Winter in Fargo–Moorhead runs roughly from November into April, and it is the season when commercial buildings take the most damage and present the most slip risk. A good winter facility plan combines enough walk-off matting at every entrance, more frequent entry and floor cleaning to remove salt residue and grit, prompt attention to wet floors, and checks on doors, weatherstripping and leak-prone areas. Salt and sand tracked in during winter are the single biggest driver of floor wear in local buildings.
Why winter is different here
The Red River Valley has one of the coldest climates of any U.S. metro. National Weather Service climate records for the area show long stretches below freezing, snow cover for much of the winter and frequent wind-driven snow on open sites. Ice melt is applied to sidewalks and parking lots for months, and every person who walks in carries some of it.
The results are predictable:
- Salt residue leaves white film on hard floors and dulls finishes
- Sand and grit act like sandpaper on floors and carpet
- Meltwater makes entries slippery
- Wet mats stop working once saturated
- Cold drafts reveal failed weatherstripping and door seals
OSHA's walking-working surfaces standard specifically names snow and ice among hazards to keep surfaces free of as far as practical, and OSHA's winter weather resources cover slips on snow and ice.
Entry matting: the first line of defense
Most tracked-in soil can be stopped in the first several steps inside a building, if matting is adequate:
| Zone | Mat type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Outside the door | Coarse scraper mat | Knock off snow, ice and grit |
| Vestibule | Scraper/wiper combination | Remove remaining debris and some moisture |
| Inside the entry | Absorbent wiper mat | Capture moisture before it reaches the floor |
A common rule of thumb is to provide enough matting for several full steps. Mats must be vacuumed, rotated and replaced when saturated, and checked for curled edges, which are a trip hazard.
A winter cleaning plan (November to April)
Every visit
- Vacuum and extract surface water from entry mats as equipment allows; replace saturated mats
- Mop entry floors with a product suited to salt residue on your floor type
- Wipe salt film from the first 20 feet of hard floor
- Vacuum carpet near entries thoroughly to remove grit
- Clean door glass and thresholds
- Check elevators, which collect slush on their floors
Weekly
- Detail entry corners and baseboards where salt collects
- Check mats for wear and curled edges
After storms
- Extra entry and corridor attention the next visit
- Report ice at entries, drifting against doors and blocked drains
Northmark's winter scopes adjust these tasks by building. Routine winter floor care is part of janitorial service; restorative floor refinishing in spring is specialty work outside our services.
Slip prevention
- Wet floor signs at entries during and after cleaning, and during wet days
- Mats placed flat and secure
- Spills and meltwater reported and addressed promptly
- Snow and ice removal outside the building handled by your snow contractor, coordinated with interior care
Building checks for winter
Winter exposes building problems. Walkthroughs during winter should look for:
- Doors that drag, freeze or fail to latch
- Failed weatherstripping and door sweeps
- Drafts and cold spots that suggest freezing risk for pipes
- Interior stains from ice dams or roof leaks
- Drifting against doors, vents and exits
- Exit routes blocked by snow outside
See preventive maintenance walkthroughs and facility maintenance.
Building-type tips
- Offices: focus on the main entrance and elevator lobbies. See office cleaning.
- Warehouses: dock doors bring in snow all day; keep dock-adjacent offices and restrooms under control. See warehouse housekeeping and OSHA.
- Multifamily: residents, guests and delivery drivers create constant entry traffic. See multifamily common areas.
- Clinics: elderly and mobility-limited patients make dry entries essential.
Spring transition
When the snow melts, a spring detail of entries and corridors removes the season's residue, and a spring walkthrough checks for water problems. See Red River flood season property prep.
For local service, see Fargo and Moorhead.
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove salt residue from commercial floors?
Regular mopping with a product appropriate for salt residue and your floor type, focused on the first stretch of floor inside each entrance, plus vacuuming of carpets near entries.
How much entry matting does a building need in winter?
Enough for several full steps, combining a scraper mat outside, a combination mat in the vestibule and an absorbent mat inside.
When should winter cleaning adjustments start in Fargo?
Typically in November, continuing into April depending on the season.
Does Northmark do snow removal?
No. Northmark handles interior winter cleaning and building checks. Exterior snow and ice removal is handled by snow contractors.
Sources
Published · Northmark Facility Services.