Preparing your business premises for Winter

Damage and disruption caused by adverse weather conditions can hinder your business operations. That is why it is so important to prepare your commercial and industrial premises for winter. Our clients have found that the installation of trace heating for frost protection and snow and ice melting systems for roofs, gutters, and critical access areas really makes a difference.

In the UK we often have several bouts of extreme weather per year and having the right tools and procedures in place will ensure you can maintain your operations. Here are our top tips for winter building maintenance.

1. Protect essential utilities against frost, snow, and ice

In freezing conditions, your water pipes are in danger of becoming frozen and when they unfreeze, are likely to damage and cause leaks. Lagging your pipes can help but the most reliable frost protection for your water supply is a trace heating system. Insulated electrical heating cables are fitted to your pipework and control the temperature of the liquid within, ensuring it does not reach freezing point. Trace Heating can be used internally or externally making it a perfect solution for commercial and industrial premises including public sector buildings, healthcare and education, warehousing and manufacturing, heritage and historical properties, offices, and residential apartments.

2. Check your roof, guttering, building exterior, and regularly maintain

Annual maintenance checks of your building’s exterior are necessary as any ongoing deterioration will be more prevalent in the colder winter months. Cleaning your guttering and drains can help prevent build-up or overflow from water. Brickwork, roofing materials, and areas such as fascias all require ongoing upkeep to avoid frost ingress and damp damage.

A self-monitoring de-icing system installed on your commercial roof offers peace of mind and regulates the heat of the roof and guttering so that any snowfall or ice build-up is heated sufficiently to melt and escape easily. This preventative measure makes sure there is no heavy load that could potentially cause roofing damage and ultimately serious building repair.

3. Monitor for leaks

Many water leaks can be unseen for some time, causing damage that can be extremely costly, not to mention time consuming. The best way to identify even the smallest of liquid leaks is through a leak detection system. Liquid sensing cables and probes can be fitted along pipework and in areas where water may escape and, once linked with an alarm panel, provide an immediate alert to a water leak that could save your business time, resource, and cost when rectifying. Systems are even available that offer automatic shut-off of mains via solenoid valves once a leak has been detected. If the building is unoccupied, remote speech and SMS diallers or email diallers can alert off site personnel to take action.

4. Plan your adverse weather policy

Difficult weather conditions can often lead to delays in movement and goods and health and safety concerns. By planning an adverse weather policy, you can effectively communicate with all stakeholders and set-out procedures to limit the impact on your business. You will be able to manage expectations and have operational measures in place to combat the difficulties you may face.

5. Keep access areas accessible

If your operation needs to be accessible in all weather conditions you may need to consider a snow and ice melting system. An ideal solution for all-year-round safety access for ramps, steps, and critical access areas such as delivery or entrance points. Heating cables that come complete with smart technology for energy efficiency and accurate monitoring can be fitted within the concrete or asphalt layer of your premises’ exterior providing a reliable and low maintenance thawing of snow and ice.

What are the major benefits of Trace Heating Systems?

• Self-regulating or adjustable thermostatic temperature control for flexible application
• An energy efficient solution due to its low wattage and regulated temperature control
• Hardy insulated cabling with long expected lifetime
• Low maintenance components
• Expandable to accommodate new additional areas

Why choose Diamond Controls?

Diamond Controls is an authorised partner installer of nVent Raychem, one of the leading manufacturers of trace heating products and accessories.

Our electrical engineers have over a century of experience between them and offer a comprehensive service that includes design and specification, along with installation, for a turnkey solution for business operations across all sectors. We have worked on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK, including The Shard, along with many commercial and industrial operations across the South and East of the UK.

Find out more about our Trace Heating Systems and how they can help you prepare for the cold winter months.