Set yourself up for summer bliss by performing this cottage maintenance before you kick your cottage season into full swing.
Summer cottage maintenance: When you arrive in cottage country this weekend, it will be worth it to check common problem areas of your property to assess for any damages left by the winter. Checking the following list of areas will save you some grief later in the summer since working outdoors won’t be as hot, and any potential damages will not have the chance to worsen. To perform this maintenance check-up, it is a good idea to include packing a few tools, and cleaning supplies into your pre-cottage preparations.
WATER SYSTEM
The harsh winter can do a number on your water system from the frequent thawing and refreezing of residual water. This can crack your pipe fittings, and split waterlines. For details on how to check your water system and what tests you can perform for your cottage maintenance regime, check out Cottage Life’s Opening Weekend Checklist for Your Cottage.
ROOFING
High winds, ice, and falling branches can all cause damage to your cottage’s roof. When you arrive at your property, check the interior ceilings for signs of water leakages in order to assess the degree of roof damage. If there are water marks on the ceiling, work quickly to arrange a professional to check the damage of your roof. Whether there are signs or not, take a peek at the roof to see if any shingles have been loosened, or if nails have popped out of place. Take the appropriate steps to remedy these damages if you are comfortable with the work, or contact a professional to take care of it for you.
DECKS AND DOCKS
Check the condition of your deck and your dock to see if there are signs of rot, or if any boards have broken over the winter. This will ensure you and your family are safe from any cracking wood over the summer. Replace broken or rotting boards, and, if you so desire, spray the deck wood with a wood preservative to help prevent rotting in the future. Finally, clean off your deck with the appropriate cleaner to help it look its best, and prevent deterioration. Check out Cottage Life’s 4 Ways to Spruce Up a Wooden Deck for tips on this last step.
WINDOW SCREENING
Window screens are your barrier from the wrath of mosquitos, black flies, deer flies, and other insects. Make sure they are in good shape to protect you from nasty bites while you’re enjoying the cottage. Check for any tears in the window and door screens. You can purchase a DIY screen replacement kit, like the one shown below from The Home Depot, to make screen fixes a cinch.
ELECTRICITY
Checking the condition of your electric system is very important when you head up to the cottage after a harsh winter. On the exterior of your cottage, check to make sure the power lines have not been downed (and stay a bus-length’s distance away from them if they have been). Also check your electricity meter for any damage. Call your electricity provider if there are issues with downed power lines or your electricity meter. On the interior of the cottage, take a look at your wires for signs of gnawing that may have occurred from pests getting inside. Check out Hydro One’s Cottage Safety page for more information.
CHARGE IT UP AND CLEAN IT OUT
Small cottage maintenance tasks to get your season on the right track include the following. Take time to test your smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors and change any batteries necessary. Check your fire extinguisher to see if it is charged as well.
Cleaning up the cottage is important for maintaining your property so it is worth it to get the cleaning done before you unpack and settle in for your stay. Dust, vacuum, and disinfect your home – especially if there were signs of rodents getting into your home. In that case, have a pest control service come to assess the condition of the cottage after you have checked small spaces of your home for evidence of mice. Clean the fridge before you stock it, and wipe down your cupboards and dishes before use. On the outside of your home, take time to clean eavetroughs from what fall and winter has left behind. Finally, check air filters and replace if necessary.
Cottage season is an exciting time for the whole family. Taking the steps towards the proper cottage maintenance of your property will not only set you up for an enjoyable cottage experience, but will preserve the condition of your cottage over the years. What are your cottage-opening tips for other cottage owners?
Be sure to check out what Lite Trax can do for you and your cabin this year!