Preparing for Winter

As winter approaches homeowners must prepare for the colder months to ensure the safety, comfort, and longevity of their property. Winter condo maintenance tasks focus on protecting the building from the elements, ensuring essential systems run efficiently, and addressing safety concerns for residents. Proper upkeep during the winter months can prevent expensive repairs and maintain the property’s value. This guide to winter condo maintenance outlines key maintenance tasks to help your condo stay in top condition throughout the winter season.

1. Exterior Maintenance

Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can take a toll on the exterior of a condo building. Preparing the building’s exterior before the first snow falls is critical to preventing damage and ensuring resident safety.

• Roof and Gutters The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a building during the winter. Snow accumulation, ice dams, and heavy winds can lead to leaks and structural damage. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, and weak spots that could worsen under heavy snow. Address any issues before winter weather hits to avoid emergency repairs. Cleaning gutters is also essential. Clogged gutters can cause ice dams to form, leading to water damage as melted snow refreezes. Clear leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters and ensure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.

• Snow Removal Having a snow removal plan in place is essential for keeping driveways, walkways, and parking areas safe and accessible. Arrange for professional snow removal services or ensure that on-site maintenance staff are equipped with the necessary tools and materials, such as shovels, snow blowers, and salt or sand for de-icing. It’s also important to set up a schedule for clearing snow from roofs, especially for flat or low-pitched roofs, where snow accumulation can cause excessive weight and lead to damage or collapse.

• Outdoor Lighting With shorter daylight hours, ensuring that exterior lighting is functioning properly is essential for safety. Check that all outdoor lights are working, especially in parking lots, pathways, and entrances. Consider installing timers or motion sensors to keep areas well-lit during the darker winter months.

• Landscaping and Outdoor Furniture Winterizing landscaping features, such as sprinklers and garden hoses, helps prevent freezing and damage to the system. Drain and shut off irrigation systems and store hoses in a sheltered area. If your condo has outdoor furniture, consider storing it in a dry, protected space to prevent weather-related damage. Alternatively, cover it with durable, weather-resistant covers to extend its life.

2. Interior Common Areas

Common areas inside the building, such as lobbies, hallways, and stairwells, see increased use during the winter months, as residents spend more time indoors. Proper winter condo maintenance is key to ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

• Heating Systems Winter is a time when heating systems are put to the test. Schedule an HVAC inspection to ensure that the heating system is operating efficiently. Check air filters and replace them as necessary to maintain air quality and prevent strain on the system.  For buildings with central heating systems, it’s essential to check for any leaks, unusual noises, or inconsistent temperatures that may signal issues. An HVAC professional can inspect boilers, furnaces, and radiators, ensuring they are ready for the winter months.

• Doors and Windows Drafts can make common areas uncomfortable and increase heating costs. Inspect all doors and windows for drafts and gaps. Seal any cracks with caulking or weatherstripping to prevent heat loss and keep cold air out. In older buildings, it may be worth upgrading to energy-efficient windows to improve insulation.

• Flooring and Carpeting Winter often brings in dirt, slush, and salt from the outside, which can damage flooring and carpeting in high-traffic areas. Regularly clean and vacuum common areas to prevent salt and moisture from accumulating. Use heavy-duty mats at entrances to reduce the amount of water and debris tracked into the building.

• Fire Safety Systems With the increased use of heating systems, the risk of fire can rise during the winter months. Make sure that all fire safety equipment, including smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems, are in working order. Replace batteries in smoke detectors and ensure that fire extinguishers are easily accessible. Check that all fire exits are clear of obstructions and that emergency signage is visible. Winter storms can occasionally lead to power outages, so ensure that backup lighting and power systems are functional.

3. HVAC and Plumbing Systems

Winter places additional demands on both heating and plumbing systems, making regular maintenance crucial for avoiding breakdowns during the coldest months.

• HVAC System Beyond a basic inspection, it’s important to ensure that heating systems are tuned to handle prolonged use. If your building has programmable thermostats, set them to maintain comfortable temperatures without overburdening the system. Encourage residents to keep doors and windows closed when the heat is on to avoid wasting energy. It’s also essential to check that air vents are clear and unobstructed. Blocked vents can cause uneven heating and strain the system.

• Plumbing and Pipe Insulation Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter issues. Water in pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst, leading to water damage and expensive repairs. To prevent this, insulate pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and exterior walls. Encourage residents to leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. It’s also a good idea to have a steady drip of water flowing through pipes on extremely cold days to keep them from freezing. Check for leaks in common areas, particularly in shared kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Any issues should be addressed immediately to avoid water damage and mold growth.

