If you’re lucky enough to have a cottage in Canada, it’s probably been a part of many treasured summer memories. But as summer fades into fall, our thoughts are obviously going to turn to what’s coming next: winter! Not every cottage is built to be used year-round, which is why it’s important to properly close your cottage for the season (also know as winterizing a cottage) once the last trip there has been made. Taking the steps to make sure your cottage is secure for the winter can save you a ton of trouble later on.

If this is your first time winterizing a cottage, don’t fret – we’ve got everything you need to know. 

The importance of winterizing your cottage

It’s no secret that Canadian winters are harsh, and neglecting to winterize your cottage can lead to costly damage. Freezing temperatures pose a significant risk to plumbing. Water expands when it freezes, causing pipes to burst and flood your property. This not only creates a mess but can also lead to extensive water damage to walls, floors, and furnishings.

Ignoring pest control can also invite unwanted guests. Rodents and insects seek shelter in warm spaces during winter and can cause damage to insulation, wiring, and stored items. They can also spread diseases and create unpleasant odours – not what you want to be surprised with when you reopen your cottage next season!

Also, protecting the structure of your cottage is vital. Heavy snow accumulation can strain the roof, potentially leading to leaks or even collapse. Leaving furniture exposed to the elements can result in warping and damage. Properly winterizing, including draining water systems, sealing gaps, and securing outdoor items, safeguards your investment and ensures your cottage remains enjoyable for years to come. 

So, what about home insurance? Does winterizing your cottage affect your insurance? The short answer is yes - winterizing your cottage can impact your insurance. Insurers view properly winterized properties as less risky, meaning fewer potential claims for frozen pipes, water damage, or other winter-related issues. This reduced risk can lead to lower premiums.

On the other hand, failing to adequately winterize your cottage could increase your premiums or even void your coverage if damage occurs due to negligence. Contact your insurance provider for specific requirements and find out the necessary steps to ensure you're fully protected.

Winterizing your cottage in 11 steps

Now that you know how important it is to winterize your cottage, we’ve got 11 simple steps to follow to ensure you can secure your home efficiently and have a smooth reopening in the spring. From draining pipes to securing windows, we'll cover everything you need to know for a worry-free winter. Let's get started!

1. Inspect the property for damage

The first step before closing your cottage is to take a walk around the property and assess any damage that might have happened to things like the roof, chimney, the foundation, or eaves troughs. Doing this a little earlier on will allow you to fix anything before closing (which means not having to deal with it in the spring). Be mindful of any small spaces or cracks were little critters could get into – you won’t want to have to clean up after them next year.

2. Clean and inspect the fireplace

If you have a fireplace, have it inspected and cleaned out at the end of the season and close the damper vent. This makes for one less cleaning task to do when you re-open your cottage next season.

3. Unplug major appliances 

Another task that should be top of mind is unplugging appliances like the fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, dryer, and so on. And though it may save you time, shutting off all power at the fuse board might not be the best option. Some things like the sump pump should remain on to prevent any flooding.

4. Turn off or adjust heating

Some people prefer to turn the heat off in their cottage completely, but turning it down to 10 degrees or so will help prevent frozen (and bursting) pipes.

5. Shut off main water supply and drain pipes

As mentioned, frozen and bursting pipes are a definite concern in the winter months, and you’ll definitely want to avoid any surprise water damage. To double check, turn on a faucet to make sure no water comes out, and you’re good to go.

6. Pump out the septic system

The general rule is to do this every 3-5 years, so if it’s around that time for your cottage, now (early fall) is the best time to do it. You won’t want to deal with any smelly messes in a few months!

7. Take care of stored liquids

Be mindful of liquids that will stay in storage over the winter as some might not be able to handle extreme cold. For example, paint stored in the garage might have to be brought inside, while gas for the boat can stay in the boathouse.

8. Clean and take BBQ off of propane tank

This one is pretty self-explanatory – just disconnect the propane tank and store it in the shed or garage. A quick cleaning of the BBQ itself can also go a long way towards having things ready for next season’s guests.

9. Take photos of everything

This is a good move in case any damage happens to the property during the winter. Your insurer will want to see evidence of before and after the damage occurred, so this will make the process smoother if you need to make a claim.

10. Clean out your fridge and pantry

Get creative and make a dinner using all of the “lasts” of food in your fridge or pantry. This way, you won’t have to take them all home. If you are unplugging the fridge, leaving the door open slightly will help prevent mildew build-up.

11. Lock up

Lastly, check that everything is locked. Everything from bunkies, garages, boathouses, sheds, and the actual cottage. Try and make sure expensive stuff like your boat(s), paddle boards, kayaks, lawn equipment, and so on, are out of sight.

After you’ve done all of these steps, it’s important to check up on the property throughout the winter and check for any ice buildup on the roof, etc. If you can’t make the trip, ask a neighbour who’s up there during the colder months to check for ice or clear any snow. Some cottage communities will also hire a shared maintenance service that you can join in on!

Winterizing your cottage FAQs

How much does it cost to winterize a summer cottage​? 

Winterizing a summer cottage typically costs between $200 and $500, depending on the size and complexity of the job. This includes things like draining pipes, insulating, and covering vulnerable areas. However, more extensive winterization needs could push costs up to $1,000 or more. 

How do you winterize a cottage for year-round living in Canada?

To make a Canadian cottage livable year-round, you'll need to upgrade its insulation, heating system, and potentially plumbing to handle freezing temperatures. Think about things like thicker walls, a furnace or efficient wood stove, and wrapping exposed pipes. Don't forget to ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup!

What temperature should I keep my cottage in the winter?

Keep your cottage around 8-10°C during the winter. This temperature helps prevent frozen pipes and major damage while saving energy.

Wrapping up 

Your cottage is home to some of the best memories with family and friends, so make sure it’s protected. Most insurance companies can list your cottage on your home policy as a secondary property, but you can also purchase separate insurance for it. Properly insuring your cottage and maintaining it during the winter months will help the longevity of your weekend home so you can keep the good times coming!