It may not feel like it, but winter is coming! While Colorado is a microcosm of weather from seemingly every climate, winter undoubtedly brings with it a routine of preparation when you are a homeowner. Below are some tips from an article by property management company, FirstService Residential, on ways to help your HOA winterize your community. Always be sure to contact your Board of Directors or management company regarding maintenance or repair of any common areas. You should not attempt to work on common areas or association owned property without explicit, written permission from your Board or management company.
Protect Your Pipes
One thing nearly all associations know – when temps start to freeze, pipes often follow. This winter, your community association can help reduce the likelihood of freezing pipes and the resulting damage by following these tips:
- Add insulation to all exterior pipes that are vulnerable to freezing;
- Place a tarp over any outbuildings with temperature-sensitive piping;
- Adequately heat attics, floor spaces, basements, stairways and storage areas during cold spells;
- Seal doors and windows to prevent drafts near pipes;
- Drain water from wet pipe sprinklers during cold weather;
- Turn off outdoor faucets during the winter;
- Make sure any pools or hot tubs are properly drained and protected for the winter.
Inspect the HVAC System
Before winter hits full force, schedule a full HVAC system inspection to make sure all equipment and systems are in good working order – and if not, make any necessary repairs. Now is the time to prepare the furnace to efficiently heat throughout the winter, as well as to address any air conditioning system problems that may have occurred over the summer.
Plan for Snow Removal
Snow removal is practically inevitable and always a huge responsibility for your HOA, so discuss with your Board or management company about finalizing your community’s game plan before the first snowflakes fall. The Board or management company should start by reviewing last year's budget to determine how effectively your community was able to cover snow removal services and make any adjustments necessary.
Plan for Power Outages
If your community is located in an area where ice storms or high winds are common, you can probably expect one or more power outages this year – and they can be especially dangerous for residents when temperatures plunge. Depending on where in the state your community is located and the budgetary resources available, you may want to discuss with your Board and/or management company the use of generators to provide heat and light in essential areas – for example, where drafts are common, where pipes may freeze and where there is no natural light, such as emergency staircases.
Clean and Inspect the Fireplace
When temperatures plunge, there’s nothing more delightful than sitting in front of a cozy fireplace – unless that fireplace is a safety hazard. Have them professionally cleaned and inspected before winter hits to ensure the safety of your home. If your fireplaces are wood-burning, it’s a good idea to stock up on firewood, but reduce fire hazards by storing it in a dry place, away from the walls, preferably in an exterior location such as a storage shed or garage.
For more information on upkeep of your common interest community, please refer to section 38-33.3-307 of the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act.