For more information regarding the winterization of your home, check out the Eli Report or Better Homes and Gardens.

Preparing for Fall

In preparing your yard for fall and winter, here are a few tips we recommend:

Mow and edge until the wet weather settles in

Rake and dispose of leaves throughout the leaf-dropping season

Remove any dead plants that didn’t make it through summer

Prune overgrown shrubs, especially near sidewalks

Apply a weed-and-feed fertilizer to lawns

For moss in lawns, apply a turf builder with moss control

Tidy porches and put summer items in storage

Obtain bids and get HOA approval for any painting or staining needs to be done next spring/summer

Plan to cover hose bibs and have any sprinkler systems blown out before the first frost to prevent pipes from freezing.

Almost Spring

March is a great time to begin yard cleanup. Here are a few ideas to start your early spring gardening: 

Start with cleaning up the garden beds.

Prune dead or damaged plants

Start seeds indoors

Check in on your gardening tools

Plan your garden layout

Mulch your garden beds

Repair and maintain garden structures

Prepare for pests

For additional gardening tips, go to gardentabs.com

Don’t forget we ‘SPRING’ forward this Sunday March 9th

Prep Your Home for Winter with Our Fall Maintenance Checklist

It's time to prepare your home to withstand winter weather. Follow our fall checklist for must-do repairs and seasonal maintenance tips.

As the season begins to change, it's time to prep your home for falling leaves, cooler weather, and, eventually, winter storms. Tackling a few fall home maintenance tasks now can ward off issues later in the season, so you can enjoy everything you love about autumn worry-free. Most of the tasks listed below are well within the average homeowner's ability, but if you'd rather hire a professional to handle them, it can be well worth the expense. You'll save money in the long run by preventing costly (and potentially dangerous) damage to your home. Follow our fall home maintenance checklist and learn essential tips for cleaning gutters, roofs, fireplaces, and more.

1. Clean your gutters.

Your roof's drainage system annually diverts thousands of gallons of water from your home's exterior and foundation walls—so it's vital to keep this system flowing smoothly. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and water in your basement. Gutters also more prone to rust and corrosion when clogged. Before the leaves fly this fall, clean your gutters, then cover them with mesh gutter guards to keep debris from returning.

2. Seal up air leaks.

A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weatherstripping let cold air into your warm home, and sealing up a drafty house can save up to 20 percent on your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Weatherstripping is easily the most cost-effective way to rein in heating and cooling costs. This humble material also reduces drafts and keeps your home more comfortable year-round. Because weatherstripping can deteriorate over time, it is important to inspect it periodically. If you suspect a problem with your weatherstripping, try closing a door or window on a strip of paper. If the paper slides easily, your weatherstripping isn't properly sealing the opening. Alternatively, close the door or window and hold a lighted candle near the frame (but don't let the flame get near anything flammable). If the flame flickers at any spot along the frame, you have an air leak.

In addition to inspecting weatherstripping, check for missing or damaged caulk around windows, doors, and entry points for electrical, cable, phone, and gas. Seal any gaps with a suitable caulk. If drafts around windows persist, consider getting your windows replaced. Glass with multiple panes, spacers, or filler gasses (such as argon or krypton) will likely solve these problems. A professional can swap out your problem windows with more efficient models that will increase your level of comfort while decreasing your heating bills.

3. Inspect your roof.

Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

Start by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating, which can portend larger problems. Finally, make sure your gutters are flowing freely.

Editor's Tip: Roof-mounted television antennas, even when they're no longer in use, may have guy wires holding them in place. Look for loose or missing guy wires. If you see some, and your antenna is no longer being used, consider having it removed altogether.

Roof Repair Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

4. Protect faucets from freezing temperatures.

If you live in an area with freezing weather, take steps so that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and in-ground irrigation systems don't freeze and burst. First, close any shut-off valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line (there may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate draining). If you don't have shut-off valves, and your faucets are not "freeze-proof " types, you might benefit from styrofoam faucet covers, which are sold at many home centers.

To freezeproof an in-ground irrigation system, follow the manufacturer's procedures for draining and protecting it from winter damage.

5. Freshen your furnace filter.

Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be distributed throughout your home. Clogged filters make it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, thus increasing your utility bills. Simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters free of debris. Disposable filters can be vacuumed once before replacement. Foam filters can also be vacuumed, but they don't need to be replaced unless they're damaged. Use a soft brush on a vacuum cleaner. If the filter is metal or electrostatic, remove and wash it with a firm water spray.

