Winter protection: packing up for the season

It seems like it was just yesterday that everyone was filling their pools and opening up their houses for the summer in preparation for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. But now it’s already almost Labor Day, which means it’s time to think about home winterization.

According to the experts, it’s important to keep in mind that a few basic precautions and minor maintenance can save thousands of dollars in potential damage.

Joseph Sanchez, president of Andalusian Estate Care in East Quogue, specializes in preparing homes for the harsh winter months on the East End. Additionally, Mr. Sanchez keeps an eye out for possible problems at his clients’ unoccupied houses over the winter.

“So much of people’s investments nowadays are in their homes, and small precautions can go a long way,” said Mr. Sanchez, a licensed contractor and estate manager with more than 25 years of experience in his field. “It only takes one unsafe situation such as a leak, or an electrical short, to ruin your home. And insurance companies right now are very tough on paying out on claims, so you want to be proactive before something happens.”

Most home winterizing experts agree that the first step to shutting down a house is tackling potential plumbing problems. A burst water pipe can devastate a home in a matter of hours.

Water at the main supply point should be shut off if the house is going to be unoccupied. Outside water faucets, used for hoses and sprinklers, should be shut down from their main source.

It is also a good idea to turn off the water supply line to the washing machine hoses, which can be flimsy and prone to dry rot or bursting.

Spas, swimming pools and ponds of water should also be drained, according to Robert Albertina, service manager for Excelsior P&H, Inc. in Westhampton Beach. Mr. Albertina, whose company is responsible for closing up hundreds of summer houses on the South Fork each fall, noted that simply turning off a nozzle is often not enough of a precaution in terms of clearing lines of water.

“That water can expand, freeze and split the pipe, and you won’t see the damage until the temperature rises again,” he said. “Once that ice melts and the pipe is split, you’re going to have water pouring out ... It’ll look like a sprinkler system in your house.”

For those that are closing up shop for the season, it’s also a good idea to cover furniture to protect it from dust and light discoloration. Dead plant material should also be cleared away from the sides of the house to prevent moisture build-up and mildew problems. Dry plants can also be fodder for fires in the late spring.

Mr. Albertina noted that many of his clients prefer to shut down their homes entirely for the winter, which includes turning off the electricity as well as the water. But he noted that some clients prefer to keep some form of heat in the house.

Mr. Sanchez cautioned about turning off the heat completely, saying that he believes that turning off the heat entirely could be a chilling recipe for disaster.

“You have drywall and plaster and other things that can be affected by moisture and the cold,” he said. “Turn down the heat, but don’t turn it off. Keep it at about 58 degrees or so.”

Easily stolen items such as boats, ATVs, bicycles, canoes, kayaks, cars should be locked away in garages or sheds. Professional storage facilities are also an option for treasured or fragile items.

Additionally, all boats and ancillary boating gear should be stored or dry-docked over the winter in the event of a hurricane or serious storm.

Larry Mendelson, facility manager of All Hamptons Storage in Westhampton Beach, said that storage facilities offer not only added security from theft, but can also provide a climate-controlled environment for property that is susceptible to mold and mildew.

“Items such as antiques, mattresses, clothing, linens, and things like that which just retain moisture should be put in at least interior storage at a minimum,” Mr. Mendelson said. “The best way to go is, of course, climate controlled storage, which has consistent temperature, humidity, et cetera.”

According to Mr. Mendelson, a 5-foot-by-5-foot interior storage unit at All Hamptons Storage costs $59 a month, while a climate controlled space of the same size runs $95 per month.

Simple outdoor furniture, hammocks, seats, delicate garden ornamentation and hose pipes can be stowed in sheds and garages. Mr. Sanchez noted that in bad economic times, burglaries tend to be on the rise, so he said it’s important to make a home look like it’s still occupied.

This can easily be done by installing light timers, which are set to turn on automatically in the evenings. If it’s a summer vacation home, this may be less viable, he admitted.

Mr. Sanchez advised double checking that all windows and doors are shut and locked, including small attic, bathroom and basement windows. Skylights and ventilation shafts should be closed as well.

Humans, he noted, are not the only potential invaders for a closed-up house. Animals, especially raccoons, are stealthy marauders, so block up any holes in the eaves or walls that may provide an entry point to creatures seeking warmth and a home for the winter.

He added a reminder to shut fireplace dampers and cap chimneys, which are often forgotten during the seasonal shut-down.

Family or trusted neighbors can keep an eye on a home occasionally, but as Mr. Sanchez pointed out, this can not only be an inconvenience to those checking on an unoccupied home, but may also be an unreliable source for protecting against potential problems.

“You can have little Johnny from down the street come in and keep an eye on things,” Mr. Sanchez said. “But little Johnny may not understand a dangerous situation, such as a gas leak. So, it’s best to hire a professional.”

He noted that even the most trusted friend or family member may not know what to look for in terms of avoiding disaster.

“It’s really best to have a trained pair of eyes checking things out,” Mr. Sanchez said. “I just take a walk-through of everything, knowing where the shutoff valves are, all the circuit breakers, or any moisture has gotten in presenting dangerous situations.”

Mr. Sanchez said the cost of house watching varies upon the size of a premises. He estimated that checking in on a summer bungalow on the East End would cost roughly $50 a visit.

Anyone who is being hired as a professional house watcher should be thoroughly checked out with the local building department for proper licensing, Mr. Sanchez said, adding that it’s always prudent to check to see if any complaints have been filed with Suffolk County Consumer Affairs, because after all, a house is a pretty big asset to leave in the hands of a careless watcher.

“You should also get a certificate of liability so that in the event that something does go wrong that if the person they hire isn’t licensed and insured, then they have some kind of legal recourse,” he said.