Maintenance and Repairs

October 8, 2026 Published by Golden Horseshoe Chapter - By Jimmy Muir

Pre-winter Maintenance for Townhome Communities

From the Volume 29, Fall 2026 issue of the CCI GHC Condo News Magazine

Winter is a season known for its unpredictability. There are days when the sky promises clear blue horizons, only to be followed by a sudden blizzard that dumps several inches of snow in no time. This inconsistency can put significant strain on townhome communities, as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can affect everything from roadways and roofs to drainage systems and the safety of common areas. Unfortunately, many community managers are unsure where to begin. By creating a winter preparedness checklist and taking proactive measures before the first major snowfall, they can reduce risks, protect property, and keep residents safer throughout the winter.

Snow and ice management plan

For most communities, winter preparation begins with managing snow and ice. Before the first snowfall, property managers should review snow-removal contracts, confirm service expectations, and ensure contractors know the property’s layout and specific requirements.

Another important consideration is snow storage, which can easily be overlooked until winter is already underway. Communities should identify where to store plowed snow throughout the season, especially in areas with limited parking. Without adequate storage space, snowbanks can quickly become problematic, reducing available parking and complicating future snow-clearing procedures.

It’s also important to communicate parking restrictions to residents in advance. Temporary restrictions during snowfall can ensure that contractors have unobstructed access to roadways and parking areas, allowing for more efficient and safe clearing of the community.

Additionally, reviewing contract terms is crucial. Changing contractors mid-season can be challenging for any community, particularly when demand for snow removal services is high. Understanding termination provisions and service commitments before winter begins can help reduce risks and disruptions during peak periods.

Communicate winter plans and expectations early

A well-prepared community is also a well-informed community. As winter approaches, residents should know about any seasonal procedures that may affect them, including parking restrictions, snow removal schedules, and changes to site operations.

Communicating these details in advance helps set expectations and reduces uncertainty when the first major snowfall arrives. It also allows residents to prepare for temporary changes that may be necessary to support snow-clearing operations.

Clear, timely communication can go a long way toward creating a smoother winter experience for everyone. When residents understand the reasons behind seasonal policies and procedures, communities are often better positioned to respond efficiently to winter weather while maintaining a positive resident experience.

Keep de-icing material readily available

Snow removal contractors play a vital role in winter maintenance, but situations often require immediate action between service visits. Keeping an on-site supply of salt or ice melt enables staff to respond quickly when conditions change unexpectedly. This is especially important in high-traffic areas such as walkways, mail kiosks, stairways, visitor parking lots, and building entrances, where ice can form rapidly and pose safety risks for residents and guests.

Having materials on hand adds flexibility and can help reduce response times during major weather events, when contractors may be serving multiple properties simultaneously.

Inspect drainage systems before temperatures drop

Drainage systems are often associated with heavy rain, but they matter just as much during the winter months. Inspect and clear catch basins, swales, and other drainage infrastructure of leaves, debris, and sediment before freezing temperatures arrive.

When melting snow cannot drain properly, water may collect in low areas and refreeze as temperatures drop. This can create slippery conditions on roads, sidewalks, and parking areas, increasing the risk of water-related damage.

Addressing these issues in the fall is generally simpler and more cost-effective than dealing with them in the middle of winter.

Check roof drains and related components

Roof drainage systems require special attention before winter arrives. Inspect roof drains, downspouts, and eavestroughs to ensure they are clear of blockages that could hinder drainage.

As snow begins to accumulate, any restrictions in the drainage systems can lead to standing water, ice buildup, and added stress on roofing components. Coupled with freeze-thaw cycles, even minor drainage issues can escalate into significant maintenance problems.

A proactive inspection can help identify and resolve potential issues, as access and repairs are generally easier before winter sets in.

Remove seasonal site features

Townhome communities often have seasonal features that can interfere with winter operations. Removable speed bumps are one of the most common examples.

If left in place, these speed bumps can complicate snow clearing and increase the risk of damage during plowing operations. Removing them before winter can help contractors achieve more consistent results while protecting equipment and site features.

This is also a good opportunity to assess other seasonal items throughout the property and decide whether to remove, relocate, or protect them before the snow arrives.

Review areas with history or winter issues

Every community has specific locations that tend to attract recurring winter problems. These issues might arise in shaded walkways that frequently develop ice, on roadways where drifting snow accumulates after every storm, or in low-lying areas where water consistently collects and freezes. Reviewing service records, resident feedback, and maintenance reports from previous winters can provide valuable insight into where to focus attention before the season begins.

By proactively addressing these known problem areas, managers can often reduce service calls, enhance safety, and minimize resident complaints throughout the winter.

As a townhome community manager, winter preparedness is about more than checking items off a maintenance list. It’s about creating a safer, more resilient community. When residents wake up to a fresh snowfall, they should be able to start their day with confidence, knowing the planning and preparation were already done long before the snow arrived.

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Jimmy Muir, FirstService Residential