Winter Maintenance Tips for Commercial Properties: Protect Your Building and Your Bottom Line

Winter in Manitoba doesn’t just test your patience, it tests your building too. When the snow piles up and temperatures dip, commercial properties face real challenges. Frozen pipes, leaky roofs, and slippery walkways can quickly turn into expensive repairs or safety issues.

The good news? A bit of prevention now can save you thousands later. Here’s how to keep your building in good shape all winter long.

Start at the Top

Your roof takes the brunt of winter weather. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can cause leaks or even structural damage if they’re not managed properly.

Take a few minutes to walk around and look for signs of trouble, sagging areas, missing shingles, or blocked drains. Make sure eaves, scuppers, and downspouts are clear before the snow really starts to fall. And if you haven’t had a roof inspection in a while, now’s the time.

Keep the Heat Flowing

Your heating system is your building’s lifeline in winter. When it fails, everything else can follow — from frozen pipes to unhappy tenants or customers.

Have your HVAC system inspected and serviced before the coldest stretch of the season. Replace filters regularly, make sure vents are open and unobstructed, and confirm thermostats are working correctly. A little maintenance goes a long way toward comfort, efficiency, and avoiding breakdowns.

Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes are one of the most preventable winter disasters. Once they burst, the water damage can be significant and costly to clean up.

Insulate exposed pipes, especially those in basements, crawlspaces, and near exterior walls. Keep the building temperature consistent after hours, and make sure outdoor taps are shut off and drained. If you’re not sure where your weak spots are, a quick inspection can identify problem areas before they freeze.

Keep Entrances Safe

First impressions matter and so does safety. Snow and ice around entrances are more than just an inconvenience; they’re a liability.

Stay on top of snow removal, keep walkways salted, and make sure parking lots are plowed regularly. Use floor mats and signage to reduce slip hazards indoors, and check that outdoor lighting is bright enough for dark winter mornings and evenings.

Seal Up the Small Stuff

Cold air sneaking in through gaps and cracks can add up to higher energy bills and moisture problems.

Inspect around doors, windows, and foundation areas for gaps. Replace worn weatherstripping, seal small cracks, and check for condensation buildup that could lead to mold or material damage. A few tubes of caulking can make a big difference.

Don’t Skip the Checkup

A professional winter inspection can help you catch issues early before they interrupt your operations or cause expensive repairs.

At JCJ Commercial Inspections, we specialize in identifying potential problems and helping business owners protect their investments year-round. From roofing to plumbing to building envelope reviews, we make sure your property is ready for whatever Manitoba’s winter has in store.

Winter maintenance isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about protecting your building, your staff, and your reputation. Taking the time now to inspect, maintain, and plan ahead can save a lot of money and stress down the road.