6. Give your furnace a checkup.

Once a year, it's a good idea to have your heating system inspected by a professional. To avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task in early fall, before the heating season begins. Here are signs that you should have an inspection performed sooner:

• Noisy belts: Unusual screeches or whines could be a signal that belts connected to the blower motor are worn or damaged.

• Poor performance: A heating system that doesn't seem to work as well as it once did could be a sign of various problems. Your heating ducts might be blocked, the burners might be misadjusted, or the blower motor could be on its last legs. The first step, however, is to make sure your furnace filter is clean.

• Erratic behavior: This could be caused by a faulty thermostat or a misadjusted furnace.

7. Ward off gas problems.

Keeping a gas heater in good shape is both a safety and a cost issue. An improperly maintained heater can spew toxic gases into the air of your home, or it could simply be costing you more to operate. Have a professional check these devices annually. There are also some maintenance items you should address. First, shut off the heater. Then check the air-shutter openings and exhaust vents for dirt and dust. If they're dirty, vacuum the air passages to the burner and clean the burner of lint and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's advice for any other needed maintenance.

8. Repair walkways.

Damaged walkways, drives, and steps are a hazard year-round, but their dangers are compounded when the weather turns icy. Fixing issues in the fall is also critical to preventing little cracks from becoming expensive headaches. Look for cracks more than 1/8-inch wide, uneven sections, and loose railings on steps. Check for disintegration of asphalt or washed-out materials on loose-fill paths. Most small jobs are well within the ability of a DIYer, but save major repairs for experienced hands.

9. Review safety features.

At least once a year, do a top-to-bottom review of your home's safety features. This is also a good time to get the family together for a review of your fire evacuation plan. Use these steps to complete a home safety check:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. If you haven't already, install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

• Fire extinguishers: Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen; having one per floor isn't a bad idea. Annually, check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Make certain that the lock pin is intact and firmly in place, and check that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Clean the extinguisher and check it for dents, scratches, and corrosion. Replace if the damage seems severe. Note: Fire extinguishers that are more than six years old should be replaced. Mark the date of purchase on the new unit with a permanent marker.

• Fire escape plans: Every bedroom, including basement bedrooms, should have two exit paths. Make sure windows aren't blocked by furniture or other items. Ideally, each upper-floor bedroom should have a rope ladder near the window for emergency exits. Review what to do in case of fire, and arrange a safe meeting place for everyone away from the house.

• General cleanup: Rid your home of accumulations of old newspapers and leftover hazardous household chemicals. (Check with your state or local Environmental Protection Agency about the proper way to discard dangerous chemicals.) Store flammable materials and poisons in approved, clearly labeled containers. Keep a clear space around heaters, furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances.

10. Prep your lawn for winter.

To protect your lawn's health and beauty come spring, there are several important yard work projects to complete in the fall. Raking leaves and aerating will prevent your lawn and garden beds from suffocating. Fertilizing and winterizing grass, trees, and shrubs will allow your greenery to enter its winter slumber comfortably and properly nourished. Professional lawn care services will make quick work of these projects, freeing up your time for family, friends, and football.

11. Touch up exterior paint.

Fall offers plenty of days that are warm enough to work with exterior paint, and a touch-up can help prolong the life of your siding and trim. A fresh coat of paint or sealer on any surface that potentially will be covered with snow, such as porch stairs or wood floors, also is a wise idea. Sooner is better for contacting a local painter or attempting the project yourself, as many paint applications aren't recommended on days when the temperature will dip below 45° to 50°F.

12. Clean your carpets.

Fall is an ideal time to clean your carpets. The humid days of summer have passed, but the below-freezing days of winter have yet to arrive. It's the best time to open windows for ventilation, which should speed the drying process. If you're not comfortable operating a carpet cleaning machine, let a professional wrangle the bulky cleaning equipment. With a house full of wet carpet, you'll want to get outdoors and enjoy the lingering warm days.

Courtesy of BHG.com

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is usually dry and temperatures are moderate. Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine your home's interior and exterior. Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it's always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities.

Here are our seasonal home maintenance checklist recommendations for fall:

Landscaping and Yard Prep

• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.

• Practice pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing rotten or broken woodwork. Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.

• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.

Home Exterior Repairs and Updates

• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.

• Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.

• Power-wash windows and siding.

• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.

• Repair or replace siding.

• Clean window and door screens.

• Replace old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.

• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.

• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.

• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.

Interior Cleaning and Inspection

• Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.

• Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues. Have your fireplace professionally inspected.

• Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.

• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

• Clean carpets.

• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.

• Check the water heater for leaks.

For additional tips, please visit BHG.com