Fall maintenance checklist for commercial properties

The end of summer and start of fall brings more than cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice, and changing leaves. It also brings winter a few months closers, and for facilities and property managers, this is the perfect time to prepare their facilities inside and out for the colder months. Using a fall maintenance checklist will help to prepare commercial properties to withstand the harsher conditions that are to come while helping to prevent weather-related damage.

Use the fall maintenance checklist below to prepare the entire facility for the seasons to come while improving energy efficiency, ensuring areas are safe and secure, and minimizing damage. This will help to keep business open and customers and employees comfortable until spring.

Exterior maintenance

The fall maintenance checklist for the exterior of commercial buildings focuses on preparing the facility for the changing season. It involves various tasks to prevent water damage, improve energy efficiency, and ensure safety. It’s important to keep areas free of leaves and debris and to address any damages, even minor, before the winter months. Key areas of attention include gutters and downspouts, roofs, weather stripping, exterior lighting, snow removal preparations, and landscaping.

By completing these exterior maintenance tasks, your commercial building will be better prepared for the fall and winter seasons, minimizing the risk of damage, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring the safety of occupants and visitors.

Gutters and downspouts

• Inspect for debris, leaves, and dirt.
• Clean gutter guards, if installed, to ensure they are free from debris.
• Remove any blockages to prevent clogs and water damage.

Roof inspection

• Check for damaged shingles, flashing, or other roofing issues.
• Look for signs of leaking or moisture, such as water stains on walls or ceilings.
• Schedule necessary repairs to prevent water leakage and freezing during colder months.

Weather stripping

• Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Replace worn or damaged weather stripping to prevent drafts and save on energy costs.
• Lubricate door hinges and locks to prevent stiffness or freezing in colder weather.

Exterior lighting

• Examine all exterior lighting fixtures.
• Replace burned-out bulbs or damaged fixtures to ensure safety and visibility.
• Look to upgrade to energy-efficiency LED bulbs if possible for better performance and cost savings.

Snow removal preparations

• Repair sidewalks and parking lots by patching holes or completing necessary repairs.
• Address issues like sidewalk cracks to prevent complications during snow removal.
• Stock up on ice melt and snow removal equipment in case of an emergency.

Landscaping maintenance

• Trim trees and shrubs away from buildings to facilitate clearer snow removal and potential damage.
• Prune overhanging branches near power lines to reduce the risk of power outages during winter storms.

Commercial HVAC

Proper HVAC maintenance during the fall season can significantly impact both indoor comfort and operational costs. These key tasks help to ensure that commercial HVAC system remains reliable, efficient, and prepared for the challenges of the upcoming colder months, ensuring a comfortable environment for employees and customers while avoiding potential revenue losses associated with system failures.

• Replace HVAC filters regularly to maintain indoor air quality and system efficiency.
• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and maintenance service, ensuring all components, including heating and cooling units, are thoroughly examined.
• Clean and inspect HVAC vents and ducts to prevent blockages or obstructions, helping to improve air circulation and system efficiency.
• Verify that thermostats are calibrated correctly and are functioning accurately, and adjust settings as needed to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.

Interior maintenance:

Fall maintenance checklists lean heavily on exteriors to act as a barrier against cold, snow, and ice. However, interior maintenance should also be on any facility or property managers fall maintenance checklist. Maintaining interiors can help to provide a comfortable atmosphere for employees and customers while safeguarding against unexpected challenges or accidents.

Plumbing assessment

• Inspect plumbing for leaks, particularly around faucets, pipes, and toilets.
• Drain and winterize any exterior water lines to prevent freezing and damage.

Flooring preparation

• Clean and wax floors as needed to protect them from snow, water, and salt.
• Regularly check for trip hazards or damaged flooring to maintain safety.

Pest control readiness

• Proactively schedule pest control services to prevent infestations during colder months.
• Ensure that building seals and barriers are in place to deter pests effectively.

General maintenance

Most maintenance tasks for fall involve preparing the building for winter weather and keeping out the cold and snow. However, there are more general tasks that should be done during a fall maintenance checklist.

• Review emergency procedures and ensure staff are familiar.
• Winterize equipment and store summer equipment properly.
• Review and update inventory lists for supplies and equipment.
• Arrange for any required inspections or certifications.
• Develop a winter storm readiness plan, including emergency supplies.
• Train staff on safety and emergency procedures.
• Review and adjust maintenance budgets for the fall season to ensure that costs are predictable for the season.

Using this fall maintenance checklist is the first step in making sure facilities stay operational throughout the fall and winter. Make sure to schedule and complete these steps as soon as needed for your locations to ensure everything is done before winter weather arrives.

A well-functioning maintenance strategy is essential to the success of any modern-day facilities portfolio. To make sure your facilities maintenance strategy is meeting your needs, request a demo to learn more about how our programs can help you.