Common Winter Property Maintenance Issues to Look Out For

Blocked gutters and drains are among the worst issues to deal with during winter. If the water from the sink, shower, toilet, or bath isn’t flowing freely, or waste is not extracted properly, the house will start to smell. On the other hand, blocked gutters can also lead to water overflow and leaks.

Depending on the size of the blockage and the depth of the pipework, blocked drains can be solved with a quick fix or may indicate a much bigger problem. Therefore, a professional is required to carry out a detailed inspection of the drains and fix them. This may include clearing leaves, twigs, and other debris off the gutters and downspouts to maintain the flow of water throughout the drains.

Having a reliable heating system, especially in winter, is a necessity. Before the temperature starts to drop, arrange for a professional to inspect and service the property’s heating system. This includes the boiler, thermostat, and radiators to ensure they function optimally and efficiently.

If the boiler isn’t working as it should, immediate repairs should be arranged. The average lifespan of a boiler is around ten to fifteen years, and as it gets older, issues such as faulty seals and damaged pipework are likely to occur. This can result in low-pressure, water, and gas leaks that create a dangerous environment for your tenants.

A boiler that makes strange sounds probably isn’t as it should or may smell of gas, at which point it should be checked by an engineer.

With time, almost everything in a property can wear down. The seals on the pipework may become loose and cause leaks, ranging from small drips to big ones that can cause damage quickly. Water may also get between walls and cover floors, causing dampness and rot.

In the colder months, energy efficiency becomes even more important. As a property management specialist, you must ensure the property is in good shape to prevent heat leaks. Drifty doors and windows can make the property colder and increase heating bills for tenants. Insulation can be improved by applying sealant, weather stripping, draft excluders, or adding secondary glazing.

Frozen pipes can lead to potential bursts and flooding. Insulating your pipes in unheated areas like the garage, lofts, and basement can help prevent this problem. Some of the easiest ways to insulate include lagging or insulation sleeves. These are inexpensive and easy to install.

Guaranteed rent specialists can also prevent pipes from freezing by reminding the tenants to allow warm air to get into the pipes. This can be done by keeping the heating at low temperatures and opening cupboard doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate with the pipes. 

Damp is caused by excess moisture in the air. Kitchens and bathrooms are often prone to dampness and mould forming if moisture has nowhere to escape. Other areas can also have excess moisture due to issues such as a change in temperature from night to day.

Damp can either be rising or penetrating and is often recognised by black signs of mould, musty smells, and peeling wallpaper and paintwork that is coming loose or bubbling. Rising damp starts from the ground level or floor, working its way up while penetrating damp is gained through a leak. You can hire a qualified contractor to eliminate the damp issue and ensure your tenants’ comfort.

The lifespan of a roof differs depending on the material. For instance, a slate roof can last up to 100 years or more while felt roofs may not last even a fifth of this. This means that different roof types are prone to different risks.

Flat roofs are susceptible to bubbling and blistering while pitched roofs can have cracked tiles that can develop into holes. Fixing such issues early enough can help in preventing further damage from occurring as even the smallest hole in the roof can damage the structure of the property by allowing water to get underneath. Your agency needs to schedule a roof inspection before winter sets in to check for potential damage, vulnerable areas, and if any repairs are needed. 

Winter is often a challenging season for property maintenance. If you run a guaranteed rent agency, you need a proactive approach to ensure all properties are in good shape before, during, and after winter.