Cold-Weather Checklist for Facility Managers: Top 4 Most Requested Winter Inspections

As winter rolls in, facility managers everywhere face the ultimate cold-weather test: keeping properties safe and fully operational amid snow, ice, and plummeting temperatures. From snow-heavy regions to states where cold snaps are unexpected, winter brings relentless challenges that make staying ahead of nature’s unpredictability essential.

Keeping your sites safe and fully operational through the harsh winter months isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s what the best of the best in facility management are already prioritizing. Ensuring you're prepared means more than reactive fixes; it requires proactive, strategic inspections that set you up for success and resilience all season long. Here are the four most requested winter inspections that facility managers are routinely monitoring to stay ahead, avoid costly repairs, reduce liability, and keep their operations seamless. Don’t get left behind—be prepared where it counts.

1. Property Condition Assessment

A comprehensive Property Condition Assessment ensures you’re prepared before the first freeze sets in. Focus on high-traffic areas such as parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances to spot issues like surface damage or drainage problems. Early identification of vulnerabilities—like cracks that could worsen under freezing and thawing—allows for maintenance ahead of time, avoiding costly repairs. By documenting the current conditions, you'll have a detailed record for comparison post-winter, ensuring you address any changes caused by the season's wear and tear.

Checklist:

• Parking Lots & Walkways: Inspect for cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces, and clear debris to ensure safe passage and proper drainage.
• Building Exterior: Check for signs of wear, seal any cracks, and ensure roof gutters are clear to prevent ice dams and water damage.
• Windows & Doors: Inspect for drafts, ensure seals are intact, and repair any damaged weather stripping to improve energy efficiency and prevent leaks.
• Landscaping: Remove dead plants and debris, trim trees to avoid breakage under heavy snow, and ensure that no branches are overhanging the roof.
• Irrigation: Drain and shut down systems, insulate exposed pipes, and fix any leaks to prevent freezing and bursting.

2. Exterior Lighting Safety & Brand Image

Proper lighting is crucial in winter months when days are shorter, and conditions can quickly turn hazardous. Exterior lighting inspections not only improve safety for customers and employees by illuminating walkways and parking lots, but they also bolster your facility’s brand image. Facilities that are well-lit convey a sense of professionalism and care. Address any lighting issues before the season starts and ensure consistent upkeep to prevent potential accidents or damage to your reputation.

Checklist:

• Exterior Lighting: Perform routine audits to check for lighting outages or dimming.
• Fixture Condition: Inspect for damage or wear, such as loose connections or cracked casings.
• Lighting Coverage: Ensure entrances, walkways, and parking areas are well-lit, especially during low-visibility weather.
• Automatic Systems: Verify timers and motion sensors are working properly to account for shorter daylight hours.
• Emergency Lighting: Test backup lighting systems to ensure they function during power outages.

3. Janitorial & Flooring Inspections

Winter can wreak havoc on flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas where moisture, salt, and snow accumulate. Janitorial and flooring inspections ensure your facility remains both clean and safe. By regularly documenting the state of your floors and mats throughout the season, you’ll prevent slips, falls, and damage. Track your janitorial supply levels to ensure you’re always equipped with what you need to handle winter-related messes. Proper maintenance of floors will not only protect the longevity of your surfaces but will also safeguard the well-being of your customers and employees.

Checklist:

• Winter Mat Placement: Ensure heavy-duty absorbent mats are strategically placed at all entrances to capture snow, ice, and salt. Inspect them regularly for saturation and replace as needed to prevent slippery floors.
• Flooring: Ensure that high-traffic areas are cleaned and mopped regularly such as entrances, hallways, lobbies, and restrooms. Document the condition of floors, especially in areas where snow, salt, and moisture are frequently tracked in.
• Janitorial Supply Stocking: Ensure that your janitorial team is well-stocked with essential winter supplies, such as salt, ice melt, and additional absorbent mats, so they can quickly respond to winter-related issues.

4. Snow & Ice Management

Effective snow and ice management is the cornerstone of a well-run winter facility. Before the first snowfall, establish a plan for oversight of your property during snowstorms. Real-time monitoring of snow-covered areas like ADA spots and walkways can help you quickly identify and address safety hazards. Utilize technology and inspections to ensure full oversight before, during, and after snow events, guaranteeing that your facility remains safe and open for business. Missed areas, improper salting, or delayed snow removal can have a major impact on operations and customer experience—issues that are entirely preventable with proper oversight.

Checklist:

• Staking & Winterization: Ensure all areas prone to damage or visibility issues, such as walkways, parking lots, and landscaping, are properly staked before winter. Winterize outdoor systems (sprinklers, drainage) to prevent freezing and damage.
• Snow Plow Compliance: Verify that snow is piled in designated areas and away from critical zones like fire lanes. Ensure all ADA-compliant parking spaces remain clear and accessible. Regularly inspect the site to ensure compliance with safety and accessibility standards.
• Entrances and Sidewalks: Conduct frequent checks of walkways and entrances to ensure they are clear of snow accumulation and free from ice or slippery conditions. Apply salt or ice melt where necessary and maintain signage to warn occupants of potential hazards.
• Post-Storm Damage: After each storm, thoroughly inspect the property for damage caused by snow removal or the storm itself. Document any damage to curbs, landscaping, or other infrastructure to facilitate timely repairs and maintain property integrity.
• Snow Removal Contractor Performance: Review the performance of your snow removal contractor after each storm. Hold them accountable by using real-time photo documentation to confirm that snow removal was done properly and in accordance with the agreed-upon standards.“With real-time visibility, we’re able to catch snow buildup or untreated areas before they impact safety and operations,” says [Name], from iVueit.

Why Use iVueit for Your Winter Inspections?

The real question is...why spend time sending your own team across sites just for photos or compliance checks when you can have iVueit’s Vuer Network do it for you for a fraction of the price? Our solution is cost-effective, reliable, and gives you real-time oversight of your properties—whether it’s tracking snow buildup, identifying lighting outages, or verifying janitorial tasks have been completed.

With iVueit, you’ll stay in the know without leaving your desk, ensuring that your facilities are safe, compliant, and welcoming throughout the winter season. Save time, reduce costs, and trust the standard in on-demand data collection with iVueit.

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