As the temperatures drop and the darker months set in, winter brings a new set of challenges for building owners and facilities managers. From heating inefficiencies and frozen pipes to increased energy consumption, the cold weather can expose weaknesses in a building’s maintenance plan.
Preparing your property now can help prevent costly breakdowns and ensure that your building continues to run smoothly, safely, and efficiently throughout the season.
At Presence & Co., our in-house Facilities Management takes a proactive approach to winter preparation, ensuring every property we manage across Kent is ready for whatever the cold season brings. Here’s how to make sure your building is winter-ready.
1. Check and Service Your Heating Systems
Your heating system is the heart of your building during the colder months. Before the first cold wave hits, ensure that all boilers, heat pumps, and radiators are functioning efficiently.
Schedule a professional inspection to check for leaks, pressure issues, and uneven heating. A simple service now can prevent major failures later, saving you time and money.
Review thermostat settings and timers for efficiency and consider smart controls to help regulate temperature. At Presence & Co., we monitor system performance across our managed sites to catch any potential issues early.
2. Insulate and Protect Against Heat Loss
Poor insulation is one of the biggest culprits of energy waste in UK commercial buildings. As heating demands rise, uninsulated walls, roofs, and windows can drive up energy bills and reduce comfort.
Check window seals, door frames, and roof spaces for drafts. Installing or upgrading insulation can dramatically improve energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Prevent Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
When temperatures plummet, water systems are at risk. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to severe flooding and expensive repairs.
Ensure all pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, plant rooms, and exterior walls, are properly insulated. Keep heating consistent, even overnight, to prevent freezing.
Outdoor taps and sprinkler systems should be drained and isolated if not in use. Preventative maintenance now can save major disruption later.
4. Keep Gutters and Roofs Clear
Fallen leaves, debris and moss build up quickly during autumn, left unmaintained can lead to blocked gutters and downpipes. Once heavy rain arrives, this can result in leaks and water damage.
Schedule gutter cleaning before winter begins and inspect roofs for missing tiles, damaged flashing, or blocked outlets.
Here at Presence & Co., we often use drone roof surveys to assess hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently, a cost-effective way to maintain compliance and prevent damage due to the weather.
5. Review Lighting and Electrical Systems
As the days are becoming shorter and lighting becoming less, lighting becomes essential for safety and productivity. Check that all lighting systems are operational, including emergency and exterior fixtures.
Now is the time to consider upgrading to LED lighting with motion sensors to lower energy consumption and future maintenance costs.
Electrical systems should also be checked to ensure they can handle increased winter loads, especially in commercial buildings that rely heavily on heating or equipment.
6. Maintain Ventilation and Air Quality
In winter, fresh air circulation is often overlooked as windows stay closed and heating systems work overtime. Poor ventilation can affect air quality and occupant comfort.
Ensure your HVAC filters are cleaned or replaced regularly and that mechanical ventilation systems are functioning efficiently. Good indoor air quality is essential for employee wellbeing and building performance.
7. Prepare for Extreme Weather
Storms, ice, and heavy rain can all disrupt building operations. Preparing for these conditions should be part of your facilities management winter checklist.
· Secure external lighting, signage, and fixtures.
· Stock up on grit and salt for paths and car parks.
· Establish a winter response plan for emergencies like power cuts or flooding.
At Presence & Co., we manage these measures across all our commercial and residential sites, minimising disruption and ensuring occupant safety, whatever the weather.
8. Schedule Preventative Maintenance
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is key to avoiding unexpected winter breakdowns. Regular inspections, minor repairs, and compliance checks help extend the life of key assets and reduce downtime.
Examples include:
· Testing emergency generators and fire alarms.
· Inspecting lifts, automatic doors, and security systems.
· Checking plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems.
Our in-house maintenance team at Presence & Co. integrates PPM into every site we manage, ensuring operational reliability all year round.
9. Communicate with Tenants and Occupants
A well-maintained building runs best when everyone is informed. Encourage tenants or employees to report issues quickly, whether it’s a leaking radiator or an icy walkway.
Fast reporting helps facilities teams act before small issues become major problems. Open communication is central to effective facilities management in winter.
10. Plan for Long-Term Efficiency
Winter is the perfect time to assess how your building performs under pressure and plan for improvements. Data collected on energy use, repairs, and maintenance trends can inform smart investments in the new year, whether its improved insulation or renewable heating systems.
Winter can be tough on buildings, but with preparation and proactive management, it doesn’t have to be. By tackling maintenance early and monitoring performance throughout the season, you’ll protect your property, reduce energy costs, and keep occupants safe and comfortable.
At Presence & Co., we manage every aspect of facilities management and maintenance in-house. Our facilities management team takes care of it all, ensuring buildings stay compliant, systems are serviced, seasonal checks are in place and emergency support is always ready when needed.
Because we don’t just maintain buildings. We keep them performing beautifully, year after year.
