It's Time to Prepare Your Real Estate Properties for Winter

As a landlord, you're always looking for ways to keep costs down while keeping your tenants comfortable. This can be challenging in more ways than one. The coming winter seasons mean that as a landlord, steps need to be taken. This not only keeps tenants happy but protects your investment in the property. Severe weather can severely impact the property if it is not taken care of.

Conditions such as frozen pipes and potential water damage can create costly repairs that can be prevented if proper maintenance is taken care of before the problems occur. In an ideal situation, property owners will work together with their tenants to identify problem areas. However, this is not usually the case.

Regardless, maintaining the property is a win-win situation in that it creates a comfortable home for your tenants, but it also protects the investment that you have made in the property. This can be a somewhat subtle line to walk but with a few positive steps, landlords can have a stable base of occupants in rental properties and a healthy property.

The Starting Place

Before you begin making big winterization plans for your building, one of the first places to start is to talk with tenants. They may be able to identify problem areas before they become big situations This information may re-direct your efforts to winterize your building. This could include drafts, or plumbing/drainage issues that you may not be aware of. This conversation may also help you identify any roof issues that you may not know about.

Roof

Checking the roof before any severe weather can minimize repairs. Looking for loose shingles or missing tiles allows you to have them repaired before heavy snows and rains begin. If the roof needs replacing, it may be a good time to replace it with a metal roof. Putting in a metal roof is a sustainable solution that lasts longer than many standard roofs. While a metal roof has a long life, when it does eventually need to be replaced, the material is recyclable.

Gutters

Most gutters trap leaves and other natural materials so its important that they are cleaned prior to the winter season. While it can take a little of effort, ensuring that they are clear, and that water can flow easily can prevent problems in the future. Gutters are designed to move water away from the foundation of the building. This can prevent deterioration and damage to the safety of the entire structure.

Weatherproofing, Caulking and Sealing

When it comes to property management, just taking the simple step to seal leaky windows and weatherstrip doors can go a long way to protect the investment in a property and care for the tenants who reside in the property. In reality, this task is very economical and can have a lasting impact. Simply caulking problem windows and doors can prevent snow and water from entering a structure and causing wood damage and potentially rot.

Another benefit to taking this small step is that it is very economical in the end. It also cuts the potential for drafts which can make the heating system work more efficiently. This saves your tenant and your money. A more competent heating system is also better for the environment.

Check the Siding

The siding of any building should be checked for any breaches. If needed, portions need to be replaced. During hurricane season or periods of heavy weather, most siding is rated to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. During heavy storms, however, the siding may be ripped off which exposes the structure of the home to further damage. The benefit of siding is that it is much easier to replace than other types of products. You may also want to consider a metal roof. This eco-friendly material is sustainable and long-lasting. Plus, they are recyclable!

Another difficulty during winter is car accidents. Unfortunately, sometimes these car accidents can impact the integrity of a building. More than 21% of car crashes involve severe weather. Taking precautions, which may include installing bollards if the front door faces the street, can prevent more costly damages.

Water Heaters

The water heaters in your building need to be flushed at least every two years. This is because, over time, the mineral content can build up and lower the efficiency of the unit. When water heaters are not checked, they can fail which can cause significant water damage in several units of the building.

The last thing that is recommended is to winterize any exterior pipes to prevent them from freezing or potentially bursting. This can prevent severe water damage.

Taking care of a property just takes a little bit of annual maintenance. When you need help maintaining your building, don’t be afraid to contact professionals!.