Commercial Business Tips for Structure Winterization

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is coming. And with it, the risk of damage to your commercial structure due to the freezing temperatures. When most people think of cold weather damage, burst pipes and collapsing roofs come to mind, especially here in Central Oregon. But costly damage can occur in other ways as well. Cold weather can cause fire prevention systems to malfunction, resulting in an inability to protect your structure in the event of a fire.

Instead of waiting for the damage to happen to your roof, pipes, or waterline, use the fall months to prepare your business for the inevitable cold temperatures that are to come.

Here are 13 tips that you can implement now to help your business survive the winter without damage and costly repairs. 

1. Insulate water supply pipes that run through unheated spaces, such as mechanical rooms, exterior walls, and even attics. 
2. Inspect water pipes quarterly for small leaks and corrosion. Taking the time to do this every three months will allow you to identify and correct any areas that need attention. 
3. Ensure water shutoff valves are working correctly to protect your structure from a flood. 
4. Keep thermostats set to 55ºF when the structure is unoccupied to prevent frozen pipes and subsequent water damage. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when the building is not in use.
5. Water temperature should be no less than 42ºF. 
6. Keep utilities on in any vacant units. 
7. Set faucets to have a slow drip to relieve any pressure in pipes that can result in them bursting.
8. Install a leak detection system so you can be made aware of any leaks before they become a significant and costly problem. 
9. Clear your roof of debris, leaves, and dirt, which can prevent gutters and downspouts from draining, resulting in ice dams and heavy snow buildup. 
10. Inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure they are properly fastened to your building. 
11. Have your boiler, furnace, and heaters serviced regularly.
12. Ensure your fire pump room does not drop below 70ºF. 
13. Mark sprinkler control valves so they are easily located in the event of a heavy snowfall. 

In the event of an emergency, we are here to help 24/7 at 541-385-7044. For more commercial safety and damage prevention tips, check out our blog here.