After years of working in the building trades, I've seen what happens when properties aren't properly prepared for winter. Coastal environments especially don't forgive shortcuts — salt air, harsh weather, and seasonal vacancy can turn small issues into expensive disasters. But I've also seen the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is ready for whatever winter throws at it.
Whether you're a year-round resident closing up a seasonal home or someone who's always somewhere else, this checklist will help you protect your investment.
1. Heating System: Your First Line of Defense
Here's something I tell every property owner: your heating system is the most important appliance in your house during winter. In late October or early November—before you really need it—have a professional inspect your heating system.
For forced-air systems, replace the filter. For heat pumps, make sure the coils are clean and the refrigerant levels are correct. If you have oil heat, have the tank checked and cleaned if necessary. And if you're using electric baseboard heat, test each unit to make sure they're working correctly.
Pro tip: Set your thermostat to at least 55°F even if you're away. Yes, you'll pay more in heating costs, but a frozen pipe will cost you thousands in repairs.
2. Pipe Protection: An Ounce of Prevention
Frozen pipes are the most common winter emergency I see on Nantucket. When water freezes, it expands—and that expansion can burst pipes, flood your property, and cause catastrophic damage.
Focus on these areas:
- Pipes in exterior walls (even insulated ones can freeze during extreme cold)
- Pipes in unheated basements, attics, or crawl spaces
- Outdoor faucets and sprinkler lines
Know where your main water shut-off valve is located. If a pipe does burst, being able to quickly stop the water flow can save you tens of thousands of dollars in water damage.
3. Gutters and Drainage: The Overlooked Essentials
Clean gutters might seem like a simple task, but on Nantucket, it's critical. Fallen leaves, pine needles, and island debris can quickly clog your gutters. When water can't drain properly, it backs up, freezes, and damages your roof, fascia, and foundation.
After cleaning gutters, make sure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation. Ice dams form when warm attics melt snow on your roof, which then refreezes at the gutters. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic helps prevent this.
4. Salt Air: The Invisible Enemy
Nantucket's salt air is relentless. It corrodes metal, degrades rubber seals, and speeds up wear on everything outdoors.
Before winter:
- Lubricate all exterior door hinges and locks with marine-grade lubricant
- Check weather stripping on all doors and windows—replace if worn
- Apply a protective coat to exposed metal fixtures (railings, deck hardware)
- Store or cover outdoor furniture, grills, and equipment
5. Appliances: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
If you have a refrigerator or freezer in a seasonal property, you have a choice: run it empty at a higher temperature to keep it fresh, or unplug it entirely after thoroughly cleaning and leaving doors propped open.
For washers and dryers, disconnect water supply hoses (especially the rubber ones—if they're more than 5 years old, replace them with braided stainless steel). Leave dryer vents clear and clean.
6. Generator and Emergency Equipment
Nantucket winters can bring power outages. If you have a generator, test it before you need it. Check oil levels, fuel, and run it under load for at least 30 minutes.
If you don't have a generator, consider a battery backup system for essential equipment like sump pumps. Nothing worse than a flooded basement because your sump pump died during a power outage.
7. The Property Management Option
Here's the reality: if you're not on-island during winter, things can go wrong without you knowing. A small leak becomes a big problem. A rodent infestation goes untreated. HVAC fails and pipes freeze.
We offer winter property checks—typically monthly visits where we walk through your property, check for issues, and address small problems before they become big ones. It's peace of mind for a reasonable investment.
When to Call a Professional
While there's plenty you can do yourself, certain tasks are worth hiring a pro:
- Heating system inspection and servicing
- Professional gutter cleaning (especially for multi-story homes)
- Generator installation and servicing
- Any electrical work
- Roof inspection (never climb on a roof yourself—it's not worth the risk)
Ready to Winterize?
If you'd rather have an experienced professional handle your winterization, I'm here to help. After years working on Nantucket properties, I know what they need inside and out. I'll make sure your property is ready for winter so you can enjoy the off-season without worry.
Contact me at (207) 740-7966 or request an estimate online. I'm available year-round when you need help.