As we say goodbye to summer, and hello to cooler temperatures, fall is the perfect time to start protecting your vacation rental home before winter arrives.
Some repairs—especially those involving your home’s exterior—are much harder (and unpleasant!) to tackle bad weather. Not to mention, delaying them can lead to serious and costly issues. If you don’t fix a roof leak, for example, water damage and mold removal can cost you thousands of dollars later on.
Check out this list of exterior tasks to help winterize your home:
Paint Your Home
Cooler temperatures and lower humidity make fall a great season for painting the outside of your home. A fresh layer of paint can help protect exposed wood siding from winter moisture that can lead to mold, mildew and rot.
Inspect Your Roof
Check for damaged or missing shingles or tiles and replace them. While you are up there, pay special attention to areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Don’t wait to discover a leak when water is dripping through your ceiling.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
If gutters and downspouts are blocked with leaves and debris, rainwater may overflow, causing water damage to the interior and exterior of your home. Clean gutters and downspouts after leaves have fallen, but before the heavy winter rains begin. If the gutters look like they are sagging, make sure to tighten brackets and supports.
Pro tip: Since your ladder is already set up to clean gutters, why not hang up the holiday lights, too? It’s the perfect time, before the weather gets too wet and cold!
Keep Out Pests
When colder weather arrives, rodents and other critters seek food and refuge indoors. Keep them out by filling small holes in the siding and foundation with hardware cloth or wire mesh, and expanding foam sealant.
Clean and Winterize Outdoor Grills
Keep your BBQ from rusting over this winter. Clean the grill, then coat it with cooking oil spray. Store the grill in a garage or shed, or under a covered patio. Make sure to disconnect the gas tank, and store it somewhere safe.
Store or Protect Outdoor Furniture
Once it is too cold to spend time outdoors, store patio tables, chairs, and other outdoor furniture, or protect them with weather-protectant covers.
Stack and Cover Firewood
If you have a wood-burning fireplace in your home, place your firewood order, or pick up some at local retailers. Price will vary based on wood type, availability, and delivery distance. If you prefer to DIY, split and stack the wood, then cover with a tarp to keep the wood dry.
Do you own a second home and are considering turning it into a vacation rental? We can help! Make sure to get a consult from Meredith Lodging. Just head over to our vacation rental management page!
