When fall hits, it can seem like there is a lot of maintenance to be done around your properties. While the falling leaves are really pretty, they also make a mess and at the same time signal that colder times are on the way. There are some things that you should be sure to check up on now before it is too late.

Prepare The Yard

Clean up large branches and debris that is hanging out in the yard. Trim any branches that are hanging down low and might get weighted down when the snow arrives. As a bonus, if you trim them now, they also won’t drop more leaves on the ground. Fertilize the lawn one last time for the winter so your grass will come back green and healthy in the spring. If you live in an area where the weather gets cold, you’ll want to insulate and turn off any outdoor water spigots that are attached to your building. If you live in an area that may be impacted by hurricanes, tie down any large furniture and put away items that aren’t needed anymore.

Clean The Gutters

As the leaves fall, they may start to clog up your gutters. This can cause water to back up and eventually will cause damage to your roof. If the water has nowhere to go, it may start to find a way inside your building, causing water damage and mold. Clean the gutters often, and once more when the leaves are done falling. Or consider installing some kind of gutter shield that keeps the leaves from collecting in the gutters. This option may be a little costly up front, but as a property manager it will save you time and energy down the road.

Get Heating Systems Ready To Go

Whatever method of heat you use for your buildings, make sure it has been serviced for the year and is ready to go. Heat is needed almost everywhere during the winter, so no matter where your property is located, be sure that you are ready to go when needed. Also make sure that water heaters are up and ready to go. The last thing a resident wants is a cold shower on the first cold morning. In order to cut heating costs, be sure to insulate your hot water tanks. Your tanks should also be flushed once a year to get out any sediment that may be collecting at the bottom.

Check All Doors And Windows

Make time to do an inspection of all the doors and windows on your property. The heat and moisture from the summer season can cause wooden windows and doors to warp, making them not seal properly. Check to make sure that you can’t see daylight around the edges of doors, and that there aren’t any drafts coming in around the windows. One way is to hold up a candle and watch the flame. If it flickers, you probably have a draft. You can try to use caulk to fix it, or you might consider replacing the windows. Window replacement is a good investment when it comes to property management. If you have older windows, the technology has significantly improved over the years, making things more energy efficient.

Taking the time now to run through your fall maintenance checklist can really help you get ready for the upcoming cold weather. Don’t leave your residents to fend for themselves. Get the building ready and have happy residents. If you are looking for more tips and tricks, check out Occupancy Solutions.