Preparing Your Getaway Home for Winter in Highlands, NC

Highlands, North Carolina is known for its beauty, charm, and cool mountain climate—but that same climate can be hard on homes, especially during the winter months. Temperatures can drop quickly, snow is common at higher elevations, and freezing conditions can cause damage when a home sits empty.

Preparing your Highlands getaway home for winter helps protect your property, prevent emergencies, and ensure everything is guest-ready when you return.

❄️ Why Winter Prep Is Critical in Highlands, NC

Highlands sits at 4,100+ ft elevation, meaning:

• Frequent freezes

• Snow and ice accumulation

• High winds

• Rapid weather swings

• Higher risk of frozen pipes

• Challenging access during storms

Seasonal residents often leave the home vacant, which increases risk if issues go unnoticed.

🏔️ How to Prepare Your Highlands Getaway Home for Winter

1. Get a Complete Pre-Winter Home Inspection

A Highlands-specific inspection should include:

• Roof, flashing, and chimney

• Weatherproofing and insulation

• Decks, stairs, and handrails (snow/ice issues)

• Gutters and downspouts

• Crawlspace & attic moisture

• Drainage around the home

• Window sealing (older Highlands homes need this badly)

Property Stewards Highlands specializes in high-elevation inspections tailored to the plateau.

2. Protect Pipes From Freezing

Because Highlands gets colder than most mountain towns, pipe protection is essential.

Best practices:

• Insulate vulnerable pipes

• Heat tape where needed

• Keep interior heat above 55°F

• Shut off water for long absences

• Drain exterior faucets

• Install remote freeze alarms

3. Winterize Outdoor Spaces

Decks, stairs, and exposed wood take a beating in Highlands winters.

Complete:

• Gutter cleaning

• Clearing roof valleys

• Professional tree trimming

• Securing patio furniture

• Checking heat cables (if installed)

• Ensuring drainage paths are clear

4. Prepare Heating Systems

Highlands homes often use heat pumps, propane furnaces, or fireplaces.

Before winter:

• Schedule heater service

• Inspect fireplaces & chimneys

• Test thermostats

• Check propane levels

• Replace filters

5. Plan for Long Absences

If you travel, or the home is seasonal:

• Set smart monitoring

• Use motion lights

• Keep pathways accessible

• Schedule regular home checks

• Ensure mail and deliveries are handled

Property Stewards Highlands performs routine inspections and emergency walkthroughs after major storms.

6. Make the Home Guest-Ready

When you arrive spontaneously, a prepared home makes all the difference.

Stock:

• Firewood

• Winter bedding

• Essential groceries

• Clean linens

• Salt/ice melt

• Emergency kits

Many second-home owners choose a concierge service to prepare the home before arrival.

✔️ Highlands Winter Prep FAQ

Does Highlands get snow?

Yes. Highlands is one of the snowiest towns in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

How early should I winterize?

Late October through early November is ideal.

Should I shut off the water when leaving?

If you leave for weeks at a time, shutting off water is recommended to prevent major damage.

Do I need someone to check on my Highlands home?

Absolutely. Freezing weather and storms can cause rapid damage when no one is present.