The St. Louis Metropolitan region experiences many weather extremes. From extra hot summers to cold and icy winters, residents see it all. Such dramatic weather changes put a lot of pressure on homeowner’s associations (HOAs).
HOAs are responsible for more than just enforcing community rules. Instead, they need to create a maintenance plan for structures that protects community property year-round. By planning maintenance around the calendar, your Board will reduce emergency expenses and extend the lifespan of major assets.
But you have to know what structured maintenance to schedule during each season. In the rest of this guide, we provide a proactive seasonal maintenance plan that will help your HOA maintain a beautiful community year-round.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Winter in the Midwest can be especially hard on communities. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause a variety of damage, much of which is not visible until the weather warms in spring.
Use the warming-up weather in spring to assess and address any issues that occurred during the winter months.
Exterior Inspections
- Inspect roofs for missing shingles, flashing damage, or leaks.
- Check gutters and downspouts for debris or separation.
- Examine siding, brick, and exterior paint for cracks.
- Inspect foundations of common buildings for signs of shifting or moisture damage.
Grounds and Landscaping Tasks
- Remove winter debris from common areas.
- Inspect trees for storm damage.
- Schedule tree pruning.
- Re-seed damaged turf.
- Test and activate irrigation systems.
Hardscaping and Drainage
- Inspect sidewalks and driveways for cracks.
- Repair potholes in parking areas and roadways.
- Check drainage systems for clogs or damage.
Make sure to address any issues you see in the spring right away, as doing so can prevent your Board from having to pay for expensive summer repairs.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
During the summer, a community association is often buzzing with life. Maintaining landscaping and amenities is the name of the game. However, you will also need to keep up with regular inspections and upkeep throughout the season.
Here are the tasks you need to complete in the summer.
Amenity Maintenance
- Inspect and service pool equipment.
- Check playground equipment for wear or safety hazards.
- Maintain clubhouse HVAC systems.
Grounds and Landscaping Tasks
- Monitor irrigation systems for leaks or inefficiencies.
- Trim shrubs and trees away from common buildings.
- Maintain a consistent lawn care schedule.
Infrastructure Repairs
- Inspect fencing, gates, and entry systems for damage or issues.
- Repaint faded or damaged signage.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
Fall should be about preparing for the harsh winter weather. Use this time to secure your community against potential winter storms and ice damage.
Building Preparation
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Inspect roofs for any issues.
- Seal cracks in pavement.
- Inspect sealing in common area windows and doors.
Grounds and Landscaping Tasks
- Remove fallen leaves to prevent drain blockages.
- Trim branches near roofs and power lines.
- Apply mulch on landscaped areas.
Mechanical Systems
- Service heating systems in shared buildings.
- Test any community backup generators.
- Drain and winterize irrigation systems.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Preventative maintenance can be challenging in the winter, but there are a few tasks that can still be managed effectively.
Snow and Ice Management
- Monitor snow removal vendors.
- Ensure walkways and entrances are cleared.
- Apply ice melt when necessary.
Building Monitoring
- Inspect for ice dams.
- Check ceilings for leaks.
- Ensure exposed pipes are insulated.
Ongoing Inspections
- Monitor HVAC systems.
- Check for storm damage after major weather events.
This may seem like a huge list of tasks. But, your Board can easily incorporate them into your early maintenance schedule, especially with the help of Community Property Management (CPM). Contact us today and get started protecting your community all year long.