Welcome to Condo's Corner!

Brought to you by Daulton Read, President of Read Property Management

Get ready for a weekly dive into condo living like never before with Condo’s Corner! Speaking from my perspective as a Condominium Manager, my goal is to entertain and provide valuable management insights and stories that can help you live your condo life a bit better—all with a little bit of wit, charm, and practicality.

Fall is a beautiful time of year in Ontario; the leaves turn golden, the air gets crisp, and pumpkin spice makes its grand return. But for condominium corporations, autumn also signals something else: it’s time to get the property ready for winter.

From heating systems to rooftop gutters, this season is all about preparation and prevention. A proactive fall maintenance checklist protects your investment, keeps residents comfortable, and helps avoid costly repairs when the snow starts to fall.

Regardless of whether all, some, or none of these responsibilities fall on your condominium corporation, here’s what every condominium corporation and its owners should address this season, along with how Read Property Management makes it effortless.

Inspect the Building Envelope

The building envelope is your first line of defense against Ontario’s winter weather. It includes the walls, windows, doors, and roof, basically everything separating the warm indoors from the cold outdoors.

• Inspect for cracks or gaps: Even small openings can lead to heat loss and water intrusion.

• Seal windows and doors: Replace worn-out weather stripping and caulking.

• Check for condensation: Persistent moisture between window panes may indicate failed seals.

A thorough inspection now means fewer surprises (and fewer emergency calls) come January.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Falling leaves may be picturesque, but they can wreak havoc on your drainage systems.

• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs that can lead to ice damming and roof leaks.

• Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation to reduce the risk of flooding and frost heave.

• Schedule this work before the first hard freeze - it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your building exterior.

Inspect the Roof and Exterior

Your roof takes the brunt of winter weather. Have it inspected in the fall for:

• Loose or missing shingles

• Flashing damage around vents or chimneys

• Signs of pooling water or soft spots

While the contractors are on-site, encourage them to also take a look at siding, paint, and balcony membranes for wear or cracking. Catching issues early can prevent major damage later.

Service the HVAC and Improve Air Quality

Before temperatures drop too far, make sure your heating system is ready to perform.

• Service the furnace: Have it professionally inspected and cleaned.

• Replace filters: Dirty filters make your furnace work harder and reduce indoor air quality.

• Test thermostats: Confirm they’re functioning and set to energy-efficient levels.

• Clean the dryer vent: It’s a quick, inexpensive task that reduces fire risk and improves airflow.

A properly serviced HVAC system keeps residents warm - and operating costs lower - all winter long.

Check Fire Safety Systems

When the windows close and heaters turn on, fire safety becomes more important than ever.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.

• Inspect fire extinguishers in mechanical rooms and common areas.

• Remind residents to avoid storing items near baseboard heaters or using unapproved space heaters.

General Fall Maintenance

Some of the most impactful maintenance tasks are the simplest:

• Drain and disconnect exterior hoses to prevent burst pipes.

• Trim overhanging branches that could fall during winter storms.

• Sweep and store balcony furniture to prevent wind damage.

• Check garage drains and sump pumps to ensure proper water flow during thaws.

These small steps help maintain the appearance, safety, and integrity of your condominium year-round.

How Read Property Management Helps

Managing seasonal maintenance can be a heavy lift for anyone - but it doesn’t have to be. At Read Property Management, we take a hands-on approach to ensure every condominium in our care is winter-ready, and owners are educated on what they can do to care for their units as well. By planning ahead and educating all stakeholders, we keep communities running smoothly and owners confident that their investments are in capable hands.

Fall maintenance may not be glamorous, but it’s the quiet foundation of a well-run condominium. By inspecting, cleaning, sealing, and servicing now, your building will be ready to take on winter — safely, efficiently, and worry-free.

Got a condo tale to tell or burning questions about condo living? Don't be shy—share 'em with me! Whether it's a funny story, a management mystery, a celebratory story, or just a nightmare, we're all ears. All you need to do is reply to this email so we can keep the content coming.

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