WINTER READY?
ARE YOU
Winter's harsh conditions can wreak havoc on buildings, especially when crucial maintenance is overlooked.
As a property manager, it's essential to act before the season hits.
Ignoring necessary maintenance until after winter can lead to costly and extensive damages in critical areas such as parking garages, windows, foyers, ramps, and high-traffic zones. Discover how proactive measures can safeguard your property and ensure its resilience throughout the season.
Tips to Prevent Water Damage & Prepare for Winter in Key Areas:
Parking Garages
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Seal Cracks in Concrete: Inspect for cracks or openings and seal them with flexible concrete sealant to prevent water infiltration, which can freeze and expand during winter.
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Install Drainage Systems: Ensure proper drainage systems like floor drains or sloping floors to divert water away and prevent puddles and leaks.
Windows
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Inspect and Replace Weather Stripping: Check for worn-out weather stripping and replace it to prevent drafts, leaks, and condensation. This improves both water ingress prevention and energy efficiency.
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Re-Caulk Around Frames: Examine caulking around window frames and reapply where gaps or deterioration are visible to prevent water seepage during heavy rains or snow.
Foyers
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Use Waterproof Mats and Seals: Equip high-traffic entrances with heavy-duty, waterproof mats to capture water and snow. Ensure door thresholds are sealed to prevent water tracking inside.
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Check for Roof and Ceiling Leaks: Inspect roofs and ceilings above foyers for water infiltration signs and fix any leaks promptly to prevent slip hazards and structural damage.
Ramps and Sloped Areas
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Apply Anti-Slip Waterproof Coatings: Treat ramps with non-slip, waterproof coatings to prevent water accumulation and protect against concrete erosion.
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Ensure Proper Drainage: Design ramps with proper drainage to avoid water pooling. Regularly clean drainage channels to keep them unobstructed.
High-Traffic Areas
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Inspect Expansion Joints: Check expansion joints in high-traffic flooring or concrete to ensure they're properly sealed, preventing water seeping into the substructure.
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Regular Maintenance of Waterproof Coatings: Maintain waterproof coatings on floors and walls, reapplying as needed to protect from wear and tear, which can lead to water infiltration.
Lower-Traffic Areas Matter Too
While preparing high-traffic areas like foyers, ramps, and parking garages for winter is crucial, it's equally important not to overlook lower-traffic spaces such as compactor rooms, mechanical rooms, and chiller rooms.
Here’s why and how to protect them:
Compactor Rooms
Regularly Inspect Seals and Drains: Moisture buildup from waste and cleaning can be problematic in compactor rooms. Ensure floors and walls are sealed to prevent water seepage. Inspect and clear drainage systems to avoid water accumulation.
Install Floor Mats and Waterproof Barriers: Use durable, waterproof mats around the compactor area to prevent spills from penetrating the flooring. This helps maintain room integrity and prevents odors, mold, and bacteria due to excess moisture.
Mechanical and Electrical Rooms
Seal Cracks and Apply Waterproof Coatings: These rooms house vital infrastructure like HVAC systems and electrical equipment. Check walls and floors for cracks and apply waterproof coatings to prevent water damage.
Maintain Drainage and Pump Systems: Ensure floor drains or sump pumps in mechanical rooms are functional to prevent flooding from leaks or condensation.
Chiller Rooms
Prevent Condensation: Chiller rooms are prone to condensation from temperature differences. Properly insulate the room and install moisture barriers to prevent condensation on pipes, walls, and ceilings.
Monitor Pipe Insulation: Regularly inspect and maintain insulation on chiller pipes to prevent condensation drips that could lead to water damage, mold growth, or floor damage.
Why Lower-Traffic
Areas Matter:
Out of Sight,
Out of Mind:
These rooms might not see daily use, but neglecting them can cause costly water damage or infrastructure failure. Leaks or condensation buildup in mechanical or chiller rooms can lead to equipment malfunctions affecting the entire building.
By giving attention to these often-overlooked areas, you prevent long-term water damage and maintain the integrity of your building's critical infrastructure, ensuring smooth operation during winter and beyond.
Avoid Hidden Mold and Structural Damage:
Water damage in these spaces often goes unnoticed until severe, leading to mold growth and structural deterioration that can spread to other parts of the building.
