How to Winterize Your Lake Wallenpaupack Property

Do you own real estate in Lake Wallenpaupack, PA? If you have a vacation home in the area, make sure you know how to properly winterize the property to make sure it’s ready for spring. Winter has a tendency to be very hard on lake homes, and Lake Wallenpaupack is no exception. Don’t let the weather elements cost you a lot in home repairs. Instead, follow these suggestions for winterizing your home.

Have the Roof Checked Out

No matter what kind of roof style your home has, make sure that it’s checked out for signs of damage and aging. For shingled roofs it’s important to make sure all the shingles are intact. If a winter storm blows through and wind blows shingles off the roof, this puts your home at risk of developing leaks. Missing shingles doesn’t just present problems when the winter winds pick up. It’s also bad news for your roof if snow sticks around on the roof for weeks. Eventually, when all that snow melts, some of it is going to leak into your home.

Metal roofs also need your attention. Make sure that any loose screws are tightened and replace missing screws.

Seal the Windows and Doors

Owners of real estate in Lake Wallenpaupack, PA, also want to make sure that windows are sealed tight. Seal any cracks and replace loose gaskets to make sure no air gets into the house. Run your hand around doors and windows to test for any air getting in to the house. Forgetting to lock the windows can let a little bit of air in, so check to make sure everything’s locked tight.

If you don’t feel any air, do a visual inspection. Look for daylight coming through the sides of windows and doors. Use some silicon or caulk to fill the spaces. Not only does this prevent air from getting into the home and wasting energy, it also keeps critters from getting into your home seeking a warm place to wait out the winter.

Plumbing and Pipes

One of the greatest threats to Wallenpaupack real estate is frozen pipes. If you’re not staying at the home during the winter, make sure that the temperature in the home never goes below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps the pipes from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors to bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets where plumbing is installed. This keeps pipes warm during the cold months.

Another plumbing issue that affects homes where the temperatures dip below freezing for weeks or months is cracked drains. When water isn’t running through the pipes every day, the drains have the potential to freeze, especially if there’s any amount of water left in the drains. One suggestion to counteract this effect is to pour a small amount of antifreeze down floor drains and toilets. Additionally, if the property has a well tank, drain it when not in use.

It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment with a local plumber to insulate basement plumbing such as water heaters and exposed piping. Working closely with a licensed plumber gives you peace of mind that your Lake Wallenpaupack real estate makes it through the cold winter months unscathed.

There are numerous reasons why you want to winterize your property, especially if you’re planning on selling in the spring. The last thing you need is to have expensive repairs to make before you put your property on the market. If you’re ready to sell, contact Davis R. Chant Realtors to list your Lake Wallenpaupack property for sale.