Tips for Seasonal Maintenance

Maintenance Tips for Fall

• Check gutters and downspouts. Remove dirt and debris to ensure proper drainage of water away from the building to prevent damage. Also, ensure gutters and downspouts are securely attached to the building for proper function.
• Inspect the HVAC system. It’s best to make sure the heating system is in working order before the first cold snap. Utilizing a professional will ensure filters are cleaned, supply registers are adjusted and thermostats are calibrated for optimal performance – further decreasing your risk of malfunction or costly repairs.
• Check water pipes. Exposed water pipes should be checked regularly for leaks, but fall is also a good time to make sure the insulation is prepared for colder weather to prevent frozen and burst pipes in the winter.
• Assess landscape needs. Fall is a good time to inspect the landscape for dead trees or shrubs and also limbs that could be a fall hazard. Proper removal will prevent any property damage or safety concerns and also give you a head start on planning your spring planting requirements. A fresh layer of pine straw or mulch will spruce up your property and help insulate the plants for winter.
• Inspect your roof. Clean out roof drains. Inspect skylights and other penetrations/openings. Ensure that equipment is functioning properly to prolong the life of your roof.

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Maintenance Tips for Winter

• Prepare for snow-related closures.
  • Be sure to inform customers in advance and check listed hours online if they change during holidays or inclement weather.
  • If a space is unused or closed for several days, or longer, think about shutting down any office equipment that is not being used.
  • Secure the building and set alarms if anticipating closures.
  • Set wooden stakes near curbs around parking lots to set a visual guide for plows before it snows.
• Protect your property against freezing.
  • When a building in unoccupied the thermostats should be maintained at a minimum of 55° F.
  • Open utility room doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures in order to help prevent against freezing.
  • Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas, such as crawl spaces, attics and basements, with insulated sleeves or wrapping.
• Ready the roof before snowfall.
  • Safely clear your roof before winter hits. Debris, dirt, and leaves can block gutters and downspouts, leading to heavy snow build-up and damaging ice dams.
  • Check to make sure gutters and downspouts are secure and will not break away from the building.
  • In extreme weather, consider having a professional remove excess snow to prevent excessive loads on the roof that could result in structural failure.
• Decorate for the holidays safely.
  • Be aware that some decorations should be kept away from heat, ignition sources, or open flame as they can be flammable and/or combustible.
  • Use battery-operated candles instead of real flames.
  • Do not cover emergency exits, fire extinguishers, or alarms with decorations.
  • Do not hang decorations from fire sprinklers.
  • Use ladders and extension cords safely.
• Winterize your building with these products.
  • Air conditioning covers will help prevent cold air from entering air intakes.
  • Rubber, plastic, or foam weather strips can help seal windows.
  • Draft blockers can be used where there are large clearances under doors.
  • Programmable thermostats help conserve energy.