Possible Winter Damage in Your Florida HOA
Winter is a harsh time for any building or structure, even for Florida. Almost anything degrades between the cold and variable moisture penetration throughout a harsh winter. As a community association, your job is to help make sure that both homes and common areas are safe as your community enters winter and again as winter begins to pass on into spring.
The key is to catch signs of winter damage before real problems occur. This article is a quick guide on where to prevent winter damage or repair damage caused by winter as quickly as possible.
Frozen Pipes
The most urgent type of winter damage is frozen pipes. If pipes freeze with water in them, the water can swell and burst the pipe, causing a frigid and often explosive leak. Check the pipes for all community buildings and amenities for signs of freezing, past leaks, or vulnerability to freezing. More northern Floridians may consider wrapping each pipe in insulation to prevent the risk of freezing in the future.
Window Caulk
Caulk is the gummy substance that firmly holds window glass to the window frame, forming an airtight seal that keeps the cold winter air out of a home or the air-conditioning during the summer. However, extreme temperature changes can cause caulk to pull away from the windows. Check all windows in homes and public HOA buildings. Reapply caulk to pull away to seal the windows and ensure a warmer winter.
Gates, Fences, and Amenity Structural Security
Cold weather can also cause other things to contract, including metal structures and bolts. Now is the time to check on the gates and fences of the community. Ensure all bolts and fasteners are tightly secured and that hinges or rollers are well-oiled to work even in the iciest conditions. If you have playground or sports equipment, check to make sure these are secure and stable.
Rooftops
Roofs take the most damage every winter from a variety of hazards. Piled snow can cause long-term moisture damage. High winds can rip off shingles. Hail can cause roof-softening pock-mark damage. Heavy snow, even tree branches, can fall and damage a roof. So keep a close eye on the community rooftops and clean them often with a long-handled roof-sweeping broom.
Gutters
Gutters are at risk when they fill and freeze, which can cause cracking and breaking away from the roof if they become too heavy. Ice in the gutters can also cause ice dams, flooding, and home damage. Clear out ice dams, break off icicles, and apply a de-icing agent to gutters to keep them clear this winter.
Swimming Pools
During frigid winters in Florida, drain the swimming pool or cover it to protect it from the cold. Also, be sure to insulate pipes and protect faucets. Inspect everything thoroughly for safety before the pool is returned to service when warm weather returns. Refresh the water filter and check the pool lining for damage. Clean the pool furniture, signs, and safety equipment before being set back out.
HVAC Systems
Finally, keep an eye on every HVAC system in the community. During the winter, heaters can be a health and safety requirement. Ensure all units have filters and run correctly as your community enters the coldest part of the year. Then, do a springtime check to ensure all heaters are running well and ACs are ready to start coming on.
Contact Us
Winter damage is something that happens to every community. Your HOA can make a difference by taking good care of the common areas and amenities and encouraging homeowners to take this checklist to heart when caring for winter damage to their homes. For more insights into detecting and preventing winter damage, contact Condominium Associates today!