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Preparing your buildings for winter
News
With the cold weather at our doors, you need to make sure that your buildings are ready to go through the winter months. A little preparation and checking could save you a lot of trouble.
Foundations
Inspect the foundation of your buildings for cracks. If there are any, you must act quickly to prevent water from seeping in, freezing, enlarging the cracks through the expansion of the ice, and causing damage that would require major work that could end up being very costly. For example, an infiltration that affects wood could cause the appearance of mould and long-term problems on the health of the occupants and the value of the property.
The roof
The roof is just as important as the foundation of your building. A good condition of the roof will prevent water infiltration during the spring melt, which could cause significant and costly damage to the apartments. Check the condition of the shingles by making sure they are well attached, not damaged or missing. In the case of a flat roof, make sure that no air bubbles have formed under the membrane and that there are no signs of weakness. If there are trees overhanging the roof, remove the debris. Above all, be careful when inspecting your roof and call an expert if necessary.
Doors and windows
Check the weatherstripping on your doors and windows and make sure they are in good condition. If they are loose or crumbling, change them. This will prevent air and water penetration. If your windows have drip holes, make sure that no debris or insects have lodged in them. Then, a good cleaning of the windows and screens can also be helpful, especially if it was not done in the spring.
Water drainage system
Gutters can easily fill up with debris such as tree branches and leaves, especially during the fall. Empty them and make sure the water is draining properly to avoid problems when the ice melts in the spring. Once on the ground, check the curbstones and remove all the waste (leaves, accumulated soil, branches, etc.) that could interfere with water drainage. If the building has a garage, inspect the drain and clean it if necessary.
Heating system
There are many different heating systems and they have their own specificities. Is your building heated by oil? Make sure your supply and annual maintenance have been done. If the heating is electric, test the baseboard heaters for optimal operation. For air systems, check the filters and replace them if necessary. If your building has a chimney, remember to have it inspected and cleaned annually.
The Land
Does your building have a yard? Take the time to clean up leaves and wood debris that have accumulated near the building. Insects could take refuge there during the winter months and may be tempted to nestle in your building. Then, make sure that exterior faucets are turned off.
Take the time to do a thorough check of your buildings or trust professionals to check them. This good practice could save you from future problems that can be expensive in repairs. Finally, don't forget that as a member of CORPIQ, a full list of partners can help you in the day-to-day management of your real estate by offering you a trustworthy service at a discounted price.