Tips on Winterizing Your Lake House in Wisconsin
As winter approaches in Wisconsin, learning how to winterize a home for the cold months is important. Winterizing your house, especially by a beautiful lake, helps it last longer and shields it from bad weather. Whether following detailed lake house plans or caring for a lake house rental, you must prepare it correctly. Here’s a helpful winterizing home checklist to guide you!
1. Protect Plumbing Systems
Wisconsin’s freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing, leading to burst pipes and expensive damage. Here’s how to winterize your plumbing system:
- Shut Off the Water Supply: Turn off the main water line and drain all pipes.
- Empty Outdoor Fixtures: Disconnect hoses, drain faucets, and blow out sprinkler systems.
- Winterize Toilets and Drains: Add antifreeze to toilets and drains to prevent freezing.
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape to protect them from extreme cold.
2. Secure Windows and Doors
Keep the cold out and your energy bills down by securing your home’s windows and doors.
- Inspect for Gaps: Check for cracks or drafts around windows and doors, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Add Insulation: Install storm windows or use thermal curtains for added warmth.
- Check Door Closures: Ensure all doors, including patio and sliding doors, close tightly to block out cold air.
Properly sealed windows and doors will make your home cozier and more energy-efficient during the winter.
3. Clear Gutters and Roof
Ice dams can cause severe damage to your roof and gutters during winter. To prevent this:
- Clean Gutters: Remove leaves, twigs, and debris to allow water to flow freely.
- Inspect the Roof: Check for damaged shingles or weak spots and make necessary repairs.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Prevent falling branches weighed down by snow from damaging your roof.
A little maintenance now can save you from costly roof repairs later.
4. Prepare Outdoor Spaces
Snow and ice can damage outdoor furniture and decorations. Here’s how to protect your outdoor areas:
- Bring Items Indoors: Store furniture, grills, and outdoor decor in a garage or shed.
- Use a Residential Storage Unit: For larger items, such as patio furniture or umbrellas, consider renting a residential storage unit.
- Cover Large Structures: Shield fire pits, benches, and other outdoor fixtures with durable, weatherproof covers.
Properly storing your outdoor items ensures they’ll be ready to use once spring arrives.
5. Store Important and Seasonal Items
Protecting important and seasonal items from freezing and moisture is vital as winter approaches. The cold can damage delicate things like:
- Electronics
- Artwork
- Fabrics
- Musical instruments
- Photographs or documents
- Wooden furniture
Superior Storage offers climate-controlled storage units to help your belongings stay in perfect shape all winter. Suppose you don’t need them during winter—you can also store summer gear, patio furniture, and water sports equipment in a climate-controlled storage unit.
6. Secure Your Boat and Dock
If your lake house includes a boat, check that it’s winterized and appropriately stored before winter. Take it out of the water, clean it, and winterize the engine. Store the boat in a sheltered spot. Consider using a boat storage space and a storage unit for boating gear.
To shield your boat and dock from ice and snow, disconnect any dock equipment and inspect the dock for loose boards or needed repairs. If you can, cover the dock with a tarp.
Get Your Lake House Ready for Winter with Superior Storage
Don’t let Wisconsin’s harsh winters damage your lake house or belongings. Superior Storage offers secure, climate-controlled storage solutions to help protect your seasonal items, outdoor furniture, and more.
Whether you need extra space for boats, patio gear, or sensitive valuables, our convenient locations in Fond du Lac, Hartland, Kenosha, and Madison make winterizing your home stress-free.
Contact Superior Storage to make winterizing your lake house simple and stress-free! Whether you’re storing boats, furniture, or seasonal gear, we’ve got you covered.