“All At Once, Summer Collapsed Into Fall”
Quote by Oscar Wilde
As leaves begin to fall and the seasons change, so do the maintenance requirements of strata properties and the need for a new to-do list for property managers.
Preventative Fall Maintenance
When it comes to strata maintenance, having a clearly defined checklist for each season can make all the difference in timely maintenance for a strata property and, as we mentioned in our Preventative Maintenance For Your Strata blog, maintenance can save your strata money too! Remember, preventative maintenance can help the strata avoid major repairs down the road and the need to implement special levies. Fall maintenance is not only crucial to preparing the building for colder weather but residents rely on their management team to take care of their safety. Being proactive now can help prevent cold-related hazards such as flooding that can lead to slipping and falling. Below are some fall maintenance tips to keep your property in tip-top shape this fall.
Tip #1 – Clean Or Replace The Gutters
Now is the perfect time to get the gutters cleaned. Proper gutter care can prevent overflowing gutters that may cause water damage, protects the property’s roof and foundation, and reduces pest-related issues such as creating nests in the gutters. Don’t risk clogged gutters by avoiding this important task!
Tip #2 – Check For Drafts Around Buildings
Checking for drafts can prevent unnecessary heating bills when the cooler weather hits. It’s important to add weatherstripping and plug or cover any holes or cracks in the structure. This will help to eliminate drafty areas for your residents. Blocking these cracks and holes is also a great way to keep pests out when they start to look for a warm place to call home for the winter. Keep the strata residents warm this winter instead of the pests!
Tip #3 – Draining The Faucets
As it gets colder, it’s important to close the shut-off valves for all exterior faucets and to properly drain all water from the faucets. Any remaining water could freeze and damage the faucets as most faucets are not freeze-proof. Removing water hoses during the fall season will prevent water build-up and freezing in the hoses. Another must-do is to blow out the underground irrigation systems. This will prevent any excess water from freezing in the irrigation lines causing them to crack over the winter. Don’t let your faucets or hoses freeze!
Tip #4 – Maintaining Air Quality
A filter is a standard element in a strata building’s heating and cooling system and should be cleaned or changed bi-annually. How the filter is cleaned will depend on the type of filter (electrostatic or foam filters) and if the filter is a disposable filter or has been damaged, it will need to be replaced. Going into winter, this will help to ensure that the building’s HVAC system is working properly and providing clean air. Maintaining the HVAC system also prevents high energy costs and the need for continuous maintenance.
Tip #5 – Lawn Maintenance
Don’t forget that fall lawn maintenance goes beyond raking leaves. Lawn maintenance also includes pulling annual plants and fertilizing the lawns for next spring. Proper yard maintenance can ensure that every spring the lawn and gardens start off on the right foot. This is also the time to put away any outdoor furniture that strata management has placed in common areas. Don’t risk damaging patio furniture by forgetting to put them away before the snow flies.
Tip #6 – Testing Your Winter Equipment
Fall is the perfect time to test the snowblower and any winter equipment that will be used during the colder months. You won’t want to be outside in -20 weather fixing your snowblower! This is also the best time to take inventory of what winter equipment the strata currently has and what could be added. Don’t forget to keep the property fully stocked with ice salt or sand. No one wants to slip on an icy path!
Need Professional Assistance With Your Fall Strata Maintenance?
We know property managers always have plenty on the go. We hope this checklist reminds you of the tasks you need to complete this fall! Let our professional cleaners support you in the maintenance of your strata property to help ensure no big, unwanted surprises occur that could have been avoided. With every facility, we tailor services specifically to your needs. We take pride in providing a clean and safe environment for residents with our worry-free strata maintenance services.
We strive to provide reliable, consistent, and quality service to corporate and commercial buildings, strata facilities, medical institutions, schools, and more. We have been building strong relationships throughout the Okanagan with our services. We believe it is important that every professional relationship be founded on consistent communication and understanding of cleaning needs to ensure that both parties are happy.
If you have any questions about our strata maintenance services for your property, please contact us by phone at (250) 859-4933 or online. We provide strata cleaning services in Kelowna, Vernon, and surrounding areas throughout the Okanagan.
Read some of our other blogs about our strata cleaning company:
