Returning to Florida for the winter means getting your home and property ready for another season.
Before settling back in, take some time to check for maintenance issues that may have developed while you were away, particularly around your waterfront property.
Your HVAC system, roof, gutters, pool, dock, boat lift, and seawall can all be affected by Florida's weather and the time your property spends unattended. A thorough inspection when you return can help you identify problems early and make sure your property is ready to enjoy for the season.
Use this checklist to work through the most important areas of your property before getting back to your normal routine.
Your HVAC system works hard in Florida, especially during the warmer months. If your home has been closed up for several months, start by checking your air filters and making sure the system is operating properly.
Before settling back into your home:
Starting with a clean filter and a properly functioning system can help keep your home comfortable as you settle back in for the season.
Gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. Leaves, branches, and other debris can collect while you are away, which can prevent water from draining properly.
When you return, check your gutters for:
Make sure water can move freely through the entire gutter system. If you find a problem, take care of it before the next major rainstorm.
Southwest Florida's weather can be tough on roofs, particularly during hurricane season. Some damage may not be immediately noticeable, so it is worth taking a closer look when you return.
From the ground, look for:
If you notice something that does not look right, consider having your roof professionally inspected. Finding damage early gives you an opportunity to address it before it leads to a larger problem.
If you have a pool, it will likely need some attention before you start using it regularly again. Remove debris, check the water chemistry, and make sure the equipment is working properly.
Before getting back in the pool:
Proper water chemistry and functioning equipment will help keep your pool clean and ready to use throughout the season.
Your dock is exposed to water and weather year-round, so it should be one of the first things you check when you return to your waterfront property.
Walk the length of the dock and look for:
Pay particular attention to areas that stay exposed to water and moisture. If you notice damage or movement, have the dock inspected before using it regularly.
Taking care of smaller maintenance issues as they arise can help keep your dock safe and functional throughout the season.
If your property has a boat lift, inspect it before putting your boat back on the lift. The lift may have been exposed to saltwater, moisture, storms, and corrosion while you were away.
Check the:
Operate the lift according to the manufacturer's recommendations and make sure everything is working as it should.
If you notice worn or damaged components, have them inspected before using the lift regularly. A problem with a lift can affect both the equipment and the boat it is supporting.
Your seawall is exposed to water and changing conditions throughout the year, making it another important part of your return-to-Florida checklist.
Walk along the seawall and look for:
Pay attention to changes in the seawall or surrounding property that were not there when you left. Cracks, erosion, movement, or other signs of damage should be evaluated by a marine construction professional.
The sooner you know what is happening with your seawall, the more time you have to determine the appropriate next steps.
Once you have worked through your main maintenance checks, take one final walk around the property before settling in for the season.
Look for anything that may need attention, including:
Taking a final walk around the property can help you spot anything that needs attention before you settle in for the season.
If you discover a problem with your dock, boat lift, or seawall, do not assume that a small issue will resolve itself. Waterfront structures are exposed to water, weather, and other conditions that can contribute to continued wear or damage.
The right next step will depend on what you find. You may need:
If you are unsure whether a crack, loose component, erosion, or another change requires attention, have it evaluated by a marine construction professional.
Addressing potential issues early can help prevent further damage and give you more time to understand your options, plan repairs, and keep your waterfront property ready to enjoy.
If you notice damage or concerns with your dock, boat lift, electrical components, or other waterfront structures, submit a service repair request so the Duncan Seawall team can take a closer look.
Snowbirds should inspect their home and property after returning to Florida, including the HVAC system, gutters, roof, pool, dock, boat lift, and seawall. Look for signs of storm damage, water intrusion, corrosion, erosion, or other issues that may have developed while the property was unattended.
Start with your dock, boat lift, and seawall. Look for cracks, corrosion, loose hardware, erosion, damaged boards, and other signs of wear or storm damage. If something looks different from when you left, have it checked before using the structure regularly.
The appropriate inspection schedule depends on the seawall, its age, construction materials, location, and exposure to environmental conditions. Regular inspections can help identify erosion, cracking, movement, and other changes before they become more serious.
Inspect the cables, pulleys, beams, brackets, hardware, motor, and electrical components. Look for corrosion, wear, or damage, and operate the lift according to the manufacturer's recommendations before putting your boat back on it.
Storms can contribute to erosion, movement, cracking, and other changes around a seawall. Checking your seawall after severe weather can help you identify damage and determine whether it needs professional attention.
If you notice a potential problem, schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Planning ahead gives you more time to understand the issue, determine the appropriate solution, and complete necessary work before you need to use your waterfront property regularly.
Returning to Florida should be about enjoying your home and getting back on the water, not discovering unexpected maintenance problems.
From your dock and boat lift to your seawall and other waterfront structures, taking the time to inspect your property at the start of the season can help you identify problems before they interfere with your plans.
If you find an issue with your seawall, dock, or boat lift after returning to Florida, Duncan Seawall can help you determine what needs attention. Our team provides seawall, dock, boat lift, and marine construction services throughout Southwest Florida.
Contact Duncan Seawall to discuss your waterfront property and get your home ready for the season.