We all know it’s coming. The first has already happened. More will follow.
I’m talking about snow. I’m talking about preparing for snows that blanket us in white. Having been the “plow guy” and the “shovel guy” at a variety of buildings, here’s my advice:
1. It’s best to shovel as a snowstorm progresses rather than waiting until the end. As a tenant, plan to shovel walkways periodically and avoid risky passage for your employees, associates, and customers. Compact snow can be treacherous and much harder to remove.
2. Having the right tool is always important. When it comes to snow shovels, I recommend a plastic push shovel. As you use it, the edge sharpens over time making it easier to move snow out of the way and pick up crusty snow or ice from underneath. Pushing the snow, rather than scooping it, moves more snow faster and is less stressful on your heart and back. You may need a scraper (wider flexible blade) or chisel for those stubborn ice patches.
3. Deicer and sand products can be great, but only when used correctly. You want to be sure to remove the snow and ice first, then spread the correct amount, about 4 pounds per 1,000 SF or half a coffee mug for 150 SF. Over applying can harm the inside and outside of your property, so get a good spreader. Eventually, products end up in storm drains and then the nearest stream, lake, or river. Remember, if the temperature is below zero, use sand as deicers don’t work in cold weather.
4. Ice dams and roof failures can be destructive and costly, so prevention is key. Clean sticks, leaves, and debris from rain gutters and down spouts before it snows. Using a roof rake reduces accumulation of snow, prevents ice dams, and avoids roof failures. During the winter, keep an eye out for problem areas, so they can be tackled early.
5. When done correctly, snow shoveling can be great exercise and save you a trip to the gym! With proper form, it uses legs, glutes, core, biceps, and triceps as well as your shoulders. One hour of shoveling can burn around 532 calories (per CDC), which is the same as vigorous weightlifting. As with any exercise, you want to warm up, so start slow. Know It takes your body longer to warm up in cold temps and be sure to monitor when you need to take a break.
In my neighborhood, we help each other out when the inches pile up. Commercial real estate is no different. When big snows happen, maintenance and property management team members work around the clock. And tenants and owners often pitch in to get what needs to be done, done. So get your snow shovel ready and join the community effort. After all, we all want buildings to be accessible and people to traverse safely.
At CEG, we’re here to help! Email our team at hello@cegspaces.com or call 612-788-1552 if you have any questions. You can find me at 612-428-3333 or jeff@cegspaces.com.
Want to move? Looking to sell? Want to buy? Let's connect.
Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.
#CommercialRealEstateBroker #SDVOSB #veteranowned #CREbroker #brokers #WeKnowSpace #WeGetDealsDone #CEGknowsspace#CEGspaces #CEG #commercialproperty#MN#twincities#CRE#twincitiescommercialrealestate#MNbusiness#CREinvesting#BNI #AbsoluteConnections #CommercialRealEstateBlog #CREblog #snow #snowremoval #shovelsnow #snowday #snowstorm #shovel #winter #LetItSnow