Generally a Valdez Roof Should have a steeper pitch
By using Skyline 16" metal roofing with non-exposed fasteners, 

we don't expect to shovel the snow from the roof this year, or any year, for that matter!

Well, guess what? 

First big snow of December, 2002- January, 2003 season was a surprise; 

a roof that should have shed on its own didn't... very odd; maybe it was the temperature getting cold?  

or the heavy dump of snow all at one time? 

Realize that a mobile that holds its heat well & doesn't have the furnace coming on frequently could have its stovepipe covered up and the furnace go out.    Be sure to check all vacant units during snowfalls of 3- 4 feet at one time, so your furnace doesn't turn off & cause the place to freeze up!

In the spring, as weather warms, there could be another problem to consider:  The melting snow is snug against the house from all the snow that has fallen off the roof...so if the code wants a certain slope to let the water run off, it is not happening during this time of year.  You could see leaks in a daylight basement, etc.  Some folks will get a bobcat or loader and go around the house.  If you have a one story home...it might server the purpose of removing the potential of standing water in the spring as well as letting you see out your windows!

Cold before Snowfall?

Be sure to remember to follow guidelines -

No snow groundcover, then more chance of freeze-ups

Protect Lower Windows

Observe the angle at which snow will fall from the roof; some
lower windows will need to be boarded up to keep from breaking.

When the Ground Freezes
(From about December through May)

For those who own a home on the south side of the street, 

& with the city water connection being on the north side of the street,
approx. 3/8 of the homes I work with will need to keep water
running on a regular basis, or the water could freeze in the
ground. (not in the pipes of the unit, but in the ground) No
fun paying $l50 to the plumber with an arc welder; 

no fun hunting up the right connections;

 no fun being without water!

The best thing we have found, instead of just letting water run
in the sink or bathtub 

(as it can easily be turned off accidentally),
is to get a Y connection for the cold
water to the washing machine, and leave one side alone,
but turn on the other to run constantly...you just loop another
hose into the washing machine drain...Works like a charm!


Winter Wind

If you live in an area where the wind blows strongly, at times,
this is also a time to keep a small amount of water running to
keep pipes from freezing up inside the unit. 

(Note what the temperature
is after wind chill has been factored in.) 

It's even a good idea if no one is at home during a work day, 

to leave water running on cold winter days. 

The wind can come up most unexpectedly.

If you have the type of windows that crank open, be sure they
are closed whenever you are away...any time of year... 

as unexpected winds can come up and damage them. 

Also, hang on to the garbage cans or you will be buying others 

(tie on the lid and label both parts!)


Don't Forget

If you are a renter & planning a vacation in the winter time
and will be gone more than seven days,
Alaska Law requires you to notify the landlord, so there will
be someone to check the property in your absence 

if severe weather turns up. 

(You could be liable for triple damages.)

In freezing weather someone should check a vacant place every
few days. Furnaces have been known to cycle off for no reason
and you certainly don't want the expense of frozen or broken
water pipes.

We make a diligent effort to maintenance our furnaces and hot
water tanks for all rental units each year. Since l993 we have
replaced five furnaces and four hot water tanks.

If you are renting one of our units, 

& paying for your own utilities,
they should be as reasonable as possible, 

and you should be comfortable
with few inconveniences, as well!

SNOW REMOVAL 
All mobiles will need to have the snow shoveled 

from their roofs periodically. 

As landlord, we take care of all snow removal
on mobile home roofs as it is too vital to do in a timely basis
& this is our responsibility.

Driveway snow removal is necessary almost everywhere. 

If you rent a single dwelling from us, 

we can negotiate a higher rent to cover our taking care of driveway snow removal, 

but suggest that you pay just the basic rent & do the driveway snow removal on an "on call" basis to those who provide this service. Be sure to line up someone early in the year..

Also, remember early on in the winter 

to mark where the fuel tanks are. 

We find a mark midway on the side of the home 

indicates where to start shoveling 

should heavy snows cover up all trace
of where they are!

During snow removal times of year, do not park on the city streets,
as it could hinder street snow removal. 

Our police will ticket
vehicles so parked.

* * *
Do you own rental units in Valdez? 

Inquire about our property management services.   

If it is your desire to keep your rentals in good condition, I would like to work with you.