Is your business prepared for winter? Although some aspects of winter are a real pleasure, the weather usually isn't one of them! Not only can snow and ice make the morning commute an absolute nightmare, but it can also play havoc with your business's grounds. Keeping paths, pavements, roads and other access routes on your property in good condition during the colder months isn't just the considerate thing to do - it's also vital in order to comply with health & safety legislation. In addition, protecting your landscape from the ravages of the weather helps keep costly maintenance to a minimum and can prolong the lifetime of your surfaces. We take a look at the main threats winter brings to your grounds, as well as what you can do to reduce their impact as much as possible.
Slip hazards – ice or fallen leaves
Possibly the most common and also one of the most dangerous hazards, both leaves and ice can be very slippery. Leaves and black ice are particularly dangerous, as they may not appear obviously icy, so many people try to walk over them as normal. A slip on ice or leaves by a visitor, member of staff, or client could result in costly legal action, as well as damaging the reputation of your company.
Snow blocking areas and hiding hazards
Although a fall of snow can create a stunning winter landscape, it can also cause havoc for pedestrians and motorists by hiding slip or trip hazards. Not only can snow obscure ice or piles of dead leaves, but it can also mask unevenness in pavements, low steps and the path boundaries, making accidents more likely.
Frost causing cracks
Freeze/thaw weathering can be enormously destructive on any porous surface. Over time, the repeated expansion and contraction of water lying in tiny cracks and crevices in concrete or stonework can cause small chips to flake off. If not dealt with promptly, this can cause significant surface deterioration.
Cool weather freezing water and blocking pipes
Pipes which are poorly insulated and/or in a vulnerable location stand a good chance of freezing during the cooler months. This increases the risk of a subsequent leak, as well as interrupting water supply.
Good grounds maintenance can significantly reduce both the likelihood and the severity of the negative effects winter can have. We can't control the weather, but we can control how grounds are maintained! Call us now to find out more about the winter maintenance Mansfield companies can benefit from when they use our experienced, professional team at Weedfree Landscapes.
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