This has been a particularly rough winter, with large swatches of the country, including the South, being hit by snow, ice and arctic-like temperatures. Now that spring has finally arrived, it is time to check your buildings and outdoor grounds to assess the damage caused by “Old Man Winter.”
A good place to start your spring inspection is by taking a walk around your facility. Walk the grounds and note anything that needs repair or cleaning. Creating a checklist will help remind you what needs to be done and help you prioritize issues.
Look Up The building must be dry before you attempt other repairs, so start at the top and look to your roof. Check the roof drains to see if they are blocked and check the roof membranes to see if they sustained any damage from winter’s freezes and thaws. Winter storms can also bring clogged gutters and downspouts that can lead to much bigger problems, like water accumulating, creating leaky roofs. Both the weight of the gutters and the water flow can cause major roofing issues if left unaddressed. Clogged or damaged gutters redirect the natural flow of water. Clearing all gutters and downspouts of dead leaves and other debris can help avoid these issues, so clean out the gutters to let water escape properly.
Wind damage also takes its toll on roofing systems. While it is less direct than snow and water damage, it’s still important to address. Wind creates wear spots in unprotected structures and also carries debris, which can get lodged in drains or wear down flashing. Missing and damaged pieces of the roof because of high winds should be replaced immediately.
Damage to Parking Lots and Sidewalks We usually think of spring as the wet season, but don’t ignore the water that winter delivers. Winter weather includes a lot of water falling in various forms—snow, ice, sleet, rain. All these elements, when combined with high winds, can cause damage to your building and surrounding parking lots and sidewalks. Check the property for standing water and cracks in the foundation. Now that the ground is getting warmer, if your facility has an irrigation system, inspect and configure it for spring watering. Identify any damage to pipes or heads that may have occurred during the winter. Look at your parking lots for signs of cracked concrete or potholes caused by snow plows pushing snow during the winter. Asphalt expands and contracts due to inclement weather conditions. This causes the pavement to weaken and collapse from the weight of cars and foot traffic. Repair cracks and potholes to lessen the level of frustration by clients, guests, and employees when their car is jolted. Inspect sidewalks to ensure there are no cracks greater than ¼ inch and check for depression cracks or bumps in sidewalks and curbs that need immediate or future repair.
Landscaping Winter made a mess outside, so your landscaping needs to be cleaned up, too. Plowed snow, wind, and ice can lead to a debris buildup and a landscaping mess. The snow and ice can trap trash and debris, only becoming visible on your grounds after thawing out. It’s always important to pick up trash to maintain the curb appeal of your property, however, in the spring it’s even more important. Debris buildup can lead to clogged drainage, gutters, and even flooding with the seasonal rainfall. When inspecting your landscaping, first check for any hazardous issues. For example, did the freeze/thaw cycle cause any unsafe conditions such as broken or loose paving stones, sink holes, or debris? Check for any eroded landscaping areas that need regrading.
Having dead branches on your trees is a potential hazard for your employees and visitors. Ensure the safety and health of your property foliage by removing dead branches and cutting tree limbs. Also, bushes and shrubs can become unruly very quickly, especially if they weren’t cut back in the fall. Spring is a great time to trim these bushes back, before they hit high growth in summer. Landscaping is the first impression people get before entering your building. Improve the first impression of your property’s outside space by raking up debris and planting new grass where patches have burnt out.
Spruce it up! With the inclement winter weather, it’s likely there is dirt and grime buildup on and around your building. Spring is a great time to refresh or boost the curb appeal of your facilities. A quick pressure wash can clean off the dirt and have your property looking as good as new. Pressure washing your sidewalks, walkways and outside walls for a “new and improved” look will help improve the image of your facility. Roof extensions like awnings and overhangs often endure abuse from the elements and provide the perfect landing for debris. You can spruce up the look of your facilities by cleaning or pressure washing your awnings with a multi-purpose cleaner-degreaser. Finally, don’t forget your windows. Windows have a large impact on the appearance of your building. Removing residue left behind by snow and sleet will allow visitors to see your building shine brightly, while letting your employees look out at the beautiful spring weather. For more information on Christian Brothers Risk Management Services, visit cbservices.org.
