With temperatures dropping to near freezing levels over the coming weeks in the Lower Mainland, it is still not too late to prepare your properties for the colder weather. A drop in temperatures can pose risk to the comfort, safety, and profitability of your properties, making adequate winter property management essential to protecting your investments. Below are four tips to protect your properties as we enter a cold winter period.
Protect Pipes
Every winter, frozen pipes are one of the most common problems facing property managers. Frozen pipes significantly increase your risk of your pipes bursting, which can cause thousands in property damage. Pipes most at risk are those in basements, attics, and garages, or any other unheated interior spaces. Pipe insulation is the first and most effective step to reduce the risk of pipes freezing, by maintaining higher temperatures. Other tips include keeping garage doors closed, keeping your exposed pipes in cabinets by keeping cabinet doors open, and leaving your faucets running at a slow but steady drip to prevent freezing. If tenants plan on being away, encourage them to keep their heating on at a minimum of 12°C to prevent pipes from freezing in their absence.
Check Heating Systems
It is recommended that you have your HVAC system inspected and serviced at least once per year, along with furnaces and boilers to ensure optimal efficiency. Making sure the filters are replaced help prevent potential breakdowns and help your system run efficiently. Cleaning your air vents is another prudent step as dust and dirt built up on your air vents and registers can overwork your system and reduce your airflow.
Attic Ventilation
Adequate attic ventilation is instrumental to protecting your home against damaging moisture problems and maintaining a comfortable living space. Attic ventilation is increasingly important during winter months due to the potential of moisture when the heat from your home rises to the cooler air in the attic. Moisture build-up can cause problems such as mold growth, wood rot, popped shingles, and other damage to your roof decking. You should consult an HVAC professional at the sight of any moisture build-up in your attic to prevent further damage to your property.
Create a Winter Emergency Plan
The unpredictable nature of winter weather means an increased likelihood of emergencies occurring without warning. Power outages, fallen trees, and burst pipes are amongst some of the different scenarios you may face during the winter. A well-prepared emergency plan is imperative to minimize potential loses and damages during emergencies. Your emergency plan should include the details of reliable contractors, snow removal services, and utility companies. Stock up on essential supplies such as temporary heating equipment, salt, sand, and shovels. Clear communication with tenants regarding expectations, procedures, and responsibilities can go a long way in ensuring an effective winter emergency plan.
Our expert property management team is a division dedicated to provide clients with a full spectrum of services related to their real estate needs. Read all about VIRANI RENT + MANAGE.
Cold Weather Has Arrived. Here are 4 Tips to Ensure Your Property Survives the Cold
With temperatures dropping to near freezing levels over the coming weeks in the Lower Mainland, it is still not too late to prepare your properties for the colder weather. A drop in temperatures can pose risk to the comfort, safety, and profitability of your properties, making adequate winter property management essential to protecting your investments. Below are four tips to protect your properties as we enter a cold winter period.
Protect Pipes
Every winter, frozen pipes are one of the most common problems facing property managers. Frozen pipes significantly increase your risk of your pipes bursting, which can cause thousands in property damage. Pipes most at risk are those in basements, attics, and garages, or any other unheated interior spaces. Pipe insulation is the first and most effective step to reduce the risk of pipes freezing, by maintaining higher temperatures. Other tips include keeping garage doors closed, keeping your exposed pipes in cabinets by keeping cabinet doors open, and leaving your faucets running at a slow but steady drip to prevent freezing. If tenants plan on being away, encourage them to keep their heating on at a minimum of 12°C to prevent pipes from freezing in their absence.
Check Heating Systems
It is recommended that you have your HVAC system inspected and serviced at least once per year, along with furnaces and boilers to ensure optimal efficiency. Making sure the filters are replaced help prevent potential breakdowns and help your system run efficiently. Cleaning your air vents is another prudent step as dust and dirt built up on your air vents and registers can overwork your system and reduce your airflow.
Attic Ventilation
Adequate attic ventilation is instrumental to protecting your home against damaging moisture problems and maintaining a comfortable living space. Attic ventilation is increasingly important during winter months due to the potential of moisture when the heat from your home rises to the cooler air in the attic. Moisture build-up can cause problems such as mold growth, wood rot, popped shingles, and other damage to your roof decking. You should consult an HVAC professional at the sight of any moisture build-up in your attic to prevent further damage to your property.
Create a Winter Emergency Plan
The unpredictable nature of winter weather means an increased likelihood of emergencies occurring without warning. Power outages, fallen trees, and burst pipes are amongst some of the different scenarios you may face during the winter. A well-prepared emergency plan is imperative to minimize potential loses and damages during emergencies. Your emergency plan should include the details of reliable contractors, snow removal services, and utility companies. Stock up on essential supplies such as temporary heating equipment, salt, sand, and shovels. Clear communication with tenants regarding expectations, procedures, and responsibilities can go a long way in ensuring an effective winter emergency plan.
Our expert property management team is a division dedicated to provide clients with a full spectrum of services related to their real estate needs. Read all about VIRANI RENT + MANAGE.