Some Ways You May Need to Winterize Your HOA Property

If your home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), your Northern California HOA fees might partially go towards winterization efforts. In some cases, however, you might be on your own in this regard and might want to hire a residential painting company to help. Let’s outline some ways you may need to winterize your HOA property.

How to Prepare Your HOA Property for Winter

Preserve Your Pipes

One of the most common issues property owners face during the winter is frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, not only does water struggle to get from point A to B. but the resulting pressure can cause these pipes to burst so that even once things warm up again, you’ll have major leaks to contend with. To keep your pipes functional and flowing, take these winterization steps:

• When temperatures get extremely low, let your indoor faucets run minimally (i.e. drip) with lukewarm water to prevent freezing
• Turn off outdoor faucets and cover them
• Wrap any exposed exterior pipes in insulated sleeves
• Drain water in any unused areas
• Open up cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms to let heat radiate around pipes
• Don’t let your interior rooms get too cold
• Seal any cracks and gaps found in exterior walls and foundations surrounding water pipes

Make Sure Your Climate Control System is Functional

Winterization efforts largely hinge on proper climate control function -- that is, the working order of your thermostat, furnace, HVAC system, etc. Should these systems fail during the winter, your property may quickly run into one problem after the other, so make sure these systems are in good shape before the cold sets in. Those in charge of overall HOA winterization should inspect climate control systems in common areas as well to ensure all HOA properties remain functional all winter long.

Caulk and Seal Your Spaces

In order to get the most out of climate control systems and keep energy costs as low as possible, properties must be thoroughly sealed. Local interior painters may be able to help in this regard. Cracks, holes, gaps, and other openings allow warm air to escape and cold air to rush into a space, along with pests, moisture, and other unwanted material. In addition to caulking and weather-stripping your windows and doors, you might install door draft stoppers beneath doors, add insulation to your attic or basement, and install storm windows. Any vacant units of your Northern California HOA should have their thermostats set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and portable heaters should be turned off when individuals aren’t present, for safety purposes.

Backup Your Power

Power outages aren’t uncommon during the winter months. Unfortunately, a lack of power usually means a lack of hot air and water, which are major detriments. Homeowners associations should have a backup power plan in place to keep all properties warm and operation during such an outage. Individual homeowners should also consider investing in a backup generator for their home if the HOA allows it.

Inspect Your Exterior

If a property’s exterior is in poor shape, its interior is increasingly vulnerable to environmental threats. To prepare for winter, carefully investigate your exterior surfaces for signs of damage, such as cracks and leaks in the foundation and envelope, deteriorated paint, etc. Once again, these openings provide passage for moisture, pests, and more -- and if water makes its way into these cracks and freezes, more damage will be done. Any abrasions must be filled and sealed. And, if necessary, exterior painting may be necessary to provide a fresh layer of protection to your outside surfaces.

Don’t Get Snowed In

In many regions, snow is an inescapable reality of winter. And while a little bit of snow can be pleasant to watch, an excess of snow can wreak havoc on your property, weighing down the roof, clogging the gutters, soaking the siding and foundation, blocking the driveway, suffocating the lawn, and so on. So, the more prepared you are to combat the snow, the better. Your HOA might have snow plowing services at the ready, or you may need to hire a removal service on your own to keep snow from building up on your property. Additionally, you can take these steps to prevent severe snow build-up and damage:

• Get ice and snow off your rooftops via draglines, snow rakes, etc.
• Invest in rock salt to help melt ice on your driveway, walkways, etc.
• Use a snowblower to quickly remove snow from areas
• Wear warm protection gear and stay hydrated when shoveling/removing snow
• Avoid making big, heavy piles when removing snow from roofs and other sensitive areas

Prepare Your HOA Property for Winter with Endure Painting

Like it or not, winter is almost here. Is your property prepared? If not, the HOA painting professionals at Endure Painting are here to help you paint, seal, and otherwise protect your home from winter’s wrath. For more information regarding our skills and services, call us at (510) 458-2120 or send us an email at hello@endurepainting.com.