Winter weather may create a range of challenges for commercial buildings this 2026/2027 season, from icy car parks and heating problems to increased dirt and disruption. Following a few straightforward winter maintenance best practices can help minimise downtime and keep your workplace safe, comfortable and operational.
With over two decades of facilities management experience, Rejus has developed extensive knowledge of the practical steps businesses can take to look after their buildings during the colder months.
Here are six essential winter building maintenance tips to help your business prepare for the season.
1. Keep Your Company Car Parks and External Areas Maintained
When preparing your commercial building for winter, it is important to start with the areas outside. Icy car parks, pathways and entranceways can create safety risks and make it more difficult for employees, visitors and customers to access your premises.
Make sure you have a clear plan for dealing with icy conditions, including access to suitable gritting materials or a reliable gritting service. Our winter gritting services can help businesses keep important external areas safer during colder weather.
It is also worth considering how you can keep car parks and entranceways clean. During wet and muddy conditions, employees and visitors can bring dirt, water and debris into your building, increasing the cleaning required inside. Keeping external areas well maintained can help reduce this problem and keep your workplace looking more professional.
2. Maintain Your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems
During winter, employees and visitors are naturally less likely to open windows, which can leave indoor spaces feeling stale and stuffy. Properly functioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are therefore particularly important.
Regular HVAC maintenance can help identify potential issues before they cause disruption. This may include checking filters, inspecting systems for leaks or faults, and ensuring thermostats are working correctly. A well-maintained system can help maintain comfortable temperatures and good indoor air quality throughout the colder months.
3. Keep Your Windows Clean and Well Maintained
Your windows can experience particularly tough conditions during winter, with regular exposure to wind, rain and occasionally snow. Over time, this can leave glass looking dirty and stained.
Keeping windows clean helps your building remain inviting for employees, visitors and potential clients. This can be especially important for windows around entrances and street-level areas, where the appearance of your premises can contribute to a visitor's first impression of your business.
For internal cleaning, a suitable cleaning solution and microfibre cloth can help remove everyday marks and residue. However, external or difficult-to-access windows may require professional assistance to keep your building looking presentable and maximise natural light.
4. Check Your Thermostat and Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
Maintaining a comfortable temperature is an important part of creating a safe and productive working environment during winter. Your thermostat should be working correctly and, where appropriate, connected effectively to your heating or air conditioning system.
A consistent temperature can help make your commercial space more comfortable for employees and visitors. Without the right controls and maintenance in place, businesses may experience spaces that are either too cold or unnecessarily overheated.
The temperature of a workplace can also affect employee comfort and concentration. Regularly monitoring your heating system and addressing problems early can help keep your workplace running smoothly throughout winter.
5. Repair Faulty Equipment Before Small Problems Become Bigger Ones
If your boiler, heating system or other essential equipment develops a fault, it is usually best to investigate and repair the problem as soon as possible.
Heating systems often work harder during winter, meaning an existing issue can quickly become more disruptive. If a boiler or air handling unit fails, your workplace could be left without adequate heating, affecting employees, visitors and normal business operations.
Early warning signs can include unusual noises, smells or changes in how effectively your equipment is performing. Even if the system appears to be working, these signs may indicate that a larger problem is developing. Once an issue has been identified, contacting a qualified technician or your facilities management provider promptly can help prevent unnecessary disruption.
Rejus can help with a range of building maintenance requirements, including air conditioning, heating and boiler repairs. Speak to our team if you have concerns about your commercial building this winter.
6. Have a Winter Emergency Plan in Place
Finally, consider the different ways winter weather could disrupt your normal working day. Extreme weather, power issues, inaccessible sites and transport disruption can all affect business operations.
Make sure appropriate emergency procedures are in place and that employees can be contacted if your office or work site cannot operate as usual. Where possible, consider alternative working arrangements and contingency plans to minimise disruption.
Your winter maintenance planning should also take account of more severe weather conditions. Review your emergency procedures, ensure essential supplies are available where appropriate, and make sure employees understand what to do if your building needs to be evacuated or temporarily closed.
By preparing in advance and addressing maintenance issues early, businesses can reduce the risk of unexpected disruption and help keep their buildings safe, comfortable and operational throughout the winter.