Is Your Property Prepared for a Cold Winter?
Homeowners and Homeowner Associations:
Cover Outdoor Spigots:
Check with your local hardware store for Insulated Outdoor Faucet/Spigot Covers. They typically cost around $4-$10 and can save you thousands of dollars in damage and repairs.
Protect your Water lines
Wrap your exposed pipes with insulation pipe wraps from your local hardware store or you use old towels around your house and wrap with duct tape.
Keep water flowing
Run your faucets with a small drip. Leave cabinet doors open and the pipes inside will be warmed by your room air.
Clean Gutters
Having full gutters can increase your chance of having ice form on your roof. Gutter screens and or helmets can prevent leaves from clogging them.
Ensure easy access to water shut off / Own a Water Meter Key
If your waterlines do burst you will need to shut off the water supply immediately. Keep this area clear for easy and quick access. You should also own a water meter key so that you can shut the water off at the main water valve on the street if necessary.
Seal Cracks and Holes
Check the outside of your home for small cracks or openings. You can purchase a can of spray foam insulation to close these up quickly. Also inspect weather stripping and caulking around all your doors and windows. This should be done yearly around your home.
For Commercial & Multifamily Property Owners:
Check your HVAC system
Check and change air filters. Inspect and repair broken parts. Inspect vent work for leaks or holes that might be damaging efficiency. Cover all outdoor air-conditioning units that will go unused during the winter.
Inspect the insulation
To ensure efficiency, inspect your building’s insulation for holes or compromised areas that could cause heat loss. Pay special attention to roofs, weather stripping and unheated areas, such as attics.
Prepare your plumbing
Make sure all of your existing freeze-protection devices and alarms are functioning. Wrap pipes and faucets in unheated or minimally heated areas of the building and seal cracks and openings around exposed pipes. Keep the building’s internal thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
Inspect / Winterize Landscaping
Winterize your landscaping, including trimming trees and shrubs to reduce exterior damage. Ensure that vegetation and grass are properly graded to avoid water and ice sitting against your property’s foundation.
Check in with Tenants
Check in with tenants regarding any maintenance requests or building concerns they may have. They are on constant alert to their surroundings.
Have a disaster plan in place
Make a plan for a variety of disasters, including fire, flooding and gas leaks. Keep all new and current employees and tenants up-to-date on the protocols
