How to Protect Your Shore House for the Off-Season

As summer fades and the shore quiets down, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your coastal home from the harsh winter elements. Winterizing is especially important for seasonal properties, where freezing temperatures, wind, and moisture can cause expensive damage if left unchecked.

At Avalon Property Management, we help homeowners protect their investment and prevent costly repairs with our proven winterization services. Here’s a guide to properly winterizing your shore house for the off-season.

1. Shut Off and Drain Plumbing

The first step is turning off the main water supply and draining all indoor and outdoor plumbing lines to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Don’t forget to drain irrigation systems, outdoor showers, and hose bibs.

2. Protect Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape, especially in unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, and attics.

3. Clean and Secure Gutters

Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and ice dams, which can cause serious roof and siding damage.

4. Seal Windows and Doors

Check and seal any gaps around windows, doors, vents, and foundations to keep cold air and moisture out of the home. This also helps improve energy efficiency.

5. Adjust Your Thermostat

If you keep heat on to protect the interior, set your thermostat no lower than 55°F. You can also install a smart thermostat to monitor temperatures remotely.

6. Unplug Appliances and Electronics

Unplugging non-essential appliances protects against power surges and reduces your energy bills while the home is vacant.

7. Secure Outdoor Items

Store or secure patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, and other outdoor equipment to prevent them from being damaged or blown away during storms.

8. Inspect Your Roof

Have your roof inspected for loose shingles, cracks, or weak spots that could lead to leaks when exposed to winter storms.

9. Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Ensure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fully functional and have fresh batteries before closing the home for the season.

10. Schedule Routine Property Checks

Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues can arise. Avalon Property Management offers off-season inspections to keep an eye on your property and handle any concerns immediately.

Why Work With Avalon Property Management?

We know the unique challenges coastal homes face in the winter. Our winterization and home check services provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their property is protected and well cared for during the off-season.

Contact Us Today 📞📧🌐

Get ahead of winter and protect your shore house from costly repairs. Contact Avalon Property Management today to schedule your winterization service.

Phone: 609-741-6996

Email: jake@avaloncpm.com

Website: avaloncpm.com