Every fall, thousands of Jersey Shore homeowners pack up the beach gear, drain the coolers, and head back to their primary residences for the winter. If you own a second home on the shore, proper winterization isn't optional — it's the difference between coming back to a healthy property in May and coming back to burst pipes, mold, and a very expensive repair bill.
We've seen both scenarios. Here's exactly what we check and recommend before closing a shore home for the season.
Plumbing — The Most Critical System
Frozen pipes are the single most common and most expensive winterization failure at shore properties. A single burst pipe can cause tens of thousands of dollars in water damage in a property that's unoccupied for months.
Plumbing Checklist
Shut off the main water supply at the meter
Open all faucets (hot and cold) to drain remaining water
Flush all toilets and add RV antifreeze to toilet bowls and tanks
Drain your water heater completely
Blow out outdoor shower lines with compressed air
Drain and disconnect garden hoses
Pour RV antifreeze into all drain traps (sinks, tubs, showers)
HVAC and Heating
Most shore homeowners set their thermostat to 55°F and leave — which is fine, but there are additional steps that protect both the property and the HVAC system.
HVAC Checklist
Set thermostat to minimum 55°F — never turn heat off completely
Replace air filters before closing
Schedule HVAC service if not done in the past year
Check that vents are clear and unobstructed
Consider a smart thermostat with remote monitoring
Exterior — What Salt Air and Winter Storms Do
The Jersey Shore coastal environment is particularly hard on exterior building components during the off-season. Nor'easters, salt spray, freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds all take their toll on a property that nobody is around to monitor.
Exterior Checklist
Inspect roof for loose or damaged shingles before storm season
Clean gutters and downspouts completely
Check deck boards for rot, loose fasteners, or lifting
Secure or store outdoor furniture
Inspect caulking around windows and doors
Check siding for cracks or gaps where moisture can penetrate
Trim tree branches that could fall on the property in a storm
Electrical and Appliances
Electrical Checklist
Unplug all small appliances
Turn off ice maker and water dispenser on refrigerator
Leave refrigerator doors propped open if unplugging
Install smart leak detectors near water heater and under sinks
Test smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries
Consider a whole-home water leak detection system
Noticed Issues While Closing Up?
Fall is our best availability for repairs and upgrades before winter. Get a free estimate on anything you noticed while closing your shore home.
Get a Free EstimateThe Smart Technology Upgrade Worth Making
The single best investment for an unoccupied shore home is a smart water shutoff valve combined with leak sensors. These systems can automatically shut off your water supply the moment a leak is detected — even if you're 100 miles away. Combined with a smart thermostat you can monitor remotely, they give real peace of mind during the off-season.
We install these systems as part of our winterization and renovation work — ask about it when you contact us for your next project.
Have questions or noticed something that needs attention before spring? Contact Shore Build Pros — we serve all of coastal Cape May, Atlantic, and Ocean Counties.