The winter season presents many challenges due to extreme cold weather conditions. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can disrupt operations and affect the safety of occupants. Planning and preventive maintenance can help mitigate these risks, avoid emergency repairs, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Listed below are some guidelines for particular areas of concern.
• Take extra precautions to avoid costly and messy freeze ups.
• Provide heat of at least 50 degrees to all units, whether occupied or not, to reduce any effects of freezing temperatures. (for multi-family properties)
• Check all sprinkler riser rooms to make sure heaters are working and/or add additional heat if necessary to avoid freezing pipes. (if applicable)
• Additional heat may be needed for any exterior wall plumbing, including walls in breezeways. Leave faucets on a slow drip while experiencing freezing temperatures.
• Know where all water shut offs are located and maintain access to shut offs in case of water emergency.
• Locate all hose bibs, disconnect hoses, and insulate or bring to a slow drip.
• Make sure all irrigation systems are properly winterized or turned off.
• Check attic spaces to ensure insulation is covering all water and sprinkler lines as designed. Additional attic heat may be needed.
• Reminder-new concrete walks and pads must cure for at least 1 year before salt and de-icers can be applied. Applying these substances voids warranty and can cause damage to the concrete if not fully cured.
• Insulate any condensate drains on the exterior to prevent frozen clogs.
• Gutters, downspouts and roof drains are clear.
Common sense and some preventative planning can go a long way to protect your property, however it is also a good idea to know your insurance coverage and to have an emergency plan in place in case your property does experience damage and your tenants and/ or property is affected by these weather events.
Extreme Weather Travel Instructions
• Monitor weather forecasts and travel advisories before driving or scheduling any site visits.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snow, freezing rain, or black ice conditions.
• If travel is essential, ensure vehicles are equipped with emergency supplies, ice scrapers, and full fuel tanks.
• Allow extra time for travel and reduce speed in icy or snow-covered areas.
• Keep walkways, parking lots, and loading areas clear of snow and well-treated with sand or approved de-icing agents.
• Communicate delays or closures promptly managers.
We always emphasize safety and being prepared during extreme weather can prevent unforeseen problems. If you are a client of Davie Construction Co. and have questions, please feel free to contact us at 336-940-6600.