In this extreme cold and snow I am thinking a lot about keeping my properties safe! This is also true for your listings, especially if somethiing is vacant. Extreme cold and heavy snow can lead to significant issues if not addressed properly. If this is a concern for you too, here are essential tips to tackle common winter property concerns, including preventing frozen pipes, managing roof maintenance and ice dams, and ensuring safe snow removal.
1. Preventing Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are a common and costly problem during winter. When water freezes in pipes, it expands, potentially causing bursts that result in flooding and extensive damage. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Focus on pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Foam pipe insulation or heat tape can provide an added layer of protection.
- Keep Cabinets and Dishwashers Open: Encourage tenants to keep cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing, especially in kitchens and bathrooms along exterior walls. Dishwashers in particular are well insulated to keep them quiet, but this can also keep the heat from the home from reaching those plumbing lines.
- Set Minimum Thermostat Temperatures: Recommend that tenants keep their heat at a consistent level, even when they’re not home. For vacant units, maintain a temperature of at least 55°F to prevent freezing.
- Leave Faucets Dripping: In extreme cold, a slow drip can prevent water from freezing in the pipes. If you have the water turned off, leaving a faucet on and open to give expanding water a place to go.
2. Roof Maintenance and Ice Dams
Heavy snow and ice dams can compromise the integrity of your roof, leading to leaks and structural damage. A roof that isn't generally leaking can develop a leak due to ice dams, so taking steps to minimize these risks can save thousands in repair costs.
- Conduct Pre-Winter Inspections: Before the first snowfall, inspect roofs for loose shingles, cracks, or other vulnerabilities. Address these issues promptly.
- Install Proper Insulation and Ventilation: Adequate attic insulation prevents warm air from melting snow on the roof, which refreezes at the edges to form ice dams. Ensure your attic is well-ventilated to regulate temperature.
- Make sure insulation isn't blocking air flow in the soffits: Soffits are designed to allow cool, fresh air to flow into the attic, which balances the warmer air that exits through the ridge or gable vents. Blocked soffits disrupt this airflow, creating poor ventilation that can trap heat and moisture in the attic. Without proper ventilation, the attic may become too warm, causing snow on the roof to melt and form excessively large icicles or ice dams.
- Use Heat Cables: For properties prone to ice dams, heat cables can help melt snow and ice along the roof’s edge and in gutters.
- Schedule Snow Removal: If snow accumulates heavily, arrange for professional roof snow removal to prevent excessive weight and reduce the risk of collapse. This is something to consider for flat roofs in particular.
3. Safe Snow Removal
Snow-covered sidewalks and driveways are more than just a nuisance—they’re a potential liability. Many cities impose fines on property owners who fail to clear snow from public walkways within a specified timeframe. Here’s how to stay compliant and protect your tenants:
- Hire Reliable Contractors: Partner with a professional snow removal service to handle major snowfalls. Ensure they’re aware of your property’s priorities, such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. If you need one time service, there are several apps where you can connect with people to shovel sidewalks and driveways such as Shovler, Quikplow and Kickback.
- Provide Tenants with Guidelines: Communicate clear instructions on snow removal responsibilities, especially for shared spaces. If tenants are responsible for certain areas, supply them with shovels and salt.
- Use Salt and Sand: Keep entryways, walkways, and driveways free of ice by spreading salt or sand regularly. This reduces the risk of slips and falls.
The Bottom Line
By addressing these winter maintenance tasks, you can safeguard your property, avoid costly repairs, and keep your tenants safe. Whether it’s insulating pipes, maintaining the roof, or ensuring snow is promptly removed, a proactive approach can make all the difference during extreme cold and snowy weather. Don’t forget to stay informed about local regulations to avoid fines and maintain good standing with your community.
Need help managing your rental properties during winter? Contact Porchlamp Property Management for expert assistance in keeping your or your clients' investments safe and your tenants happy, no matter the season!
By Porchlamp Property Management - Monday, January 20, 2025
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