It’s that time of year when your board and management company needs to start prepping the common areas for fall and winter. All exterior common area amenities, equipment and furniture will need to be cleaned, put away and you will need to take note of what needs to be replaced or repaired for next season.
Condominium associations have responsibilities to maintain the property as the weather starts to cool and we slide into winter. Here are a few items that will need to be done.
The common area landscape is generally the responsibility of the association. Clearing leaves, trimming plants, and giving the lawn the final mow before winter are all fall chores the association will have to take care of. As the summer draws to a close, air conditioning maintenance might be needed. Storm windows and doors will have to be put up in common areas in preparation for cooler weather. Drains should be cleared of fallen leaves. The condominium association should have a plan in place for building maintenance and schedule vendors as soon as possible to complete these chores.
Make sure that you have a landscaping contractor rake up all of the leaves on the ground, as they could clog the catch basins and water will pool around them which could cause flooding. Ensure that if you have a snow blower that it is tuned up and that you have gasoline and oil on hand, extra shovels and a snow contractor under contract, if your property is large enough.
Your roof is often forgotten about because it is not at eye level to give you a subtle reminder every time you walk past it. Clear leaves, dirt, and pine needles from gutters and examine downspouts for damage or loose pieces. Check the flashing around your chimney and any openings in the roof, such as skylights for leaking problems.
Once you have taken your last plunge in the pool for the summer, power wash outdoor furniture and cushions. Once dry, store cushions in a dry area to prevent cracking, and fading over the fall and winter months. Once spring comes along next year, you will be pleased that you stored them and they’re ready for use!
Winterizing your lawn sprinkler system is essential in all areas where there is freezing temperature. It is imperative that water is removed from the irrigation pipes, valves and sprinkler heads – it is essential before freezing occurs. Air compressors are used to push air through the piping system until only air comes out of the sprinklers. This prevents water from freezing in the pipes causing them to crack or burst. Lawn sprinklers also need to be free of water and put into storage, and the outdoor hose bib should be drained and dry to prevent freezing and cracking. It’s also important to coil up any hoses and hang in an out of the way location. It’s the best way to protect your irrigation investment from potentially serious damage from the winter.
The main purpose in winterizing your in- ground swimming pool is to protect it from damage due to freezing water. Another is to keep it as clean as possible for the next season. Closing your swim pool properly can save you a lot of work when it comes time to open the swimming pool for the summer. The lines will need to be blown out in a similar manner as the irrigation system to avoid damages caused by freezing.
- The first step in the winterization procedure is to make sure your water chemistry is balanced. You should make sure that your pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness are all balanced. By balancing your water chemistry you are protecting the surface of the pool from staining and etching.
- Adding a winterizing chemical kit to your water will help keep it blue and clear for the next season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the kit.
It is very important to do a thorough inspection of all of the common elements to make sure they are ready for the cold winter ahead.
Please call Klein Property Management if you would like to discuss this in further detail or if we can be of any assistance.
