Fall’s here – Don’t get left out in the cold Now that fall has arrived, it’s time to start preparing your rental property
for the winter. It seems that winter storms are becoming more destructive every year. Every landlord and property manager should be doing what needs to be done to protect against building and property damage for extremely cold temperatures, high winds, heavy snow and ice build-up, and other hazards associated with harsh winter weather. Spending the time, energy, and resources to prepare your rental property in the fall can mean cost savings down the road, and extending the life of your building and its components. RHB Magazine contacted several industry professionals on some of the best practices for protecting rental properties against winter-related weather issues.
Parking lots and underground parking structures Canadian winters can do a serious number on asphalt and concrete surfaces, especially parking lots and garages. Freeze-thaw cycles and excessive salting can create massive potholes, walking and driving hazards, and structural damage. Preventive maintenance can save money for building owners, and protect tenants’ vehicles from unnecessary damage. Anthony Taylor, Director of Sales, Lincoln Construction Group, provided key strategies for maintaining parking lots and underground parking structures. 1. Patch and repair potholes. By tending to potholes before the winter, you can mitigate the chances of ice patches and trip hazards for your property’s employees, tenants, and guests. 2. Seal and crack fill. Sealing cracks will reduce your parking lot foundation’s exposure to the elements. The freezing and thawing temperatures allow the water that seeps through the cracks to erode your foundation, which can result in potholes. 3. Hire a reputable snow removal contractor. Finding a reliable snow removal company can make all the difference during our Canadian winters. Clear and hazard-free
24 | September - October 2019
properties can see the benefits of increased safety for your guests, productivity, and minimized accident risks.
Building envelope The building envelope has to stand up to all types of weather all year long. Snow, ice, and wind can have a cumulative effect on many different building components, some of which cannot be seen on the surface. Doing a thorough check of these elements in the fall, and following key maintenance strategies, can protect against short- and long-term winterrelated damage. Dave Moore, Project Principal, Vice President, Pretium Engineering Inc., provided a number of key strategies for protecting and maintaining different parts of the building envelope.
Foundation walls: 1. Fix the grading around the foundation. Raise the height of the grading around the foundation walls where settled to promote drainage away from the building, and reduce the risk of leakage and deterioration. 2. Check roof downpipes/troughs. Make sure that they are clear, connected, and directing water away from the building. 3. Apply de-icing chemicals. Use urea or calcium magnesium acetate de-icing chemicals; avoid use of calcium and sodium chlorides, which can accelerate deterioration of concrete and masonry at grade level.