Winter-Proofing and Beyond: Why Proactive Maintenance is Key for Montreal Buildings
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
In Montreal, winter isn’t just a season—it’s a stress test for your real estate. With 2026 bringing more volatile freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads, the "fix-it-when-it-breaks" mentality is the fastest way to erode your ROI.
At Marsik Management, we treat maintenance as an investment strategy. Proactive oversight doesn't just prevent emergencies; it protects the structural integrity of your asset and ensures you stay compliant with Montreal’s strict building maintenance by-laws (By-law 23-016).
1. The "Pothole Effect": Why Early Detection Matters
Just like Montreal’s roads, your building’s envelope (brickwork, caulking, and roofing) is vulnerable to water infiltration that freezes and expands. A $500 caulking touch-up in October can prevent a $15,000 masonry repair in April.
The Marsik Strategy: We perform rigorous pre-winter audits focusing on the "Critical Shell"—roof membranes, window seals, and balcony drainage—to stop the cycle of deterioration before the first frost.
2. HVAC Optimization & 2026 Energy Grants
Heating costs are one of the largest "leaking" expenses for Montreal landlords. In 2026, efficiency is also your ticket to government funding.
The Strategy: Regular servicing of furnaces and heat pumps ensures they aren't working double-time.
The Opportunity: Through programs like LogisVert and Rénoclimat, Montreal owners can receive up to $40,000 for high-efficiency mechanical upgrades. We help our clients identify these "double-win" opportunities where maintenance leads to a direct subsidy.
3. Plumbing: Preventing the "Frozen Pipe" Nightmare
A single burst pipe in an unheated crawl space can cause catastrophic damage across multiple units.
The Marsik Strategy: Our proactive winterization includes insulating exposed plumbing, verifying that vacant unit thermostats are set to at least 15°C (60°F), and ensuring all tenants know the location of their unit’s main water shut-off.
4. Safety & Liability: Snow and Ice Management
Montreal's "Slip and Fall" liability is a serious risk. Proactive maintenance extends to the exterior.
The Strategy: We coordinate with vetted snow removal partners to ensure exits, emergency routes, and fire escapes are cleared immediately after every snowfall.
The Compliance: Under Bill 16, multi-residential buildings and condominiums must maintain a rigorous Maintenance Logbook. We document every inspection and repair, providing you with a legal "paper trail" that protects your liability and increases your property's resale value.
Your Building Deserves a Concierge, Not a Janitor
Reactive maintenance is expensive and stressful for tenants. Proactive management creates a "Boutique" experience that encourages long-term residency and preserves your building's capital value.
Don't wait for the first blizzard to find a leak.
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