WINTER MAINTENANCE
PREVENTING PROPERTY DAMAGE
Property maintenance providers MSL Ltd share their top tips to protect your premises ahead of the winter months.
Whilst we may be able to protect ourselves from the freezing winter temperatures by wrapping up, our properties are not so lucky. Winter is often the peak season for buildings to experience damage. The best way to ensure that your business is protected from any winter- related issues is to set out preventative measures.
Pipes During the cold months, the pipework in your property can be vulnerable. The water inside may freeze, causing the pipes to burst, which can cause huge damage and costs to your business. To prevent this happening, you should use insulation sleeves to cover your external pipes, this will keep the cold out. Also be sure to repair dripping taps and faulty valve balls immediately, as they can cause waste pipes to freeze.
You should try and keep the temperature in your building above four degrees. Whilst it may seem sensible to turn the heating off whilst your business is closed e.g. over the weekend, to save energy and money. Instead you should leave the heating on low to ensure that your pipes stay warm. Due to a higher heating usage during winter, it is essential that your system is regularly checked and serviced to reduce the chance of a breakdown.
It is a good idea to make sure to regularly inspect your pipes, especially looking for areas where freezing may be more likely to occur. Turn the taps on and look for a steady water stream. If there is no water or it is running slow, then your pipes may have frozen. Get in touch with a plumber immediately to prevent any further issues.
Brickwork Small cracks can develop in your external brickwork over time. If rain water is allowed to sit in these cracks, when the temperature begins to decrease it may freeze. This then causes the cracks to expand, pushing the bricks further apart. We recommend checking for cracks in autumn so that
44 | TOMORROW’S FM if you do notice any, you can fix them before winter arrives.
It is also important to make sure to regularly check the air bricks in your property and clear away any build-up of leaves or debris. Blocked air bricks can stop the air flow in your property, which can trap moisture. This can cause your timber structures to become damp and start to warp and rot.
Roofs ‘Ice dams’ can be formed on the edges of a roof. These are created by the continual melting and refreezing of snow. This can prevent water from draining, meaning it can get under the tiles and eventually leak into the building. Damaging ceilings, walls, insulation etc. To help prevent this, keep drains open and free of ice.
Another way to make sure your pipes don’t freeze is to ensure the insulation in your roof goes over your pipes not under them and to ensure you don’t put it under the cold tank. Without heat radiating from below, your tank and pipes could freeze.
Water Protection Be sure to flood-proof your property with waterproof sealants, on both the outer and inner walls of the house’s foundation to prevent any water damage. It is important to assess areas that will not drain, such as basements or underground parking. These areas may require fixed or portable pumps during an emergency. If the correct protection hasn’t been put in place a property can be subject to flooding.
If your premises haven’t yet been protected, it is very important to store all electrical equipment in areas prone to flooding at least one inch off the floor, this will prevent electricals being affected by flood water. Make sure your business has a 24-hour emergency contact list for plumbers, electricians and the local water utility company.
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