Boilers, make-up air units and condos with forced air furnace systems require regular maintenance. Fall is a good time to have the mechanical systems professionally checked to ensure that they are operating properly, safely and to maximum efficiency. The filters should also be checked on a regular basis to make sure that they are clean, so that they can allow the effective flow of heat to the unit.

Whether you have a wood burning stove or a gas fireplace, they also require maintenance. In the case of a gas fireplace, an inspection of the unit by a qualified person is recommended to ensure that the unit is operating safely. For wood burning fireplaces, the flue should be checked to make certain that it is working correctly. Chimneys should also be kept clean to avoid the build-up of soot, which could pose a fire hazard.

Check your doors, windows and electrical outlets for drafts and consider sealing them. Products are readily available at local hardware stores.

To discourage the invasion of mice inspect your suite for cracks and holes and secure them appropriately. Remove any potential nesting areas and refrain from leaving patio doors, windows or screen doors open for children, pets and fresh air.

Winterize your patios and decks, by removing your potted plants and storing the pots appropriately. Cover or store patio furniture and ensure that BBQ pits are also covered and protected.

Exterior hose bibs should be shut off and drained and hoses should be stored in-doors or in an outdoor shed. Sprinkler systems should be blown - out and shut off for the winter.

Roofs should be checked by a qualified contractor for any deficiencies, which should be addressed prior to winter, as roof repairs can be difficult to do when the roof is covered with snow and/or ice.

After all of the leaves have fallen, the eaves should be cleaned and any necessary repairs undertaken, so that the eaves troughs work properly. It is important that they be in good working order to allow the moisture to flow away from the building during the freeze and thaw that occurs in the winter months.

It is prudent to have the sand boxes maintained and filled with sand, so they are ready for that first use. Corporations that do not currently have sand boxes may wish to consider the option of strategically placing them around the complex, so that they are readily accessible.

Unit owners may wish to consider buying their boot trays and making room for them in their units. Remember that most condominiums do not allow boots and shoes to be left in the hallways or outside their units.

Mats at the entrances of units and buildings will help minimize the tracking of ice and snow into the common area and unit floors. They can help keep floors and carpets looking cleaner longer thus effectively extending their life expectancy.

Fall cleanup of the common area land-scaping is usually done at this time. Condo's owners with exclusive use yard areas should do the same. Leaves should be raked to properly prepare the lawns for the winter. Spring and summer annuals should be removed, however fall bedding plants such as colorful mums and ornamentals can be planted for fall colour.

Corporations should ensure that snow removal contractors are in place and have their specified instructions for snow removal, de-icing and sanding. Unit owners who are responsible to shovel their own walkways and doorsteps should consider purchasing their snow shovels and de-icing agents. Do remember to check with your condo board to make sure that any de-icing agents that you use are permissible, biodegradable and do not destroy the integrity of the concrete.

Areas that are icing and are not being addressed by the contractor or unit owner should be reported to the Board via the management company before they become a liability issue.

Consider putting into practice these common sense guidelines to help prepare your condo for the winter season. 

Marc Bateman, BA, ACCI, CPM, is the President and Broker of Acclaim Condominium Managers.
Ana Bateman, BSc, MEd, is an Agent and the Managing Director with Acclaim Condominium Managers.