As a fresh chill permeates the air, the breeze is no longer warm and sweet. It now tells the tale of colder days to come, reminding you that it’s time to close and winterize your beach house. Preparing your property to weather the winter means you won’t have to face expensive damage and repairs next spring.
Prevent Water Damage. Preparing your plumbing should be at the top of your list when winterizing a seasonal home, since the most destructive force in a vacant house is water. Turn off the water supply to the property, and open all faucets to drain them. Once drained, turn valves to the closed position, but leave one faucet open on the lowest level of the home to allow air and excess water to drain. The toilet, as well as shower and sink traps, should be flushed and protected with antifreeze. Drain any appliances that could hold water – including the water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker. Check your roof and siding to ensure that everything is secure and intact. If a shingle or piece of siding were to blow off while the house is unoccupied, you could be facing severe water damage when you return. Carefully check windows, doors, and pipe openings, caulking any areas that could allow water inside the house.
Power Down. Unplug all devices that don’t need to be kept running, to minimize the risk of an electrical fire or power surge. This goes for appliances of every size – from televisions to toasters. Ensure that your refrigerator and freezer are defrosted, and leave them propped open to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Close the valves for any gas appliances, and lower the thermostat to around 55 degrees to conserve energy while you’re gone.
Don’t Be A Target. Ensure that all windows are closed and locked, and secure sliding doors with bars in the track to prevent them from opening. Check door locks to verify that latch plates are screwed into the wall studs, and not just the door frame. Remember to take any hidden extra keys out of commision. Secure outdoor furniture in a locked garage or shed, clean up the yard, and trim bushes back to deny burglars an easy place to hide. Move any electronics you’re leaving behind out of plain sight, so that anyone looking in the windows won’t see them. Contact your residential security company and let them know that you won’t be home.
Preparing your beach property for the harshness of winter is an essential task for any seasonal homeowner, and you still have time to get it done. Completely winterize your beach home now, and you can look forward to a pleasant return in the spring.