As the crisp autumn air transforms into the chill of winter, it's time to shift our attention to the well-being of our cherished cottage retreat.
We spend so much time and money on our family cottages and recreational properties, that it only makes sense to do all we can to protect them.
Whether your cottage serves as a year-round home or a seasonal escape, the importance of winterizing cannot be overstated. Properly preparing your cottage for the frigid months ahead is essential to protect your property, reduce energy costs, and ensure a warm and inviting environment when you return in the spring.
By being as thorough as possible, you’ll not only keep out the weather and little critters but, according to Desjardins General Insurance, you’ll also keep your property insurance costs down by reducing the chance of damage over the winter and any resulting claims.
Keep in mind that closing your cottage can take up to four weekends. Aim to be finished when the cold and frost settle in to ensure a smooth and easy process.
Here’s a brief checklist to help you stay organized:
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Take a good look around your entire property. Identify anything that may need an emergency repair before you close for the season and make sure there’s time to get it done. A good example is roof repairs because snow and ice over the winter could make the problem much worse.
- Animal and weatherproof your place:
- Clean out the gutters and the chimney. Before you leave for the season, be sure to cover the chimney to keep out the weather and animals.
- Check for and seal any small openings.
- Secure and seal all the windows and doors.
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Make your cottage burglar-proof. Ultimately, you want your place to look as uninteresting as possible. If you have a gate at the entrance of your driveway, chain it up. Tidy up outside, packing up all outdoor furniture and removing any fire hazards. Inside, close your blinds, curtains and/or shutters.
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Clean out your kitchen and fridge. Canned food can expand and possibly explode over the winter and other food items can attract mice. Leave your cupboards spotless so that you won’t come back to any surprises in the spring. If you’d rather not bring it all the way back to the city, consider throwing an end-of-season party for your neighbours or donate it to a local food bank.
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Turn off the water, electricity and in some cases the natural gas or propane. Be sure to drain the pipes to prevent freezing and cracking. Pouring environmentally friendly non-toxic antifreeze (used in RVs) into your toilets is a good idea if you’re unable to drain them completely.
For more tips on how to save money on your cottage insurance, visit desjardinsgeneralinsurance.com.
