Winter Is Coming: Protect Your Building with Planned Maintenance.
Last night temperatures across the country dropped to record lows, with the mercury falling to a bone-chilling -12°C in parts of the UK, and as John Snow once famously said, “winter is coming.” With frost and icy mornings now on the horizon, AM Planned Maintenance has put together its top five preventative maintenance tips to help winter-proof your buildings before the cold really sets in.
1. Drainage: One of the most common reactive maintenance issues we attend during winter is blocked water pipes and backed-up drainage, problems that appear without warning and can quickly disrupt the smooth running of a site. Winter only makes these issues worse as leaves gather in gutters, road salt and grit find their way into drains, and sudden rain or snowfall pushes systems to breaking point. Planned preventative maintenance is essential here. A timely CCTV inspection and early hydro-jetting can stop blockages before they start, saving time, money, and the stress of dealing with a flooded site.
2. Roofing: Damaged or leaking roofs are another major winter problem. Often the first sign that a roof is struggling comes when water, snow, or blasts of cold air start entering the building, causing discomfort, safety concerns, and potentially expensive damage. A semi-annual roof inspection should be a key part of any planned maintenance programme, allowing you to spot worn tiles, failing seals, blocked gutters, or weak flashing before they become urgent repairs. Regular roof checks protect the building fabric and provide peace of mind, ensuring your roof can withstand the winter and prevent costly reactive maintenance.
3. Frozen Pipes: When temperatures plunge, frozen pipework is one of the fastest escalating problems, often spreading across a site before anyone has time to react. Hospitality venues are particularly vulnerable, as pubs and bars rely on cold basements and cellars to maintain drinks supplies. When these spaces fall below freezing, unprotected pipework can seize or burst, causing costly disruption. Preparing early is essential, and properly cladding and insulating exposed pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent these winter emergencies.
4. Windows and Doors: Cold draughts creeping in around doors and windows can quietly increase energy bills while making tenants or staff uncomfortable, and winter is when these gaps are most noticeable. Planned maintenance is key. Sealing windows, refreshing weather stripping around doors, and checking for signs of wear before temperatures drop can prevent bigger problems later. In areas prone to harsher winters, door sweeps or storm windows provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping spaces warm and helping control heating costs. Reactive maintenance can fix issues once they appear, but taking action early ensures winter does not catch you by surprise.
5. Exterior Walls: The freeze-thaw cycle can take a serious toll on cladding and external walls, particularly on features exposed to the elements such as parapets, copings, cornices, and chimneys. Regular inspections are important to spot early signs of cracking, rot, or efflorescence, which indicates damp. Timely Reactive Maintenance and calling in a repair specialist at the first signs of damage can prevent minor problems turning into major winter headaches, protecting both the building’s structure and the people inside.
Winter will always test the resilience of your buildings, and while reactive maintenance will always have its place, a planned, preventative approach is the best way to stay one step ahead. From drainage and roofs to pipes, windows, and walls, taking action before the cold truly sets in protects your property, reduces costly emergencies, and keeps everyone inside safe and comfortable. At AM Planned Maintenance, we know that a little preparation goes a long way, and the earlier you act, the smoother your winter will be.