How to Winterize a Vacant House

If you’re leaving your Cranford-area house unoccupied this winter—especially if you’re gone for the entire season —you might be worried about the dangers of frozen pipes, unwelcome pests, or heating system breakdowns. Winterizing your vacant property is critical to prevent these issues. 

This guide is specifically tailored to Cranford and Union County, NJ, homeowners, providing clear instructions to safeguard your property during the cold months. It helps ensure you return to your home as you left it. Keep your investment safe with proven tips and strategies that are easy to implement, ensuring your property remains safe and dry throughout winter. Read on to learn how to winterize a vacant house.

Key Takeaways

• Actively winterize your vacant home to avert frozen pipes, structural strain, pests, and theft and ensure it remains safe and secure during the winter months.
• Homes in Cranford, NJ, and Union County need particular attention due to the heightened risk of severe weather conditions such as freezing temperatures, wind damage, and tree damage.
• Create a comprehensive winterizing checklist, engage in regular maintenance, and set up remote monitoring to manage and protect your vacant property while you’re away.

Quick Link: Checklist for Winterizing a Vacant House

Types of Damage That Can Happen While You Are Away

Winter brings a host of potential threats that can wreak havoc on your house. Water damage from pipes that freeze and then burst and structural complications arising from the weight of snow piling up on the roof are just some of the risks you might encounter.

Freezing weather may also interfere with your heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical systems, leading to expensive fixes. Pests like mold and mildew—and critters searching for cozy corners—can infiltrate your home, seeking shelter during these cold months. Also, there are external dangers such as fire or criminal activities like theft and vandalism.  

Snowbird Winterization in Cranford, NJ, and Union County

In addition to general winterization tasks, snowbirds leaving their homes in the Cranford, NJ, and Union County area face unique challenges in winterizing their properties. Proper winterization is crucial to shield your home from harsh conditions, including snowfall, storms, downed trees, and power outages. This winter task is influenced by geography, climate, and infrastructure, making it essential for homeowners to be mindful of weather risks.

Flooding

One of the primary concerns is the proximity to the Rahway River and the Arthur Kill, which exposes properties to severe flooding. Areas like Elizabeth and Linden are especially prone to flooding and extreme weather from coastal flooding, exacerbating winterization challenges. Additionally, parts of Cranford and other low-lying regions in Union County are susceptible to flooding during heavy rain or snowmelt.

In flood-prone areas, implement measures such as installing flood barriers and a sump pump. Flood barriers, like sandbags or flood gates, can be placed around doors and low windows to keep water out of the structure during heavy rains or storm surges. 

Additionally, put a sump pump in the basement or lowest level of the structure to help remove accumulated water. It’s important to check your sump pump (video) regularly to ensure it is in good working order and has a battery backup in case of power outages.

Snowfall

Union County, including Cranford, typically has about 25 inches of snow per season. However, New Jersey snowfall can vary significantly from year to year, sometimes bringing heavy snowstorms. Even moderate snow accumulation can cause structural damage, particularly to roofs, since an ice dam can form, leading to water damage.

Pro Tip: The number one thing for preventing snow damage to a vacant home is to ensure proper roof maintenance and snow removal. 

Accumulated snow can cause significant stress on the roof, leading to structural damage, leaks, and even roof collapse. Installing snow and ice breakers prevents ice from falling off the roof and damaging cars, pets or people. 

Snow melting systems help stop ice buildup in gutters and downspouts, which helps prevent ice dams and water from getting inside your home. Enlist a neighbor or property manager to keep an eye on the roof snow and have a professional snow removal company clear the roof as needed.

Winter Storms

Winters in Union County can be accompanied by strong winds and storms, posing additional challenges for homeowners. 

To shield a vacant property from windstorm damage, fasten or store all outdoor items to keep them from becoming projectiles. Anchor any outdoor structures like sheds or gazebos to the ground. Additionally, trim trees and shrubs around the property to minimize the risk of damage from broken branches.

Homeowners can prepare by understanding regional hazards and taking appropriate measures. This understanding helps confirm their properties are well-prepared and can lessen the impact of seasonal threats.

Checklist for Winterizing a Vacant House

Before you head south for the winter, be it a few weeks, a month or three, here are a few things to check off your list.

Winter-Proof the Plumbing

As cold weather hits, your home’s plumbing system (including toilet bowls, toilet tanks, and pipes next to the house’s exterior) is at risk. If pipes aren’t protected, they can freeze and burst, causing water damage.

Stop Frozen Pipes in Freezing Temperatures

With the onset of a freeze, your plumbing is at risk, but proactive measures can prevent issues and expensive fixes. Using pipe sleeves or heat tape offers effective insulation to head off frozen pipes. Insulation is especially important in areas like crawl spaces and unfinished basements that don’t get much heat.

Open up kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors along exterior walls. Open doors raise the temperature inside the cabinets, helping to keep pipes from freezing during cold weather. This simple action can mitigate the risk of water damage in homes.

Drain Water Systems and Hot Water Heater

If your home will be empty in the winter, shut off the water and drain all residual water from the plumbing system, including your hot water heater. This safeguards your home’s plumbing and wards off water damage. 

When draining the water heater, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines so you do not burn out the heating element. 

