Winter provides an opportunity to improve your commercial property. Whether you do repairs or make preparations for winter, the most cost-effective solution is the best decision. So if you are a property manager or owner, read on and learn the best ways to improve commercial properties this winter.
What Winter Does To Commercial Properties
Winter harms commercial properties and causes discomfort to the people inside. The roofing, plumbing, and even the interiors may suffer from cold, snowy, and/or icy weather. Costly repairs will cause business disruption, a decrease in property value, or both.
Improvements will make your property more damage resistant and energy-efficient during winter. But the process doesn’t require you to shell out thousands of dollars from your pocket. Small preparations or adjustments can drastically change how your commercial property survives the winter.
Caulking The Gaps On Windows And Doors
Check for narrow gaps along with the doors and window frames. You should also run your hand along the doors and window frames, feeling for drafts from cracks that you may not be able to see.
Drafty doors and window frames cause your energy bills to skyrocket during winter because the heat being produced by your heating system gets wasted. Caulk those leaky portions and save on heating costs. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, it will save you time and money in the long run.
Thermostat Settings
It’s tempting to set the thermostat to a toasty warm temperature during winter. But it also means increasing your energy bills for three months.
A cost-effective solution is keeping the heater running on a low setting, even when the property is vacant. Using a programmable thermostat provides convenience, only warming the room up when you need it. Now you can rest easy knowing that your room automatically heats, preparing it for the morning.
You might be thinking that turning the heat off when not in use is a safe and energy-efficient option. But the truth is it will cost you money when the pipes freeze and break. Additionally, if you turn the heat all the way off and then have to warm up your building all over again in the morning, your heating system will use more energy than it would if you simply ran it at a slightly lower temperature during the night. Again, this is where programmable or “smart” thermostats can come in serious handy for your commercial properties.
Roof Improvements
Spring downpours, autumn leaves, and winter snow will torture the plastic tubes in your roof. Keeping your gutters clean is one of the most important things you should do for your roof. Running some water through your gutters after the cleaning will ensure that you have working gutters.
Frequently check your roof to make sure that there are no other problems. Look for loose or damaged tiles and shingles. They can cause mold damage and ceiling leaks when left unrepaired. Failing to find the cracks in your roof will cause more damage to your property.
Wall And Ceiling Improvements
Modern homes have separate heating for each room. Because of that, walls and ceilings are significant contributors to heat loss in the winter. So increasing their energy efficiency is a cost-effective improvement for your commercial property.
The improvement starts by painting the ceiling and walls with bright colors. Reflecting and keeping the heat contained inside the room is already a money saver. Another improvement is upgrading the insulation. You will enjoy energy-efficient warmth during the winter by keeping the heat from rising to the roof or passing through the walls.
You can also try to find cracks on your walls and your ceilings. You can do it together with windows and doors and use the caulking technique mentioned above.
No matter how small or large your commercial properties are, you can still make improvements for winter. Cost-effective enhancements will save you time and money in the long run.
Need a New Commercial Property?
Schwarz Properties specializes in commercial and residential property management in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. We lead the market for industrial and warehouse spaces for lease and our portfolio also includes retail space, restaurant space, residential, office space, and many more. Please contact Schwarz Properties at 336-895-1336 or visit our website.
