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Winterizing a Vacant Home During Frigid Weather

Man Wrapping Pipes in a Chesterfield Rental PropertyFrigid temperatures can be a hazard for any rental property, and certainly, this is even more so for vacant properties during the coldest parts of the year. If you have a rental property that will be sitting free, even for just a few days, it’s crucial to winterize it properly. If temperatures drop and the property isn’t altogether ready, you could end up with burst pipes, a leaking roof, or any number of cold-weather headaches. In the succeeding paragraphs, we’ll talk of how (and why) to properly winterize a vacant rental property so that it can withstand winter’s deep freeze.

Leave the Heat On

One of the first actions you should fulfill to winterize your rental property is leaving the heat on. It can be actually tempting to turn that thing off and save a few dollars on utilities. But bear in mind, the accumulated expenses for cleaning out a flooded home when your pipes burst will be significantly more than heating your rental for certain months. You don’t even have to leave the heat on full blast, however, it should be generally warm enough on the inside of the house to efficiently keep your pipes from icing over.

Drain and Insulate Your Pipes

In view that frozen pipes so frequently bring on big messes, it’s imperative to take keen attention to draining and insulating them properly when leaving a house vacant in cold temperatures. Start this by draining and detaching any garden hoses on the outside, and wrap your exterior hose bibs with insulation. You should furthermore have your landscaper drain your sprinkler system if you have one, which can help prevent leaks underground. Inside the house, wrap any exposed pipes – definitely those in the basement or attic – with insulation or spray with foam.

Clean Gutters and Inspect the Roof

Another vital task that you should conduct to winterize your vacant rental property is to clean and check your gutters and roof. Other than plumbing, the gutters and the roof of your rental property are the likely culprits of cold-weather difficulties. Clogged gutters or missing shingles can just cause the water to seep into the attic and walls and gather around the house’s foundation. If that water then freezes, it will expand and damage the structure. Conversely, it’s perfect to keep your gutters clean and draining properly and your roof weather-tight.

Trim Trees & Shrubs

One final thought, one last endeavor you should accomplish to winterize your vacant rental property is to trim back any tree branches or shrubs that are touching or overhanging the house. You should additionally move any woodpiles or other objects touching the house. Branches too close to the house can result in troubles and annoyances, from clogging up your gutters with leaves to breaking and falling on the house during a storm. Woodpiles invite pests and insects, which may move indoors when things get cold. In freezing temperatures, the last thing you need to deal with is a broken window, a damaged roof, or a pest infestation. On top of that, these items can thus be used by your insurance company to deny any claims you may file.

 

Winterizing a vacant rental property can be a time-consuming yet much-needed task. But you don’t have to do it alone. At Real Property Management Endeavor, we efficiently help rental property owners like you keep their rentals ready for whatever Mother Nature may bring. To learn more, talk with one of our Chesterfield property managers by calling 636-244-5959.

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