\nIf you own a cabin or summer home, I\u2019m sure Labor Day is bitter sweet for you. It\u2019s the last long summer weekend, but it can also be a weekend with a lot of work. Yes, for many, this is the time of year when you decide to close the property for the season.
\nWhile it can be a sad time of year for those who love the summer heat and everything summer has to offer, it\u2019s important to cherish all the fond memories and to think about how to close down your summer home or cottage safely.
\nThe list below offers a number of things to consider when shutting down your cabin for the winter.
\n1. Inspect your property \u2013 Take a walk around the inside and outside of your property to see if anything has been damaged. Create a checklist based of what you find and decide if it\u2019s something that should be fixed now or when you open your home next spring. Items to inspect include your roof, chimney, eaves troughs, siding, foundation, trees that are leaning over your property, and out buildings.
\n2. Turn off the water \u2013 Turn off the water at the main supply point to prevent freezing pipes. Even if you keep your home heated during the winter, this is important in case your furnace fails or the power goes out.
\n3. Open your faucets and drain all water lines, including your appliances \u2013 Even if you turn off the water at the main supply into the home, it\u2019s also important to drain the excess water from the water lines that run to your appliances, sinks, and toilets.
\n4. Temperature monitoring system \u2013 If you heat your home during the winter, consider purchasing a temperature-monitoring system. Consider a system that sends email alerts to him if his summer home\u2019s temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n5. Water flow monitoring systems \u2013 If you choose to leave your water on during the winter, consider purchasing a water flow monitoring system. A water flow monitoring system is attached to your water main and protects your entire house. The system works by measuring water flow into your house. If it detects continuous water flow beyond the normal stopping and starting of your every day appliances, it stops the flow of water into your house automatically.
\n6. Empty and clean your appliances
\n\u2022 Refrigerator\/freezer \u2013 Remove all food and wipe them down with a disinfectant that kills bacteria. After you\u2019ve cleaned it, consider leaving your refrigerator\/freezer doors slightly ajar to prevent mold and mildew growth. This will also prevent smells from getting into the plastic. Consider putting a box of baking soda inside.
\n\u2022 Oven \u2013 Like your refrigerator, wipe it down with a disinfectant that kills bacteria and unplug it or turn off the gas.
\n\u2022 Washing machine\/dryer \u2013 If you\u2019re lucky enough to have these appliances at your summer home, disconnect the hoses and unplug them. If you want to disinfect your washing machine, consider running a normal cycle with vinegar or whatever cleanser your manufacturer recommends.
\n\u2022 Water heater \u2013 Drain your water heater and turn off the gas or switch it to vacation mode.
\n7. Store outdoor furniture and other expensive items in a locked garage or shed \u2013 If there isn\u2019t storage space available on your property, consider renting a storage unit. A nice size storage unit will allow you to store outdoor furniture, bikes, small boats, and other summer toys that could be damaged if left outdoors.
\n8. Unplug your appliances and electronics \u2013 This tip will protect your appliances and electronics from power surges and lightning strikes.
\n9. Create a home inventory for your cabin \u2013 If your cabin was destroyed in a fire or by an early spring tornado, would you remember every possession you had in it?
\n10. Take your valuables home or consider a security system \u2013 Vacated cabins can become easy targets for thieves during the winter months. If you prefer to leave valuables in the home, consider installing a security system.
\n11. Inspect your fireplace \u2013 If you have a wood burning fireplace that you\u2019ve used for a number of years without cleaning, consider having it inspected and cleaned by a reputable chimney sweep. Creosote is a residue that travels up your chimney and builds up on your flue over time. In fact, some creosote builds up every time a wood burning fireplace is lit. If that residue isn\u2019t properly cleaned out, the chance of a fire igniting in your chimney increases.
\n12. Partner with your neighbors or local police \u2013 If you have neighbors or friends who live near your summer home all year round, consider asking them to check on your home periodically. Also leave contact information with your neighbors or local police. Contact information should include your cell phone number, home phone number, and your e-mail address.
\nCreating a routine each time you leave your home empty for an extended period of time can reduce the likelihood of a disaster and keep work to a minimum when you return.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"