MAINTENANCE

Preventive plex maintenance: the calendar to follow to avoid emergencies

By La Griffe Immobilière · Property management in Quebec

Most costly emergencies in a plex could have been avoided with regular preventive maintenance. An annual roof inspection, seasonal plumbing checks and ventilation follow-up can save you thousands of dollars. Here is the calendar to follow.

Spring (March to May): post-winter inspection

Winter is tough on a building. In spring, check:

• Roof: damage caused by ice, lifted shingles, deteriorated flashing
• Foundation: cracks that appeared during freeze cycles, water infiltration
• Gutters: complete cleaning after winter
• Drainage system: ditches and downspouts clear and functional
• Exterior: caulking around windows and doors, peeling paint
• Grounds: damage to parking areas, stairs and balconies

Summer (June to August): maintenance and preparation

• Air conditioning: servicing central or wall-mounted systems
• Lawn and landscaping: regular maintenance according to the lease
• Exterior painting and repairs: take advantage of good weather
• Balconies and decks: structure, railings and fasteners
• Smoke and CO detectors: checks and battery replacement

Fall (September to November): preparing for winter

This is the most critical period for prevention. Do not neglect it:

• Heating system: annual servicing of boiler, furnace and thermostats
• Insulation: check seals, doors and windows
• Pipes: protect pipes exposed to cold
• Gutters: clear fallen leaves
• Snow removal: have a contract in place before the first snowfall
• Ventilation: inspect ducts and filters

Winter (December to February): active monitoring

• Ice and overhangs: monitor and remove if necessary
• Heating: check temperatures in common areas
• Pipes: monitor during extreme cold (below -20°C)
• Snow removal: follow up on contract execution

Ongoing: regular checks

• Condition of units during tenant turnover
• Follow-up on tenant maintenance requests
• Monthly checks of common equipment
• Updating the inventory of completed repairs

The manager’s role in preventive maintenance

A good manager does not just react to emergencies — they anticipate them. They schedule inspections, coordinate providers and alert you to problems before they become crises. A well-maintained building keeps its value, attracts better tenants and generates far less stress.