Summer is almost here in Asheville. It is the time of year when the mountains come alive with thick forest canopies that provide a lush green backdrop for our city. It beckons residents and tourists to explore every square mile of hiking trails in the area. Our temperatures are a little cooler than the foothills and piedmont, so it is the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy the outdoor activities for which our area is known. Our summer weather is one of the reasons our area remains one of the fastest-growing regions in the Carolinas. It is a great time to own rental property in western North Carolina. However, you will have to spend the first part of the summer preparing homes for the season. Here is what you need to know about summer prep for rental homes.
Preparing Your Homes for Warm Temperatures
While the mercury does not climb relatively as high in our area as other parts of North and South Carolina, average highs during June, July, and August are in the low to mid-80s. We may have sustained 90-degree days, and we can reach 100-degrees here. That can be taxing for a home’s heating and air conditioning systems. Here are a few tips for preparing your rental property for hot weather:
- Replace all indoor air filters. This should be done at least every three months. Failure to replace air filters can destroy the heating and air conditioning system.
- Have HVAC unit serviced. This may include cleaning the fan, condenser coils and repairing leaks.
- Repair windows and doors. Drafty windows and doors can release a tremendous amount of air conditioning, wasting energy and taxing the HVAC system.
- Repair plumbing problems. A home’s plumbing can take a beating during cold winters. During summer, families are taking showers and washing clothes more often. While it’s still spring, make any necessary repairs to plumbing.
These steps will help ensure your tenants have fewer issues with the hot temperatures and humidity.
Preparing Your Homes for Heavy Rains
Asheville receives about 40 inches of rain each year, spread out through each season. However, summer storms and inland tropical systems can make that rainfall pile up quickly. If your rental house and property are not ready for heavy rain, your tenants may be living in an unexpected swimming pool.
- Correct any drainage issues in the yard before heavy rains fall in summer.
- Repair roof holes and replace shingles. Roof leaks can cause extensive damage before you or your tenants even notice.
- Make sure water is not leaking into the home’s basement or crawlspace. Ponding water leads to excess moisture that can be the catalyst for mold and mildew.
- Clean and repair gutters so that heavy rain can have somewhere to go besides in the house’s basement or crawlspace.
- Repair driveway erosion, private bridges, and retaining walls.
These issues can become major repair needs when rain from storms causes flooding.
Preparing Your Homes for High Winds
Whether it’s pop-up summer thunderstorms or tropical systems, summer can bring damaging winds. Our mountains can actually exasperate strong winds. Trees have their thickest canopies during the summer, acting like a sail in the wind and making them more susceptible to damage. Your tenants need to know your property is ready to withstand high winds during summer.
- Repair damaged roofing before high winds cause the house to lose additional shingles. High winds with heavy rain can cause water to leak into your home’s attic.
- Trim large tree limbs that could get blown down in the wind.
- Make sure there is not any loose siding, gutters, and other damage. These items can become missiles during storms.
- Make repairs to carports and outbuildings.
- Clean up any previous storm debris.
Asheville is an amazing place in which to spend your summer. There are thousands of miles of trails to hike. There are waterfalls, creeks, and rivers to explore. You have many amazing people to visit. You do not want to spend the first part of summer maintaining your rental property yourself. You also want to make sure the season is not spent responding to calls about improperly maintained systems.
Asheville Phoenix Properties can help. We will work with you to handle routine and emergency maintenance. We use quality vendors who will do right the first time. If you want to know more about how our experienced team can help manage your rental property, contact us today.