Last Updated on November 8, 2022 by UDC Sports
As the winter season quickly approaches, it is essential to take note of the necessary steps that need to be taken to protect your sports facility and field. Thankfully, taking care of artificial turf during winter is relatively straightforward. By following the tips below, you can help ensure that your field stays in good condition all season long.
Prep For Facility Care
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s time to start thinking about how winter weather can affect your facility. Several challenges come with the colder months, from snow and ice to freezing temperatures. However, with some preparation, you can minimize the impact of winter weather on your facility.
One of the most important things you can do is have a plan for dealing with snow and ice. This should include identifying who is responsible for clearing walkways and parking lots and having a supply of salt or sand on hand. In addition, it’s essential to ensure that any exposed pipes are properly insulated to prevent them from freezing.
Another consideration is how the cold weather will affect your regular maintenance routines. For example, you may need to adjust your schedule for outdoor activities such as landscaping or painting. Additionally, ensuring that your HVAC system is in good working order before the coldest weather hits is essential. By taking these steps, you can help minimize the impact of winter weather on your facility.
Indoor Considerations
As the temperature drops, it’s essential to ensure that your facility is prepared. The number one concern during winter is heating. The temperature will need to be maintained to keep your facility running smoothly. This is a great time to look at your heating system and ensure everything is in working order.
If you do your maintenance, schedule someone to go through your routine and check for any worn or damaged parts. It’s also essential to clean out any accumulated dust or dirt. If you use a furnace maintenance service, schedule a cleaning through them. By taking these steps, you’ll help ensure that your facility is running optimally all winter long.
Outdoor Considerations
As the temperature outside begins to drop, it’s essential to take some time to assess the property for any potential problems that could arise from the colder weather. Snow build-up on roofs can lead to leaks, so it’s essential to clear any accumulation as soon as possible. It’s also important to check for cracked or damaged tree branches, as they could break and fall during a winter storm.
If the machinery needs to be operated outside in the cold, consult the manuals for proper winterization procedures. This may include changing or topping fluids and keeping the gas tank at least half full. You can help avoid costly damages or repairs down the road by taking some time to prepare for the colder weather.
Field Care
As we move into fall and the weather starts to cool off, it’s essential to start thinking about winter maintenance for your artificial turf field. The first step is to remove any debris accumulated over the year, such as leaves, litter, and other debris.
This is especially important in high-traffic areas, as these areas are more likely to be damaged by impaction and migration. Once the debris has been removed, it’s time to add turf infill to the required depth. Be sure to order turf infill as soon as possible so that you can get this first step taken care of before snow starts to accumulate.
Maintenance on your field isn’t always required to remove snow if your game schedule allows for the snow to melt naturally. However, you may still want to remove snow for a game or due to high traffic. If this is the case, you may find the information on how to clean snow off the turf online, but always consult your manual and warranty that came with the turf.
Prepare For Emergency
Depending on your location, you need to consider the weather conditions that could affect your facility. Ice is a more significant threat in the north, where there are many resources for handling snow. In the south, snow can quickly become overwhelming. If your facility uses generators, test them to ensure they’re operational and ready to take over if necessary.
Ensure all emergency manuals or materials are available even if the power’s out. This means that physical copies are readily available in multiple locations. Consider at what point your facility will shut down due to weather and what conditions you plan to work through. Facility managers must consider how they will keep their buildings up and running.
One of the most important considerations is keeping sidewalks and entryways clear and clean. Snow and ice can quickly create hazardous conditions, so it’s essential to have a plan in place for regular shoveling and de-icing. In addition, facility managers must be prepared for power outages. A backup generator can help ensure that sensitive equipment is not damaged by extreme cold. By planning and being prepared for winter weather, facility managers can help to keep their buildings safe and operational all season long.
