If your vacation rental is located in a cooler climate, then there are several measures you’ll need to take to ensure it’s totally prepared for winter weather. Whether you prefer to maintain the property yourself or enlist the help of professionals. In this slideshow, there are 16 ways to get your vacation rental ready for the cold winter months.

1. 16 Ways to Prepare
Your Vacation Rental
for Winter Weather

2. 1. Seal Exterior Wood
● Around doors and windows
● Protect wooden deck

3. 2. Check Drainage System
● Check soil around foundation
● Ensure rain gutter
downspouts are moving
water away from the vacation
rental
● Consider adding downspout
extenders

4. 3. Seal Masonry and Hard Surfaces
● Seal patios, driveways
(concrete and asphalt), and
walkways
● Fill in cracks before applying
sealer

5. 4. Clean the Gutters
● Best to do after leaves have
fallen
● Make sure they’re fastened
securely

6. 5. Prepare Doors and Windows
● Check weatherstripping
● Replace screen doors with
storm doors
● Replace window screens with
storm windows
● Check for gaps, cracks, and
broken glass
● Add caulk inside and out

7. 6. Trim Branches
● Trim branches resting
against the house

8. 7. Secure Handrails
● Handrails for exterior stairs
need to be stable and secure

9. 8. Check Heating System
● Change filters
● Have an HVAC professional
check to make sure the
system is working properly

10. 9. Complete Chimney Maintenance
● Clean the chimney
● Stock up on firewood

11. 10. Double-Check Fire Safety Measures
● Smoke alarms
● Carbon monoxide detectors
● Fire extinguishers

12. 11. Inspect Pipes
● Replace damaged portions
● Add foam insulation

13. 12. Seal the Attic
● Check for holes
● Put up a screen behind the
gable vent

14. 13. Keep Temperatures Steady
● 55 degrees or higher
● Smart thermostat makes this
easy

15. 14. Create a Storm Preparation Sheet
● Let guests know what to do if
a winter storm hits
● How to get by without power
● Where flashlights, batteries,
and food and water are stored

16. 15. Plan for Snow Removal
● Remove the snow yourself
● Employ a professional snow
removal service
● Provide shovels and other
supplies for guests

17. 16. Stock Up on Coffee and Tea
● Provide coffee, tea, and cocoa
for guests to enjoy
● Add to the guest experience
with these simple amenities

18. Thanks for watching!
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