Your Autumn Cottage Maintenance Checklist
Signs of fall in lake country often appear in a blink of an eye. The window between summer use and the freeze closes quickly, and what is completed in this crucial time determines whether a cottage will withstand winter or reveal its problems in spring. We have provided a timeline that takes you from fall maintenance to closing-up.
Mid-to-late September
We recommend starting with tasks that depend on weather conditions. This is the stretch where the weather still cooperates.
Complete any remaining stain or sealant work
Inspect attic ventilation. In our experience, ice damming is typically a ventilation issue, not a shingle failure, and it's worth ruling out before assuming the roof is at fault
Inspect siding for cracks or damage from the season
Check fascia and soffits for soft spots or rot. We've found these are far easier to address before the freeze
Late October to Early November
This is when we tell our customers to focus on property-specific preparation. By now the bigger jobs are done, and the focus shifts to the details that get overlooked until it's too late to fix them.
Clear roofs and gutters ahead of the freeze
Seal soffit gaps to prevent pest entry over winter
Inspect the deck substructure, not just the surface. Deck boards rarely themselves fail; it's what supports them that usually needs attention
Clear debris from between deck boards to prevent trapped moisture
Address any raised fasteners before snow load compounds the issue
Secure or remove items exposed to ice movement on the dock
For boat-access properties, we recommend confirming materials needed and timing now. Waiting for ice roads to open leaves little margin for delay
First Two Weeks in November
There's always one last walk around the property, and it's usually where you catch the thing you'd have otherwise found out about in April.
Shut down and drain the water system
Take one more walk around the property. A short inspection now saves a surprise in spring
We hope this summer has offered many great days on the water. As you close up for the season, we’re here if you need anything and look forward to helping you get the cottage ready to enjoy again next season.
