Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips for Upstate Lakefront Homes

Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Eric

Owning a lakefront home in Upstate South Carolina—on Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, or any of our region’s peaceful coves—is one of life’s great luxuries. Whether you’re already here or you’re eyeing the real estate listings and picturing yourself pulling the boat up to your own dock, this is one of the most sought-after places to live in the Upstate.

But with that beauty comes a unique set of responsibilities. Living on the water means your home is constantly exposed to humidity, changing water levels, and seasonal shifts that demand more attention than a typical inland property.

Whether you’re enjoying your home now or thinking about putting it on the market later, seasonal maintenance is an important part of lake living. With the right upkeep, these properties hold their value and then some. If you’re hoping to keep your lake house in peak shape year-round (and protect your investment), here’s your go-to guide for seasonal maintenance.

We’re walking through exactly what to tackle each season—what to tighten, clean, inspect, or put away—so your home stays in top shape. Ready to enjoy, ready to sell, or maybe just ready to be passed down to whoever’s next in line for the dream.

Spring: Wake-Up & Water Check

As the dogwoods bloom and Lake Keowee starts to shake off the chill, spring brings the perfect opportunity to take stock of your lake home. It’s a season of transition—and in Upstate South Carolina, that means high humidity, shifting water levels, and plenty of prep work before summer’s in full swing. A little early effort now can save you time, money, and stress once the busy season arrives.

What to focus on this spring:

• Check for winter damage. Even a mild Upstate winter can do a number on outdoor surfaces. Look closely at your home’s foundation, patios, walkways, and dock supports for signs of cracking or shifting. Freeze-thaw cycles can open up hairline cracks that worsen with rain and rising humidity. Catching them now means you can seal or repair before water finds its way in.
• Inspect your shoreline. Spring rains and snowmelt often bring higher lake levels. Walk the property to ensure riprap, seawalls, or natural vegetation buffers are still doing their job. If you see signs of erosion or pooling, now’s the time to reinforce those areas before summer storms test them again.
• Wash away the winter. Algae, mildew, and a generous layer of pollen can build up fast around the lake. Power washing siding, decks, docks, and stonework not only improves curb appeal—it helps preserve finishes and keeps things safer underfoot.
• Get ahead on HVAC servicing. Before the humidity rolls in and temperatures rise, have your system inspected and tuned up. Clean filters, check ductwork, and make sure everything’s operating efficiently. A well-running system keeps your lake home cool without driving up your energy bills.
• Test dehumidifiers and sump pumps. Lower levels in lakefront homes are notorious for trapping moisture. Spring rains only add to the problem. Run your systems and make sure they’re draining properly and keeping humidity levels in check.

Pro Tip: Early spring is the ideal time to schedule dock repairs, before summer demand spikes and contractors are booked out. So if your dock needs work—whether it’s a minor repair or a major upgrade—get on your contractor’s schedule early. By the time May rolls around, local crews are often booked solid through the summer.

Summer: Protect, Cool, and Enjoy

Summertime on the lake is why people move here—but it’s also when your home takes the biggest beating. Between UV rays, pop-up thunderstorms, high humidity, and steady foot traffic from guests and family, lakefront properties work hard all season long. Staying ahead of the elements helps preserve the beauty, function, and comfort of your home while giving you more time to actually enjoy it.

Here’s what to stay on top of during the summer months:

• Inspect your home’s dock regularly. Summer activity puts a lot of wear on docks. Make it a habit to walk your dock weekly, checking for soft boards, rusted hardware, or loose fittings. Replace anything questionable before it becomes a safety risk. Salt-treated wood and metal can degrade faster than you think under direct sun and constant splash.
• Cut back fast-growing vegetation. Brush and shoreline plants love summer rain—but so do snakes and insects. Trim trees and overgrowth to keep sightlines open, improve airflow around the house, and prevent critters from nesting near your home or dock. It’s also a good time to edge paths and driveways before they get overrun.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clear. It doesn’t take more than one summer storm to clog a gutter with leaves, pine needles, or roof grit. Clogged gutters back water up into fascia boards or spill over into flower beds and crawlspaces—none of which is good news. Take five minutes after every major rain to do a visual check.
• Manage interior humidity. Lakefront air is humid even on dry days. Combine that with summer showers and daily activity, and mold or mildew can creep into closets, crawlspaces, and lower-level guest rooms fast. Run ceiling fans, vent bathrooms, and set dehumidifiers to cycle automatically if you’ll be away for a few days.
• Protect outdoor furniture, railings, and wood trim. Direct sunlight and high UV levels can crack, fade, or warp finishes quickly. A quality UV protectant or sealant applied early in the season can make your outdoor areas look better and last longer—especially on south-facing porches or exposed dock furniture.

Pro Tip: Take advantage of a stretch of dry weather to reseal or stain your decks, dock, and wood siding. The summer heat actually works in your favor here—it helps cure coatings faster and lets you get back to enjoying your space without the wait.

