The holiday season is almost upon us, but Jack Frost could be nipping at a lot more than your nose if you’re not careful these next few months.
People tend to think about massive winter storms causing property damage; however, smaller problems like frigid temperatures, ice buildup, or even thawing and freezing, can cause major issues to your properties.
You also have to think about your residents and indoor hazards associated with the holidays, such as candles and lights.
So here are Aksarben Property Management’s top five suggestions for owners of mulct-family units so everyone can be safe and happy despite the winter weather.
1. Protect your pipes
Prevent frozen pipes by insulating those that could freeze. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against freezing and bursting. To protect plumbing under kitchen and bathroom sinks, try opening the cabinet doors so warm air can surround the pipes.
We also recommend using an air compressor to blow out your irrigation system before the first freeze—otherwise, expanding water can crack your pipes or sever connections. If you haven’t done this yet and don’t want to do it yourself, contact an expert in your area ASAP!
2. Clear your gutters
All sorts of debris and fallen leaves from the fall and summer tend to pile up. Clear these out so that clogged gutters don’t hinder rain and snow melt from clearing. Water can get trapped and turn into ice, causing an ice dam. Plus, rainwater that overflows from gutters and falls near the foundations can also find its way into basements (trust us, you don’t want to mess with that).
3. Tell your tenants to check their heating system or have them checked out yourself
Nobody wants to be without heat during the colder months of the year, and you as the property manager don’t want the stress of having to unexpectedly work around the clock to get a unit fixed, especially when taking into account that winter tends to be the busiest time of the year for heating businesses. Make it a point to reach out to your tenants and ask them to turn on their heaters to ensure they’re working probably before they’re needed. Otherwise, pop by your units and inspect them yourself to give you peace of mind.
4. Stop the falls, slips and trips
You can be prepared for winter weather safety by keeping deicing salt handy for sprinkling on steps, sidewalks and your driveways. It’s important to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually as a result of falling on ice and snow. About 17,000 of these falls are fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Take the steps to ensure everyone is safe!
5. Look for any gaps at bottom of your doors
You can lose a lot of heat at the bottom of your doors, especially ones with large gaps. You can put a plastic “door sweep” that runs along the bottom of the door to seal it.
Stay safe and warm over these next few months. And, as always, be sure to check out aksarbenpropertymanagement.com for a look at their latest rentals or to get in touch with the team about property management options for your investments. They are ready to help you!