaters: Flush sediment from water heaters to reduce the risk of failure.
  • Trim Trees And Shrubs: Cut back branches near buildings, power lines, and walkways. Snow can weigh them down and cause breakage that leads to damage or safety hazards.
  • Check Exterior Lighting: Days are shorter in winter, and good lighting keeps residents safe. Replace burned-out bulbs and make sure walkways, parking areas, and entrances are well-lit.
  • Inspect Insulation In Attics And Crawl Spaces: Make sure insulation is intact and adequate. Proper insulation prevents heat loss, reduces energy costs, and helps avoid ice dams.
  • Stock Emergency Supplies: Have flashlights, batteries, and blankets available for staff in case of outages, and confirm that common area emergency kits are stocked.

With the right maintenance plan and training before the first freeze, you keep emergencies to a minimum and protect your bottom line.

Looking to plan ahead year-round? We work with managers to build seasonal maintenance calendars that prevent emergencies and keep operations running smoothly. Let's talk about creating a plan that saves time and money all year long. Contact Occupancy Solutions to get started.