Commercial building maintenance: 5 things to check before winter hits

As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time for facilities managers and commercial property landlords to shift focus toward winter readiness. Proactive seasonal maintenance isn’t just about comfort and cost efficiency – it’s important to review for safety, and compliance purposes.

Here’s what to check before winter hits to keep your commercial building running smoothly.

1.HVAC System Health Check

Your heating system will be working overtime during the colder months. Schedule a professional inspection to:

• Test boilers and rooftop units.
• Replace filters and clean ductwork to improve indoor air quality.
• Calibrate thermostats and controls to avoid energy waste.
• Check humidifiers and ventilation systems for optimal performance.

2.Plumbing and Pipe Protection

Frozen pipes can halt operations and cause expensive damage. You can prevent issues in your workplace by:

• Insulating exposed pipes and water heaters.
• Draining exterior plumbing and irrigation systems.
• Checking boiler pressure and safety valves.

3.Roof and Gutter Inspection

Winter weather can be brutal on your commercial building’s exterior. Prepare by:

• Inspecting roofs for cracks, loose materials, or pooling water.
• Cleaning gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams and water ingress.
• Ensuring roof drainage systems are clear and functional.

4. Seal Drafts and Insulation

Air leaks can drive up heating costs and reduce occupant comfort. Address this by:

• Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and loading docks.
• Inspecting attic and crawl space insulation.
• Installing weather stripping and door sweeps where needed.

5.Safety Systems and Emergency Preparedness

Winter brings increased risks. Make sure your building is ready:

• Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency lighting.
• Review fire alarm systems and access control protocols.
• Ensure backup heating systems are operational.

If you need help reviewing your compliance tasks, our Cambridge Building Maintenance Team can help review all your facilities, to prioritise what requires maintenance before the winter hits.

Final Thoughts

Have you checked whether this is the year your five-yearly EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is due? It’s also essential to stay on top of other statutory inspections, including annual and bi-annual checks for L8 (Legionella risk management), fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, gas safety, and asbestos monitoring where applicable. These inspections are mandated under regulations such as the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and help ensure your building remains safe, compliant, and operational throughout the colder months.

Winter readiness isn’t just about avoiding critical breakdowns with your heating and water – it’s about positioning your business as proactive, reliable, and responsive. By following this checklist and arranging inspections needed, you’ll protect your workspace, reduce costs, and ensure a safe, comfortable environment for employees and clients alike.

Whether you need a Planned Preventative Maintenance contract or just need some immediate corrective / reactive maintenance, we’re here to help.

Let’s talk maintenance