How to maintain your apartment in winter - on the beach

Having a vacation property near the beach means having a place to go every summer and on weekend getaways when the weather is still warm. But it also means a property to maintain, especially in the winter months when the apartment or house will be closed for weeks and months at a time. Leaving your vacation home vacant for an extended period of time can cause some serious problems that you will have to deal with if you don't lock it up properly. Here are some tips on how to maintain it perfectly.

Clean your gutters

Many people tend not to think about their gutters unless a problem occurs. But what if that problem occurs while you're away? Gutters that don't drain properly can cause water to back up on your roof and lead to ice dams, which can cause leaks and water damage. Cleaning them out before you leave so you don't visit for a while in the winter can help prevent these problems from occurring.

Drain the pipes

There's nothing worse than returning home from the beach in the spring or summer to find that a pipe has burst and flooded your property. This can be easily avoided by draining the water from the pipes at the end of the summer season. Find the main water valve in the home, turn it off and then open all faucets to drain the water.

Drain the water heater

Although your water heater is unlikely to freeze in the winter months, it's a good idea to drain it if you won't be returning for an extended period. Water sitting in the bottom of the tank can cause sediment and erosion of the tank, which can lead to the need for an early replacement. Drain your tank by closing the valve and opening the spigot at the bottom to drain it. This task is really easy, but if you want the plumber to handle other jobs, ask him to flush this tank at the same time.

Cleaning the house

Vacation properties often have things like sand and moisture inside after summer coming in and out of them fresh from the beach, wet feet or sand. Unfortunately, that moisture can lead to things like mold and mildew growth if not cleaned up at the end of the season. At the same time, any food crumbs that fall can lead to rodents while you're away. A thorough cleaning eliminates these problems and ensures that the property is ready for when you return.

Upholstery and furniture cleaning

Many people clean the house every year, but may overlook other necessary tasks, such as cleaning the furniture. Your furniture and upholstery can take a beating each summer, becoming a place for winter moisture to lodge; and food stains can cause problems during the long winter months. Having your upholstery professionally cleaned can help eliminate any more costly problems and prolong the life of your furniture.

Install a security system

If you don't live close enough to visit your vacation home on a regular basis, you could be in for surprises such as having it burglarized or even finding it occupied. Even if you don't keep valuables in the house, squatters and burglars can still cause serious damage. Having a security system installed can help deter burglars and give you peace of mind.

Leave a small opening in your windows

Believe it or not, you may want to open one or two windows (the ones least visible from the outside if the apartment or house is not too high up) in your home if you are leaving it vacant for a few months. If there is a temperature difference between inside and outside, condensation may start to build up inside. This condensation can lead to water damage, mold and mildew, which you will have to deal with upon your return. By opening some windows in areas that are difficult to access from the street, you can help avoid this problem.

Technically, there is no cost to open your windows, but you may want to purchase some window alarms that will activate if someone tries to open them further to gain access inside.

Check and repair your roof

Minor roof problems have a way of becoming major problems if left unchecked. That's why it's important to inspect it before you leave the property each year. Look for things like broken or missing shingles or shingles that are curling at the edges; these are all signs that the roof needs repair. Watch out for any problems to avoid leaks and water damage while you're away.

To keep your floors in perfect condition, contact us for a quote.