As winter approaches, commercial properties in Hamilton face the challenge of keeping their buildings safe, accessible, and efficient. Snow and ice can create hazards that not only inconvenience staff and customers, but also impact business operations and safety compliance.
A commercial snow removal contract in Hamilton is essential to ensuring your property remains protected throughout the harsh winter months. At JW Landscaping, we specialize in comprehensive snow removal services that help businesses like yours stay operational, safe, and prepared for anything winter throws their way.
In this blog, we will provide you with seven expert tips to prepare your commercial building for the winter season. From safeguarding your grounds and landscaping to maintaining building facilities and equipment, we will cover everything you need to know to minimize winter’s impact on your business.
Read on to discover how partnering with JW Landscaping and implementing these winter-proofing strategies can give your business the edge it needs to thrive, no matter how harsh the season becomes.
Preparing the Grounds
Ensuring that the outside of your building is safe and ready for the snow and ice is the first step. Protecting your green spaces comes as a close second. Before the snow arrives, ensure you have the right equipment to effectively manage winter maintenance. This includes salt, sand, and the necessary tools for snow removal. Use this time to also prepare the grounds.
A commercial snow removal contract in Brantford and Hamilton can take the stress off your shoulders by providing comprehensive snow removal services.
1. Lawn and plants
Aerate your lawn to disrupt clumps of soil. This prevents moisture build-up that could lead to root rot and starvation. Reducing soil clumps allows air to circulate more freely, ensuring every inch receives the vital oxygen it needs.
Applying fertilizer and mulch in plant beds helps protect fragile shrub bases and nourishes the hibernating plants over winter.
Starting this process in late fall will set up your flowers, shrubs, and lawn for a successful and vibrant new season.
2. Gardening tools
All the tools should be cleaned and properly stored after each use, especially at the end of the season.
The tool blades need to be free of debris and moisture to prevent dulling, sticking, and rusting. Any equipment with an engine should be oiled, and any leftover fuel should be removed.
Stale fuel left in engines can cause issues in the new year and damage the machinery.
3. Snow removal equipment
There are a few key items every property, large or small, should have to assist in the removal of snow and ice. A heavy-duty broom helps clear pathways and sidewalks when the first flurries start to fall. A snow blower will make light work in these smaller areas as winter progresses and snow accumulates.
For larger spaces, such as parking lots and front entrances, investing in a small snowplow is advisable.
A generous supply of salt and sand will help clear ice and prevent slips and falls. This should be applied daily, and salt and sand stock should be kept full at all times. Having a reliable commercial snow removal contract in Hamilton or Brantford on speed dial is also beneficial.
Readying the Building
Winter brings shorter days and longer nights, requiring extra caution when navigating snowy and dark conditions. Your commercial building must be in good condition to remain a warm, safe, and inviting place to work.
4. Lighting
All exterior lighting, from sidewalk lights to external building lights, should be in good working order. Clean and replace any dull bulbs to help people see clearly during the darker months. When the snow falls, these lights act as beacons to guide people safely.
Lights can also be incorporated into festive decorations, so they don’t have to be just white—they can be coloured to create different displays, as long as they are functional.
5. Floor mats
Inside the building, larger mats should be placed at all entrances. This helps reduce the amount of melted snow and debris tracked inside, keeping areas clearer, drier, and safer.
A floor mop should be kept close to the front desk to handle anything the mats miss. Wet floor signs should also be visible.
6. HVAC
Ensure that routine maintenance has been carried out on the HVAC system to maintain a consistently warm temperature and create a comfortable working environment.
7. Windows
Windows play a crucial role in a building’s efficiency and should be maintained and cleaned regularly. This allows you to identify and address any issues before the cold sets in. If left unresolved, the cold and ice can damage windows, leading to costly repairs.
Create an Emergency Plan
Ensure you have a winter emergency plan in place, and that all staff are informed of it. This plan should include the following:
- What to do during a blizzard
- When to stay home
- Actions to take if unable to leave the office due to bad weather
- Emergency contact information
- Evacuation plans
To keep staff and customers safe in the depths of winter, this plan should be reviewed and communicated annually.
Commercial Snow Removal in Hamilton: Surviving Winter
There are several measures we should all implement to survive and thrive during winter. For commercial properties, taking care of both internal and external aspects helps provide protection and comfort for staff.
Snow removal is a critical part of this and falls under health and safety requirements. Partnering with a company that can efficiently manage snow and ice, and be available in emergencies, can make a significant difference.
JW Landscaping has been helping companies stay safe during the winter for many seasons. We understand the importance of speed and efficiency. With Ontario’s requirements for ice and snow management stating that it must be removed within 24 hours, JW Landscaping is prepared to act quickly and get the job done.
Don’t wait—reach out to JW Landscaping at 905-512-6549 or email us at jw-landscaping@outlook.com today to speak with an expert. For a free quote, get in touch with us here.