FEATURE ICE SEE TROUBLE AHEAD
Pete Zorgenlos, Head of Product Development at New Pig, shares his expert advice on preparing facilities for cold weather and avoiding costly maintenance mistakes this season.
Winter is coming, and for facilities managers, it’s anything but picturesque. The first snow or frost may look magical, but for those responsible for keeping facilities safe and operational, it’s a reminder that preparation is critical.
While many focus on reactive tasks - such as clearing walkways or stocking grit - truly safeguarding a facility through the cold requires a proactive, strategic approach. The season’s snow and ice can wreak havoc on commercial buildings, but many of the biggest hazards remain hidden until the thaw.
Outdoor areas Salt, ice melt, and aggregate can help prevent slips and falls on icy pavements. Sweeping footpaths and car parks afterward further reduces risk. However, if not managed correctly, the same products that mitigate winter’s worst can also create physical hazards and environmental issues. FM teams should collect and dispose of excess salt properly to protect against contamination of streams and other nearby bodies of water.
Winter also exposes cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces that can cause tripping injuries. Teams performing snow clearance should monitor surfaces and address hazards promptly. Patching products can fill everything from hairline cracks to burst pipes, but cure times should be considered carefully to ensure they are practical for the area being repaired.
Safer entrances As the first point of contact for staff and visitors, entrances are particularly vulnerable to winter conditions. Entranceways are often overlooked but can quickly become hazardous during wet and snowy weather. Traditional mats may become saturated, leaving puddles and wet footprints that increase slip risks.
A reliable solution is adhesive-backed floor mats. These tested and proven alternatives stick securely for up to six months and can be cut to fit any entrance. Unlike conventional mats, they can be vacuumed, mopped, or deep cleaned with a floor scrubber, drying quickly and maintaining a safe, dry, and clean surface for staff and visitors alike.
Protecting interiors Heavy snow can compromise the structural integrity of any commercial building if not managed appropriately, straining roofs, causing leaks, and even risking structural collapse. Regular inspections help identify small issues before they escalate, but emergencies can still occur.
In such instances, proper preparation is key. Having an easily accessible stock of leak diverters that can be quickly deployed can help redirect melted snow safely, protecting inventory and reducing hazards for employees and customers.
Burst pipes and ice dams Two common challenges associated with falling
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temperatures and heavy snow are burst pipes and ice dams, both of which pose significant risks to building interiors. Frozen water within pipes can lead to cracking, while ice dams prevent proper gutter drainage, allowing water to seep into cracks and walls.
While it can be difficult to completely prevent these issues, the key is responding quickly and effectively. Delayed action can turn a small problem into flooding, structural damage, costly repairs - and crucially, avoidable downtime.
Super-absorbent materials, such as mats, socks, or spill kits, help contain and clean up water ingress fast. This not only reduces the risk of slips, trips, and property damage but also limits the potential for further costly repairs beyond the initial burst or ingress.
Pipe clamps provide a practical temporary solution for leaking or burst pipes. They fit around the damaged section and hold it closed, stopping leaks immediately. This limits water damage and disruption, allowing the pipe to continue functioning under normal pressure until a permanent repair can be made. Some specialist clamps can even inject freeze spray to maintain an ice plug, further preventing leakage.
When leaks cannot be fully prevented, pipe leak diverters can catch nuisance drips and channel them to a floor drain or collection container, protecting critical equipment, inventory, and personnel.
A safer winter workplace Winter presents unique challenges, but with careful planning, regular inspections, and the right products, facilities managers can prevent accidents, protect property, and keep operations running smoothly. By taking a proactive approach, rather than simply reacting to snow and ice, you’ll be better prepared for whatever the season brings.
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