Winter is right around the corner. In New England, that could mean slick roads, ice dams on roofs, walkways that need shoveling, and temperatures that chill you to the bone. For most residents, winter means pulling out winter gear like boots and jackets, but for property managers, the list of tasks to complete before the weather shifts from fall to winter is much longer.
Let’s take a look at ways to ensure that your property is ready for whatever winter brings this year for your property and residents. 
The Importance of Winterizing Your Property
New England winters can be brutal. Temperatures can fluctuate from sub-freezing to relatively mild in a matter of days; winds can pick up quickly, especially during classic Nor’easters and precipitation can come in the form of snow, sleet, hail, and rain. It’s during the four or five months of winter when minor property problems can become major!
Our area is at risk for temperature drops that can cause ice dams on roofs, clogged gutters from falling leaves, and drafts that waste heat and drive up utility bills.
Winterizing matters because it helps tenants stay comfortable, keeps rooms at the heat they need, and reduces the risk of burst pipes. Renters don’t want to worry that snow on their roof or the pipes in their basement will cause issues from December to March. Here are a few items to check off your list as we head into the winter months.
Exterior Winterization
Start your winter property prep outdoors before the weather keeps you from doing so. Examine the outdoor features of the property for issues that may cause damage or ice/water intrusion issues before the snow starts to fly.
Plumbing & Exterior Winterization
Complete several tasks before winter begins in earnest to protect gutters, roofs, foundations, and pipes.
- Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves, branches, debris and wildlife nesting materials. This can stop ice dams from forming on the roof, keep water away from the foundation and prevent basement flooding in the spring when the snow and ice melt.
- Store all outdoor furniture in a secure location.
- Secure a snow plowing and shoveling contract.
- Trim trees and bushes away from the exterior of the structures, including roofs, as these can become a hazard during wind and snowstorms.
- Disconnect outdoor spigots. These can freeze if not properly winterized, which can cause pipes to burst.
- Insulate basement pipes if you haven’t already.
- Install storm windows and doors to better insulate and keep drafts at bay.
Interior Winterization
Many property owners use the onset of winter to complete some regular maintenance, including:
- Winterize windows and doors, including repairing cracks and drafts, to keep utility bills from rising during the winter months. More than 30% of a home’s heat escapes through doors and windows, making them an ideal spot to seal up each winter.
- Have a professional cleaning of the HVAC system, including replacing air filters.
- Consider smart thermostats that can be programmed to keep units comfortable and cut heating bills.
- Test all smoke detectors and CO alarms.
- Adjust ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to push warm air trapped near the ceiling down.
- Review and renew contracts for snow removal and shoveling of walkways
- Stock up on extra ice melt
Communicate with Residents
One significant step in ensuring your property is prepared for what may lie ahead during the long winter months is communicating with your community. Renters should know how to contact property managers in the event of severe weather, such as a blizzard or windstorm. Remind tenants of emergency procedures and make sure they know where you can be reached.
Also, communicate with your renters about the procedures for plowing driveways and walkways during a snowstorm. Typically, residents will be asked to move their cars for a short time to allow plows to do their work, after which the vehicles can be returned to their spots.
These simple steps can ensure that your property remains safe during the winter and your residents are happy, no matter what Old Man Winter decides to do this year. If your property needs support and management, talk to our team at Thayer & Associates.