Blog Post

Windows - Have you Tested them? Time to Replace? or Repair?

Dustin Edwards • Jul 31, 2022

Your Windows are An Important Part of Your Rental

Southern California is known for its amazing climate, especially in Long Beach. It’s not uncommon to see tenants leave their window’s open during these days to enjoy the nice weather. But like everything in a home, maintenance will eventually be required.


Below are some items we will address on what to look for when testing your windows. And when you should repair them or consider replacing them.

Maintenance for Your Rental Property

Window maintenance is important in keeping your property well protected from the elements. Unfortunately it is often overlooked by many landlords and tenants. Windows in homes not only let in daylight, and allow you to look out at amazing views, they keep water, dust, allergens, debris, pests and heat. It's an important job that if ignored can lead to thousands of dollars in damages.


Simple way to maintain your windows in great shape is to remember to clean them. This should be done at any time of the year and as frequent as necessary. Your windows deal with weather year round, so keeping them clean throughout is a good habit. Keeping windows clean is a great way to inspect them as well. Make sure they open and shut without resistance as this can be a sign of water leaking through the casing, seals or caulking. Even a small leak through the seals can lead to water damage, mold, and mildew. Leaks go both ways, and a damaged seal can let out cold air from inside the home, making for more costly electric bills and more wear on the A/C or HVAC. Check for gaps or drafts in the seals and if the caulking is dry and crusty consider re-caulking the damage.


Window Screens for Your Long Beach Rental

Window screens prevent unwanted pests from crawling into your home. A small tear can appear insignificant at first, though when you want to feel the cool autumn breeze that tear can let in flies, wasps or moths. These should also be cleaned regularly as they can accumulate dust and pollen. When damaged, you can replace the screen itself from the existing frame making it affordable and a diy friendly repair.


When to Replace

Old windows, though beautiful, are not energy efficient. Single pane windows don't have any insulation properties causing your cooling or heating systems to work harder to keep desired temperatures. That alone may not be enough reason to replace all your windows for double pane glass windows. Though if you notice cracks forming on the glass, damage caused by water leaks or having to reseal them constantly then double pane windows are an option.


Double pane windows cost an average of $350 per window, and would require you to replace all the windows in the home to benefit from their insulating properties. This price may seem steep but it's estimated that double pane windows can reduce energy use up to 24% in winter while 18% in summer. This can attract tenants who are looking for efficient homes and add curb appeal as an additional benefit. The maintenance or double pane windows are not much different compared to single pane windows, you’ll want to keep them clean though avoid pressure washers as this can cause seals to break. And unlike old single pane windows double pane windows cant be resealed as easily.


If you're looking to increase your
Long Beach rental’s curb appeal while having a more energy efficient home with double pane windows, or simply need help with window maintenance in general call us at (562) 888-0247 or feel free to fill out our free rental analysis to see what your rental could yield today.


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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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