Is Your Property Summer Ready? 10 Steps to a Safe Property

(Photo: TownePost Network - Flicker Creative Commons)

Summer Maintenance Checklist

□ SET A REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR ROOF, GUTTERS &

DOWNSPOUTS.

Replace damaged or worn shingles. Significant rain, debris and wind can loosen

gutter spikes, ferrules or brackets. Keep debris from accumulating in gutters and

be sure downspouts drain away from the foundation.

□ ROUTINELY CUT THE GRASS AND TRIM BACK PLANT OVERGROWTH &

OVERHANGING TREE LIMBS.

Summer plant growth can damage your property from its roof to foundation.

If left unattended, vines and roots can cause trip hazards.Keeping yards tidy

and free of trash may also help prevent theft, vandalism and squatters.

□ INSPECT YOUR DECK & MAKE ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS.

Replace any broken or weak deck boards and inspect handrails and grab bars

to prevent injuries from falls. Sharp edges, splintered or rotting wood, rusted

nails or nail pops can also be a liability hazard.

□ RINSE OFF ANY BUILD-UP OF DEBRIS FROM AROUND YOUR

AC COMPRESSOR.

Check hoses for leaks, and make sure everything is draining properly.

Clean or replace your HVAC filter on a monthly basis.

□ INSPECT YOUR SIDING FOR EVIDENCE OF TERMITES & OTHER

INFESTATIONS AND TREAT ACCORDINGLY.

Make sure that doors and windows have a tight seal and fill any cracks. If you

see any signs that animals are taking up residence in your property, call the

appropriate professional before any problems get out of hand.

□ CHECK THE SOIL AROUND YOUR PROPERTY’S FOUNDATION.

Most property policies exclude coverage for foundation damage. Watering the

foundation or properly installing planting materials are two methods of alleviating

damaging drought conditions.

□ BRING SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS UP TO CURRENT MUNICIPAL

STANDARDS.

A safe pool has a fence around the perimeter with self-closing and self-latching

gates, anti-entrapment drain covers, the water depth clearly marked on all sides

of the pool deck and all safety equipment (life preservers, pole, etc.) in good

working condition. Check local municipal guidelines for additional safety standards.

□ MAKE SURE YOUR MULTIPURPOSE FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS FULL

AND PROPERLY PRESSURIZED FOR OPERATION.

Store it in an accessible location and following the manufacturer’s instructions

for monthly maintenance.

□ REMIND TENANTS TO INSPECT GRILLS AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN

GOOD WORKING CONDITION.

Check gas grills’ burner jets for clogs and obstructions and that hoses are secure;

clean charcoal grills of ash and make sure they are free of grease residue.

Tenants SHOULD NOT use grills on wood decks!

□ WARN TENANTS ABOUT FIREWORKS - LEAVE THE SHOW TO THE EXPERTS.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more fires are reported on July 4th

than on any other day of the year. Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees, which is hot

enough to cause third-degree burns. Warning tenants about the danger of fireworks

may save your property from a fire and your tenants (and their loved ones) from

serious injuries.