Fall is an important time for commercial facility managers.
As temperatures begin to drop, properties face a new set of maintenance demands. Heating systems return to regular use, leaves and debris accumulate outside, freezing temperatures can affect plumbing and winter weather can quickly create challenges around parking lots and entrances.
Addressing these needs before winter arrives can help businesses avoid preventable problems and keep facilities operating smoothly throughout the colder months.
Here are some of the key areas commercial facility managers should include in their fall and winter maintenance plans.
Prepare HVAC Systems for Colder Weather
Heating systems should be ready before the first major drop in temperature.
Facility managers should pay attention to issues such as inconsistent heating, unusual noises, reduced airflow or areas of the building that are not maintaining comfortable temperatures.
Addressing known HVAC concerns during the fall gives businesses an opportunity to resolve problems before heating systems face heavier winter demand.
For companies managing multiple locations, scheduling seasonal HVAC service across facilities can also help prevent individual properties from being overlooked.
Address Plumbing Issues Before Freezing Temperatures
A minor plumbing problem can become a much larger disruption during cold weather.
Leaks, recurring clogs, running fixtures and other unresolved plumbing concerns should be addressed before winter.
Facility managers should also be particularly attentive to plumbing in colder or less frequently used areas of a property.
Taking care of known plumbing issues before temperatures fall can help reduce the chance of an unexpected winter maintenance problem.
Preventive Does Not Mean Over-Maintaining
Commercial landscaping still requires attention after summer ends.
Fallen leaves, debris and seasonal plant growth can quickly affect the appearance of a property.
Fall landscaping may include removing leaves and debris, maintaining planting areas and preparing trees, shrubs and other landscaped areas for colder weather.
Keeping exterior areas maintained throughout the fall creates a cleaner property heading into winter and makes spring cleanup more manageable.
Prepare Irrigation Systems for the Season
As temperatures fall, irrigation requirements change.
Facilities in colder climates should make sure irrigation systems receive the appropriate seasonal attention before freezing conditions arrive.
For organizations operating properties across several regions, this may require different schedules depending on climate.
Coordinating seasonal maintenance by location helps make sure each property receives the appropriate service at the right time.
Evaluate Trees and Shrubs
Fall is also a good time to assess trees and shrubs around commercial properties.
Damaged or weakened branches may become more vulnerable during winter weather involving wind, snow or ice.
Addressing visible concerns before severe weather arrives can help keep landscaped areas maintained and reduce avoidable problems during winter.
Have a Snow and Ice Management Plan in Place
Snow and ice management should be planned before the first storm appears in the forecast.
Commercial properties need to remain accessible to employees, customers, vendors and visitors throughout the winter.
Depending on the property, a snow and ice management plan may need to address areas such as:
- Parking lots
- Drive lanes
- Building entrances
- High-traffic pedestrian areas
- Other frequently used exterior spaces
Businesses operating multiple locations should also account for differences in winter weather between markets.
Establishing service arrangements early helps facility teams avoid scrambling to coordinate help when severe weather is already approaching.
Keep Parking Lots and Exterior Areas Maintained
Leaves, dirt and other debris can accumulate quickly during the fall.
Regular lot sweeping helps commercial properties maintain a cleaner and more professional appearance heading into winter.
Facility managers should also look at the overall condition and visibility of parking lot markings and signage.
Shorter daylight hours and poor winter weather can make clear traffic patterns and well-maintained exterior areas even more important.
Check Lighting and Electrical Issues
Fall means fewer daylight hours, making properly functioning lighting especially important.
Facility managers should identify malfunctioning lights and other electrical issues around building entrances, exterior areas and commonly used interior spaces.
Known electrical maintenance concerns should be addressed rather than carried into the winter season.
Review Janitorial Needs
Facility conditions change during fall and winter.
Employees and visitors may track more dirt, moisture and debris indoors, increasing cleaning demands in entrances and high-traffic areas.
Facility managers should review janitorial schedules and determine whether service frequency needs to change during colder months.
Maintaining clean interior spaces contributes to a professional environment and becomes especially noticeable during a season when more activity moves indoors.
Take Care of Outstanding General Repairs
Fall is also a good opportunity to address smaller maintenance items that may have accumulated throughout the year.
General repairs that seem easy to postpone can eventually create longer lists of outstanding work.
Taking care of these items before winter allows facility teams to enter the season with fewer unresolved maintenance issues.
Create a Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
With so many different facility needs to manage, relying on memory is not an effective strategy.
Creating a fall and winter maintenance schedule can help facility managers coordinate:
- HVAC needs
- Plumbing repairs
- Landscaping
- Irrigation
- Tree and shrub care
- Lot sweeping
- Snow and ice management
- Electrical repairs
- Janitorial services
- General facility maintenance
For organizations managing many facilities, centralized scheduling and oversight can make seasonal maintenance considerably easier to manage.
Start Preparing Before Winter Arrives
The best time to address winter facility maintenance is before cold weather creates an urgent need.
Planning during the fall allows businesses to schedule service, resolve existing problems and put winter maintenance resources in place ahead of time.
That becomes particularly valuable for multi-location organizations, where managing separate providers and maintenance schedules across many properties can quickly become complicated.
Liberty Facilities Group helps businesses coordinate interior and exterior facility services through a single point of contact, making it easier to manage ongoing and seasonal needs across individual properties or multiple locations.
Contact Liberty Facilities Group to discuss your fall and winter facility maintenance needs and prepare your properties for the season ahead.