Savvy investors know that winterizing your rental property is key to the property’s longevity and habitability for your tenants. Unfortunately, there are some winter maintenance checks that many overlook this time of year; don’t forget these eight things to look for at your rental this winter.
If you’ve been in the investment rental business for a while, you probably have a pretty good grasp of the basics of winterizing your properties: things such as blocking drafts, making sure your furnace is in good condition to handle the cold, and getting stocked up on rock salt and other de-icers.
However, there are some less obvious winterizing strategies that can be just as important when it comes to preserving your property’s condition— and its value. This is especially true in cold weather climates. If you end up selling your property, any knowledgeable buyer will be looking for signs of cold weather damage. If they find signs of inconsistent winterization, you can bet they’ll be lowering their offer, regardless of what the home value estimators say.
Let’s touch on some of the best winterizing strategies that investors often overlook.
Thoroughly Inspect The Roof
First, look closely at the interior ceiling, particularly on the upper floors. If you see any damage or evidence of water infiltration, it’s urgent that you repair it before winter sets in. Seepage can rapidly destroy your roof and insulation and potentially cause mold growth. Worse yet, if there’s a significant weak spot in the roof, a heavy load of snow could cause a collapse.
That said, just because you don’t spot any interior damage doesn’t mean your roof is in great condition. You should have your roof professionally inspected before each winter to ensure there aren’t hidden or early-stage problems that could cause problems when the snow comes. A roof inspector or roofer has special expertise and tools to do things like inspect the sealant on your vents, the state of your roof’s valleys and shingles, and make sure your flashing is in good condition.
Make Sure Your Insulation Is Adequate
If you’re winterizing residential properties, check the attic insulation as part of your winterizing checklist, as well as any insulation you can access in your exterior walls, crawl space, and around pipes. Insulation in the walls can fall or slide out of place, and insulation around pipes can decay or be chewed through by pests.
Check Your Sidewalks And Driveways
Cracked or fractured driveways and sidewalks are unsightly, unsafe, and can even lead to tenants suing you. These issues can worsen during the winter months if water infiltrates small existing cracks and then expands as it freezes.
Your best approach is to repair any existing cracks in your concrete and then apply a high-quality sealant. The sealant will prevent water infiltration and protect the area from any damage caused by corrosion. For example, rock salt can make untreated concrete more prone to damage and cracking if applied in high quantities.
Most moderately hand investors can take care of this on their own, but it’s a multi-day process. First, you should resurface and repair the pavement and then apply the sealant. Most sealants require a day or two to cure and usually require two separate applications, so don’t wait until the day before the blizzard to winterize your driveway.
Clear Your Gutters And Downspouts
Cleaning your gutters may seem like an autumn chore, but it’s just as important, if not more so, in the winter. If water backs up in your gutters, the ice that forms can lead your gutters and downspouts to fracture or even become detached from the property. That opens the door for water to seep into the property’s roof and walls, which, as mentioned above, can cause very severe damage.
Give your drainage setup a quick look to make sure all the joints and fasteners are in good condition. Consider adding extensions to your downspouts to carry water further from the home so it doesn’t damage your foundation. A significant snowfall followed by an unseasonably warm day or two can create a tremendous amount of snowmelt running through your downspouts, and if you haven’t installed extensions, your yard can quickly look like a flood zone, even if you’re far from any bodies of water.
Clean Up Your Landscaping
Examine any trees that are on, near, or overhanging your property. Branches that hang over your home can easily become overloaded with ice and snow and crash onto the roof, causing serious damage. If you discover worrisome limbs, have them trimmed by a professional.
Make Sure Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are In Good Shape
Carbon monoxide poisoning peaks during the winter months, as furnaces and space heaters run hot and people keep their windows tightly closed. Ensure all your vents and flues are clear enough to vent any carbon monoxide and put new batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so these detectors are the only way to detect a potentially dangerous or deadly buildup.
Don’t Overlook Your Chimney
If you have a fireplace, your chimney should get a close look before winter sets in. Aside from basic maintenance like making sure it’s clear of obstructions and potentially having a professional chimney sweep do a cleaning, inspect the masonry to make sure it’s in good shape. Any cracked or missing bricks or mortar should be repaired immediately.
You should also install a chimney cap on the top of the chimney. This will prevent wildlife, snow, or debris from falling into your chimney and creating an obstruction.
Winterize Your Property’s Exterior Features
Don’t forget to winterize outdoor items and systems such as lawn sprinklers or faucets. These items can be severely damaged if water freezes inside their components, so turn off the water supply and make sure they’re completely cleared of any water.
While you’re out there, winterize or store outdoor equipment like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, or weed eaters. Either drain your equipment of any remaining gas or simply run them until they’re exhausted. Alternatively, you could add fuel stabilizers to keep the gasoline in usable condition over the long winter. While you’re at it, gas up your snowblower now instead of waiting until there are several feet of snow outside.
