Winter is hard on buildings. By the time spring arrives, months of freeze-thaw cycles, heavy system use, and deferred decisions have left their mark. The boards that use this window well spend the summer managing their buildings. The ones that don't spend it managing emergencies.
Here's what to get through before the weather turns.
1. Roof and facade
Freeze-thaw cycles are the enemy of exterior masonry. Inspect the roof for membrane damage, standing water, and deteriorated flashing. Check the facade for cracks, spalling, or loose material. If your building is in a FISP cycle, confirm you're on track with Local Law 11 deadlines — violations caught late are significantly more expensive than ones caught early.
2. Gutters, drains, and downspouts
Clogged drainage causes water damage faster than almost anything else. Clear rooftop drains, downspouts, and any ground-level drainage systems. Run water through them if you can — a drain that looks clear sometimes isn't.
3. HVAC
The window between heating season and cooling season is short. Use it. Clean coils, swap filters, check refrigerant levels, and test thermostats before the first hot week hits. An HVAC system that fails in July costs more to fix — and creates far more resident complaints — than one caught in April.
4. Windows, doors, and weatherstripping
Check caulking and weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors. Failed seals drive up energy costs and, in older buildings, lead to water intrusion that's expensive to remediate. This is a low-cost fix when caught early.
5. Common areas
Spring is a natural time to refresh shared spaces. Schedule floor polishing, carpet cleaning, elevator detailing, and touch-up painting where needed. Residents notice common areas more than boards often expect — the condition of a lobby sets the tone for how residents feel about their building.
6. Pest prevention
Warmer temperatures bring rodents and insects. Before they arrive, inspect trash rooms, basement areas, and exterior entry points. Coordinate with your pest control vendor to take preventive action now — reactive treatments cost more and take longer.
7. Fire safety and compliance
Review smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and emergency signage. Spring is also the right time to confirm compliance with any applicable local laws — Local Laws 26, 58, and 152 among them. A missed filing is almost always more expensive than the compliance itself.
8. Outdoor and common spaces
Inspect walkways, lighting, and any outdoor furniture. Make sure green areas are cleared of winter debris and ready for resident use. If your building has a roof deck or courtyard, schedule any repairs before residents start using the space.
A well-run spring sets up the rest of the year. Daisy partners with boards to plan, prioritize, and execute seasonal maintenance - from vendor coordination to real-time project tracking in the Board Dashboard. Reach out if you want a hand getting started.
