Our Winterizer Checklist
admin • December 4, 2019
Photo: bark via Flickr / Creative Commons License
We are blessed in the Bay Area with mild winters, but there are still a number of important actions Gaetani takes with your property before the rainy season sets in. That’s because water, for all it’s life-giving qualities, can be pretty destructive if it gets past the outer shell of a building.
Here is a checklist our professional property managers use when inspecting your building for winter:
- Service the heating and ventilation system: It’s not just leaks, but also excessive winter dampness can promote the growth of toxic mold and mildew. A properly operating heater, apart from keeping your tenants comfortable, keeps humidity levels down. Also, heaters tend to have a lifespan of about 12-20 years, so we make sure to keep tabs on those older systems, maintaining them regularly so they last as long as possible.
- Inspect windows and doors: Caulking dries out after several years and begins to crack. Same thing with exterior paint, especially on older buildings. If not repaired, water can seep in and cause window casings and frames to rot. It’s a relatively easy fix that can save you a lot of money in the long run.
- Inspect roof and gutters/drainage systems: Standing water on the roof is a sign that something’s not right. It could be clogged gutters or drain pipes, or it could be due to sagging – an indication that there’s a larger structural issue that needs attention.
- Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning: With increased use of heating systems in winter comes increasing chances of fire breaking out, or carbon monoxide being released from the heating system. Ensuring these life safety systems are working properly is one of our most important duties as a professional property manager.
- Seal any cracks in the masonry: Keeping your foundation dry and solid is key to long-term integrity of the entire structure. So not only do we look for cracks on foundation walls themselves, we also seal cracks in sidewalks and wall seams so no water can get in and compromise your building.
At Gaetani, we’re always working to protect your investment while maximizing your returns. The right winter maintenance regimen is just an important part of our overall program to make sure your building performs for decades to come.
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Aaron Leavy's journey is a testament to the power of the individual in making a difference in people's lives. With a background in psychology, Aaron's desire to help others has kept him dedicated to community service across his two markedly different careers. His journey began when he studied psychology in college, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on the lives of children. This passion led him to work as a therapist at a non-profit organization in a Los Angeles neighborhood known for its challenges, where even the reception desk had bullet-proof glass—a stark reminder of the environment he was working in. Wanting to take a break from the intensity of his work in therapy, Aaron transitioned into real estate management but never lost sight of his dedication to community service. Two years ago, he joined Gaetani Real Estate, and throughout his 2nd career in real estate, he has never ceased leveraging his industry connections to contribute to meaningful causes. One such cause that captured Aaron's attention was Rebuilding Together SF, a national organization with 120 affiliate organizations across the country. This non-profit focuses on assisting homeowners in vulnerable communities by providing essential home repairs and improvements. Recognizing the intersection between his past experiences in therapy and his current role in real estate, Aaron was asked by another real estate professional to join the board of Rebuilding Together SF, which he enthusiastically accepted. Aaron's impact on Rebuilding Together SF has been profound. With his ability to mobilize resources and tap into his real estate clientele for fundraising, he has raised over $100,000 in donations. His reputation for integrity and dedication precedes him, makinghis fundraising efforts highly successful.
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