This past week we were all tracking Hurricane Matthew and watching the devastation and destruction left in its wake. It is hurricane season now and we all have our eye on the weather. Well folks, this is New England so you’d better not blink or you will find your self covered in snow before you know it.
It may be hurricane season now, but you should be prepping all of your rental properties and buildings for winter while there is still some time left before the first frost and freeze. Here is a good start for all of your landlords getting your properties ready for winter.
FALL PROPERTY CHECK LIST
- Pre-order ice melt while it is still cheaper and sold out
- Rock Salt is the cheap stuff but eats your asphalt, wood, and cement. This is corrosive stuff, use with care as needed
- Calcium Chloride is just north of $20 per bag. Good for wood, decks, and cement applications. Not as corrosive. Works well at 20 degrees.
- Pre-order ice damn melt (hockey pucks)
- Stock up on winter snow shovels for residents
- Clean out all gutter to help prevent ice dams
- Have trees and limbs cut back
- Arrange your plow and snow removal contractors
- Provide resident information on fuel assistance programs
- Provide pamphlets to residents for frozen pipe prevention
- Check all furnaces and heating sources
- Check basement foundations for daylight cracks
- Seal and insulate any foundation openings
- Insulate water pipes and apply heat tape as needed
- Check basements and attics for drafts
- Arrange for automatic oil delivery where needed
- Perform maintenance on snow plows and snow blowers
- Turn off all exterior water spigots
- Review emergency procedures with residents and staff
It is also a good idea to walk your property at night to ensure that it is well lit. Better to install outdoor lighting now than have a trip and fall in the dark on ice or snow. Halogen lighting costs a bit more up front but your saving come in lower maintenance and replacement costs. Check all of your entry doorways and hall ways too. Are all of the doors closing properly to keep out the weather? A few inexpensive hydraulic door closers and storm door replacement springs can keep out the cold and reduce heating costs for you and your residents.
Make sure that your driveways are clear from any debris or obstacles which could impede snow removal. After the Halloween candy is all gone, you should place your driveway plow markers too. Don’t wait for the turkey stuffing to get this one done. Finally, check all of your exterior stairwells and passage ways. When it gets cold and slippery outside, your residents will be clinging to those handrails for dear life. Make sure now that they are sturdy, secure and can withstand the load.
Do you have any ideas on this topic you could share to help our online community? Please chime in to share a comment or review.
Warmest regards,
Brian Lucier
Belaire Property Management
Regional Property Manager
(978) 448-0669
info@belaire.co
www.belaire.co
Belaire Property Management is now on
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Thumbtack
