Now that December is here and the days of autumn have come and gone, it is time to prepare your water view property for winter. You will need to adjust the way you care for your lake cottage, beach shack, or mountain lodge over the winter if you want it to make it through the harsh weather and be ready for spring. The correct preparation for winter is essential in order to prevent any damage, which will save you both time and money, whether your waterfront property is a holiday home or your primary abode.
Repairing/Replacing/Sealing windows
Many traditional Adirondack homes feature screened-in windows and porches, which are integral parts of the environment. These are great for making the most of the summer’s limited window of pleasant temperatures while keeping the house cool at night and the bugs out. Screened-in porches provide for much less insulation in the winter but are wonderful for enjoying the outdoors from late spring to early fall. To deal with this, many homes with large windows or screen porches also include the ability to swap out the screens for glass when the seasons change. Many homes can replace their regular window screens with storm windows in the winter to add another layer of protection from the cold.
If you don’t want to replace your screened-in porch windows with glass panes, you can keep the interior warm and dry by taping plastic sheeting inside the window frame. Around windows and doors that aren’t being used, temporary sealers can be put up to keep out the cold winter weather.
Inspect the pipes
In order to prepare your water view property for winter, you must check out the pipes. According to experts from Zippy Shell Moving and Storage NV, burst pipes are a common source of water damage during winter. The winter season could be disastrous for a waterfront house, but with specific preventative measures, you can lessen the likelihood of flooding. If you spend the summer at a beach house, disconnect the hoses from the exterior pipes, so the water supply doesn’t freeze and burst. If you plan to switch off the heat for the winter, turn off the main water supply and open the faucets. It would be best if you emptied all the hoses after using the dishwasher, washing machine, or any other water device.
If you intend to spend winter on your waterfront property, you should ensure that the insulation surrounding the interior and exterior pipes is high enough. A pipe could burst if there is insufficient insulation in some areas, which would result in a significant amount of damage and be costly to repair.
Check the status of your smoke and CO alarms
One of the first things you should do to prepare your water view property for winter is to test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. The risk of a home fire is higher in the winter than you may assume. In order to ensure that your smoke alarms are working properly in the event of a fire, you should test their batteries on a regular basis.
It seems obvious and logical that people occasionally close their doors at home. The goal is to keep warm air inside while blocking out cold air. But there is also the possibility that the quantity of carbon monoxide within could grow to become a more significant risk. That’s why taking precautions for your children and yourself is important. If you don’t already have carbon monoxide detectors, talk to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional about picking out the right one for your home. It’s a good idea to inspect your furnace, smoke detectors, and other heating and air monitor system components at least once a year.
Bring your outdoor furniture inside
Until spring, bring your outdoor furniture inside and store it in a safe place to prevent it from deteriorating. Packing and storing outdoor furniture isn’t hard, so keep it safe from moisture until the following spring.
Check that the boat lift is working, as well as the dock. You might consider installing a bubbler or agitator system on your dock before winter arrives to keep it from completely icing over. Before covering or storing your boat or other watercraft for the season, you should ensure that it has been prepared for winter according to standards.
Inspect the roof and gutters
Taking the effort to winterize your roof and gutters can reduce the risk that water, snow, or debris will accumulate and cause structural damage to your property throughout the winter. It’s time to look for shingle roof damage now and make any required repairs. High winds may lift cracked shingles and carry them away, ripping them off during a winter storm or causing them to fall to the ground after being hit by a falling limb.
If you plan on spending the winter away from your beach house, this is very important. The possibility of roof damage while you are away increases. Make sure all of the fasteners are in place and tight on metal roofs. You should clean out any leaves or other debris that has accumulated in the gutters. Gutter failure and separation from the roof increase when gutters fill up and become too heavy. Keep your gutters clear all through the winter. Leaves, twigs, and ice may all accumulate and lead to leaks that can ruin your walls and insulation.
In conclusion
During the winter months, there are a lot of difficult situations can arise. Take preventative measures now and prepare your water view property for winter by inspecting the areas of your home most likely to be impacted by bad weather.