Hello Neighbours,
We’d like to share 5 ways to check your exhaust vents.
If you are renting, there are few reminders you will see us posting this time of year including checking your exhaust vents. These timely maintenance items are required to prevent any issues with your home. In previous years we’ve had plenty of calls for issues that are easily avoided. Over the next week, here are 5 ways to check your exhaust vents:
1.Check your exhaust intake and outlets to make sure they are not blocked with snow or ice. These vents are the white plastic pipes located on the rear of your home. If they become blocked, water heaters and furnaces will shut down and/or fail prematurely due to water dripping back down the pipe.
2. Ensure that downspouts are up to prevent damage during snow and ice clearing.
3. Clear any ice or snow from around the garage door and steps – frequent freeze/thaw cycles melt any accumulation, freezing your door to the ground and causing damage if you try to open it.
4. Keep your balcony if you are in an A style unit swept and shoveled to prevent excess snow melt from running into/under your garage increasing the likelihood of frozen doors.
5. Check the gauge located on the humidifier attached to the furnace and make sure this is set to 10 or below to prevent attic rain.
We fully understand that issues arise from time to time, however, we cannot afford to pay service calls for problems that do not fall under our general maintenance program, that don’t impact the common property or from misuse or neglect by a resident. To avoid unnecessary costs, residents should take an active role in home maintenance.
If you rent a home at Hangingstone Point, please help us by checking these items. Although we do cover functional maintenance such as a leaking tap due to use, tenants are responsible for routine maintenance such as changing furnace filters and replacing light bulbs. Questions about your responsibilities as a tenant or rental inquiries should be directed to admin@hangingstonepoint.ca.
As a reminder:
- Common Property (Covered by the Condominium Corporation) – Typically most areas outside of your home, including roads, exterior building envelope, curbs, underground infrastructure etc.
- No Warranty/Resident Issues – No coverage for regular maintenance issues, neglect or damage such as:
- Replacement of furnace filters
- Chirping/beeping smoke alarms
- Plugged or blocked drains or toilets
- Sewer repairs due to flushing wipes
- Frozen units due to lack of maintenance or care
- Seized or damaged hot water tanks and furnaces due to blocked vents
- Water damage due to lack of shoveling or care (balconies, exhaust vents, garages)
- Inoperable garage doors due to frozen seals and frames
For Owners – While we are happy to arrange service calls with any of the contractors we employ at Hangingstone Point, costs that are not covered under the condominium corporation will be back charged to your unit. We will discuss this with you prior to sending any trades however, a typical service bill of $200-$250 can be expected. Owners who choose to retain a contractor for repairs, must get a quote and have it approved in writing by the Board of Directors to be compensated. Email any questions to office@hangingstonepoint.ca .
If you want to read up on more ways to stay on top of your general maintenance, read here.
The Hangingstone Point Management Team