Winter is officially over, and spring has finally begun to rear its head in cottage country, bringing with it green grass, blooming flowers, and a checklist of spring maintenance tasks.
Many can’t wait to hit the cottages for the first time come spring, especially those in Canada, where the Victoria Day weekend in late May is one of the most popular weekends for celebrating in cottage country. If you’re looking for a cottage to call your own, these cottages for sale in Huntsville Muskoka, might be just what you’re looking for.
But before you jump into a season of fun at the cottage, there are some spring maintenance tasks that should be completed to ensure your cottage experience is as relaxed as possible! Here are a few examples of ways to prepare your cottage for spring!
Bug Proofing
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Mid to late spring is when many pesky insects begin to once again appear and cause a nuisance in our lives at the cottage. If your cottage is in wooded areas or on the lake especially, insects like mosquitos, blackflies, and biting midges can all be especially prevalent as early as May, making April a good time to get some last-minute preparations for keeping the seasonal guests out of your home.
A good tip to bug-proofing your home is to install a door sweep on your entrance doors to prevent critters from sneaking through beneath the frame. Adding weather stripping around the frames of the doors and windows of your cottage can also help to prevent external pests from sneaking in.
Another one of the biggest bug preventions in a cottage is screen windows, which allow for your cottage windows to remain open without the fear of insects flying in. A common issue that screens can have is getting small tears in them, hardly big enough to justify replacement, but enough that insects can creep in. If you find your screen window has minor holes in it, a cheap solution is to use super glue to mend the mesh of the area.
Deck and Dock Inspection
The chances are that the decks and docks of your cottage did not see much use over the icy conditions of winter. As the weather warms and you prepare these amenities for their seasonal use.
When it comes to the deck, inspect for signs of mould and rot, inspect the staircase for loose traction, and ensure that your railings are secure and stable to prevent any hazards during the spring and summer.
If your cottage is by the water and comes with a dock, check to make sure that your hinges, cleats, and all other pieces are secure and fastened. Use this time to replace any damaged bumpers to ensure your time on the water is as smooth as possible.
Safety Check-in
If your cottage is only occupied seasonally, chances are it’s been some time since you last checked in on the safety features of your cottage. Before the cottage season gets into full swing, now is a good opportunity to check the batteries of your smoke detectors, the expiry date of your fire extinguishers, and ensure your chimney (if you have one) is clear of debris.
Now is also a good time to make sure your first aid supplies such as Band-Aids, tweezers, sterile gloves, eye drops, and more.
Inspect the Roof and Eaves
Harsh winter conditions can wreak havoc on the roofs and eaves of your cottage. It’s a good idea to inspect your roof for any missing shingles, damaging debris, and signs of entry from unwanted animals. Any openings in your roof are moments are chances for spring rain showers to cause severe water damage to your home.
Likewise, melted ice from winter can seep behind troughs, especially if they are clogged with debris. Cleaning through troughs and inspecting to make sure the caulking is intact can help prevent any unwanted drainage issues.
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