Before the Holidays Hit: Avoiding Seasonal Surprises in Your Commercial Property
- Commercial
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
For most of Houston, November means business slows just enough to breathe—at least on paper. But for commercial buildings, it’s often when small issues decide to make themselves known.
Temperature swings, heavy rain, and increased foot traffic from end-of-year events all test a building’s systems at once. The result? That quiet drip that turns into a ceiling stain, or the HVAC that suddenly struggles when it’s finally asked to heat instead of cool.
Here are a few places where seasonal surprises like to hide:
1. Roofs that just survived storm season.
Summer and fall storms may have left behind small punctures or flashing gaps. A mild November rain is the perfect chance to check for stains, damp insulation, or soft spots before winter brings heavier weather.
2. Drainage systems that aren’t quite keeping up.
Gutters, scuppers, and parking lot drains collect leaves and debris faster than people realize. A quick clean-out can prevent pooling water and foundation stress—two of the costliest “surprises” around.
3. HVAC systems switching to heat for the first time in months.
That first cold morning is when aging components or neglected filters fail. A pre-season tune-up saves you from chilly offices and emergency calls during the holidays.
4. Exterior lighting that quietly burned out.
Shorter days mean longer hours of darkness around entrances, loading areas, and parking lots. Replacing bulbs and testing sensors improves both safety and security.
5. Minor leaks that finally show up.
From plumbing joints to roof penetrations, cooler weather and pressure changes often bring slow leaks to the surface. Spotting them early keeps maintenance budgets predictable.
Every building ages; the difference between “aging” and “failing” is timing. November’s calmer pace is the perfect moment to walk the property, listen, and look closely. Because the best surprise for a property owner is none at all.