Winter is Coming: Your Essential Facilities Maintenance Checklist

Prepare Your Retail Facility for Winter Weather 

With winter approaching, it’s time to ready your retail and restaurant facilities for the chilly season ahead. Winter weather can be tough on buildings and budgets, but with DAVACO’s essential checklist, you can get ahead of common problems, protect your assets, and save on repairs by staying proactive. With winter weather on the way, here's what you need to do to prepare your retail facility. 

1. Inspect and Service HVAC Systems

• Schedule a pre-winter HVAC inspection. Check that heating systems are working efficiently to handle the cold. 
• Change air filters. Regular filter replacement, at least every six months (recommended spring and winter), keeps air quality high and ensures HVAC efficiency. 
• Inspect ductwork for leaks or blockages. Seal any gaps to maximize heating efficiency and reduce utility costs. 

2. Check Insulation and Weatherstripping

• Inspect insulation in walls, attics, and crawl spaces. Poor insulation can drive up heating costs and allow cold air to seep in. 
• Seal windows and doors with fresh weatherstripping. This simple step can significantly reduce drafts and energy loss. 

3. Roof and Gutter Maintenance

• Clear out debris from gutters and downspouts. This prevents ice dams, which can lead to water damage and roof leaks. 
• Inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles. A solid roof helps prevent snow and ice buildup, reducing the chance of leaks. 
• Schedule roof snow removal if heavy snowfall is forecasted. Too much snow on a roof can lead to structural damage or collapse. 

4. Prepare for Winter Storms

• Create a snow and ice removal plan. Partner now with a reliable snow removal service to ensure parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways are clear and safe for customers. Establish a relationship now, before you need the service, to ensure maintenance can be promptly performed once snow arrives. 
• Stock up on ice melt and sand. Applying ice melt around entrances, sidewalks, and high-traffic areas prevents slips and falls. The earlier you prepare, the lower material costs you can find. 
• Monitor the weather closely. If severe storms are forecasted, prepare to secure inventory and signage. Keep your facility, customers, and employees safe by closing early if necessary.

5. Plumbing Protection

• Insulate exposed pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to bursts and water damage, which are costly to repair and can disrupt operations. 
• Test and drain any outdoor spigots or sprinkler systems. Shut off the water supply to these areas to prevent freezing. 
• Run a slow drip of water in colder areas overnight. This can help keep pipes from freezing in extreme weather. 

6. Electrical System Checks

• Inspect electrical wiring for wear and tear. Frayed or exposed wires can pose a fire risk, especially when heating systems are running at full power. 
• Test backup generators if available. Make sure they’re operational in case of power outages. 
• Install surge protectors for critical equipment. Winter weather can lead to power fluctuations; surge protection minimizes damage risks. 

7. Check Emergency Lighting and Signage

• Inspect emergency lights and backup power systems. They are crucial for safe navigation in the event of a power outage. 
• Verify that all exit signs are clearly visible and illuminated. This step is important for customer and employee safety. 

8. Preventative Floor Maintenance

• Apply anti-slip coatings or mats at entrances. Winter weather can make floors slippery, leading to safety hazards. 
• Deep clean and polish floors regularly. Salt and ice melt can damage flooring materials if not removed consistently. 

9. Fire Safety

• Service fire extinguishers and alarms. Make sure they are fully operational as heating equipment increases fire risk. 
• Clear clutter around heating units and vents. Reduce fire hazards by maintaining clear space around all heating equipment. 

10. Inspect Exterior Lighting

• Ensure that all outdoor lights are working. With shorter days, bright and functional lighting improves safety and curb appeal. 
• Replace burnt-out bulbs with LED options. LEDs are durable and energy-efficient, which is beneficial in colder temperatures. 

Additional Tips for Severe Weather and Winter Storm Preparation 

A standard maintenance plan covers a lot, but certain steps become critical when severe winter weather alerts are sounding. Here are specific measures to implement when severe weather is on the way: 

• Increase frequency of HVAC checks and monitoring. Extreme temperatures place a heavier load on heating systems. 
• Secure all outdoor furniture, signage, and equipment. High winds can damage items and cause them to become hazards. 
• Keep a generator on standby or ensure it has been recently serviced. Power outages can be common in severe winter weather. 
• Re-check insulation and window seals. Even a minor draft can lead to significant heat loss in freezing weather. 
• Develop an emergency communication plan with staff. If severe weather disrupts operations, ensure all employees know who to contact and where to find updates. 

Partner With a Pro for Winter Success

DAVACO specializes in multisite facilities maintenance for retail and restaurants, helping businesses stay safe, efficient, and well-maintained—no matter the weather. A proactive approach means you can enjoy a smoother and less expensive winter season by prioritizing preventative maintenance and acquiring needed materials in advance. Establishing a relationship with a comprehensive maintenance provider before emergency issues arise means help is ready to be deployed as soon as you need it.

For either case, contact DAVACO today for support in preparing your locations for winter. Our experienced facilities maintenance team is available 24/7 to handle all preventative and reactive maintenance needs.