Winterizing Tips Checklist | Preventive Maintenance Image

Knowing the value of Preventive Maintenance, we wish to pass along a friendly reminder that your buildings, whether home or business, should be winterized, particularly if it is not occupied.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Benjamin Franklin

Though Ben Franklin was actually referring to safe care and management of fire, it applies to many facets of preventive care, to include the following Winterizing Tips:

 

Grounds

Snow Blower, compliments of Wikimedia, is a handy tool for your winterizing checklist.
Snowblower Image compliments of Wikimedia.
  • All hoses have been disconnected from the outside faucets
  • Back check valve on outside spigot drained
  • Drain or blow out the lawn irrigation system
  • Close and drain all outside fountains and drinking facilities
  • Shut off all water going to the exterior of the building
  • Ensure grates and water drainage areas are clear of debris
  • Plants are protected with dirt or mulch around the base
  • Stock sand/ice-melt for sidewalks and ensure snow shovels and snow blowers are ready
  • Line up all snow removal equipment for sidewalks and parking lots
  • All water cooled engines have anti-freeze, oil and battery water; ensuring they are ready for winter weather storage

 

Roof

  • Clear all gutters of debris
  • Ensure roof drains are clear
  • Inspect B.T.U.’s and rubber roofs for any water penetration. Check all flashings
  • Check metal roofs to make sure everything is sealed and all debris is removed

 

Building Structure

  • All insulation in the attic or above the ceiling is in place
  • Brick caulked joints and expansion joints around the windows are in place
  • Check and regulate all door closures

 

Building Mechanics and Operating Systems

  • Ensure roof top units are functioning for winter
  • Clean roof top filters
  • Check any exterior boiler or cooling systems
  • Ensure inside furnace systems are ready for winter
  • Thermostat batteries charged/replaced
  • Check all electric motors to be sure they are clean and free of lint
  • Oil and lubricate motors as needed

 

Fire/Life Safety

  • Test building sprinkler system before freezing weather comes
  • Fresh batteries in all smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers are fully charged

 

Vacant Property

  • Shut off Water
  • Winterize pipes, toilets and sprinkler system
  • Check thermostat settings