While the warm summer nights and beautiful fall leaves are magical, there comes a time when the cottage has to be closed up until next spring.
Before leaving for another season, it pays to go over the condition of your property and make any repairs to avoid nasty surprises. Here are some key things to do before closing up for the winter:
Drain your pipes and/or leave your heat on low.
You’re going to be away for a while. Leaving your pipes full for months on end can result in stagnant water, bacterial growth, or, most dangerously, frozen pipes that can burst and lead to catastrophic flood damage.
Examine the sump pump and septic tank; ensure the sump pump has backup battery power.
The last thing you want while you’re away is for the sump pit to cause a flood during a power outage. Ensure your sump pump has backup power to prevent any unwanted disasters. As a bonus, check your septic tank to make sure there are no leaks or clogs that would otherwise go untaken care of while you’re away.
Unplug appliances to avoid issues if flooding does occur.
What’s worse than a flood? a flood mixed with electronics, of course! In the event of flooding, it’s imperative that we keep damages to a minimum. Mixing electronics and flooding can lead to an electrocution hazard, which can result in far larger problems than floor damage for any persons present. Unplugging electronics also minimizes the chance of an electrical fire due to electronics submerging and minimizes the chance of a power surge during winter storms.
Inspect your roof and any precarious trees nearby.
Before heading out, do a roof inspection to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for those Southwest Ontarian winters. Search for any possible exposures or other damages that could lead to leaks. You should also be investigating any nearby trees, to see if a harsh winter in the Great Lakes region could turn branches into a structural liability. Take the time to do these to prevent emergency repairs.
Clean out eavestroughs as they can lead to water damage if blocked.
Ensuring your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of autumn leaves and debris is a vital step in winterizing your property. In the Great Lakes region, blocked gutters are a primary cause of ice damming, where melting snow is forced under your shingles, leading to significant roof deck rot and interior ceiling damage. When water cannot flow freely through your drainage system, it pools at the base of your foundation. Eventually, this concentrated moisture increases hydrostatic pressure against your basement walls, which can lead to cracks and seepage. By thoroughly cleaning your gutters and extending your downspouts away from the building, you protect your foundation’s structural integrity and prevent costly water remediation projects in the spring.
Review your insurance policy and make sure you have the proper coverage.
No matter how many precautions we take against would-be disasters, there’s always the chance of something going wrong. Making sure your insurance policy is giving you the proper coverage is a sure way to take financial worry in the event of an accident off your shoulders.
Devastating weather events such as heavy rainstorms are increasingly common, so it’s also crucial to take steps to prevent damage to your property from extreme conditions. Be sure to secure outdoor furniture or bring it inside, sign up with your utility company for outage alerts, and have a plan in place for what you’ll do in the event of a storm. Looking after these concerns can help prevent damage over the winter.
If you need to make any repairs, stop in and see our team of experts. We carry a large selection of products you need to complete any job, big or small, and have three great locations to serve you – RONA Dutton, Rodney & Springfield.
Article supplied by NewsCanada and edited to fit local advertiser content. This material was supplied free of charge.