It’s that time of year again. Many folks are packing up and squaring away their vacation homes meant for warmer weather as they prepare for winter. As you pack your thing’s it’s essential to give your soon-to-be vacant home some “TLC” before you leave for the season. 

Inspect the roof

First, examine the roof. When ice forms from freezing temperatures, it can squeeze under shingles, causing leaking and water damage. Before you leave your home, use a ladder, and inspect the roof for risen shingles, so they can be repaired. If you don’t have a ladder, you can use binoculars to examine this area. 

Clean the kitchen

Cleaning the kitchen before you leave of any crumbs or leftover food is a great way to discourage rodents and other critters from entering the space as you’re away. Turn off the water supply and leave all the faucets, including the ones in the kitchen, open to ensure no water pipes become frozen over while you’re gone. 

Drain cleaning can prevent bacteria from forming, which can produce bad odors. The water heater should be turned off since the home won’t be in use, and the heating system should be kept on a moderate temperature. This helps to prevent the space from freezing while you’re gone. 

Clean the Gutters

Before leaving your vacation home, remove debris and leaves from all the pipes and gutters. If left, snow and rain can freeze and cause overflow, damaging the gutters and possibly prying them away from the roof. 

Packing away your vacation home can be a challenge, but with the right steps you can secure your home. By following a vacant home winterization checklist, when the season rolls around again, your home can welcome you back in tip-top shape.