Proactive Winter Maintenance Tips to keep your estate open this winter

At OUTCO we have spent the last 20 years building a reputation as the most reliable provider in the industry for fully managed winter maintenance services.  Our two decades of experience, which comes with award winning tech innovation, means that we are ideally placed to advise estate managers with the best quality advice on how to proactively prepare their sites for winter.

Why Early Preparation Matters

Early planning is critical. Securing your winter maintenance provider and setting up a proactive gritting and snow clearance strategy early not only guarantees your property is safe as can be, but also reduces the stress and costs associated with reacting to sudden snow or ice, or a site closure

Winter weather can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation and the support of a trusted winter maintenance provider like OUTCO, you can keep your estate safe and operational all season long. At OUTCO, we specialise in providing professional gritting and snow clearance services to help businesses stay operational and safe during the colder months.

This blog outlines essential tips on how to prepare your estate for winter, with a focus on proactive planning for gritting, snow clearance, and equipment readiness. Early planning is key to minimising winter risks and ensuring your property remains accessible.

The Importance of Early Planning for Winter Maintenance

Planning your winter maintenance strategy early will mean that you’re not caught off guard. It allows you to secure a reliable winter maintenance provider and ensure that essential equipment and resources, like grit bins and snow ploughs, are ready to go when needed.

At OUTCO, we recommend getting your winter maintenance contract in place before the cold weather hits. This gives you peace of mind and helps avoid the last-minute rush when demand for gritting and snow clearance services spikes.

Getting a plan in place early also means that it allows enough time for your contract provider to complete a comprehensive survey of your required sites, which can sometimes be quite complex.  The good news is with OUTCO, we have a team ready and waiting to complete your site surveys and the onboarding process is quick and easy.

Gritting Tips for Winter Preparedness

Gritting is one of the most effective ways to prevent ice-related accidents and provide safe access to your property during icy conditions. However, effective gritting requires early preparation and careful planning.

Here is how to be sure you are fully prepared for gritting:

• Assess Priority Areas: Identify all areas of the site that need gritting, with a key focus on priority areas, such as walkways, car parks, entrances, and loading bays. These high-traffic areas need extra attention to help prevent accidents caused by slipping on ice, while also making sure all other areas are sufficiently covered too.
• Monitor Weather Forecasts: Keep an eye on the weather forecasts so that gritting takes place before ice forms. Gritting is most effective when applied to surfaces before the freeze sets in.
• Stock Up on Grit: Ensure your grit bins are full well before winter starts. Running out of grit during the coldest months can lead to hazardous conditions. Regularly check your stock levels and schedule refills to maintain a consistent supply throughout the winter.

At OUTCO, we provide timely grit bin refills and salt deliveries to ensure your estate is always ready for the next frost.

Snow Clearance Tips for Efficient Winter Management

Snow can quickly build up on car parks and walkways, creating hazardous conditions that can lead to slips, trips, and falls. It’s important to have a snow clearance plan in place that prioritises safety and accessibility.

Here are a few key snow clearance tips to keep in mind:

• Set Clear Snow Clearance Priorities: Just like with gritting, identify which areas of your property are most critical to keep clear. Emergency exits, disabled access routes, and main entryways should be top priorities.
• Invest in Proper Snow Clearance Equipment: If your estate is large, investing in snow clearance equipment like snow blowers or ploughs might be necessary. For smaller areas, make certain that you have shovels and snow brushes available for manual clearance.
• Plan for Heavy Snowfall: In regions prone to heavy snow, plan for additional manpower and equipment for quicker response times. Snow that isn’t cleared promptly can turn to ice, which is more difficult to manage.

It is often more cost effective to outsource snow clearance and winter maintenance to a professional company like OUTCO. This removes any need for costly capital expenditure on snow clearance equipment. The team at OUTCO provides proactive snow clearance services, ensuring your property is quickly cleared after snowfall to minimise disruption and maintain safety.

Grit Bin Management: Be Prepared for Ice and Snow

Grit bins are an essential resource for keeping your estate safe during icy weather. Making sure they are in good condition and strategically placed throughout your property is vital. A few key considerations for grit bin management include:

• Location: Place grit bins in easily accessible areas near high-traffic zones, such as walkways and entrances. Make certain that they are visible and accessible in case of heavy snow.
• Condition: Check that grit bins are not damaged and have properly working lids to protect the grit from moisture and contamination.  The bin should be unlocked to allow easy access, have a hand scoop present to allow for spreading and be free of any litter.
• Regular Refills: Make sure your grit bins are fully stocked before the winter season. Arrange regular checks and refills so that you never run out of grit when icy conditions arise.

OUTCO offers comprehensive grit bin services, including regular inspections, maintenance, and refills to ensure your estate is always prepared.

Contact us today to start planning your winter maintenance strategy.