Getting Ready for Winter 2025

Now that Fall is here, Winter and freezing temperatures will be coming soon. It’s not too early to prepare for the cold winter weather by winterizing your outside spigots.

Drain exterior faucets

Outside spigots – Locate all outside faucets. Disconnect any hoses and drain them for winter storage. Remove hose splitters or any other items attached to each faucet.

Shut-off valves – Every outdoor spigot should have a shut-off valve inside your basement. Locate the shut-off valve for each corresponding spigot and shut the water off by turning the valve in a clockwise direction. Then, turn on all outside spigots to drain any water left in them. If the water continues to flow, check the valve to make sure it’s off. Leave the spigot handle turned on throughout the winter.

Heat-tape switch

If you have a heat tape switch in your garage, please ensure it is turned on or in the up position.

Prepare for Snow Removal Operations & Snow Advisories

Successful snow removal and snowmelt application on sidewalks and steps is dependent on everyone’s cooperation. Keep these areas free of things that might hinder the snow removal team’s success.

For your safety, keep ice melts handy on your walkways in between storms. Do not use corrosive rock salt anywhere on our property as its use adds to the surface deterioration and causes unnecessary damage.

In most cases, the snow vendor makes a first pass to provide access should emergency vehicles be needed in your community and then returns once the snow has stopped to complete the snow removal. If applicable, please avoid parking in the street, common areas and outside the garages, especially during a snow emergency to allow for plowing.

Just a reminder to monitor snow and ice accumulations on your balcony. Snow can accumulate over lower door sills and cause significant damage during thaws as water can work its way into our unit walls.

Balconies should be cleared. Only seasonally appropriate furniture is allowed at any time. Any items left out trap moisture and further damage wood surfaces.

Trash Disposal

Another ongoing concern is our trash disposal hygiene. Please keep your trash and recycling organized and secure. Do not place garbage bags out on the pavement overnight as it invites rats and other animals to the all-night buffet you would have created.

Give our hard-working attendants a break. Do not place overfilled bags and boxes out for pickup. Help keep our property clean! For best service, keep a clear path to your weekly trash and recycling box.

Freezing Temperature Advisories

During freezing temperatures, set your thermostat at 70°F, keep water faucets running to a trickle and open the cabinet doors where your piping exist to prevent frozen pipes and save energy. A frozen pipe is a very costly repair, more so in the winter months. Let's avoid it.

If you are leaving for the season, be sure to winterize your unit.

When leaving in the winter in Michigan, set your thermostat between 55°F and 60°F to prevent frozen pipes and save energy. A setting of 55°F is a safe minimum to keep interior walls, where pipes are located, above freezing, while a slightly higher temperature, like 60°F is recommended where there are areas that may get colder.

Have someone periodically check on your unit during your absence.

Let’s all have a great Michigan Winter!

Your Board of Directors