Winter is coming to Indy and Central Indiana, and if you own rental property, the cold season is about to test everything. Frozen pipes, furnace failures, roof leaks, sewer backups, drafty windows. Winter loves to expose every weakness. At CRM Properties, we help property owners stay ahead of the weather shift and protect their investments through reliable systems and proactive planning.
1. Furnace and Heating Tune Up
Once the temperatures drop, furnaces work overtime and that is when issues love to surface. Filters clog, older systems struggle to keep up, and sudden heat failures become more common. We partner with Therodyn, our trusted HVAC vendor, to complete a full heating system check before winter arrives. This keeps residents warm, keeps emergencies minimal, and keeps owners from dealing with costly mid-season breakdowns.
2. Prevent Frozen Pipes Before They Burst
Frozen pipes are one of the biggest winter risks in Central Indiana. A brief cold snap can freeze exposed plumbing and lead to major water damage once it thaws. Insulating pipes, sealing cold air entry points, and encouraging residents to let faucets drip during severe cold can prevent a disaster. Early preparation is the best protection.
3. Inspect Roofs and Gutters Before the Snow Hits
Snow and ice reveal every secret a roof has been hiding. Loose shingles, clogged gutters, sagging areas, and small leaks can turn into major issues once winter moisture arrives. A quick roof and gutter inspection before the cold sets in helps catch problems early and prevents heavy repair costs later.
4. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors
Cold Indiana winds can make a home feel icy even when the heat is running. Drafts waste energy, increase utility bills, and strain heating systems. Weather stripping, caulking, and insulation improvements help keep warm air inside and create a more comfortable environment for your residents.
5. Protect Sewer Lines and Drains
Winter can make sewer problems worse. Shifting ground, older pipes, tree roots, and heavy usage can all contribute to backups. Many Central Indiana properties are older, so staying proactive with sewer checks and educating residents on proper use helps avoid messy surprises.
6. Address Winter Weaknesses Before They Grow
Winter tends to expose everything. Weak insulation. Faulty garage doors. Exterior lighting issues. Worn weather seals. Slow drains. A seasonal readiness check helps catch these issues early and keeps the property functioning properly all winter long.
Building Better Winter Readiness
A strong winterization plan protects your rental home, supports your residents, and reduces emergency maintenance calls. With proactive inspections, a trusted vendor network like Therodyn, and consistent communication, you can keep your property safe no matter how cold it gets.
Ready to partner with a Central Indiana property management team that keeps your rentals protected during the toughest months of the year? Contact CRM Properties today and let us manage your properties this winter so you can stay warm and stress free!