The worse of the winter season is still to come to here are some reminders for winterizing rental properties.
By Mara Indra
The winter season is quickly approaching and with it, harsh winter weather. Heavy rain, freezing temperatures and high winds are the cause of costly damage.
Winterizing properties is not just a seasonal task; it’s a proactive measure that protects investments, saves money on repairs, and ensures the safety and comfort of tenants. Here is a list of preventative maintenance tasks that can help avoid the stress and financial burden of damage during the freezing winter months.
- HAVE TREE LIMBS PRUNED 6’-0” AWAY FROM BUILDINGS
- CLEAN ROOF & GUTTERS
- SEAL WINDOWS & DOORS
- SEAL DECKS & FENCES TO PROTECT FROM RAIN
- SEAL VISIBLE DAMAGE IN SIDING & TRIM
- TURN LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION OFF & HAVE BLOWN DOWN TO AVOID STANDING WATER
- DISCONNECT HOSES
- INSTALL INSULATION CAPS ON HOSE BIBBS
- PLUG FOUNDATION VENTS
- INSTALL INSULATION ON PIPES, ESPECIALLY IN CRAWL SPACES
- COVER OUTDOOR AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
- HAVE THE HEATING SYSTEM SERVICED
- CLEAN HVAC & DRYER VENTS
- CHECK SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
- CLEAN DRAINS IN PLUMBING FIXTURES TO PREVENT ICE BUILD-UP
- CLEAN STANDING WATER FROM PIPE BREAKS IMMEDIATELY- THIS INCLUDES REMOVING ALL WET MATERIALS TO MINIMIZE IMPACT & MOLD GROWTH
WINTERIZE VACANT UNITS:
- HELP EDUCATE TENANTS ON UNIT CARE PRIOR TO EXTENDED VACATIONS
- TURN OFF GAS
- KEEP HEAT ON AT 55 DEGREES MINIMUM
- DRAIN WATER FROM PIPES
- ADD ANTIFREEZE TO TOILETS & DRAIN TRAPS
- KEEP CABINET DOORS OPEN UNDER SINKS
- KEEP A SMALL TRICKLE OF WATER (BOTH HOT & COLD) RUNNING WHEN TEMPS DROP BELOW FREEZING
KEEP RHMS’S NUMBER ON HAND FOR ASSISTANCE:
- WE ARE LICENCED PLUMBERS & ELECTRICIANS AS WELL AS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS
- WE ARE AVAILABLE ON-CALL AFTER HOURS FOR EMERGENCIES
- CALL US IF YOU NEED A HAND WITH PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE OR WEATHER EMERGENCIES: 503.678.2136
About the author:
Mara Indra is an Owner & President of Rental Housing Maintenance Services, Inc., a family-owned repair & remodel business serving the metro rental community since 1997. Mara worked in the field of Architecture for 20 years prior to joining RHMS. She has experience with the construction process from start-to-finish and enjoys collaborating with property owners on identifying opportunities to maximize their investments.
