Winter can be one of the most demanding seasons for school facilities teams. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, shorter daylight hours, and increased wear on buildings and equipment all create unique challenges. Unfortunately, the seasonal timing often lands at a time when staffing and budgets are already stretched thin.
The following guide is designed to help school facilities managers, maintenance teams, and administrators prepare for and manage winter maintenance effectively.
Whether you’re in a region with heavy snowfall or occasional cold fronts, these best practices can help improve safety, reduce costly repairs, and keep school operations running smoothly all season long.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters in Schools
School campuses see high daily foot traffic, house valuable assets, and are responsible for student and staff safety. Winter conditions increase risks such as:
- Slip-and-fall incidents from snow and ice
- Heating system failures during extreme cold
- Roof damage from snow load and ice dams
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Increased energy costs
- Deferred maintenance issues compounding into emergencies
A proactive winter maintenance strategy helps schools stay compliant, reduce liability, and avoid reactive, expensive fixes.
Winter Maintenance Planning: Start Before the First Freeze
Preparation is the foundation of effective winter maintenance. Schools that plan ahead experience fewer disruptions and emergencies.
Conduct a Pre-Winter Facility Inspection
Before winter weather arrives, inspect critical systems and areas, including:
- Heating systems, boilers, and furnaces
- Roofs, gutters, and downspouts
- Exterior doors, windows, and weather stripping
- Parking lots, walkways, stairs, and handrails
- Emergency generators and backup power systems
- Plumbing in unheated or low-traffic areas
Document findings and prioritize repairs before temperatures drop.
Review Emergency and Severe Weather Plans
Ensure winter-specific procedures are clearly documented and communicated:
- Snow and ice response plans
- School closure or delay protocols
- Emergency contact lists for vendors and contractors
- After-hours response procedures
Clear communication reduces confusion during severe weather events.
Snow and Ice Management Best Practices
For schools in snowy or icy regions, exterior maintenance becomes a daily priority.
Prioritize High-Traffic Areas
Focus snow removal and de-icing efforts on:
- Main entrances and exits
- ADA-accessible routes
- Bus lanes and drop-off zones
- Staff and student walkways
- Emergency exits
Clearing these areas first helps reduce safety risks and keeps schools operational.
Use the Right De-Icing Materials
Different surfaces and temperatures require different treatments:
- Rock salt is effective but can damage concrete and landscaping
- Calcium chloride works in lower temperatures
- Sand improves traction but doesn’t melt ice
Use materials strategically to balance effectiveness, cost, and surface longevity.
Track Snow Removal and Ice Treatment
Maintaining records of snow and ice response—dates, times, materials used, and areas treated—can be valuable for:
- Liability protection
- Budget planning
- Vendor performance tracking
Heating, HVAC, and Indoor Comfort
Cold weather puts significant strain on heating systems, making preventative maintenance essential.
Perform Routine Heating System Checks
Throughout winter, regularly inspect:
- Boilers and furnaces
- Air handling units
- Thermostats and control systems
- Filters and belts
Addressing small issues early helps prevent classroom discomfort and emergency shutdowns.
Monitor Indoor Air Quality
Winter often means closed windows and reduced ventilation. Ensure systems are properly balanced to maintain:
- Adequate airflow
- Proper humidity levels
- Healthy indoor air quality
This is especially important for student health and staff comfort.
Plumbing and Freeze Prevention
Frozen pipes can cause significant damage and downtime.
Protect Vulnerable Plumbing
Focus on:
- Pipes in exterior walls
- Mechanical rooms
- Crawl spaces and unheated areas
- Outdoor spigots and irrigation lines
Insulate pipes, seal air leaks, and drain systems as needed.
Schedule Regular Checks During Cold Snaps
During extreme cold, routine walk-throughs can catch early warning signs like:
- Reduced water pressure
- Unusual noises
- Visible condensation or frost
Early intervention can prevent catastrophic failures.
Roofs, Gutters, and Building Exteriors
Winter weather can accelerate exterior wear and tear.
Watch for Snow Load and Ice Dams
In heavy snow regions, monitor roofs for:
- Excessive snow accumulation
- Ice dams along roof edges
- Blocked drains and scuppers
Addressing issues promptly helps prevent leaks and structural damage.
Inspect After Major Storms
Post-storm inspections can identify:
- Loose flashing
- Damaged siding
- Fallen branches or debris
Timely repairs reduce long-term damage and costs.
Winter Maintenance for Milder Climates
Even schools in warmer regions face winter-related risks.
Prepare for Freezing Nights and Rain
In areas with occasional cold snaps:
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Test heating systems early
- Ensure proper drainage to avoid pooling water
Plan for Increased Rain and Storms
Winter storms can stress roofs, drainage systems, and electrical infrastructure—even without snow.
Staffing, Scheduling, and Documentation
Winter maintenance often requires flexibility and clear documentation.
Adjust Work Orders and Schedules
Expect an increase in reactive tasks during winter. Balance:
- Preventive maintenance
- Emergency response
- Seasonal tasks
Clear prioritization helps teams stay focused.
Document Everything
Tracking inspections, repairs, and seasonal tasks supports:
- Budget forecasting
- Compliance reporting
- Long-term asset planning
FlowPath Helps Schools Manage Winter Maintenance
Managing winter maintenance across multiple buildings, systems, and teams can be overwhelming—especially without the right tools.
FlowPath’s CMMS software is built to support school facilities teams by helping them:
- Schedule and track preventive maintenance tasks
- Manage work orders for snow removal, heating issues, and repairs
- Document inspections, maintenance history, and compliance
- Improve communication between administrators and maintenance teams
- Gain visibility into assets, costs, and seasonal maintenance trends
With FlowPath, schools can move from reactive winter maintenance to a more proactive, organized approach—reducing downtime, improving safety, and extending the life of critical assets.
Learn how FlowPath supports school facilities teams year-round and simplifies seasonal maintenance planning.
