MAINTENANCE
PHILLIPPA BURGESS | SHAKER PAINTING
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Now’s the time to anticipate the winter
W
e’ve finally made it to summer. It’s
time to enjoy warm weather and
extended daylight hours. Although
there are some who may feel it is
too hot, and may long for some relief from the heat.
In either case, the reality still exists that this time
is fleeting. Inclement weather will be back again
and now is the absolute best the time to prepare
for it.
Before moving to Denver, I spent three years
as a property manager in Los Angeles. I learned
my lesson, that where possible “a stitch in time
saves nine”. There are certain tasks, where being
proactive is without a doubt, the best course of
action. However, Southern California doesn’t have
the same winter challenges as we do here in Denver. Thus, I’ve turned to a few experts to get their
best advice on the following issues that you may
come across.
WATER ISSUES
According to Derek Brase, Senior Project Manager at Reconstruction Experts, the items that get
overlooked and forgotten during summer can really impact a community during winter months.
Items such as, assuring proper drainage and
maintaining proper grade within the community
can help prevent a number of issues. Aside from
dangerous parking lot slip hazards that appear on
the surface, if water is allotted to permeate and
collect near the buildings foundation, this can lead
to unstable soils and future structural problems.
Also, the winter weather accelerates water infiltration issues during freeze- thaw cycles. Ensuring that you have good drainage and grading away
from your building foundation is imperative. A
simple visual inspection by a trained professional
can help determine what repairs need to take place.
A little forward thinking could save money in the
long haul for your community.
ROOFING ISSUES
“Be proactive and get a professional roof inspection by a licensed roofing contractor now,” according to Brett Rutz, Multi-Family Business Development Executive at Premier Roofing. “This will
help to establish an accurate life expectancy of your
building’s roof and identify any problem areas.
Then, be sure to get yet another inspection after
any severe weather. Hail and wind can substantially lower a roof ’s life expectancy and resilience.”
www.aamdhq.org
EXTERIOR PAINT ISSUES
“It’s difficult to do exterior painting in the
winter months, so it’s better to get that work done
in the summer and early fall,” recommends Brent
Rumpf of Shake Painting. “Painting is essential
to good property maintenance not only to keep it
looking good but to keep it in good shape. Any
wood or metal that is not properly coated is subject
to damage. It will cost significantly more to have
that replaced than it will to paint it. Sometimes it
takes a walk around the property with a fresh pair
of eyes to notice things that you might have overlooked before and see where prioritizing paint
work can avoid future damage.”
UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER
Nicole Stone, Business Development at Metco Landscape reminds us that while the sun is
shining it is challenging to think about the winter
months. However, in just a short few months the
snow will be falling and accumulating on property
and roads.
Yes, that snow is just right around the corner.
It is essential for you to start to think about your
needs for the winter season which can start as
early as October. Mapping out your snow removal
gives you and your contractor time to work on an
action plan while the weather is still nice. You want
to make sure you have your vendors already engaged
long before the leaves turn and the first flakes of
snow are upon us.
As they say, make hay while the sun shines and
get the most of your summer time both in work
and play. This is a great time to heed the advice of
the experts and get ahead of the game. Winter will
be here again before we know it. And of course all
the joys and sparkle that come with Christmas will
be here too.
JULY 2015 • TRENDS | 31