Winter cleaning of sidewalks at SVJ - how to ensure the safety of residents and a peaceful sleep of the committee

For the community of unit owners, winter means not only higher demands for heating, but also the responsibility for safe movement around the house. Clearing snow, salting pavements and preventing ice are not just an unpleasant duty - at SVJ it is often a question of safety, responsibility and peace of mind for all members and the committee.

In this article, we focus on how to approach winter cleaning in the world of SVJ: who is responsible for what, how to set clear rules, what to sprinkle on the sidewalks and when it makes sense to entrust the cleaning to a professional company.

Why winter cleaning is so important at SVJ

At apartment buildings managed by SVJ, dozens of residents, including children, seniors and visitors, pass through the sidewalks, entrances and staircases every day. Poorly cleared snow or ice can lead to injuries, complaints and unnecessary tension in the house.

Winter cleaning is important for several reasons:

• reducing the risk of slips and injuries for residents and visitors

• protection of SVJ's reputation and owners' satisfaction

• preventing unnecessary insurance events and disputes

• fulfillment of obligations arising from applicable legislation and local ordinances

The better SVJ's winter cleaning is set up, the less "who was on duty", "why is it slipping again" or "who is to blame" is addressed.

Clear rules: who clears the snow in your SVJ

The basis of a peaceful winter is to have owners in the community clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Typically, one of these models is used:

• cleaning is provided by a specific person (e.g. janitor, administrator, authorized owner)

• individual owners change regularly according to the service schedule

• winter cleaning is completely outsourced to a cleaning company

For the system to work, it is good to have:

• winter regime described in the house rules or internal regulations of the SVJ

• clearly defined which areas are cleaned in winter (sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, entrances, stairs)

• contact person who deals with emergency situations (ice, heavy snowfall, weekends, holidays)

When to start clearing snow near an apartment building

A simple rule applies to SVJ: the sooner the snow is removed, the smaller the risk of injuries and residents' dissatisfaction.

• it is ideal to shovel snow already during snowfall or shortly after it

• trodden snow, which subsequently freezes, is much more difficult to remove and it is often necessary to combine mechanical removal and spreading

• during heavy snowfall, it is better to divide the cleaning into several stages than to wait for a large layer to fall

For apartment buildings, it pays to follow the weather forecast and plan cleaning in advance - especially before the weekend or holidays.

How to properly shovel snow around an apartment building

Suitable tools for SVJ

• rake and snow shovels for sidewalks and areas around the house

• broom or smaller shovel for stairs and entrances

• for larger areas, a snowblower or other mechanization is advantageous

It is good to have tools available in one place (carriage room, utility room) so that cleaning can be done quickly and without chaos.

Where to move the snow

SVJ should determine in advance where the snow will accumulate:

• so that it does not block entrances, parking spaces or passageways

• so that it does not obstruct the view when exiting the garage

• so that snow piles do not damage the greenery more than necessary

A clear agreement helps prevent situations where residents accuse each other of throwing snow "somewhere in the way".

Salting sidewalks at SVJ - advantages, disadvantages and when to choose something else

Road salt is one of the most widely used means of treating pavements. Apartment buildings have their advantages, but also disadvantages that SVJ should be aware of.

Benefits of salt

• helps to melt ice and residual snow

• quickly reduces surface slipperiness

• it is readily available and simple to use

Disadvantages of salt for SVJ

• can damage concrete and stone surfaces of walkways and stairs

• has a negative effect on the greenery around the house (lawn, bushes, trees)

• accelerates the corrosion of metal elements (railings, fences, gates)

• it settles into the inner spaces of the shoes and leaves unsightly marks

Therefore, it is advisable to use salt sensibly and only where it is really necessary - typically in the most frequented and risky places (staircases, main entrances, steeper entrances).

Alternatives to salt: sand, gravel and ecological sprinkles

Today, many SVJ are looking for a compromise between safety and gentleness to surfaces and greenery. In a number of situations, it pays to use alternative sprinkles:

• Sand or fine gravel

  • increases surface roughness and reduces slipperiness

  • does not damage the surface by chemical reaction

  • after winter, it is necessary to sweep and clean the litter

• More ecological sprinkles

  • special mixtures saving greenery and surfaces

  • suitable for courtyards, around children's playgrounds and greenery between houses

  • often an ideal choice where SVJ wants to maintain a nice environment for the long term

A reasonable solution is usually a combination: treat the most critical areas with a moderate dose of salt, other areas with sprinkles that do not harm the surroundings.

Winter cleaning as part of comprehensive house care

Winter cleaning at SVJ is not an isolated activity. When it is necessary to decide who will clear the snow, who will wipe the corridor and who will empty the trash, it often turns out that it is more advantageous to deal with the cleaning comprehensively.

Many SVJ therefore choose to work with a professional cleaning company that:

• will ensure regular cleaning of common areas

• will take over the winter cleaning of sidewalks, entrances and around the house

• sets a clear cleaning schedule according to season and weather

• will provide the crowd and cleaning even on weekends and holidays

If you are considering a comprehensive cleaning solution for your home, it is worth looking at the service apartment building cleaning, where regular cleaning of corridors, elevators and other common areas can be combined with outdoor and winter cleaning.

When does it pay off for SVJ to cooperate with a professional company?

External winter and year-round cleaning makes sense especially in the following situations:

• some services are not fulfilled for a long time (forgetting, repeated complaints)

• the SVJ committee does not want to discuss who can and cannot come to clean

• more seniors or families with children live in the house and a higher level of security is needed

• SVJ wants to have a clearly defined responsibility and a documented scope of cleaning

The professional team will set the rules and schedule of services so that the committee does not have to deal with operational tasks on a daily basis and the residents are sure that the sidewalks and entrances will be safe throughout the winter.

Summary for SVJ

• Winter cleaning of the sidewalks at SVJ is key for the safety of the residents, good relations in the building and the peace of the committee.

• It pays to have written rules: who cleans, what exactly is cleaned and what means are used.

• Snow is best removed as soon as possible before it is trampled and frozen.

• Salt helps, but can damage surfaces and greenery - it's also worth considering sand, gravel or more environmentally friendly sprinkles.

• For many SVJs, the most effective solution is long-term cooperation with a cleaning company that will provide both exterior and interior cleaning.

• You can find a comprehensive offer within the service apartment building cleaning, where cleaning can be set exactly according to the needs of a specific community.