November 2022
Preparing Your Commercial Facility for Winter
Cold temperatures and winter weather are upon us. Now is the perfect time to start preparing your commercial facility for the cold winter months ahead. Give your building a thorough once-over to ensure it is ready for winter. Tackle anything you can now to prevent issues and worries when the weather turns.
Every commercial building will have its own set of special needs for winter preparations. Here are a few tips to consider when preparing your facility for winter:
HVAC
Keep up with routine, preventative maintenance to ensure your system is operating efficiently and effectively. Change air filters on schedule, check that exhaust gases are properly ventilated and look for any broken pieces or cracks that need repair. Cover or store air conditioning units that go unused during this season.
Insulation
Take care to ensure all spots in your facility are properly and adequately insulated for significant energy cost savings and optimal protection and comfort from the cold.
Roofing
Inspect the roof for any unknown potential issues or damage that could lead to leaks from snow or ice melting, or be impacted from other winter elements. Confirm the structure is stable enough to hold potential heavy snow and ice. Inspect gutters and double check they are properly secured to your building.
Plumbing
Winter weather elements put pipes at risk of freezing or bursting and can lead to costly water damage in commercial buildings. Make sure any freeze prevention protections are working properly and test for and repair any leaks. It is best to keep interior thermostats set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Air Leaks
Check the building structure for air leaks. Think about having an energy audit performed to discover and address any problem areas that are found. Properly seal windows both inside and out. This will save you on energy costs and help prevent moisture and mold damage from winter weather elements.
Exterior
Take care to evaluate public exterior walkways and repair any cracks or tripping hazards. Daylight hours are significantly less during these cold winter months. Make sure proper lighting is installed throughout the building exterior and all fixtures are working as they should.
Tenants
Check in with your tenants and address any maintenance requests or facility problems. They are your daily eyes and ears on the ground. Encourage them to alert you to any potential issues or concerns they have.
Whether your facility needs routine maintenance, a quick repair or damage clean up, our Service/Small Projects Division is here to meet your needs. When things happen that may impede your operations, we can be on site within hours to stabilize your facility and keep your business open. We manage every aspect of your project, from scheduling to managing multiple subcontractors to coordinating inspections. Like our other teams, this division is staffed with experienced professionals who are committed to completing your job quickly while minimizing disruption to your business.
At Peter Schwabe, Inc., we pride ourselves in taking care of our clients. Our Service Division is dedicated to meeting your urgent needs quickly. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help keep your facility running smoothly. For more information, please contact: Michael Gilbert, Director of Business Development, at 262-352-9786 or mgilbert@pschwabe.com.
Project Profile: AJH Wealth Management
AJH Wealth Management, a financial planning provider located in the Pinnacle I office building in Brookfield, Wisconsin, selected Peter Schwabe, Inc. to complete a remodel of its interior office space. Designed to provide a sophisticated-yet-comfortable environment for clients, this space boasts an updated lobby, office and break room/kitchen with new cabinets and plumbing. Custom, decorative wainscoting in the reception area and new decorative lighting give this office a classic and welcoming feel. This work was completed by Peter Schwabe, Inc.'s Service/Small Projects Division.
