Following a season of great memories and fun, it’s time for many cottage owners to close up for the season. The winter months can be harsh on a cottage. Owners must consider several things to protect their investment and keep their cottages safe. The last thing you want to deal with is insurance issues when you return. So, let’s consider some tips to help minimize problems when closing the cottage for the season.
1. Tidy Up Before Closing the Cottage
This one may seem like the most obvious, but it can easily be forgotten! Make sure you take all of your valuables home with you. Some general maintenance, such as sweeping up and wiping things down, will allow you to be greeted by a clean cottage next year. Remember to properly take out all garbage and recycling not to bring any unwanted smells or pests! Another great thing to keep in mind is to remove any loose paper, newspapers, or oil rags that can be potential fire hazards. Make sure chemicals, such as cleaners, are taken home with you or disposed of properly.
2. Electricity: On or Off?
It may sound simple, but you need to consider whether you should keep your electricity on or off during the winter. Shutting down the power to your cottage with the main switch is generally recommended. However, if you have an alarm, it won’t work without power. If you turn off your main power, remember to turn off all major appliances, heaters, and water heaters before flipping that main power switch. If you have an alarm you want to keep on at your cottage during the winter, it’s a good idea to unplug all your major appliances to avoid any danger and save yourself some money.
3. Don’t Forget to Turn Your Water Off!
Water can be a big issue if you turn off your cottage heat for the winter. Don’t just turn off your water, however. Make sure to drain your pipes, as well! Turn off the main water valve, turn on your faucets, and let all the water run out. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also wrap your pipes in some cloth to keep them warm during the colder months. Trust us, nobody wants the hassle of a burst pipe when you’re opening up the cottage next spring! Don’t forget to drain your cottage’s water tank, but remember to shut off the power before doing so. If your cottage has a sump pump, make sure to double-check that it is in working condition. This can save you from any potential flooding.
4. Check Your Septic Tank Before Closing the Cottage
Most cottages will have a septic tank for sewage. Make sure you have kept your servicing up-to-date before closing up the cottage for the winter to avoid any forthcoming issues. Remember, the average septic tank needs to be serviced every 5-8 years, sometimes even less if it’s an older tank. It’s always best to get tasks like these out of the way so you can rest easy before going back in the spring!
5. Don’t Invite Unwanted Furry Guests
We all know how much wildlife is in cottage country. As cute as some of these critters may be, you don’t want them making a home inside your cottage when you are gone. Take a quick walk around your cottage to make sure there are no openings where critters can come in. Additionally, it’s super important to defrost and clean out your fridge while ensuring no food is left in it! If your cottage has a fireplace, make sure you close the damper and put a cap on the roof, if necessary. Another helpful tip is to throw some mothballs around the cottage while you are gone. This will put off any unwanted bugs or animals!
6. Check Outside and Around the Cottage
Before heading off for the season, inspecting the outside of your cottage is crucial. Focus mainly on your roof. Water damage from missing shingles can be a huge problem, so replace any missing shingles before closing up. If it’s time for a new roof, get it done by a reputable roofing contractor during the warmer months. Make sure also to trim any branches hanging over your cottage. Over the winter, the weight of the ice and snow can snap branches that may fall onto your cottage. In addition to this, make sure you close your dampers and seal all stove pipes and chimneys with metal caps. Ensure your eavestroughs are clean, as leaf accumulation can slow water drainage when snow begins to melt in the spring.
7. CloseYour Pool (if applicable)
Not everyone has a pool at their cottage, but those who do have to close it up when the warm weather leaves. This applies even if you go to your cottage in the winter! For a complete description on how to close your pool for the season, check out our article on closing and opening your pool for the season! In the meantime, there are a few steps to follow to make sure your pool is closed correctly:
- Begin by cleaning out your pool. Fish out any leaves, dirt, dead insects, and other debris. This will stop algae from making a home in your pool when it’s closed up. Don’t forget to scrub the sides of your pool of any dirt and debris, and give it a quick vacuum before closing it up for the season!
- Remove your pool equipment. Floats, hoses, cleaners, or railings! Clean, dry, and store them in a dry, safe space, like a shed.
- Lower your pool water level. Freezing temperatures can freeze the water and damage your pool lining. You should make sure it’s roughly five inches below the skimmer if your pool is vinyl-lined, and five inches below the tile line if your pool is plaster. You’ll also want to ensure all the water is drained from your pump and/or heater. Even a tiny amount of water stuck in the filter can freeze and expand, causing extensive (and costly) damage.
- Make sure your pipes are clear and wrapped up. Please do this by unscrewing the pool’s pipes and making sure there is no settled water in them, which can freeze and cause potential bursting!
8. Plan When to Close the Cottage Each Year
This one is the simplest but just as important as the rest! We know you can be in a rush to hit the road and beat any traffic home, but it’s a good idea to take note of any maintenance or repairs that can wait until the following season. If you find your dock needs to be fixed or your deck is due for a revamp, take note of it and plan to fix it. This way, you can head up there in the spring and get your repairs done so that you can enjoy the cottage when summer rolls around again!
9. Now, it’s Time to Close the Cottage
You’ve completed the list above, and now, it’s time to head out on the road home. Make sure all buildings are locked and secured! If you have a trusted neighbour who sticks around all year, ask them to keep an eye on your cottage throughout the winter. Or, drive up yourself to keep an eye on things if you wish to do so. For some additional security, install a video doorbell, cameras, and an alarm around the property. This will help if you want to check in from home from time to time!
Most importantly, remember spring is not that far away, and the cold weather will pass. If you have an issue when you do head back to the cottage, please contact isure or request a quote today!
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