Winter is a challenging time for facilities managers (FMs), who must work to mitigate the harmful effects of wind, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures on the buildings they maintain. Indeed, extreme winter weather leads to blocked drains, clogged gutters, floor damage, and a range of other costly and potentially dangerous issues.
By preparing properly and developing a seasonal maintenance programme, FMs can ensure that their commercial property remains safe, clean and in good condition during the winter months. Below, we’ll outline the five cleaning tasks they should incorporate into their winter preparedness plan.
Clearing gutters
Gutters can become clogged with twigs, leaves, debris or ice during autumn and winter. Over time, the resulting overflow will lead to a range of problems – including damp, leaks, and in extreme cases, foundation damage. The problem is only compounded by winter’s heavy rain and freezing temperatures.
It pays to take a preventative approach, ensuring your building’s gutters are clear of debris before temperatures begin to drop. We recommend scheduling gutter cleaning for late autumn.
Keeping drains clear
Similarly, external drains can become blocked with windfall leaves and debris in winter, which poses a health risk if left unchecked. We usually advise clients to book a drain inspection in late autumn. Our operatives can use a special CCTV camera to identify damage and check for blockages, before flushing drains to ensure that they’re clear and functional. It’s also important to secure manhole covers and grates, which will prevent leaves from blowing into and obstructing drains.
Checking the roof
Unpredictable weather takes a toll on rooves, and failing to maintain them can lead to leaks and even ceiling damage.
As winter approaches, FMs should check for broken or loose tiles, and ensure that their building’s roof is clear of leaves, twigs and debris. Magiccote’s team can help, cleaning rooves to guarantee that they are in good condition and ready to withstand the most extreme seasonal weather.
Keeping walkways clear
A recent HSE report stated that, in 2020/2021, 441,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury according to self-reports from the Labour Force Survey. 33% of these injuries were caused by a slip, trip or fall.
In the winter months, wet leaves and icy surfaces pose a slip hazard, and it’s essential that FMs maintain their buildings’ walkways to prevent accidents. This means clearing them of leaves and twigs, and gritting adequately as temperatures fall.
Maintaining floors
Internal floors also suffer during the winter months, as debris is blown into foyers and receptions, and people track water, mud and even snow through buildings. To maintain adequate levels of cleanliness, prevent slip and trip hazards and protect floors against permanent damage, FMs must ensure that they are cleaned regularly. Magiccote’s operatives use the latest equipment to clean a range of surfaces, leaving them safe and spotless.
These simple measures won’t just keep buildings safe and clean during the winter months; they’ll protect facility users, reduce the need for costly reactive maintenance, and ensure that businesses remain operational come rain or shine.
Magiccote delivers expert commercial cleaning solutions, supporting businesses, offices, and manufacturing facilities across the UK. Its expert operatives clean everything from windows to production lines. To learn more, visit www.magiccoteuk.co.uk.
