Winterizing Your Mountain Home: A Comprehensive Checklist

As the vibrant fall colors fade and the crisp mountain air turns to a biting chill, it's a clear sign that winter is on its way to the North Carolina Mountains. For homeowners, especially those with cabins or second homes, preparing your property for the colder months isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting your investment from costly damage. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice can wreak havoc if your home isn't properly winterized.

Here's a comprehensive checklist to ensure your mountain home is ready to weather the winter season:

Exterior Preparations: Guarding Against the Elements

The outside of your home is the first line of defense against winter's fury.

• Roof and Gutters:

  • Inspect and Repair Roof: Check for any missing, cracked, or loose shingles. Repair them promptly to prevent water intrusion from melting snow and ice.

  • Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove all leaves, pine needles, and debris. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which cause water to back up under your roof and into your home, resulting in significant water damage. Ensure downspouts direct water away from the foundation. Consider installing gutter guards for future prevention.

• Pipes and Outdoor Faucets:

  • Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses from outdoor spigots. Drain the hoses completely and store them indoors.

  • Insulate Outdoor Faucets/Hose Bibs: Even "freeze-proof" spigots can benefit from insulated covers, readily available at hardware stores. For older homes, ensure outdoor water valves are completely shut off from the inside, and then open the outside faucet to drain any remaining water.

  • Drain Irrigation Systems: If you have an in-ground sprinkler or irrigation system, ensure it's completely drained and blown out with an air compressor. This is often best done by a professional landscaper.

• Foundation and Vents:

  • Close Foundation Vents: Many homes have foundation vents to allow air circulation in crawl spaces. Close these vents for the winter to prevent cold air from freezing pipes and causing moisture issues. Remember to open them again in spring.

  • Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home's exterior for any cracks in the foundation, siding, or around utility penetrations (pipes, wires). Seal these with caulk to prevent cold air, moisture, and pests from entering.

• Trees and Landscaping:

  • Trim Overhanging Branches: Cut back any tree branches that are close to or overhanging your roof, power lines, or driveway. Heavy snow and ice can cause weak limbs to break and cause damage.

  • Clear Debris: Rake and remove leaves and other organic debris from around your home's foundation and deck. This helps prevent rot and discourages pests.

  • Store Outdoor Furniture: Clean, drain, and store outdoor furniture, grills, fire pits, and other seasonal items in a shed or garage to protect them from the elements.

Interior Preparations: Keeping Warm and Safe

Once the exterior is secured, focus on the inside of your home to maintain warmth and prevent internal issues.

• Plumbing System (Crucial for Mountain Homes):

  • Insulate Exposed Pipes: Pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, basements, attics, and even those in cabinets along exterior walls are highly susceptible to freezing. Wrap them with foam pipe insulation or heat tape.

  • For Extended Vacancies (Winterizing a Vacant Home): This is critical.

    1. Turn Off Main Water Supply: Locate your home's main water shut-off valve and turn it off.

    2. Drain All Pipes: Open all faucets (hot and cold) throughout the house, flush all toilets, and run dishwashers/washing machines on a short cycle to drain as much water as possible from the lines.

    3. Blow Out Lines (Recommended): For a thorough drain, consider hiring a plumber to use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water from your plumbing system.

    4. Add Antifreeze to Drains: Pour non-toxic RV-grade antifreeze into all sink drains, tub drains, and toilet bowls/tanks to prevent residual water in traps from freezing. Plug all drains.

    5. Drain Water Heater: If you're completely shutting down the water, drain your water heater according to manufacturer instructions.

• Heating System:

  • HVAC System Check-Up: Have your furnace or heat pump professionally serviced before winter. Change furnace filters regularly (monthly during peak use).

  • Chimney and Fireplace: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected to prevent creosote buildup and ensure proper drafting. Check that the flue damper opens and closes fully. Install a chimney cap to prevent animal entry.

  • Set Thermostat: If you're leaving your home for an extended period, set your thermostat no lower than 50-55°F (10-13°C). This minimal heat helps prevent pipes from freezing without running up a huge energy bill.

  • Open Cabinet Doors: On very cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes.

• Insulation and Drafts:

  • Check Insulation: Ensure your attic, basement, and crawl spaces have adequate insulation. Adding more can significantly improve energy efficiency and prevent heat loss.

  • Seal Air Leaks: Use caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal any drafts. Check for gaps around electrical outlets and light fixtures on exterior walls.

  • Window Treatments: Close blinds and curtains, especially at night, to add an extra layer of insulation. Consider storm windows if you don't have double-pane glass.

• Safety and Emergency Preparedness:

  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk increases in winter due to heating systems.

  • Emergency Kit: Assemble a winter emergency kit with non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.

  • Backup Power: Consider investing in a portable generator or a whole-home standby generator, as power outages can be common in mountain areas during winter storms. Always operate generators safely outdoors.

  • Know Your Main Water Shut-Off: Ensure everyone in your household knows where the main water shut-off valve is located in case of a burst pipe emergency.

  • Notify Neighbors/Care Taker: If you'll be away, inform a trusted neighbor or hire a local property caretaker to check on your home periodically. They can spot issues like power outages or fallen trees before they become major problems.

By following this comprehensive winterization checklist, you can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related damage to your North Carolina Mountain home, ensuring peace of mind and a cozy return when the snow melts.