Whether you live in your Muskoka cottage year-round or part-time, fall is the season to winterize your home. Going through a basic home maintenance checklist is a great way to plan for any prep work needed or discover if there’s something in need of repair. The last thing you want is to deal with a leaking pipe in the middle of January. Listed below are some of the main areas to cover when preparing your Muskoka cottage for the coming winter months.
Roof Care. A solid roof will make all the difference when it comes to weathering winter storms. Start the season off right by cleaning the gutters and having your roof inspected for damaged shingles. If you have any concerns call in a roofing expert to give your home the once-over.
Windows and Doors. A lot of heat and energy can be lost through improperly insulated windows and doors. A fresh layer of insulation caulking or foam can help keep heat from leaking out and the cold from coming in. A quick way to check for drafts is to use a lit candle. Pass it slowly along with window and door frames, if the flame flickers you have a draft.
Pipes and Faucets. The last thing any homeowner wants is a burst pipe in the middle of winter. This is where a little bit of prevention can go a long way. Remove all hoses from external faucets and shut them off, then attach an insulated cover onto each. Cover any exposed pipes in the basement or crawl spaces with pipe insulation as well. Do the same with any sinks and their pipes which are on external walls of your cottage.
Pruning & Foundation Check. Take a walk around your home and prune back any close-growing vegetation. This is not only a good way to help plants get into a dormant state, but it’s also a great chance to check your foundation for any cracks or gaps which could let in weather or wildlife. If you find any areas in need of repair, consider hiring a structural engineer to help. A properly sealed foundation will make winter a breeze.
Fireplace/Woodstove & Chimney. The cold, dark of winter is made better with a cozy fire. It’s imperative to have your fireplace or woodstove and chimney cleaned and examined before the start of winter. Not only is a smoky fire unpleasant to experience, but a blocked chimney is also a fire hazard. Enjoy your fireside evenings with peace of mind and have your hearth and chimney cleaned and inspected. If you don’t have a chimney cap, add one, this will keep debris from falling in.
Smoke & Carbon Alarms. Safety is always a big component of your home. Now’s the time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they’re over 10 years old, replace them; the standard alarm begins to lose its functionality at the 10-year mark. Replace the batteries at least once a year. These alarms are even more critical to have installed with homes focused on energy efficiency. By sealing up your home to keep heat in, you’re also sealing in other substances such as too much carbon monoxide from the fireplace or water heaters. Detecting alarms help save lives.
Check out this great fall home maintenance checklist by HomeAdvisor.com and get started winterizing your Muskoka Cottage.
If it’s time to sell your cottage or you’re ready to move to Muskoka, you can rely on The Rick Wearing & Sandra Parrott Team to help you every step of the way. We put our care and expertise to work for you, so you can enjoy the best experience whatever your real estate needs and dreams may be. Please call us at 705-788-3535 or email at info@WearingParrottTeam.com today!
This information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable. The Wearing Parrott Team does not guarantee accuracy; we recommend information be validated independently.