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One burst pipe can result in extensive (and expensive!) repairs, which should make preventive measures a top priority. To protect plumbing, pipes, and fixtures, insulate with location-appropriate materials such as foam, faucet covers, and so on. Be sure to insulate exposed pipes and fixtures outside the house and in basements, attics, and crawl spaces. For even more prevention, keep inside temperatures above freezing at all times, even if the property is unoccupied. SEAL WINDOWS, DOORS, AND DRAFTY AREAS As part of your winterization plan, be sure to check for air leaks around windows, doors, attics, and other drafty areas. Air leaks are one of the main culprits of heat loss, resulting in more strain on your furnace, higher energy bills, and uneven indoor temperatures. To avoid these issues, be sure to check for air leaks at least once a year. Once you identify trouble areas, apply caulk around windows, add weather stripping to doors, and install door sweeps to keep drafts at bay. For even more energy efficiency, consider having a professional energy audit done on your property and add insulation in walls, attics, and other leaky areas. In this way, you can keep your tenants comfortable and ensure your property stays energy-efficient year-round. CLEAN AND PREPARE GUTTERS Good gutter maintenance is one of the best ways to protect and preserve other parts of your rental property, from the roof to the foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to multiple problems, including ice dams, which trap melting snow and prevent proper drainage. As temperatures fluctuate, trapped water can freeze at the roof’s edges, causing more water to
pool behind it. This can lead to damaged shingles, leaks, and expensive repairs. For these reasons, an essential part of winterizing your rental property is to have your gutters cleaned and repaired at least once a year (twice is better). Also, consider installing gutter guards
annually. If any detectors have stopped working, be sure to replace the entire unit promptly. Also, work with your tenants to develop an emergency protocol and post it in a visible location. Taking these steps can help keep your residents safe and alert you to serious problems right away. BENEFITS OF WINTERIZING YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY Winterizing your rental property is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment and ensure your tenants are safe and comfortable. In fact, by proactively winterizing your property every year, you’re not only reducing the risk of expensive repairs but also increasing your property’s energy efficiency and tenant satisfaction. Contact your local Real Property Management office today for expert assistance with winterizing your property and other essential maintenance needs. Let us help you safeguard your property and keep it in top condition all winter long. Contact your local office today for expert advice and assistance in managing your property at www.realpropertymgt.com.
to keep debris out of your gutters and to minimize maintenance.
CHECK AND PROTECT THE ROOF
Your rental property needs a strong and water-tight roof to stay protected from season to season. This makes regular roof inspection and maintenance another key aspect of property winterization. As part of your regular maintenance, be sure to do at least a visual inspection of your roof every fall. If your roof is older or hasn’t been maintained in a while, it’s a good idea to have a professional do this for you. A professional may be able to spot developing problems early and help you avoid serious damage. If appropriate for your roof type, consider having a roof sealant put on to keep your property dry and ready for all weather. Plus, if your rental property is in an area that experiences heavy snow, consider installing roof snow guards and snow melt systems, or bring in professionals to safely remove excess snow. This can prevent damage and extend the life of your roof. TEST SAFETY EQUIPMENT Finally, for the safety of your renters and your rental property, it’s important to include seasonal safety equipment maintenance on your to-do list. Winter is a prime season for heating-related incidents. To ensure property safety measures are in place, check and replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
SPONSORED CONTENT Defend Against Winter Damage WINTERIZING YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY PAYS FOR ITSELF IN TENANT SAFETY AND PREVENTS COSTLY REPAIRS.
REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
A s winter approaches, it’s proactively prepare for the many challenges colder weather brings. This is especially true if your property is in an area that experiences extremely cold temperatures. Taking the time to winterize your rental property not only protects your investment and prevents costly repairs but also keeps your residents comfortable throughout the season. In this brief guide, we will discuss the key aspects of winterizing your rental property. By following these guidelines, you can be better prepared for the long winter months ahead. important for rental property owners and managers to
INSPECT AND MAINTAIN HEATING SYSTEMS One of the most important things you should do to winterize your rental property is to perform regular maintenance on the heating system. If your property maintenance plan doesn’t already include regular inspections and maintenance on your furnace and/or HVAC system, now is the best time to start. A well-maintained heating system is more efficient and less likely to break down in extreme temperatures. This can make a huge difference during cold winter months when a heating system failure could spell catastrophe for you and your renters. To ensure the job is done correctly and any
warning signs are caught early, schedule a professional HVAC inspection at least twice a year. It’s also important to ensure that filters are changed regularly and you inspect the functionality of your thermostat.
INSULATE PIPES AND PLUMBING Another key aspect of effective
Real Property Management is the largest residential property
management franchise organization in North America, managing tens of thousands of properties for individuals, investors, and institutions across the country. Founded from a single property management business started more than 35 years ago, each of the independently owned and operated RPM offices nationwide provides professional property management services for the benefit of our clients.
winterization is making sure to insulate and protect your property’s pipes and plumbing. In extreme cold, pipes can freeze and burst, causing damage to the plumbing itself and also to areas of the house that could be impacted by the subsequent water damage, flooding, and other resulting trouble.
34 | think realty magazine :: january - february 2025
thinkrealty.com | 35
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