COVER STORY
SUMMER-READY GROUNDS? TIME FOR WINTER-READY PLANNING
Autumn and winter can punish poorly prepared sites. OUTCO explains what FMs can do in the summer months to get ahead of harsh weather.
During the heat of the summer, it can be hard to think ahead to autumn storms, let alone the rain, ice and snow of winter. This is understandable when the pressures of grounds maintenance across the summer season tend to be focused on keeping fast growing vegetation in check. Yet it’s important to key an eye on the future too. Effective forward planning is crucial for successfully taking on the toughest weather conditions of autumn and winter - and mitigating the risks and liabilities they bring. From car park and drain repairs, tree surveys and establishing clear plans for winter gritting and snow clearance, summer is the ideal time to carry out proactive maintenance to face the months ahead with confidence.
Surfacing, line marking and
pothole repairs Long hours of daylight and better weather mean that the summer is an ideal time to get on top of surface repairs ahead of autumn and winter. Early intervention can also prove cost-effective – for example, identifying and fixing cracks before they develop into bigger potholes during the colder months. Car park maintenance can seem a major project or prohibitively expensive, but keep in mind that 90% of minor potholes can be repaired quite quickly and cost effectively, with minimal disruption. At OUTCO we employ innovative processes such as fixing potholes with Environmental Rubber Polymer Technology (ERPT) where possible, a more sustainable approach that incorporates recycled tyres with a warm mix asphalt. This material can cure in as little as 15 minutes requiring less time on site
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and less cost, making it even more vital to catch surface damage early before it grows more serious.
During the summer holidays when traffic levels are reduced, consider other repair tasks, such as refreshing line marking in car parks, which can help to improve safety and visibility when the darker nights draw in.
Are your drains rainy day-ready? We all know that autumn and winter are far rainier, but the UK’s long term weather trends reveal how dramatic this seasonal shift can be: from 91mm of rainfall in September jumping to a monthly average of around 120mm of rain between October and January. Hence, summer is the ideal time to maintain drainage systems, address flooding issues and to inspect and maintain car parks to catch issues before the onset of heavier rains.
Blocked or poorly maintained drains can cause serious issues, from standing water and surface flooding - potentially causing slips and falls - to structural damage. Leaves, debris, root damage and sediment can accumulate over time – and worsen when summer vegetation is in full bloom - restricting water flow and leading to more significant drainage issues.
To keep drainage systems clear and fully functional, OUTCO can help your organisation undertake proactive drain surveys during the summer months to identify and rectify any hidden problems. This is an investment that pays dividends by preventing the need for more costly repairs. Well-maintained drains can also prove critical
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