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Tips for Winterizing Your Garden Oaks Rental Home

Weather stripping being added to windows as part of the winterizing process in a rental property. Protecting the value of your investment requires preparing a rental property for each season.  Fall is the perfect time to get your Garden Oaks rental properties ready for the harsh winter months as the sun begins to set later and the leaves begin to turn.

Landlords and property managers have to do important maintenance each year in order to get a rental property ready for the winter. As the owner, you must know that your property is prepared correctly and efficiently. When winterizing a rental home, landlords need to take care of a few important things.  

Insulation and Sealing

Check your house for drafts and seal any gaps you find to save energy and stop heat loss. This can apply to any openings that allow cold air to enter, such as windows and doors. It is also strongly advised to insulate your home’s walls and attic in addition to caulking drafts. Regardless of the outside temperature, this will help you keep the temperature inside your home constant.

Heating System

Regular maintenance includes things like system servicing, air filter replacement, radiator bleeding when necessary, and programmable thermostat installation. To make sure the heating system is operating effectively and safely, a professional inspection and tune-up are required during servicing. An expert will test the ignition system, inspect the burners, and check the electrical connections.

Doors and Windows Solutions

Installing storm windows and doors is one of the most crucial parts of winterizing your house. The purpose of these specialty windows and doors is to add an additional layer of insulation to help keep warm air inside and the cold outside. Using thermal blinds or thick curtains is also a smart idea as they can help insulate the house even more.

The weather stripping around your windows and doors needs to be checked frequently because it keeps your house warmer. Every year, it should be examined, and any worn or damaged weather stripping should be replaced right away. Adding or replacing weather stripping on exterior doors and windows can keep cold air out more effectively, improving your home’s heating and energy efficiency.

Plumbing Precautions 

Winter conditions can be difficult for rental properties, particularly for the plumbing system. The water pipes in a house can freeze when the temperature drops, and if this happens, they may burst and cause significant damage to the property. To avoid freezing, it is essential to insulate water pipes.

Furthermore, it is imperative to maintain transparent lines of communication with tenants regarding the ideal temperature to keep the house at, which is normally at least 58 degrees. 

Telling the tenants to keep the cabinet doors open during cold weather is another useful suggestion. By doing this, warm air will be able to flow through the pipes and prevent freezing.

Exterior and Structural Maintenance

Examine the outside of your home for any openings that might let cold air in as a first step towards winterizing it. These spaces may show up in window flashing and vinyl siding. After locating any gaps, it’s critical to seal them with caulk or insulation to keep warm air inside your house and keep the outside elements out.

It’s also necessary to maintain your roof and gutters. This will assist in preventing any damage or leaks that might allow cold air to enter your house. The foundation and crawl space are two more essential areas to pay attention to. Maintaining adequate insulation in these regions can help keep the cold air out of your house and keep it warm. To stop cold air from leaking in, make sure to seal any gaps in the foundation. You can make sure that your house stays cozy and warm all winter long by following these steps.

Tenant Education

Ensuring the safety and well-being of tenants during the winter months requires providing them with essential maintenance and emergency procedures training. Include details on properly clearing sidewalks and driveways, how to prevent frozen pipes, what to do in the event of a power outage or heating system failure, and other pertinent subjects. Tenants can be more equipped to deal with any potential winter-related problems by having clear and detailed guidelines.

Regular Inspections

In order to make sure that possible problems are found and resolved before they become serious ones, it is imperative that properties undergo routine inspections during the winter months. Checking for leaks or damage to the roof, windows, and doors brought on by severe weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, or snow may be included in these inspections. 

Regular inspections also identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, which can lead to lower energy bills and greener property.

Depending on where your rental properties are located, winter can be a harsh season, so you need to make sure they are equipped to withstand the weather. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your property is adequately weatherized and energy-efficient, offering your tenants a comfortable and safe living environment.

With Real Property Management Heritage on your side, happy residents and warm investment properties will be ready to weather anything the future holds. For more information about our property management services in Garden Oaks and the surrounding areas, contact us online or at 832-701-0766 today!

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