It’s time to leave your vacation home!
What should you do for shore and mountain house preparation for the winter?
Your shore or mountain home has been a flurry of activity all summer, but now it’s time to close for the season and get it ready for the elements ahead. With the onset of hurricane season wind and rain, followed by the brutal winter freeze, there are many steps to take to protect your summer home from the elements.
Here is what you need to do to prepare your shore or mountain home for the winter:
- Check your home’s heating and air conditioning systems. HVAC maintenance involves changing filters and having your HVAC contractor check that all systems are a go.
- Protect your pipes. See if there are any exposed pipes in need of insulation. Turn off your water supply to avoid any burst pipes or flooding from leaks. Open cabinet doors during frigid periods to allow warm air to circulate the lines. Disconnect garden hoses and drain those, too.
- Clean your Chimney. Remove nests and check your flue damper to ensure it opens and closes properly. If you last cleaned your fireplace a while ago, schedule a chimney sweep to come and clean it for you.
- Clean your gutters from debris and leaves. Clogged drains can contribute to ice damming and cause basement flooding when the snow melts. Clear out your gutters to avoid any unforeseen problems.
- Have a Roofing contractor safely inspect your roof for any missing shingles or leaks.
- Check the Weather Stripping on all doors and windows and replace the sealing, caulk, or stripping where you see dried, cracked, or peeling.
- Protect your Outdoor Living Space by bringing in or covering your furniture, drain any water features or fountains, and clean up and cover the barbecue grill.
For Shore and Mountain house preparation for Winter:
Once your systems are cleaned up and winterized, you can rest easy at home, knowing your investment property at the shore or mountains is safe.
We are your severe damage experts and are here with advice to help you avoid future problems. Contact Clarke & Cohen at (610) 668-0144.