Cottage life really is terrific. It doesn’t matter if you use your cottage for summer getaways or whether you live there all the time, because you have to make sure that you are maintaining your property as much as possible. Routine maintenance will help you to do just that. Take a look below to find out more.
Roofing
The roof of your cottage will take quite a lot of damage over time. You may find that you have to deal with things such as wind, ice and even falling branches. You also need to put up with the freeze and thaw cycle that accompanies winter. If you want to protect your roof as much as possible then it is wise for you to try and add a few roofing vents. This will help you to improve circulation in the attic and it will also help you to safeguard against heavy rainfall. It’s also wise for you to maintain the roof itself if you have thatch. There are many thatching services out there that can help you if you seek them out.
Basement
If your older cottage has a basement then it is vital that you keep an eye on this. Any cracks that are bigger than a hairline will require a professional to repair them. Your walls should also be straight as opposed to being bowed. If you are concerned about your basement then look to the corners, because the problems will usually start there.
Wooden elements
You have to make sure that you have a no-rot policy when it comes to your cottage. Make sure that you analyse the wood on the structure as well as on the decking and docks. It’s a good idea for you to spray some wood preservative on any wooden areas that may be exposed. Ideally, you should do this every year. If you don’t then you may find that you end up not being able to get the result you need out of your maintenance.
Windows and doors
It’s also vital that you inspect your windows, on both the inside and the out. You also need to make sure that the caulking stays in very good shape too. One of the main cost-effective ways for you to maintain the windows and doors you have would be for you to invest in double-hung vinyl windows. This is great because it helps to minimise the amount of air leaks you have, and it also helps you to keep the temperatures very stable indoors as well. When it is time for you to update your windows at the cottage, think about choosing ones that have a low U value. This will help you to rocket the energy efficiency of your property. As for the doors, you need to make sure that you have a good caulk seal as well. This will help to keep any water from damaging the framing for the door. Doors that are not protected by an eave or even an awning will take way more of a beating from the elements, so you have to keep this in mind.
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