Knowing how to winterize a cottage is essential to being able to vacation during cold, snowy winters. Measures for the frigid season must be taken to stay comfortably and to maintain the integrity and value of your vacation home.
In this guide:
Insulation
Heating
Plumbing and Water Systems
Outdoor Maintenance
Winter Safety Measures
Pest Control
Hire a Professional
Insulation
A big factor in the success of winterizing a cottage will be its ability to retain heat within, which is determined by how effective the insulation is. Insulation is measured in “R value,” where the higher the R value, the more temperature that barrier retains inside. There are several common culprits of a home that are prone to losing heat. By inspecting these problem areas and fixing any problems, you will save money on your energy bills and have a warmer, cozier home.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are the easiest barrier for outside weather to infiltrate, so having good quality ones with high R value and tight seals will minimize heat loss and energy costs. Inspect them regularly for air leaks, first by checking for movement and looking for daylight seeping through. If either of those two things are happening, there’s definitely some leaking. The next step is to hover your hand over the seal to see if you can feel a breeze, and you can also use a candle to see if it flickers. What’s even better is if you can blow a hair dryer or fan on the corresponding spot outside of the house. A more high tech solution is to use a thermal camera that can measure the temperature emitting.
If you find a leak, fixing it can be as simple as applying weather stripping and caulking, or as in depth as replacing the component altogether. No matter your plans for the windows, adhering polycarbonate plastic sheets over them for the winter is a frugal and easy way to save big on energy bills. Also…
Install Weather Stripping
Weather stripping is an insulating material with an adhesive side, applied to the gaps between the frame and the door or window to seal air leaks. Material such as foam tape, metal, rubber, felt or silicone can be used in the different variants of weather stripping. V-strip is a V-shaped piece of metal or plastic used for sealing gaps on the sides of double-hung or sliding windows and the tops of doors. Door sweeps are for the bottom of exterior doors. Felt strips most often used for older wooden windows and doors, and tubular gaskets are hollow, using the air within as an insulator, can be nailed, tacked, or glued, and are particularly effective for sealing irregular gaps
Consider Adding Extra Insulation
If your cottage doesn’t have quality insulation in the walls, replacing it is an extensive and costly project, but might be well worth it in the long run, for all the energy it would save. Sometimes governments provide incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, which considerably lower the cost. Do your research and you might be able to save a lot of money. If you’re unsure if it’s worth the cost and time, an energy audit can be a smart investment to see if drastic measures should be taken.
However, some insulation is easy to add. With attics and crawl spaces, there’s a good chance the walls haven’t been covered, and improving insulation could be as easy as just stuffing in some more. Since heat rises, extra attic insulation will greatly increase heat retention.
Heating
There are several different ways to heat your cottage, including using wood and electricity.
Wood-Burning Stoves
Much of Ontario is a boreal forest and abundant in wood. Wood burning stoves are efficient heaters, can be used to heat the whole house or just parts of it, and provide a dry heat that sucks out moisture from the air and helps prevent mold growing in damp conditions. Furthermore, a wood stove with a glass door also has a lovely ambiance. Just make sure to be fire safe! This means that you inspect fire extinguishers and batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide regularly to make sure they’re not expired or depleted. Abide by safety regulations, and have fire insurance should the worst case scenario occur.
Fireplace
A fireplace provides heat to the room it’s in, so it’s not a solution for heating the whole home, but is a lovely amenity, facilitating cozy evenings while it’s cold outside. Who doesn’t love a cup of something delicious to drink while wearing a blanket in front of a roaring fire after being out in the cold?
Electric Heating
There are many different options for electrical heating. Some options include baseboard heaters, wall heaters, radiant floor heating, and ceiling panels. If you are considering upgrading your heating system, it is imperative to research the different options and consult with an expert to determine the best one for your cottage and budget.
For a quicker, cheaper, but less permanent solution, there are space heaters, fireplace heaters, and ductless mini-split heat pumps that can be moved around when and to where they are needed. Lastly, some cozy personal options to stay warm are heated towel racks, luxurious after a shower, and heated blankets.
Programmable Thermostats for Energy Savings
In this age of smart computing, there are various models of programmable thermostats that provide energy savings options by regulating the heating to only when necessary. With this technology, you can control the heating of your home remotely. Some can also alert you to when any part of your heating system needs maintenance, and even predict the time it will take for the temperature to reach a desired level. “Learning” smart thermostats is the next level, as they learn from how they’re used to predict needs before they arise.
Preparing Plumbing and Water Systems
Preparing your pipes and water system for the winter is imperative. Water expands as it freezes, so if your system isn’t able to handle or prevent the expansion and has water in it, the result will be a disaster and likely very expensive.
