Preventative Maintenance

'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' This old adage is a cornerstone principle at Cardinal Property Management. Minor damage can worsen rapidly under the extremes of weather we experience in the suburban Chicago area. A proper maintenance program will reduce the exposure to larger scale repairs.

The benefits include:

  • Repairing minor maintenance items before larger costs
    are incurred.
  • Identifying major items in need of maintenance/repair.
  • Consolidation of smaller jobs that can be done on the same day will lower costs charged to the association on a per call basis.
  • Regular on-site property inspections.

Preventative Maintenance

'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' This old adage is a cornerstone principle at Cardinal Property Management. Minor damage can worsen rapidly under the extremes of weather we experience in the suburban Chicago area. A proper maintenance program will reduce the exposure to larger scale repairs.

The benefits include:

  • Repairing minor maintenance items before larger costs
    are incurred.
  • Identifying major items in need of maintenance/repair.
  • Consolidation of smaller jobs that can be done on the same day will lower costs charged to the association on a per call basis.
  • Regular on-site property inspections.

Providing You With Reliable Property Maintenance Services

Caulking Windows
and Doors

Routine inspections allow us to easily spot such repair items as caulking damage. If not fixed, this allows insects an easy access point into your home, as well as wind that can lower window and door efficiency, and water seepage that can lead to mold.

Damaged Roof

Older shingles begin to curl, leading to interior unit damages due to
water leaks.

Satellite Dishes

Here we see improperly installed satellite dishes with wires left to run along rooflines. This can effect roofing warrantees as well as shorten the life of the roofing products.

Damaged Roof
and Gutter

This bent gutter will most likely accumulate water in the damaged area. Once the water freezes, this is the first place icicles will form, causing an extremely dangerous situation for persons or property on the ground below.

Broken Downspouts

Broken downspouts can mean serious damage to roofing and gutters in the winter months, causing water and ultimately, ice accumulation (also known as 'ice dams'.) In summer, improper drainage caused by damaged downspouts can lead to water build-up near foundation walls resulting in seepage and interior property damage.

Erosion

Improper drainage can cause erosion. In this case, serious injury can occur due to the steep drop-off at the edge of the sidewalk.

Curb Appeal

The aesthetic value of the landscaping is also compromised, ultimately losing much of the property's 'curb appeal' for potential buyers.

Unwanted Pests

If not maintained, this type of erosion can become the perfect shelter and breeding ground for a variety of rodents or other unwanted pests.

Tuck-pointing

As a building ages, maintenance needs increase. Proper tuck pointing ensures that water cannot penetrate bricks and the top edges of the foundation. As seen here, tuck-pointing repairs are needed to maintain the integrity of the surrounding brickwork. Ignoring these repairs will inevitably shorten the life span of the materials
in the structure.

In-house Maintenance Available

Good maintenance is the key to servicing the needs of owners while increasing the value of each property. Cost-effective maintenance services - preventative and routine - are available through Cardinal PMI. By performing much of the routine maintenance 'in-house,' we save the association and unit owners at least 10% over the average price of a contract maintenance vendor. Our friendly and capable maintenance division understands the complex and sensitive nature of maintaining your property while avoiding disruption
to its residents.

Common area housekeeping is also available.

Vendors

We have developed excellent day-to-day relationships with many independent contractors. We seek to provide bids from reasonable prices vendors for all types of maintenance and repair jobs while providing follow-up needed to ensure they perform quality work in a timely fashion.

All large scale maintenance/repairs are done strictly upon instruction and approval from the association's Board of Directors. Digital imaging of major work order projects is recommended and will be provided to the Board upon request.

All vendors that service your property are covered by workers' compensation and general liability insurance. No exceptions.

Seasonal Tips

Winter will be soon approaching!

Here are some tips on how to prepare your property for the colder weather:

  • Clean out gutters and downspouts this will help prevent ice dams from occurring.
  • Clean out roof drains, especially on flat roof buildings.
  • Be sure all below ground drains for evacuation of rainwater are clear of debris (leaves, trash, etc.) for this winter's melting snows.
  • Change preset timers for exterior lighting in order to get the most efficient product and energy usage while still providing a safely
    lit environment.
  • Check nearby trees for damage that may have occurred during winter storms. Have large loose/broken branches removed for safety.
  • All homes should have carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of bedrooms.
  • Change smoke detector batteries once a year. We also recommend that the entire smoke detector be replaced every 5 years for
    maximum safety.
  • Click on the Resources Tab for some Drought Watering Tips

Have a safe and happy Fall Season!