Pro Tip: Water is usually left in the p-trap after draining the water system. Pour a small amount of antifreeze into your sinks and toilets as an extra precaution. 

Prepare Your Heating System for Winter Hiatus

Focus on your home’s HVAC system. It is one of your home’s best defenses against the cold. Make sure it’s ready to do its job all season long.

Service the Heating System

Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your heating system and water heater running smoothly.

If you have a forced hot air system, change the furnace filter regularly to keep everything working efficiently.

Set Thermostats Appropriately

When you won’t be home, set your thermostat to at least 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your house warm helps stop your pipes from freezing and ensures your fridge and freezer keep running correctly.

Also, opening interior doors helps evenly spread heat. Even heat mitigates the chances of pipes freezing in cooler rooms and helps maintain a warm house. 

Learn More: Preventing Water Damage in Winter

Fortify the Exterior 

The outer parts of your home serve as the initial barrier against a storm. Make sure your exterior is fortified to handle whatever winter throws at it.

Secure Doors and Windows

Your windows and doors are portals to the outside. In winter, they can let cold drafts and moisture seep in. Adding storm windows offers an additional layer of defense from wintery gusts.

Caulking and weather-striping your doors and windows also help to reduce heat escape and lessen the threat of water getting inside.

Clear Gutters and Roofs

Snowfall may look pretty, but it can cause a lot of damage if you don’t take care of it properly. After a heavy snowfall, clear snow from the roof to stave off any structural harm or leaks. While away, enlist a neighbor or snow removal company for this task.

Also, keep your gutters and downspouts clear and flowing away from your house. Clear gutters allow adequate water flow and reduce the risk of flooding around your home.

Deter Unwanted Guests

No one likes uninvited guests, but a vacant house can attract unwanted visitors. These can range from critters searching for a warm place to nest to burglars looking for easy targets.

Pest Control Measures

Preventive pest control is crucial, especially when your place is unoccupied. Seal openings around doors and windows to reduce the chance of an infestation. Regular pest control can also help keep out those unwanted guests. 

Using Motion-Sensitive Exterior Lights

Vacant properties may not only become a haven for pests but can also lure intruders. Using motion-sensitive exterior lights is an efficient strategy to ward them off. These lights turn on when they detect movement.

Home Safety and Security Enhancements

Reinforce the safety and protection of your home when it will be empty for a long time. You can do this in various ways, such as setting up alarms, arranging lights on timers, and using intelligent gadgets that enable remote surveillance.

Pro Tip: Use a smart home monitoring system to keep an eye on your property while you’re away. These systems are typically user-friendly and easy to set up. 

Install an Alarm System

Installing an alarm or security system is an effective method to boost the security of your home. Be sure to conduct regular inspections of the security alarm system, especially before you expect to be gone for a long time.

An alarm system helps defend your home and serves as a strong deterrent to would-be burglars.

Use Timed Interior Lights

Using programmable timers to control interior lights is an easy way to make your place look occupied. Set the timers to turn lights on and off in different rooms, especially those with windows facing the street. This creates the impression that someone is home, keeping burglars at bay.

Safeguard Valuables and Personal Items

Secure your valuables and personal belongings before leaving your house empty. Store your valuables in a safe or safety deposit box. Additionally, hold your mail to keep it from piling up, which can signal that no one is home.

Manage Utilities and Services

Managing your utilities and services when you’re away is essential for avoiding problems and saving money. Turn off unnecessary appliances, adjust your thermostat, and make sure all lights are off or on timers. Also, suspend non-essential services and let your utility providers know you are gone.

Get Local Support

Ask a reliable neighbor, friend, or professional property manager to check on your home while you’re away. This will ensure that someone can notice and address potential problems early, giving you peace of mind.

Review Insurance Coverage

Review your insurance coverage before leaving. Typical insurance policies may not provide adequate protection for vacant homes. Consult with your insurance company to guarantee that your property has complete coverage.

Final Preparations Before Departure

Right before locking your door and leaving, shut the fireplace flue and move vehicles into the garage. Additionally, check that all windows and doors are locked, and set your alarm system. Make sure to empty the trash to avoid unpleasant odors.

Emergency Preparedness

While we hope you’ll never have to use it, create an emergency plan to deal with unforeseen events. Having a plan and knowing who to contact during a crisis can offer comfort and guarantee rapid action when necessary.

Contact Numbers

Have all vital contact information with you while you are away. Include phone numbers for your local keyholder or house sitter, insurance agent, security company, local fire department, and emergency property damage service. Having these contacts at your fingertips is preferable to being in a situation where you need them but don’t have them.

Dealing with Property Damage from a Distance

If your property is damaged while you are gone, knowing how to manage this situation is key. A nearby keyholder equipped to evaluate the circumstances and execute needed measures can prove indispensable.

As winter approaches, properly preparing your vacant home is vital to prevent damage and protect your investment. From securing the plumbing system to protecting your home from snow and wind damage, these proactive steps can save you from expensive repairs and stress.

Finally, keeping PuroClean Restoration Services on your list of important numbers can be invaluable in a property emergency while you are away for the winter. We provide 24/7 property damage remediation and water damage services in Union County. Our number is (908) 577-9120.