Fall: Prep for Dormancy and Drop

As the lake quiets down and the leaves start to turn, fall is your window to prepare the property for cooler weather and the slower season ahead. While autumn in the Upstate doesn’t bring the harshest freezes, we still see cold snaps, heavy rains, and the kind of temperature swings that can wear down even the most well-maintained homes. A little prep now keeps things running smoothly through winter—and makes spring that much easier.

Here’s what to tackle before the first frost:

• Winterize your dock and boat lift. Depending on your setup, this might mean raising the lift, detaching floating sections, or securing loose components before strong winds or fluctuating water levels hit. Don’t forget to remove electronics, solar lights, cushions, or anything else that could be damaged or disappear over the winter.
• Drain irrigation lines and outdoor plumbing. If you have sprinklers, landscape lines, or outdoor sinks, make sure they’re fully drained and shut off. It only takes one overnight freeze to burst a pipe—and repairs can be far more expensive than a quick fall blow-out.
• Inspect your roof and flashing. Take a good look at the roofline and chimney seals. Leaves, acorns, and debris tend to pile up in roof valleys and gutters this time of year, and even a small leak around flashing can turn into a major repair if it goes unnoticed through a rainy season.
• Clear crawlspaces and underdeck storage. Fall is prime nesting season for rodents and wildlife looking for warmth. Remove firewood, old cushions, and any clutter that might attract unwanted guests—and consider sealing or screening off openings under porches or lake-level decks.
• Keep leaves off the foundation. It may be tempting to let a few piles go, but wet leaves pressed against your siding or foundation wall can trap moisture, leading to mildew, rot, and insect activity. A quick rake every couple of weeks pays off long-term.

Pro Tip: Fall is the perfect time to review your homeowner’s insurance and flood policy—especially if you’ve made any improvements or added shoreline structures this year. Make sure coverage is up to date before winter storms or water level changes put your home to the test.

Winter: Drain & Insulate

As you probably already know, winters in Upstate South Carolina are typically mild by national standards—but don’t let that lull you into skipping the essentials. Cold snaps and hard freezes still happen, especially in January and February, and we do occasionally see the odd winter storms that catch folks off guard. And if your lake home sits vacant for part of the season, a few preventive steps now can mean the difference between peace of mind and a costly spring repair.

Here’s how to keep your home safe and sound all winter long:

• Shut off and drain exterior water lines. Focus on any pipes that could be exposed to freezing air—outdoor kitchens, lake-level bathrooms, garden hose spigots, and irrigation systems. Even one undrained line can freeze and burst, leading to water damage or mold issues that go unnoticed for weeks in a seasonal home.
• Keep interior temps above freezing. If you’re not living in the home full-time, set thermostats to maintain at least 55°F throughout. Be sure warm air can circulate to vulnerable areas like under sinks and through laundry rooms or utility closets. If you have multiple HVAC zones, double-check all settings before you leave.
• Inspect insulation and exposed pipes. Check that your attic and crawlspace insulation is dry, intact, and adequate for local conditions. Wrap any exposed plumbing in garages or beneath the home, especially if your crawlspace isn’t fully conditioned. A little pipe insulation goes a long way in avoiding a mid-winter plumbing emergency.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Battery backups are especially important during the off-season, when a heating issue or power outage might otherwise go unnoticed. If you’ve got a gas fireplace, generator, or propane system, a working CO detector is a must.
• Protect outdoor belongings. Clean and cover any patio furniture, grills, or yard tools you’re not actively using. Freezing rain and wind can crack plastics, rust hardware, and stain or warp cushions. Even covered items do better when they’re dry and stored off the ground.

Pro Tip: A smart thermostat or remote monitoring system is one of the best investments a part-time resident can make. Many of today’s systems let you track temperature, humidity, and even water leaks—giving you real-time peace of mind no matter where you are.

Year-Round Tips

Living on the lake is a major privilege—but it’s also a responsibility. These year-round items don’t fall neatly into seasons, but they’re worth keeping on your radar:

• Be mindful of runoff. Choose eco-friendly lawn care products and maintain vegetative buffers to help keep the lake clean.
• Know your flood zone and check your insurance coverage annually—it’s better to find out now than after a storm.
• Stay familiar with Duke Energy permitting if your dock needs upgrades or changes.

Staying ahead of these items doesn’t just protect your investment—it shows pride of ownership. Whether you’re planning to stay for decades or thinking about listing your home on Lake Keowee for sale down the line, year-round care is what sets truly great lake properties apart.

We’re Here to Help

Maintaining a lakefront home takes a little more attention, but when you love where you live, it’s worth it. Whether you’re looking out over Lake Keowee or Lake Hartwell, or some hidden little gem off the beaten path, you’re living where most folks only wish they could vacation.

At Bob Hill Realty, we live here, too. We know the weather patterns, the property quirks, and the little details that make a big difference. If you ever have questions about local contractors, seasonal tips, or what adds real value to your home—we’re just a call or visit away.

And if you’re thinking about making a move—whether it’s buying a home on Lake Keowee or selling one you’ve lovingly cared for—we’d be glad to share what we know. There’s no pressure here, just honest insight from real estate experts who’ve spent decades helping people find their place by the water. Call Bob Hill Realty at 864.882.0855 or click here to send us an email.