Preparing Your Condo Complex for Edmonton’s Harsh Winters
Edmonton winters are long, cold, and unforgiving, which means both the condo corporation needs to take steps to prevent damage, reduce costs, and avoid mid-winter emergencies. Here’s a practical guide to help your condo community get winter-ready.
Check The Physical Integrity of Your Building
Take a walk around the complex and keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks like it may need repairs. Inspect foundation cracks, caulking, and any exterior sealing, because freeze/thaw cycles can make seemingly small issues much worse.
Make sure you check out roofing membranes, flashing, drains, and gutters for blockage, cracks, or leaks. Cleaning debris from easetroughs (especially after all of the fall leaves have fallen into them) is also a great measure to take.
Prepare for Snow & Ice Management
Before the snow hits, make sure that your snow removal contracts are finalized and confirmed. The last thing you want is to be scrambling to find a company - especially in such a busy season! Make sure that all walkways, entrances, and parkade ramps are included in the schedule. Snow removal companies can fall behind especially with sudden, heavy snowfall, so it’s always a good idea to stock up on some ice melt, sand, and signage. Better to be over prepared than under!
Check Mechanical & Plumbing
Make sure all mechanical systems are in good shape by servicing boilers, furnaces, central HVAC units, and make-up air systems to provide reliable heating throughout the building. It’s also important to inspect heat tracing on vulnerable pipes, particularly in parkades and mechanical rooms, in order to prevent freezing. Finally, confirm that sump pumps and outdoor drainage paths are clear and functioning properly before everything ices over.
With these recommendations, your condo will be prepared for Edmonton’s harsh winters! By taking these simple steps, you increase the longevity of components, have less stress in the spring, and keep your owners and tenants toasty and happy for the season.
