The weather is getting cooler, leaves are changing, and Fall is here, but long with it come Fall maintenance. As a landlord it is beneficial to start getting your property ready for the up coming winter weather. This will increase the life of the property, reduce maintenance issues, and saving money in the long run. Here are some basic fall maintenances that landlord and property owner in Northwest Arkansas should be adding to their fall to-do list.
1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
While regularly overlook, it is important to clean your gutters. It is something that you need to do every year, gutter can easily get clogged with leaves during the fall, which can lead to blockages. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces, pooling water during winter will get frozen and cause damage to your gutters and even your roof.
2. Inspect the Roof
A small leak can lead to extensive water damage if go unnoticed. For a newer roof, you can get away with looking for signs of damages like: missing title, curled/damage shingles, and look in to the gutter to see if there a large accumulation of granules. For an older roof and specially after a bad storm it is recommended to have a professional inspected it.
3. Perform HVAC Maintenance
HVAC is one of the most expensive equipment in a property, regular maintenance can help to extend your furnace’s life and save you money in the long run. Fall is a good time to get your heating system inspected, serviced, and cleaned. It is also help prevent mid-winter heating emergencies, be sure to change the filter too.
4. Trim Tree and Landscaping
Trim off unstable, dead branches, and branches that growing too close to the building, this will prevent it from breaking during a bad storm that may damage the property. It is also a great time to trim back shrubs and bushes, remove plants that are growing where they shouldn’t.
Here are some additional items that you as a landlord and property owner can do:
- Check any alarms throughout the home and install new batteries.
- Clean/replace filters and vents as needed and vacuum under all appliances.
- Ensure all doors and windows shut tightly.
- Sealing all gaps or drafts. This also keeps animals out of your house.
- Clean all drains and traps to ensure proper drainage.
- Raking your leaves.
- Draining your lawn irrigation system.
- Making sure all your pipes are insulated to prevent frozen or exploding pipes.
- Having your boiler and furnace serviced and inspected.
- Cleaning range-hood filters.
As a Northwest Arkansas property management company, we work with you and the tenants to get your property equipped for any season. It is a priority to help you keep your home and tenants protected by performing maintenance duties. If you are not up to performing maintenance on your own, contact the top Northwest Arkansas property managers to assist you.
