In the pacific Northwest, It's either the winds, the rains or the occasional deep freeze that seems to visit around Thanksgiving challenging residential property managers. That is not to say winter-like weather can descend long before it’s time to carve the Thanksgiving turkey.
“This is the time of the year to be proactive! Have you pruned your trees? Gutters clean? Have sand or salt for the freezing walks and drives? Homeowner associations need to discuss these items.
“Apartment communities and residential property managers need to be safe for residents and workers during the winter months. It’s super critical that properties not get caught in a situation that compromises the safety of residents and visitors, as well as damage assets.”
Here are few winterization tips:
1. Minimize risk by clearing gutters, Roofs
Gutters clogged with leaves and debris affect drainage and should be cleared before snow and ice arrives. If gutters can’t sufficiently capture and drain water, melt from roofs can cause damage and inconvenience residents and staff. Also, contractors or maintenance personnel will be at risk of injury if they clear gutters during icy conditions.
2. Be ready for Arctic blasts
Faucet covers, Hoses disconnected make sure plumbing is protected from freezing. Finding frozen pipe in the morning is a challenge. Insulate indoor and exposed pipes, as well as doors and windows. Caulking around windows and doors will keep unwanted air out and help reduce energy usage. Insulating pipes will prevent ruptures attributed to freezing, which can lead to expensive repairs.
3. Stock up on snow and ice melt products
Last year, calcium chloride, which is used to melt snow and ice, was scarce and slowed production of melting products used for sidewalks and driveways. This year, ice melt supplies are back to normal.
4. Heating Systems.
To change a furnace filter is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to maximize the efficiency of your heating system—and to help purify your home’s air. Basic furnace filters are designed to trap dust, dirt, and airborne particulates before they can get into the system and potentially damage the fan or the heating coil. More expensive filters perform the same role, plus they can enhance the air quality in your home by trapping bacteria, pollen, and mildew and mold spores. Since most of the air in your house circulates through your HVAC system, furnace filters are your first line of defense against dust and airborne allergens. Typically you should change a basic, fiberglass or paper furnace filter every one to two months. And you should change or clean an electrostatic or HEPA filter every two to four months
