{"id":2566,"date":"2016-09-02T16:00:08","date_gmt":"2016-09-02T16:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/knightplumbing.ca\/how-to-close-your-cottage-for-winter-complete-checklist\/"},"modified":"2025-04-26T13:46:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T13:46:41","slug":"how-to-close-your-cottage-for-winter-complete-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.knightplumbing.ca\/?p=2566","title":{"rendered":"How to Close Your Cottage for Winter – Complete Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most bittersweet times of the year is the end of the summer, when it\u2019s time to close up the cottage for the winter. The last of summer\u2019s warmth is fading, and soon your schedule will be full of things like helping your kids with schoolwork, enjoying fall colours and treats, and getting your main house ready for winter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If your cottage is not too far from the city, many owners try to stretch out the season as long as they can. If you find it hard to let go, keep in mind that while early fall is a great time to enjoy your cottage, if you wait too long freezing temperatures will be here before you know it, bringing potential damage to your property and belongings.<\/p>\n

In winter, your cabin or cottage\u2019s main enemies are water (which expands when it freezes) and mice. Most of your work will involve protecting against these two forces of nature. To help you get every last moment of enjoyment from your cottage, we\u2019ve arranged the tasks in chronological order so you can spread the work out over a few weekends. Even if your cabin is winterized, there are lots of items on this list that will still help you.<\/p>\n

1. Roofing Check and Gutter Cleaning<\/h2>\n

Take care if this item on a sunny day for safety, as you\u2019ll be up a ladder.<\/p>\n

Start with an inspection of the roof, including shingles and seals around chimneys. Repair or replace anything that\u2019s needed. Trim back any overhanging branches that may be brought down by ice.<\/p>\n

Then it\u2019s time to clean all gutters and downspouts. If they\u2019re full of leaves or needles, melted water can\u2019t drain away easily and you may get water damage.<\/p>\n

2. Put Away Boats and Sporting Goods<\/h2>\n

Canoes, kayaks, and other small boats should be stored upside down on sawhorses or a rack inside a locked boathouse. For extra security chain them together and padlock them. A coat of oil will protect any metal parts from rusting. Wood treatments may be needed for some items.<\/p>\n

If your boat is made of fibreglass or kevlar, it can be left outdoors but should be stored upside down on wooden blocks or (for larger boats) right side up on a cradle. A tarpaulin will keep leaves and debris out.<\/p>\n

Motors should be removed and stored separately if possible. Some people like to drain the fuel into a gas can and take it home, but you can also use fuel stabilizer if the manual says it\u2019s safe. If you can afford it, storing larger boats at a marina is a nice option.<\/p>\n

3. Haul Out Your Dock<\/h2>\n

Most docks break down into sections for easy removal and storage. The sections don\u2019t have to be indoors, but anything that is made of wood should be protected from moisture with tarps.<\/p>\n

If you clean and repaint the crib, it will be ready to go in the water on that first warm day of spring.<\/p>\n

4. Store Outdoor Furniture<\/h2>\n

Picnic tables, patio furniture and other items should be cleaned and stored somewhere where the snow and ice\u00a0can\u2019t get at them. Some wooden items will benefit from a coat of teak oil.<\/p>\n

5. Window Check and Clean<\/h2>\n

To keep critters from chewing holes in your screens while attempting a break in, remove and store them. Give them a good clean while you\u2019re at it. If you board up your windows, now is the time – it will definitely provide the best protection against break ins, both human and animal.<\/p>\n

6. Clean and Store Outdoor Tools<\/h2>\n

For any gardening or other tools you\u2019ve been using outside, a good cleaning and coat of oil is in order to prevent rust. Sharpening any tool blades will help you get ready for spring. Motorized items like lawnmowers should have the gasoline removed and taken home.<\/p>\n

Take home any containers or other items that clutter up your storage area. Latex paint in particular doesn\u2019t improve with freezing, and other compounds like caulking and adhesives might be vulnerable as well. The labels should tell you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

7. Prepare the Crawlway Under Your Cabin<\/h2>\n

Once the temperatures drop your cottage will start to look very cozy to the local critters. To discourage them:<\/p>\n