Winter is Here! Pro Tips for Property Management for Safe Winter

Don't Neglect Proper Winter Preparations: 6 Crucial Steps to Prepare Your Commercial Property for Winter

Canada is known for a long and notorious winter.

Last winter, major parts of Ontario experienced an extraordinary winter storm that involved extreme cold temperatures, dangerously rapid snowfall, and an ultimate snow accumulation. Toronto and the GTA witnessed historic snowfall totals in January.

It is highly likely that we will see the effects of La Ni?a this year again, meaning there is a good chance that we will be seeing as much amount of snow. For property owners and managers, it is extremely important to prepare your valued asset in advance for safe winter.

Here are the 6 crucial steps for essential winter preparation for properties:

• Plan for snow and ice removal

It is expected we are going to experience more snow along with cruel storms this coming winter. If not dealt with promptly, heavy snow and ice create serious liability issues. It is too late to find a good snow/ice removal service AFTER it happens. Every competent property owner/manager starts planning way ahead of time so that their properties will be kept safe and strong during the long Canadian winter.

When planning for a removal service, you have several options to choose from for managing removal. Many property owners and managers choose to contract with a snow removal company but this absolutely depends on the unique situation of you and your property. Have a thorough review of your property and determine what kind of service fits you the best.

• Check and take care of your roof

The roof may be one of the areas that property owners/managers can easily overlook. During autumn, fallen leaves can easily get collected and clogged in gutters. This issue, when not dealt with in a timely manner, can create serious issues such as mold issues and electrical fires. We strongly recommend thorough routine maintenance at the beginning and end of every winter season. When inspecting the roof, make sure to include the following in your inspection:

• Curled, missing, broken, or loose shingles
• Damaged, missing, rusty, or corroded flashings
• Clogged gutters and downspouts
• Damage to gutters or eaves
• Any cracks or any signs of cracks at the chimney
• Rot in the fascia board

If there is a need for repair, start it as soon as possible so that it will be ready for the harsh snow season.

• Prepare for power outages

Power outages can happen anywhere, anytime even in the most civilized cities. Depending on the size and type of your business, a power outage can cost an arm and a leg. A temporary power outage can harm your reputation and/or cause big financial opportunities to flee away. A power backup generator gives you an uninterruptible power supply. It will keep your staff confident and comfortable when extreme weather hits. Having proper power backup generators installed also protects proprietary client data, keeping computer systems operational at all times.

• Insulate your plumbing

When the temperatures drop below freezing (0 degrees Celsius & 32 degrees Fahrenheit) for an extended period of time, the water in the pipes starts to freeze. When frozen, water becomes heavier and bigger in volume; Its extra weight and volume add pressure on the walls of the pipes and can burst them. Make sure to insulate your plumbing to prevent this worst nightmare: In general, fitting your pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves will do the work. Consult with a professional to determine the best ways to insulate your plumbing.

• Mitigate security risks

A lot of people leave for vacations during winter, especially in December and January. As a result, robbery increases in December on average. It is a good idea to strengthen your security measures to protect your valuable assets as well as the safety of your employees/tenants. What kind of measure you need to add on varies depending on your unique situation from hiring security guards to doubling up security camera installments.

• Have an HVAC system maintenance check

We spend more time indoors during winter, therefore the significance of indoor air quality is absolutely critical. Before the winter season begins, check your manufacturer’s guidelines for how frequently you need to change your air filters. Here is a quick checklist for winter HVAC system maintenance:

• Replace the filter according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Usually, it is between 30-90 days.
• Check the ignition burner assembly.
• Clear drain lines and pans of any standing water
• Check wiring and electrical connections.
• Check thermostats to see if they are set at the correct temperatures.
• Check the heat pump.
• Have a thorough inspection of the heating elements/heat exchanger. If these things get damaged, carbon monoxide can be leaked.

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For more information regarding winter safety and property management tips, please visit our blog: www.arsgem.com/post/are-you-ready-for-winter