How to Winterize a Cottage

Whether you’re thinking about buying a cottage or have recently purchased one, knowing how to properly maintain it is an important part of protecting your property and the equity you build with it.

Annual winterization is an essential aspect of cottage ownership. Whether you’ll be visiting throughout the colder months or leaving the property vacant until spring, there are a number of important steps to take to winterize your cottage before temperatures drop. Some of these items may be one-off processes, while others will be something you do every year. Either way, each step is important.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to winterize a cottage in Canada. Let’s get started.

Why Should You Winterize Your Cottage?

If you’ve never owned a cottage before, you may not understand why it’s so important to winterize it properly. First and foremost, proper winterization is a big part of maintaining your property and protecting the investment as a cottage owner.

Ontario is no stranger to harsh winters. From below-freezing temperatures and whiteout blizzards to fast-melting snow and slush, the colder months can do a number on your cottage. Without the right precautions, your cottage could face serious damage as a result of winter weather, leaving you on the hook for costly repairs.

Keep in mind that your cottage is a significant asset, and it’s crucial that you take winterization measures seriously. While some aspects of the process can be done on your own, you may need to hire contractors and tradespeople for certain jobs.

What Are the Steps to Winterizing a Cottage?

Every cottage is different. Which means that the exact steps to effectively winterize your cottage will be based on its unique characteristics, such as the original construction date and materials, as well as any renovations or upgrades that have been made throughout the years.

That being said, let’s look at some of the most common steps of winterization.

Inspect the interior and exterior of the property for damage or issues.
Turn off all lights and unplug all electrical appliances.
Turn off or reduce heating and cooling systems.
Remove all perishable food items from the fridge, freezer, and pantry.
Store away any outdoor furnishings, recreational items, tools, or other supplies.
Disconnect any propane systems (BBQ).
Take photos and videos of your cottage and the surrounding property.
Ensure all windows and doors are closed.
Lock up the cottage, including any sheds or outbuildings.

How to Winterize a Cottage Water System

One of the most important steps in winterizing a cottage is preparing the water system. Cold temperatures can be a major hazard for plumbing systems, especially with older properties. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to burst pipes and eventually, flooding.

Be sure to turn off the primary water supply and ensure all pipes are drained before you leave for the winter. Flush toilets and double-check faucets to make sure no water comes out. Once the draining process is complete, add non-toxic plumbing antifreeze to all drains and toilets to ensure any leftover water can’t freeze and expand.

About to buy a cottage? Check out these related resources for more helpful insights!

Winterizing a Cottage For Year-Round Living

If you’re looking to use your cottage throughout the colder months, the winterization process will look different.

Older cottages in Ontario were not generally built for four-season use. Therefore, if you’d like to convert yours into a year-round residence, there are certain steps you’ll need to take.

Ensure the foundation is in good condition, free from leaks or structural weaknesses that may be worsened by cold weather.
Invest in a proper heating system, such as a furnace or heat pump.
Add winter-ready insulation to walls, plumbing, attic, and floors.
If needed, upgrade to double or triple-pane doors and windows.
If needed, install a winter-safe septic system.
Ensure your electric system is winter-proof and has backup generators available.
Ensure you have phone and/or internet service for everyday use and emergencies.

Beyond just preparing the property itself, you’ll also need to verify whether your cottage neighbourhood receives the same municipal services in the winter as it does in peak season.

Can You Buy an Already Winterized Cottage?

The short answer is yes – you can buy a cottage that has been built or modified for all-season use. However, no property is completely hands-off. There will still be certain maintenance duties and responsibilities to look after throughout the winter months to keep your property in tip-top shape.

With that in mind, if you’re specifically searching for a cottage that’s fit for year-round living, you’ll want to work with a Cottage Country real estate agent who can specifically connect you to these types of properties.

Make the Most of Your Investment

Thinking about buying a cottage? Work with Cottage Country’s leading experts, Cottage Vacations Real Estate. No matter what your dream cottage looks like, we can help you unlock a great lifestyle and optimize your net worth at the same time.

Taking an educational approach, we’ll walk you through the details that matter most to you as a buyer, including winterization factors such as water and septic infrastructure, year-round vs. seasonal road access, and anything else you need to know to become an informed investor.