Sevierville is a spectacular place to live and own property, especially when the Great Smoky Mountains are draped with snow. But the other side of the coin is not that pleasant for property owners as winter comes with its own set of challenges.
Sevierville has a quite unpredictable weather. One day it is sunny, and the next, the temperature drops to the freezing point. This freeze-thaw cycle takes toll on buildings. It leads to the pipe bursting, roof leakage, the failure of heating systems.
That’s why it is important to opt for proper winter property maintenance to protect your property from costly damage. Below, we have discussed a robust winter property maintenance plan to help you stay ahead of the weather.
1. Focus on Your Plumbing: Prevent Frozen Pipes
The most common and expensive winter disaster is a burst pipe. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, causing the metal or plastic to crack. When the ice melts, water pours into your walls and floors.
- Insulate Pipes: Focus on pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Use foam sleeves or heat tape.
- Drain Exterior Faucets: Disconnect garden hoses. Turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots and drain the remaining water.
- Keep the Heat On: If your property is a vacation rental and will be empty for longer, never turn the heat off completely. Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees.
- Drip the Faucets: During extreme cold snaps, let your faucets drip slightly. This keeps water moving and reduces pressure in the pipes.
2. Roof and Gutter Care
Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. In Sevierville, we get a mix of rain, sleet, and snow. If your gutters are clogged, that water has nowhere to go. It can freeze into “ice dams,” which push water back under your shingles and into your ceiling.
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Clean the Gutters:
Inspect your gutters for the debris of leaves and sticks.
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Check for Loose Shingles:
High winds in the Smokies can loosen roofing materials. Get them fixed before the snow seep underneath them to trigger damage.
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Trim Overhanging Branches:
Heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree limbs. If they are hanging over your roof, they could snap and cause major damage.
3. HVAC System Reliability
There is nothing worse than a furnace or heat pump failing during a Sevierville snowstorm. Your heating system works much harder in the winter, so it needs a check-up.
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Changing the Air Filter –
Clean air filters to allow your system to operate better and lower your utility expense
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Have a Professional Do a Tune Up –
A certified technician can check the system for leaks as well as assess the thermostat to see if the heating elements are in a safe working condition.
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Clear the Vents-
Make sure vents are clear of furniture or curtains blocking air flow.
4. Exterior Sealing and Insulation
Cold air is sneaky. It will find any small crack or gap to enter your home, making your heater work overtime. Good winter property maintenance includes “buttoning up” the exterior of the building.
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Weatherstripping:
Ensure that weatherstripping is closed around the doors and windows – in case of a draft, replace weather stripping.
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Caulking:
Look for gaps at the edge of the siding and window frames. Use outdoor grade caulk to fill these gaps.
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Check the Attic Insulation:
Heat rises, and if there’s not enough insulation in the attic, you will literally be throwing away money through the roof. Adding a little more insulation will greatly increase comfort.
5. Safety for Walkways and Driveways
If you have guests or tenants, their safety is your responsibility. Sevierville’s hilly terrain can make driveways and walkways very dangerous when they get icy.
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Stock Up on Ice Melt:
Don’t wait until the storm hits to buy salt or sand. Keep a supply in your garage or shed. Keep in mind that property owners are responsible for clearing their own driveway aprons and sidewalks.
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Check Outdoor Lighting:
Since it gets dark much earlier in the winter, it is important that all outdoor lights are working so that one can see icy patches on the ground.
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Inspect Handrails:
Make sure handrails on stairways and decks are installed securely – people become more dependent on handrails when the ground is slippery.
6. Special Considerations for Rental Properties
Many property owners in Sevierville own short-term rentals. If you don’t live on the property, winter property maintenance is even more critical because you aren’t there to spot a problem immediately.
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Smart Sensor Installation:
Consider installing smart sensors that will notify you in case of high low temperatures from your location so you’ll know when to contact a neighbor or emergency services; or, if a pipe starts to leak.
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Emergency Kits:
Provide your guests with easy access to winter emergency tools, including warm blankets, flashlights with batteries and customer service instructions for who to contact in case of extended power outages.
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Fireplace Safeguarding:
If your property is equipped with a wood burning fireplace, it is recommended to get your chimney professionally serviced annually to help prevent fires caused by stored up grease or creosote.
7. Commercial Winter Building Maintenance
If you operate a business or a larger building, you will need to take a few extra steps to prepare for winter building maintenance.
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Check Large Scale Systems:
Make sure to schedule regular maintenance for boilers and large HVAC units.
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Entryway Protection:
Install heavy-duty floor mats at your entrance to protect your carpets and wood floors from the damage that accumulation of snow, moisture and road salt causes to flooring.
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Snow Removal Contracts:
Have a plan in place for who will plow the parking lot or shovel the sidewalks. In a busy mountain town, professionals get booked up fast.
8. Chimneys and Fireplaces
The Smokies and fireplaces go hand-in-hand. However, they are a major source of house fires if not handled correctly.
- The Flue Check: Make sure the damper opens and closes easily.
- Clean Out Ash: Regularly remove old ash to ensure better airflow.
- Cap the Chimney: Ensure your chimney has a cap with a screen to keep out debris and small animals looking for a warm place to stay.
Summary Checklist for Sevierville Owners
To make your winter property maintenance easier, here is a quick summary you can follow:
| Category | Task |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | Insulate pipes, drain outdoor faucets, and leave heat at 55°F+. |
| Roofing | Clean gutters and inspect for loose shingles or damaged flashing. |
| HVAC | Change filters and schedule a professional heating system check. |
| Exterior | Apply caulk to gaps and replace worn-out weatherstripping. |
| Safety | Buy salt/ice melt and ensure all outdoor walkways are well-lit. |
| Trees | Trim branches that could fall on the building under heavy ice. |
The Cost of Neglect vs. The Cost of Maintenance
Some owners skip winter building maintenance to save a few dollars in the short term. However, the cost of a new furnace or fixing a flooded basement far outweighs the cost of a simple tune-up or a few rolls of insulation.
In a mountain environment like Sevierville, the weather is the boss. If you don’t prepare, the environment will eventually cause damage. Taking a weekend or hiring a professional to handle these tasks ensures that your property remains a safe, warm, and valuable asset throughout the coldest months of the year.
Let the Professionals Help
Managing all these tasks can be overwhelming, especially if you own multiple properties or live out of town. You don’t have to do it alone.
At Mountain Top Cleaning and Maintenance, we understand the specific needs of East Tennessee properties. We offer tailored winter property maintenance services in Sevierville and around the surrounding mountain areas. From routine inspections to ensuring your building is ready for the first frost, our team is here to give you peace of mind all winter long.
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