8 Tips for Winterizing Your Beach Home or Condo

As the temperatures start to dip, now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your beach home or condo. Floridians are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy their homes all year round, but a little bit of preparation goes a long way in terms of reducing wear and tear on your property.

As a vacation rental owner, there are a few things you can do to winterize your property to keep it looking its best and lasting for years to come. Here are our top 8 tips for preparing your beach home or condo for the winter:

1. Get a head start on the off-season cleaning. 

This is probably the most important thing you can do to prepare your beach home or condo for winter. A good deep cleaning will get rid of all the sand, salt, and pollen that has accumulated over the summer and will help prep your home for your vacation rental guests during the winter.

2. Check your windows and doors.

Making sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed will help keep the cold air out and the heat in. This is especially important if you have any windows that face the water.  Having properly sealed windows and doors will lower your utility costs and make your home more comfortable for guests.

3. Inspect your gutters and downspouts. 

Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause serious water damage to your property, so it's important to keep them clean and clear.

4. Check for any loose shingles or tiles. 

Winter weather can be tough on roofing, so it's important to make sure that all of your shingles and tiles are securely in place. Loose shingles or tiles could lead to serious water damage, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

5. Bring in any outdoor furniture. 

If you have any outdoor furniture or decorations, it's important to bring them inside before the bad weather hits. Not only will this protect your belongings from damage, but it will also give you one less thing to worry about when spring comes around. This includes seasonal patio furniture, BBQ grills, and any other outdoor items.

6. Service your HVAC system. 

You'll want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all winter long, both for yourself and for your guests. Before the coldest weather hits, it's a good idea to have your heating and cooling system serviced by a professional. This will help ensure that it is running efficiently and can help prevent any costly repairs down the road. A thermostat with a built-in humidistat is also a great investment as it will help you keep an eye on both the temperature and the humidity levels inside your home, helping you avoid any potential problems down the line.   

7. Protect your plumbing system.

Although not very common in Florida, one of the most common issues during the winter in most states is frozen pipes. Even though the possibility of reaching freezing temperatures is unlikely in Florida, it's always a good idea to take steps to prevent this from happening at your home in a worst case scenario. Insulate any exposed pipes, use antifreeze on exposed pipes and keep a space heater running in areas where pipes are more likely to freeze, such as an unheated basement or garage. 

8. Inspect your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned by a professional.  It's important to clean the chimney and make sure that there are no blockages. This will help ensure that it is in good working condition and will also help prevent any fires from starting.

Summary 

By following these simple tips, you can help winterize your beach home or condo and avoid any potential damage caused by the harsh winter weather. Taking some time now to prepare will pay off in the long run and help you keep your property in tip-top shape all year round!