Winter cottage maintenance - 10 things to remember!

If you're one of the fortunate few who own a cottage, or are thinking of acquiring one, you'll probably use it most during the summer months. To ensure that it retains all its charm and withstands the rigors of winter, minimal maintenance is essential.

Here are a few essential tips before you leave your haven of peace until spring, or for an extended period.

1- Remove snow from the roof

Before you leave, and a few times during the winter, you'll need to clear the snow from your cottage roof to prevent excessive accumulation of snow and ice. If not properly drained, some roofs could collapse under the pressure of too much snow. What's more, snow that exerts too much weight could damage siding joints and allow water to seep in when it melts.

2- Empty the pipes

As you probably know, water expands when it freezes. That's why it's crucial to completely drain your cottage's plumbing before you leave for an extended period, especially if you're reducing or turning off the heating. Failure to do so can result in serious water damage caused by frozen pipes bursting.

3- Protect yourself against bugs and intruders

Cottages are often synonymous with forests, and forests are synonymous with wild animals! To avoid inviting animals and insects into your cottage, make sure you don't leave any organic waste around, and lock and secure all entry points to the building before leaving it unattended. If you're going to be away for several months, it's a good idea to protect your windows by barricading them with wooden boards, to make your cottage safer and deter intruders, furry or otherwise!

4- Clean up

In preparation for your return, clean and tidy up your space so that it's clean when you get back. Do your laundry and dishes, and don't forget to take out the garbage.

5- Unplug your appliances

Before you leave your home for several months, turn off and unplug all appliances that don't require electricity during your absence. And turn down the heat a few degrees. Your wallet will thank you!

6- Inspect and clean your gutters

Empty your eavestroughs of fallen leaves and other debris. Make sure they're in good condition, too.

7- Check your doors and windows for leaks

To prevent water infiltration and save on your heating bill, check the seals and change them if necessary.

8- Remove and wash your screens

Your screens collect dust, pollen and all kinds of particles. Once a year, clean all your screens with a brush and soapy water. Then store them in a room for the winter.

9- Prepare your yard

•     Clean and put away garden furniture;
•     Cover shrubs that are sensitive to the cold;
•     Apply fall fertilizers to help trees, lawns, perennials and shrubs;
•     Rake leaves;
•     Mow the lawn one last time;
•     Mulch the base of your plants and shrubs to protect their roots from rodents and bad weather;
•     Empty pots and flower boxes.

10- Ask a neighbor for help

There's nothing like the kindly eye of a trusted neighbor to make sure your cottage stays in good health all winter long. If possible, enlist the help of someone who lives near your cottage to drop in from time to time to make sure everything's under control. You can never be too careful!