Insulate Pipes to Prevent Freezing
Since ice takes up more room than water, when the water in the pipes freeze, it expands and can cause the pipe to break. Insulating the pipes can prevent them from freezing.
To determine which pipes need to be insulated, focus where they run outside or through areas of poor insulation. Pipe insulation materials are fairly common and affordable, so usually the most expensive part of this process is the time spent. However, it’s still much less costly than replacing broken pipes and repairing any damage caused. Once the pipes have been wrapped, don’t forget to check for drafts and air leaks. Gaps can be sealed with caulk and weatherstripping.
Drain and Winterize Outdoor Faucets
To drain and winterize a cottage’s outdoor faucets, first you need to shut off the water supply valve, typically located in the basement, crawl space, or utility room. If your cottage does not have a dedicated shut-off valve, you may need to turn off the main water supply.
To drain the outdoor faucet, simply open it and leave it open while you disconnect hoses and accessories attached to it.then, wrap the outdoor faucet with insulation foam or pipe insulation, or use a hose bib cover or faucet insulating sock designed for this purpose. These covers are typically made of foam or other insulating materials and slip over the faucet. Finally, inspect for any gaps and cracks and use waterproof sealant or caulk to seal them to prevent cold air from entering and freezing the pipe. Once the faucet is insulated and any gaps are sealed, place a cover over the faucet to provide an additional layer of protection.
Regularly Check for Leaks
After the winterization process is complete, It is still imperative to regularly check for leaks. We recommend doing this soon after the winterization has been completed, and before the weather gets too cold, so if there is an issue, it hopefully won’t have caused damage. If you’ve had your cottage professionally winterized and still find a leak, take a video of the problems and call the company immediately to remedy the situation. No matter how much experience they have, humans make mistakes, so don’t forget this crucial step.
Winter Landscaping and Outdoor Maintenance
Clear Snow and Ice from Walkways
Keeping the walkways to your house clear of snow and ice is a time consuming process, but important for safety and insurance purposes. Make sure that snow and ice is removed regularly, and walkways are salted and inspected to prevent slippery patches. Also, check with your insurance company to make sure you’re covered if a guest hurts themselves on your property, and if they don’t, find another carrier who will. A lawsuit will quickly turn a good investment into a nightmare.
If you aren’t going to be doing it yourself all winter, find a reputable local snow removal company with good reviews that will take care of it.
Prune Trees to Prevent Winter Damage
Pruning trees to prepare for winter is important for the trees’ health, as well as the safety and integrity of your cottage. Pruning reduces weight on branches caused by snow and ice buildup, which in turn leads to broken branches that are potential hazards to people and property below. It also improves air circulation within the canopy of the tree, reducing the risk of fungal diseases that are more prevalent in damp, stagnant air, especially during the winter months. Furthermore, it shapes and strengthens the tree to reduce wind resistance. A well-balanced tree is less likely to topple over in strong winds.
There are a few strategies for pruning. First, prune during the tree’s dormancy, typically late fall or early winter when the tree is not actively growing. Avoid pruning in late winter or early spring, as this can stimulate new growth that may be vulnerable to frost. Start by removing any dead or diseased branches that are the most likely to break. Thinning comes next: selectively remove branches to reduce the density of the canopy to improve air circulation and reduce snow and ice buildup. Focus on removing crossing branches, crowded areas, and branches with narrow crotch angles, then reduce long or heavy branches so they don’t accumulate weight and overload the tree. Throughout this process, make sure you’re not “topping” the tree, which means cutting off its top, as it weakens the tree’s structure and can lead to rapid regrowth of weak, vertical shoots.
For larger or more complex pruning jobs, or if you are unsure about the best approach, it’s a good idea to consult a professional arborist. They have the expertise and equipment to safely prune trees and ensure their long-term health.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Equipment
Any outdoor furniture that is not appropriate for winter use must be stored in a safe, dry place to avoid damage and any mold or mildew buildup. Furniture that’s used in the winter time should be secured to prevent it moving during high winds, and anything that is not strong enough to hold a lot of weight should be undercover to prevent snow and ice accumulation that could lead to damage.
Winter Safety Measures
The winter season brings with the cold weather its own unique set of challenges and considerations. Be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.
