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October
19
19
7 Tips for Winterizing Your Lake House
Fall is here, and that means it soon will be time to winterize your lake home. Taking the time to make sure your lake house is closed up correctly can help you avoid costly mistakes and make things a lot easier when you return in the spring. Our REALTORS® provide some tips for keeping your lake house in good shape in the winter, and year-round.
- Do a Deep Cleaning
Giving your lake house a thorough cleaning can help you find things that need to be repaired and lead to less work when you're ready to open up for some fun and relaxation in the spring or summer. Dirt and dust that's left for months can be really hard to remove. Not only that, your house may smell a lot fresher and cleaner when you open in the spring. - Prevent Potential Fire Hazards
It's critical to unplug electronics and appliances before you leave for the season. This can prevent damage or a fire in the event of a power surge or lightning strike. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, thoroughly clean and remove all ashes and debris from inside. Remove combustible items such as paint, household cleaners, and other flammable liquids or aerosols. You should also remove gasoline from your lawnmower and any other garden tools that use it. It's also a good idea to take out any used rags and containers that contain flammable substances. Check all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well. - Check the HVAC System
Make sure your furnace and air conditioning systems are in good working order. If your furnace is due for maintenance, make sure to get it done before the house is closed up, as you will most likely be leaving it on at a very low temperature to prevent pipes from freezing. - Winterize Plumbing
Speaking of pipes, it's important to repair any leaks to ensure they don't grow bigger and ruin your home. Make sure any external pipes are well insulated. Burst pipes can cause significant damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. You can also pour non-toxic, non-flammable propylene glycol antifreeze down drains and toilets, which is specially made for winterizing campers and trailers. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and not recommended for winterizing pipes. - Seal Gaps
Check around all windows and doors to see if there are any gaps or cracks that could let in cold air. Weatherstripping works well to seal up these areas. You can seal cracks in walls, stone, and concrete with caulking. If you have shutters, closing them will also help keep in heat and keep out moisture. - Check the Roof
A leaky roof can be disastrous, especially if you're not around to see it. Regardless of the type of roof you have, check it for signs of aging and damage such as cracked or loose shingles. - Ask Someone you Trust to Keep an Eye Out
It's also a good idea to ask a trusted neighbor or friend who lives in the area year-round to take a walk or drive by your house periodically. You may also want to give them a key to the house in case anything happens that needs urgent attention, such as a leak or flooding.
Do you need help buying or selling a lake house? Our skilled real estate professionals can help. Contact us to learn more today.