Spring is the time of the year when homeowners clear out the old, and make space for the new. The same can be said for condominium corporations. Spring is the best time to tackle maintenance issues in the building. As the snow recedes, the evidence of needed work becomes apparent. Typically, there are 2 categories of maintenance work that’s needed: Repairing Winter Damage and Summer Preparations.
Repairing Winter Damage
Check the Roofs: The severity of winter and the freezing-thawing process can be stressful on roofs. The snow can melt and refreeze elsewhere, especially in cracks in the concrete roofs. Ice also wreaks havoc on the shingles (in townhomes), flashings, tie-ins, downspouts, and drains. As such, a full visual inspection of the roof is imperative and at any sign of damage, the professionals must be brought in. It’s also important to have the gutters cleaned to ensure they can facilitate the water volume associated with spring rains.
Check for asphalt damage: The winter can be exceptionally harsh on asphalt surfaces, especially with the constant snow plowing. Therefore, parking lots and sidewalks may be affected, and damages must be noted and repaired before it gets worse.
Evaluating the Landscaping needs. Green spaces have shown to increase property values, so the beautification of the property is important. Getting the grass or garden areas into shape is a must for spring maintenance. Inspect, identify, and repair damaged plants, trees, and shrubbery. Another idea is to consider adding fresh mulch, as this is an easy and effective way to revitalize the garden area.
Repairs to the Building Envelope: The cold weather can cause issues such as brick deterioration and peeling paint. A visual inspection must be done and any identifiable issues either fixed immediately, or a maintenance plan must be implemented. Spring showers may make things worse, so the sooner repairs can be completed, the better.
Carpet Cleaning: Salt and slush can be brutal on the carpeting during the winter, so managers must have them cleaned thoroughly to maintain their lifespan.
Preparing for Summer
Wash the windows. The windows are the eyes of the home, and the winter season causes a lot of grime to buildup, so spring is a good time to schedule the window cleaning for the property.
Check the Mechanical Systems: Most buildings require a switch in the systems from heating to cooling, but other building systems may need a ‘check-up’ at this time as well. Therefore, it is recommended to have the HVAC, life and safety systems, & the plumbing checked at this time. As part of this maintenance, the fan coils must be checked and the filters changed. Additionally, mangers could schedule for the sprinkler heads checked for damage and the lines checked for leaks.
While these recommendations are not exhaustive, they should help the management and directors get an early start on the spring season and keep the building in the best possible health.
Ashlee Henry, MBA, RCM
Vice President, Operations
Ashlee Henry is an experienced CMRAO Licensed Condominium Manager and Operations Professional with a diverse background in Commercial, Townhomes and High-rise Condominiums. She has earned an excellent reputation for resolving problems, improving customer satisfaction, and driving overall operational improvements. Ashlee has finished her MBA from the University of Fredericton specializing in Real Estate Leadership and has her ACMO qualifications from Sheridan College. She holds Supervisory Workplace Health & Safety Certification, her RCM designation and is working towards her CPM designation.
