Introduction: Why is the winter check important?
Winter is just around the corner – and with it comes frost, snow and icy temperatures. For property owners and managers, this means taking measures now in good time to prevent damage caused by the cold season. Inadequate winter preparations can lead to costly repairs, from burst water pipes to damage caused by penetrating meltwater.
A winter check not only preserves the value of your property, but also helps to ensure the safety of residents and reduce energy costs. In this article, we show you the five most important steps to prepare your property optimally for the winter.
Organize snow clearing and gritting duties
Snow and slippery roads are a daily challenge in winter. They not only cause traffic problems, but can also lead to accidents on sidewalks and access areas. Property owners and managers have a duty to ensure safety in communal areas.
Why is this important?
Accidents caused by snow or slippery roads can have significant legal and financial consequences if the duty to clear and grit is not properly fulfilled. Property owners or the property management company are legally obliged to keep paths in front of the building safe.
Recommended measures
– Hire a winter service: For larger properties, it makes sense to hire a professional winter service to clear and grit the snow.
– Clarification of responsibilities: Make sure that the responsibilities for clearing and gritting are clearly regulated – both in the rental agreement and within the condominium.
– Provision of gritting material: Ensure that sand, salt or other suitable gritting materials are stored within easy reach.
– Create control plans: Set fixed times and inspection intervals to ensure that paths are cleared and gritted on time.
Tip:
Inform tenants and owners about the applicable regulations at an early stage. A short notice in the stairwell or by email helps to avoid confusion. With a clear organization of snow clearing and gritting duties, you are on the safe side – both legally and in terms of the safety of residents.
Check roofs and gutters
The roof is the first protective barrier against snow, rain and ice. Unnoticed damage can quickly lead to water ingress or further damage in winter. Blocked gutters can also become a problem if meltwater cannot drain away properly.
Why is this important?
Cracks, loose roof tiles or overflowing gutters can lead to moisture damage to the building fabric. Especially in winter, when water freezes and expands, minor damage can lead to major problems.
Recommended measures
– Roof inspection: Check the roof for loose or damaged tiles, shingles or other weak points. If necessary, hire a roofer to repair any damage.
– Cleaning the gutters: Remove leaves, branches and other debris from gutters and downpipes to ensure water drainage.
– Protection against ice formation: If necessary, install heating systems for gutters or use special protective grilles to prevent freezing.
– Snow protection measures: Check whether snow guard systems are in place to prevent snow from sliding off.
These measures not only protect the building fabric, but also the safety of residents and passers-by.
Checking and maintaining the heating system
The heating system is the heart of every building in winter. A sudden failure can not only be unpleasant, but can also endanger the fabric of the building – for example due to frozen pipes. Regular maintenance and checks are therefore essential.
Why is this important?
A well-maintained heating system works more efficiently, saves energy costs and minimizes the risk of breakdowns during the cold months. Regular maintenance also complies with legal requirements and extends the service life of the system.
Recommended measures
– Professional maintenance: Hire a specialist company to check the heating system and clean it if necessary.
– Venting the radiators: Air in the radiators can significantly reduce the heat output. Simple ventilation ensures that the radiators work efficiently.
– Check thermostats: Check that all thermostats are working properly and are set correctly. Smart thermostats can help you save on heating costs.
– Check the heating water: Have the heating water pressure checked and refilled if necessary.
These steps will ensure that your heating works reliably during the winter and that there are no nasty surprises.
Sealing windows and doors
Uninsulated or leaking windows and doors are not only unpleasant in winter, but also expensive. Heat loss through poorly insulated areas can drive up heating costs and significantly impair living comfort.
Why is this important?
Good sealing of windows and doors not only reduces energy consumption, but also prevents moisture damage caused by condensation. It also contributes to a more pleasant indoor climate.
Recommended measures
– Check seals: Check the rubber seals on windows and doors. Brittle or damaged seals should be replaced to prevent draughts.
– Use draught excluders: For doors, especially to unheated rooms such as cellars or attics, draught excluders can be a simple and effective solution.
– Retrofitting windows: If the windows are older, additional sealing profiles or insulating films can help to increase energy efficiency.
– Use shutters and curtains: Closed shutters or thick curtains provide additional insulation, especially at night.
Tip:
A simple test with a candle can reveal leaks: Slowly guide the burning candle along the frame. If the flame flickers, this is an indication of a draught. With these measures, you can ensure that your property does not lose heat unnecessarily in winter – a benefit for residents and energy costs.
Preparing outdoor facilities and communal areas
The outside areas of a property are subject to particular stress in winter. Snow, ice and frost can make walkways, stairs and other communal areas dangerous. Careful preparation not only protects the property, but also the residents.
Why is this important?
Accidents and damage to outdoor facilities can have legal consequences and lead to high repair costs. Good maintenance also ensures a visually appealing property, even during the cold season.
Recommended measures
– Secure walkways and stairs: Check that outdoor areas are non-slip. Cracks or unevenness should be repaired before the first frost.
– Protect sensitive installations: Water pipes and outside taps should be drained and shut off to prevent frost damage.
– Winterize plants and garden furniture: Sensitive plants can be covered with fleece. Garden furniture should be stored in a dry place to prevent frost damage.
– Check outdoor lighting: Check that outdoor lights are working properly to ensure that paths are safe to walk on in the dark.
– Secure waste disposal systems: Make sure that garbage can storage areas are easily accessible, even in snow and ice. A non-slip floor covering is helpful here.
Tip:
An emergency plan for extreme weather situations, such as sudden heavy snowfall, helps you to react quickly and effectively. Emergency numbers for winter services or tradesmen should be to hand. With the right preparation, your property will remain safe and well maintained even in adverse weather conditions.
Summary and checklist
A well-planned winter check is crucial for getting your property through the cold season safely, efficiently and in a way that preserves its value. We have summarized the most important measures for you in five clear steps:
Checklist: Winter check for real estate
1. organize snow clearing and gritting duties: Clarify responsibilities, commission winter service and provide gritting material.
2. check roofs and gutters: Repair damage, clean gutters and check snow guard systems.
3. check and maintain the heating system: Carry out maintenance, bleed radiators and check thermostats.
4. seal windows and doors: Replace seals, use draught excluders and take additional insulation measures.
5. prepare outdoor facilities and communal areas: Secure walkways, protect sensitive installations and check outdoor lighting.
With this checklist, you have all the important tasks at a glance and can ensure step by step that your property is optimally prepared for the winter.
FG Fröhlich Gottas Hausverwaltung GmbH – Your property, our priority
The all-round carefree package from FG Fröhlich & Gottas Hausverwaltung offers numerous advantages for owners and tenants. The cooperation with reliable and specialized service providers in the areas of building services, locksmiths, carpenters and roofers guarantees comprehensive support. The strong network of FG Fröhlich & Gottas Hausverwaltung ensures that all work is carried out professionally and promptly. This leads to a high level of satisfaction, long-term value retention and improved living comfort.
Are you looking for a competent and reliable condominium and rental management company in Leipzig? FG Fröhlich & Gottas Hausverwaltung GmbH is at your side with a comprehensive range of services. From commercial to technical management – find out all about our services and how we can successfully manage your property. Contact us now to find out more about our services. We look forward to hearing from you and finding the best solution for your property management together!
