3 Ways to Minimize Maintenance Costs on Your Building This Winter

[updated January 2018]

When Winter Meets Construction

Winter can be a brutal time for your building.

If you’re a tenant of one of our Rochester area projects, the heavy snow and icy aftermath can snowball into some costly maintenance.

Take note of these 3 tips on how to properly care for your building in order to avoid costly maintenance throughout winter months.

1. Monitor & Remove Snow Buildup on Roof

Snowstorms combined with ice and rain can create a surprisingly heavy snow pile – even if the pile is only a few feet deep!

An excessive amount of roof snow can burden your building beyond its design limits and cause structural damage or even force it to collapse.

Not to mention, ice or snow sitting on your rooftop only increases the chances of leaks and other water damage.  Stay vigilant on snow buildup on the rooftop and you’ll steer clear of high maintenance costs.

Watch for snowdrifts if your building is near taller buildings or trees. Monitoring wet snow buildup on the roof will alert you when its time to arrange for snow removal and avoid costly damage.

2. Thaw Frozen Pipes

Be sure that your building’s pipes avoid getting frozen.

Set your temperature points within the building are high enough to prevent freezing of pipes.

If you notice a pipe has been frozen, use an adjustable heater to thaw the pipe gradually to avoid a potential burst.

The most vulnerable pipes are those that run alongside an exterior wall – have your maintenance team check these frequently.

3. Apply Heat Tape to Icy Gutters

Sometimes gutters and downspouts have a tendency to get ice damming in exceptionally cold and snowy conditions.

If ice and snow clog these water drains it will hinder snow from melting and add to roof pile buildup.

If manually clearing ice out becomes a hassle, install heat tape to troubled areas so that these drain paths remain clear. 

Use these tips to help maintain your building this winter.

If you see any potential problems with your property this winter, call the experts at LeFrois and we can assist you in finding a solution to those winter hazards.