Homes in Israel are primarily designed for the long, hot summers, which typically last three times longer than winter. Unfortunately, most houses and apartments are built with stone floors, poor insulation, and minimal drainage systems, making them ill-equipped for sudden heavy rains or even snowfall in certain regions.
With years of experience managing vacation homes and rental properties in both Israel and abroad, we specialize in preventing weather-related issues before they arise. Whether a property is occupied or vacant, we ensure thorough inspections at the start of winter to confirm its resilience against the elements.
Here are some expert tips based on our experience:
Cleaning Gutters, Drainage Systems & Addressing Leaks and Cracks
Before the first rainfall of the season, ensure that water does not accumulate in areas prone to flooding inside your property, such as window sills, door frames, and air conditioning pipes. It’s also advisable to ask residents in upper floors to inspect and maintain their balconies to prevent water leaks from seeping into your ceiling. Additionally, the building committee should verify that all drainage systems and pathways near entrances are free of leaves and debris to prevent flooding and slipping hazards.
Water can seep through the smallest cracks, always finding weak spots that may lead to leaks or damp walls. Signs of moisture or mold on walls and ceilings often indicate previous leakage issues.
Persistent dampness during winter can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and damage to furniture, personal belongings, and even the structure itself. Property owners are responsible for protecting their assets from leaks and moisture, and more importantly, they may be held liable for damages caused to neighboring apartments if they fail to address a water leakage issue in their own property.
Cleaning Air Conditioner Filters
Many people use air conditioners for heating during the winter. If you do, make sure to adjust the air vents downward to allow warm air to circulate efficiently in the room. Otherwise, if left facing upward—as used for cooling in summer—you’ll end up warming the ceiling instead of the living space!
Additionally, remember to clean the air filters regularly to ensure optimal performance and air quality.
Heating Systems & Water Heaters
Most residents and tenants only start using their electric water heater when the weather becomes cloudy and cold. If the heater hasn’t been used over the summer, it’s important to check the system before the first use to ensure it functions properly.
Some water heating systems are also used to power radiators in addition to providing hot water, so it’s crucial to verify that both functions are operating efficiently. Additionally, make sure to remove bird nests or other blockages from ventilation chimneys, as a blocked vent while the heater is running can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning—a life-threatening hazard.
In apartment buildings, central heating systems may be managed by the building committee, with fixed schedules for activation and shutdown. In private apartments, residents may rely on air conditioning units or electric space heaters for additional heating in individual rooms.
Adding Insulation to Windows
Homes in Israel have minimal insulation, which means valuable heat can escape through windows and walls. To improve insulation:
Consider hanging curtains, which can help retain warmth inside the room.
Ensure that shutters close properly and do not rattle in the wind.
Protecting Water Pipes
If your home is in an area where pipes may freeze, it’s recommended to leave a faucet dripping slowly during extreme cold periods to prevent pipe bursts.
Additionally, disconnect outdoor irrigation systems during winter—not only to save water but also to protect pipes and fittings from potential damage.
Inspecting Vacant Properties
If there are unoccupied properties in your building that are not regularly maintained, many of the issues mentioned above could spread to your apartment. For example, undetected leaking pipes in an empty unit may cause severe water damage to other parts of the building.
If you know that your neighbors will be away for the winter, it’s advisable to suggest they hire a property management company in Israel to conduct regular inspections and ensure their home remains in good condition.
At Conbiz Management, we specialize in managing apartments and private homes across Israel. As part of our service, we dispatch maintenance teams to inspect each property and ensure it is fully prepared for the winter season.
We’d be happy to assist you as well! Contact us today to learn more.