Stock Emergency Supplies
While snow can be beautiful, charming and a lot of fun, it also poses some risks. To minimize danger and mitigate those risks, it is important to have an emergency stock. A generally recommended amount of water per person per day is about 1 gallon, or just under 4 liters. Non-perishable food and canned goods will last in the pantry, so if you can’t get to the store you won’t go hungry, and don’t forget the can opener. If your stove is electric, make sure you have a portable camping one and lots of propane. Candles and flashlights are useful in a power outage, along with a lighter and fresh batteries. Medications, a first aid kit, personal hygiene supplies, a Swiss Army knife, a charged power bank, snow removal tools, and a heating source, ideally all packed away in an emergency kit, can be the difference between a nightmare and a pleasant staycation, and even a literal lifesaver. Lastly, don’t forget your entertainment sources to keep you occupied while you sit tight. A deck of cards and board games can help keep the boredom at bay.
More about cottage supplies: The Ultimate Cottage Packing List
Emergency Snow Removal
If you can’t get out from your cottage through the main doors there may be an alternative way through a window. Hopefully it’s not too far of a drop, and the snow that’s blocking your exits will also act as a cushion in case of a bad fall. That being said, make sure you have a snow shovel accessible in the house should you get snowed in. Keeping any emergency numbers handy and an obvious place will be crucial in a worst case scenario
Ensure Adequate Lighting
While already covered in emergency supplies, it is worth reiterating the importance of having candles, flashlights, lanterns, and any other sources of light, along with a lighter or matches and fresh batteries, should the electricity be cut off. There is nothing worse than fumbling around in the dark trying to organize yourself, and potentially getting injured from unseen hazards.
Pest Control
Seal Entry Points for Rodents
Although many of the annoying critters, such as mosquitoes black flies and the like vanish during winter, other pests, especially rodents, will do everything they can to sneak into your warm home and escape the cold. Some entry points include gaps and cracks in walls, poorly sealed doors and windows, roof vents, attic vents, chimneys , crawl spaces, utility openings, garage and basement doors, rotted or deteriorating wood, gaps around pipes and plumbing, pet doors, and attics and eaves.
Inspect your cottage regularly, and seal any gaps, cracks, or holes with appropriate materials such as mesh screens, caulking, or foam. When living there, store food in airtight containers and maintain a clean and clutter-free environment inside and around your cottage.
Store Food Properly to Prevent Infestations
Food improperly stored will attract pests. It’s not a matter of if, but when. To avoid this, it’s crucial to store your food properly. Here are some tips on how to do this.
- Use airtight containers for dry goods such as grains, cereals, pasta, flour, and sugar, which prevent pests from accessing the food while keeping it fresh.
- Rotate food by placing new items at the back to ensure that older items are used before they expire.
- Regularly clean and vacuum your pantry or food storage area to remove crumbs and spilled food that can attract pests. Pay special attention to corners and crevices.
- Dried bay and mint leaves are a natural deterrent for some pantry pests, such as moths and weevils. Replace these leaves periodically.
- High humidity can encourage pests, so store food in a cool, dry place. Use dehumidifiers if necessary, especially in basements or humid climates.
- If you notice any signs of infestation, such as small holes in packaging, tiny larvae or insects, or droppings, investigate and take action immediately, and hopefully you can nip the problem in the bud.
- Freeze or refrigerate vulnerable foods like whole grains and nuts, which can be susceptible to infestation by pantry pests. Freezing them for several days before transferring them to airtight containers can kill any potential pests and their eggs.
Consider Professional Pest Control Services
If you have a severe infestation that you cannot control with preventive measures, consult a professional. They are trained to eliminate the pests, and can provide insight as to how they infiltrated in the first place, so you can address the problem at the source. They may require you to vacate the premises for a few days while they fumigate, but that’s a better alternative than living with pests and having them potentially deteriorate your cottage.
Hire a Professional
When preparing to winterize, it is not a bad idea to consult with a professional service provider. While more expensive, the extra money spent will pale in comparison to, for example, a pricey plumbing repair should your pipes burst. There are companies that specialize in ensuring your home is winter ready, and can give you peace of mind that nothing was overlooked and will create a problem in the future.
While it can be a daunting undertaking, winterizing is absolutely essential to maintaining the integrity and value of your cottage. By knowing how to winterize a cottage, you can ensure that your investment doesn’t deteriorate, as well as also enjoy the beautiful snowy winters of the Ontario countryside. Winter in Ontario is a magical wonderland with a plethora of great activities that will enrich and entertain, and give a rosy glow to your cheeks. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just poor preparation, and by winterizing your cottage, you’ll always be ready to enjoy the cold months. We hope this guide has been helpful in preparing you, and it will be an easier undertaking as each year passes.
Looking to buy a cottage that’s ready for winter?
If you’re in the market to buy a cottage that’s equipped for Canada’s winters, CV Real Estate can help you find the perfect winter getaway or investment property.
