What Property Managers Think About

When you go to school to become a property manager, you learn about long-term leasing and property rentals. You study tenant behavior and relationships from move in to move out. You learn about risks and procedures and how your decisions will affect others.

When you study property management, the emphasis is about SAFETY. You learn that it’s your responsibility as a property manager to provide safe buildings and structures that meet all standards, building codes, and insurance requirements. You get to know your property. You learn how buildings are put together and what they require for maintenance and repairs.

Many property managers systemize maintenance to keep up with aging components such as roofing and siding. They keep records on the condition of decks, windows, doors, and other features that could cause harm or create more damage. They create a projection of upcoming projects and ask professional contractors to inspect and discuss maintenance for specific systems and services.

Maintenance and how you handle it will either make or break your business. It’s your duty to keep your buildings well-maintained so neglect doesn’t lead to insurance claims. Fighting damage caused by weather is a constant battle and long-term exposure to the environment is one of the leading causes of structure maintenance.

Property maintenance is an investment that takes knowledge, planning and scheduling. Making the right decision at the right time can mean the difference between fixing what’s wrong or putting it off while other problems arise, such as water leaks, collapses and inefficient energy use. Without a safe living environment, the risk and the cost go up.

A roofing system is one of the most important features of any condominium, apartment, or multi-unit properties. When the roof goes bad, it affects the safety of those who live below it and the safety of the structure. Knowing the age of the roof is a helpful first step. Roofs that were installed more than 20 years ago, or roofs that are leaking or damaged, should be inspected by a professional. A new roof can save you money and reduce the amount of heating or cooling that otherwise escapes. It can eliminate damage from water.

Weather can cause severe damage whether instantly from high winds, hail, or ice…or gradually from hot and cold temperatures. As the shingles age, they dry out. They get brittle and curl or crack. Wind will rip them off the roof and send them flying. Water and moisture from rain can seep underneath the damaged shingles and cause leaks. Water can damage the underlayment and saturate expensive sheetrock or woodwork. It can ruin tenant’s belongings. The longer you wait, the worse the leaks get and the more damage they cause. Ice dams form in the winter and cause shingles to warp and peel back so water gets in. Flashing around the chimney and roof structures takes a beating too. Damaged flashings allow water to seep inside. Don’t need a new roof? There are alternatives to roof replacement such as Roof Maxx® which can add five to fifteen years to the life of asphalt shingles, and that’s something to learn more about.

Vinyl siding is durable, and today’s siding is more durable than it was in the past. There are also many more choices in color, texture, and design. When the siding goes bad, the water seeps in. The wood underneath gets soggy and rots, and the energy efficiency of the building is compromised.

Siding is an important protection for any structure and like roofing, it also gets damaged by weather. Siding is like a big raincoat that protects your structures from the environment. Once it springs a leak, whatever is under it gets wet. New siding can add value to your condominium or apartment property and it’s a visual selling point when trying to rent or lease your properties. Old siding that is faded, discolored, sagged, buckled, cracked, or missing can cause extensive damage to structures. It’s best to ask a professional to take a closer look.

Decks are great and tenants love them. They are an outdoor place to relax and entertain. But when the deck goes bad, the safety of your tenants and their guests is affected. Rot spots, aging and lack of proper maintenance on wooden decks can cause collapse or injury. You want to be sure that your decks are property supported and secured underneath and that all the boards are still solid. Rotting wood can break under foot and a collapsed deck is a nightmare.

Some of today’s decks such as TREX® are made with composite wood that resists damage by water and weather. They are designed not to fade, split, or rot and they last a lot longer than the decks of the past. New decks will offer your tenants an outdoor space to enjoy and they are a selling point.

Energy efficiency is key when it comes to managing properties and windows are the leading cause of heating and cooling problems. Older buildings have older windows which are not as energy efficient as today’s windows. Older windows don’t have tight seals and they won’t stop heat or air conditioning from leaking out. Energy-efficient windows remove drafts, reduce outdoor noise, add privacy and they keep the heating and cooling where it belongs. New windows also eliminate leaks that destroy the areas underneath the sills.

So where do you begin? All the knowledge you’ve gained as a property manager tells you that you need a professional contractor to bring your property up to date and up to code. Choose one contractor that handles all the maintenance on your exterior structures, and one that specializes in the type of business you manage.

Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding specializes in the maintenance of condominium, apartment and multi-unit properties anywhere in New England. Quenneville is a name trusted by property

managers from Massachusetts and Connecticut to Maine and New Hampshire. And while other contractors may only handle the roofing, or just the siding, the Quenneville company has expertise in all of it, including roofing, siding, windows, and decks. Quenneville is the master contractor for all the maintenance you need, including alternatives like Roof Maxx® instead of roof replacement.

“Our goal is to make it easy and affordable for you to maintain your property,” says Adam Quenneville, third generation owner of Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding. “We cover everything that covers your units including roofing, siding, windows and decks. If you need a new roof or new siding, or if you need the whole envelope package, we will deliver the finest quality workmanship and work ethics you can trust. Our prices are competitive, we work on schedule, and we will match or beat any reasonable bid.”

Property maintenance is an investment, and it should be handled wisely. If you’re looking for the most appropriate solutions for your project, ask the Quenneville company to look at the project and give you the best bid. Quenneville has big job experience, references from other property managers, and complex projects are welcome. Need financing? Quenneville offers 100% financing.

“We’re here to discuss your maintenance projects and work on a long-term plan to keep your property protected and safe for years to come,” says Quenneville. “Let’s talk about it.” Text or call 413-536-5955, toll-free 855-552-6273, or fill out our contact form.

Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding is a member of CAI-New England, CAI-Connecticut, the Connecticut Apartment Association, and other member organizations. The company has held the title of GAF Master Elite Contractor for several years, and has earned several awards along the way, including BBB recognition. It’s a name you can trust.

Blog by Deborah O’Neill