Maintaining an efficient business ensures the building is prepared for winter. Winter weather brings snow and ice, either of which can devastate a business that doesn’t have a plan. Blizzards and winter storms can knock out power lines and render a company inoperable. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a little anxiety or you’re a veteran business owner and you’ve gone through winter before, it always helps to have a plan you can count on. Here are five business building upgrades to take care of before winter.
1. Get the HVAC System Repaired
Your heating system will determine whether customers and employees will be able to stand working in the building. Winter brings some seriously cold temperatures, and with that cold comes discomfort and reduced productivity for employees who can’t adjust. Make sure your heating is working properly by bringing in the best contractor to do the job.
2. Repair or Replace the Roof
Good news for you business owners. A new asphalt shingle has an ROI of about 62%, so now is the time to get your roof repaired or replaced before winter comes. The roof is going to be sensitive to water leaks as the winter carriers on, as in most cases, the precipitation continues and it gets bad enough that the water can settle directly into the building. That’s where it does damage. So, whether you’re a new business owner or you’ve been at the business for a while and don’t think it’s a big deal, think again today. Repair your roof by bringing in a contractor. It’ll keep you safe.
3. Install a Generator
A generator keeps electricity going in case the power lines are hit, and they could easily be hit. Blizzards and winter storms can push heavy snow and ice at fast speeds, and when that heavy precipitation sits on the power lines, eventually, damage can result. So, what are you going to do? The solution is to install a new generator and do it as soon as possible. You don’t want your business without a generator in the winter. Think of your business. How does it run? It’s likely you can’t afford to be without power for too long.
4. Salt the Sidewalks
Don’t forget to take care of the exterior of your building, especially the sidewalks. Salt your sidewalks with the best salt from a nearby home department store. Make sure the salt is evenly coated throughout the sidewalk, and test it yourself before someone else has to. As long as you keep your sidewalks salted, you should be okay to keep the building as safe and secure as it needs to be on the outside. You don’t need to take this task on yourself. There are about 500,000 landscaping companies in the United States and many of which do snow removal and salting, making your life easier.
While we’re talking about safety, have you thought about fire safety, too? Fire protection systems must go through regular inspections to ensure they’re up-to-date and working properly. Even then, it’s worth taking the time to make sure your sprinklers and smoke detectors are working efficiently. Check batteries if you need to or call a contractor.
Now you know what to do to prepare your business for the winter. There are plenty of resources and tools you can use that are available to your business from the day you opened the company. There’s no reason not to take advantage of them. The truth is, the winter brings in hazardous and dangerous conditions, many of which can destroy your business. Be ready and be vigilant and the winter will end as peacefully as it came.
