Winter poses unique challenges for facility managers and property owners, making proactive planning and budgeting crucial to ensure smooth operations when severe weather strikes. Creating a comprehensive winter maintenance plan now is the key to avoiding unexpected disruptions during the colder months.
Preparing for colder temperatures and snowfall requires foresight, especially when the weather is still pleasant. Winter will inevitably arrive, bringing with it snowfall that demands attention. Depending on your facility’s location, preparing for snow removal becomes a pivotal decision for facility managers and property owners. Establishing a winter maintenance plan before the snowfall allows for a proactive approach.
While most facility managers will have a general snow removal plan, many may find themselves unprepared when faced with substantial snow accumulation. Early planning is essential to streamline the snow removal process when winter arrives. RoofConnect has been servicing commercial rooftops across the entire country for over 22 years now and as such, we have unique insight as to what it takes to manage a successful snow removal program. Below we have outlined three practical tips for creating an effective snow removal plan:
Tip #1: Plan Beyond Weather Predictions
While weather predictions are valuable, they should not be the sole basis for a snow removal plan. Facility managers should budget for a colder and snowier winter than anticipated. Weather forecasts can change rapidly, making it imperative to set a budget and procedures that cover the facility even in the snowiest seasons. Planning for a milder winter may leave you ill-prepared for extreme weather events like blizzards, potentially resulting in significant time and cost investments and safety issues.
Tip #2: Learn from Previous Years
Reviewing past years’ snow removal experiences provides valuable insights. By understanding what worked and what didn’t, facility managers can avoid repeating mistakes. Pay special attention to problematic areas, such as ice buildup, drains clogging, or freezing over. Sharing observations from previous winters with roofing contractors allows for necessary adjustments to be integrated into the snow removal plan before finalization.
Tip #3: Collaborate with Your Contractor & Finalize the Plan
Having gained insights into creating an effective snow removal plan, it’s time to collaborate with your preferred roofing contractor. Carefully review the service contract to confirm the included services. Schedule a meeting with the contractor to conduct a thorough walk-through of the property. This provides an opportunity to discuss the management plan, address any lingering questions, and determine the best course of action for safe snow removal. During the walk-through, also discuss expectations for service in extreme conditions, prioritizing the safety of customers and contractors’ employees in emergency planning.
To Summarize
Winter is a busy time for facility owners, making budgeting and planning for snow removal essential to avoid disruptions. Proactively creating a plan ensures the protection of your property, employees, and customers, allowing operations to run smoothly throughout the winter season. RoofConnect has an extensive service network, decades of service experience, 24/7/365 service availability, and a commitment to excellence that make us the perfect partner for handling your facility roofing needs. Remember, a solid roof over your head begins with a solid choice of contractor. Call RoofConnect today
Call: (870) 942 -5613
Web: www.roofconnect.com
