As summer comes to an end, fall is a good time to inspect your commercial property and address maintenance issues before winter weather arrives.
Seasonal changes can reveal problems that may have gone unnoticed during the warmer months. Cracked pavement, roof damage, clogged gutters and HVAC issues can become more significant when exposed to snow, ice, freezing temperatures and increased moisture.
A proactive fall maintenance routine can help businesses identify potential hazards, protect their property and reduce the likelihood of preventable losses.
Inspect Parking Lots and Walkways
Start with the areas employees, customers and visitors use to access your property.
Inspect parking lots, sidewalks and other walking surfaces for:
- Cracks and potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Buckled or damaged concrete
- Faded parking lot markings
- Damaged curbs or steps
- Poor drainage
- Loose or damaged handrails
These conditions can create trip-and-fall hazards and may also contribute to vehicle damage.
Pay particular attention to entrances and other high-traffic areas. Make sure floor mats and carpets are in good condition and lie flat. Replace mats that are torn, curled or worn before winter weather increases the likelihood of moisture being tracked indoors.
If customers or visitors regularly bring children onto your property, consider whether potentially unsafe areas are adequately restricted. Don’t assume that a warning sign alone will prevent someone from entering an area that could present a hazard.
Service Your Heating and HVAC Systems
Your HVAC system may have worked hard throughout the summer. Before temperatures drop, have your heating system inspected and serviced by a qualified professional.
Routine maintenance can help identify issues before the system is needed regularly and may help improve efficiency.
Check your HVAC filters and replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Businesses that generate significant amounts of dust or other airborne particles may need to replace filters more frequently.
Be sure to use a filter that is appropriate for your particular HVAC system. A higher-efficiency filter isn’t necessarily better if the system isn’t designed to accommodate it. When in doubt, check with your HVAC professional or the equipment manufacturer.
Have the Roof Inspected
Fall is also a good time to evaluate the condition of your commercial roof.
A professional inspection can identify issues such as:
- Damaged or missing roofing materials
- Deteriorated flashing
- Leaks or signs of water intrusion
- Damaged seals around vents and other penetrations
- Drainage problems
- Areas of accumulated debris
Addressing minor problems before winter can help reduce the potential for water intrusion and other damage associated with snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Consider scheduling routine roof inspections with a qualified roofing professional, particularly if your building is older or has experienced significant weather exposure.
Clean Gutters and Remove Debris
Fallen leaves and other debris can accumulate quickly during the fall. Clogged gutters and downspouts can prevent water from draining properly and may contribute to damage involving the roof, siding, foundation or landscaping.
Before winter arrives:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Remove leaves and debris from the roof
- Make sure downspouts direct water away from the building
- Check for standing water or drainage problems
- Inspect gutters for damage or loose sections
Keeping water away from the building is particularly important as temperatures begin to fall. Water that enters cracks and freezes can expand and potentially worsen existing damage.
If your business uses a professional maintenance company, confirm that these tasks are included in its fall maintenance schedule.
Prioritize Ladder and Fall Safety
Some seasonal maintenance tasks require employees or contractors to work at height. Ladder and fall safety should be a priority whenever these tasks are performed.
If employees will be cleaning gutters or performing other elevated work, make sure they have appropriate equipment and training.
Basic precautions include:
- Inspect ladders before each use and remove damaged ladders from service.
- Use the appropriate ladder for the job and follow its weight limitations.
- Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
- Keep ladders on stable, level surfaces.
- Don’t overreach from a ladder. Move the ladder instead.
- Use appropriate fall protection when required.
- Avoid working at height during wet, windy or otherwise hazardous conditions.
Businesses should also consider whether certain maintenance activities are better left to qualified contractors.
Be Aware of Electrical Hazards
Fall maintenance may also involve ladders, equipment and electrical systems, creating additional hazards.
Before using a ladder outdoors, identify nearby overhead power lines. Keep ladders and equipment away from electrical lines and follow applicable safety requirements.
Fiberglass ladders can reduce electrical conductivity compared with metal ladders, but they do not eliminate the risk of electrical contact or arcing. Treat all overhead electrical lines as a serious hazard.
Never use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder. Pressure washers should be operated from a stable position on the ground, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Don’t Forget Seasonal Safety Checks
Fall maintenance is also an opportunity to review other areas of your property and operations.
Consider checking:
- Exterior lighting
- Emergency exits and exit signage
- Fire extinguishers and fire protection systems
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detection equipment
- Security systems
- Snow and ice removal arrangements
- Exterior stairs and handrails
- Outdoor equipment and storage areas
- Drainage and stormwater systems
Making these inspections part of your regular maintenance program can help identify problems before they become more difficult or expensive to address.
Maintenance Is Part of Risk Management
Routine maintenance is an important part of protecting your business, but it is also important to understand the role insurance plays in your overall risk management strategy.
Insurance policies generally don’t cover every type of property damage. Losses related to wear and tear, deterioration, neglect, maintenance issues or other excluded causes may not be covered, depending on the policy.
That makes preventive maintenance an important complement to your insurance program. Addressing known problems, documenting inspections and keeping your property in good condition can help reduce avoidable risks.
At Bender Insurance Solutions, we believe insurance is one part of a broader approach to managing risk. We can help you review your commercial insurance program, understand your coverage and identify areas where additional risk management measures may be appropriate.
A little preparation before winter can go a long way toward protecting your people, property and operations.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as insurance, legal, or risk management advice.
