With winter now upon us, the colder weather brings with it a host of challenges for commercial property owners.
Harsh weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and increased energy demands can take a toll on buildings and infrastructure.
To ensure that your property remains in top condition throughout the winter months, it's essential to invest in a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) survey.
The winter challenge
The combination of cold temperatures, moisture, and increased energy usage can accelerate wear and tear on various building systems. Here are some common winter-related issues that PPM surveys can help mitigate:
Heating Systems: A heating system becomes a lifeline for comfort and safety. Regular PPM surveys can identify issues with boilers, HVAC systems, and insulation, ensuring that your commercial property remains well heated, ventilated, and energy-efficient throughout the winter.
Plumbing and Water Systems: Frozen pipes can cause extensive damage and costly repairs. PPM surveys can help detect vulnerabilities in your plumbing system, such as inadequate insulation or worn-out seals, before they lead to freezing pipes.
Roof and Gutters: Winter storms, snow, and ice place a significant load on a building's roof and gutters. Regular inspections can highlight any damage, leaks, or blocked gutters, preventing potential water damage or structural issues from developing.
Electrical Systems: Increased energy demand during winter can strain electrical systems. PPM surveys can identify issues such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated equipment to prevent electrical fires or outages.
Safety Concerns: Slippery walkways and icy conditions pose safety risks for tenants, employees, and visitors. PPM surveys can help identify and address potential safety hazards, such as broken handrails, damaged pavement, or inadequate lighting.
Benefits of a PPM survey in the winter
By addressing issues before they escalate, PPM surveys can save property owners significant amounts of money as they aim to prevent major breakdowns or emergency repairs, which is not only more cost-effective but also minimises disruptions to tenants or occupants.
A well-maintained property is also more energy efficient. Regular maintenance of heating, insulation, and electrical systems can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Additionally, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe and habitable conditions for their tenants. PPM surveys help identify and rectify safety concerns, ensuring compliance with regulations.
If you’re looking to extend the lifespan of your building components and systems, then regular maintenance and inspections can really help owners achieve this by protecting the long-term value of your property and reduce the need for costly replacements.
Knowing that your property is in good condition and prepared for the winter season provides peace of mind. You can focus on the other important aspects of property management without constantly worrying about potential issues.
What is a PPM survey?
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) surveys are a proactive approach to property maintenance, involving regular inspections which are carried out at scheduled intervals to prevent equipment or building components from deteriorating.
The primary goal of a PPM survey is to identify and address potential issues before they lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, or safety hazards.
The bottom line?
Planned Preventative Maintenance surveys are not just a luxury but a winter essential for commercial property owners and managers.
The proactive approach of PPM surveys helps identify and address potential issues before they become costly emergencies, ensuring that your property remains safe, energy-efficient, and in optimal condition throughout the winter months.
By investing in a PPM survey, you not only save money in the long run but also provide a comfortable and secure environment for your tenants or occupants.
Don't wait until winter-related problems arise—take a proactive approach and prioritise PPM surveys to protect your property and your bottom line.
Who are we?
Sillence Hurn’s Chartered Building Surveyors are RICS qualified with extensive experience of building surveying across London and the South of England.
From advice around feasibility, cost planning, undertaking the work in the current market, specifying works, overseeing and managing the implementation of changes, our chartered building surveyors will be able to identify any upgrades and advise you on the best measures going forward.
Read more about our solutions here:
Technical due diligence
Project management
Dilapidations consulting
Cost management
Monitoring Surveying
Party Wall
Contract Administration
Planned Preventative Maintenance
Email us at enquiries@sillencehurn.co.uk or call our Southampton team on 02380 014786 / London at 020 3143 2128
