Protect Your Cottage or Seasonal Property from Water Damage This Fall

As fall sets in across Simcoe County, many cottage owners begin the process of closing up their seasonal properties for the winter. While the colourful leaves and crisp air are beautiful, the change in weather also signals a critical time for preventative maintenance—especially when it comes to water damage.

Water damage is one of the most common and costly issues facing seasonal homeowners, and fall is your last opportunity to protect your property before winter’s freezing temperatures take over. At Complete Quality Contracting, we’ve seen how quickly a small leak or uninsulated pipe can turn into a full-scale restoration project. Here's what you can do now to avoid unnecessary damage and expenses later.

Why Water Damage Happens in the Off-Season

When a cottage is left unattended during the colder months, it becomes more vulnerable to the elements. Some of the most common causes of water damage in seasonal properties include:

• Frozen or burst pipes

• Poor drainage around the foundation

• Leaky roofs or missing shingles

• Clogged eavestroughs and downspouts

• Groundwater seepage in basements or crawlspaces

• Faulty sump pumps or power outages

These issues can go unnoticed for weeks or even months when a property is unoccupied, resulting in extensive structural damage and the potential for mold growth.

Steps to Protect Your Cottage from Water Damage This Fall

1. Shut Off and Drain Your Water System

If you’re not heating your cottage over the winter, turn off the main water supply and completely drain your pipes, toilet tanks, water heater, and appliances. Use air compressors or antifreeze rated for plumbing to ensure no water is left behind to freeze and expand.

2. Insulate Vulnerable Plumbing

For cottages that will still have some heat running during the winter, wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation and ensure crawlspaces are protected. Heat tape can also be used for extra protection on pipes located near exterior walls or in unheated areas.

3. Check and Clean Eavestroughs

Leaves and debris clog gutters, causing water to overflow and pool around your foundation. Clean out your gutters thoroughly and check that downspouts are directing water at least 6 feet away from the building.

4. Inspect the Roof and Flashing

Before the snow falls, inspect your roof for missing shingles, cracks, and loose flashing around chimneys and skylights. Even small entry points can allow water to seep into the attic or walls.

5. Seal Windows, Doors, and Foundation Cracks

Use caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors, and seal any visible cracks in the foundation. This not only prevents water entry but also keeps cold air and pests out during the winter months.

6. Test Your Sump Pump

If your property has a sump pump, make sure it's functioning correctly before you leave for the season. Consider installing a battery backup system in case of power outages during winter storms.

7. Consider a Smart Monitoring System

Water leak detectors, smart thermostats, and remote monitoring systems allow you to keep an eye on your cottage even when you're not there. Some systems can alert you in real-time if a pipe bursts or if the indoor temperature drops dangerously low.

Why It Matters: Real Consequences of Water Damage

Water damage doesn’t just ruin floors and drywall—it compromises the structural integrity of your home, invites mold, and leads to costly restoration work. Worse still, insurance may not cover all damage if your provider determines it was preventable.

At Complete Quality Contracting, we specialize in water damage restoration and know how devastating it can be to open your cottage in the spring only to find it unlivable. Preventing these issues now can save you thousands in repairs later.

Need Help Winterizing or Restoring Your Property?

If you’ve already experienced water damage or want a professional inspection before closing up for the season, our team is ready to help. We offer full restoration services and preventative maintenance solutions across Simcoe County to keep your home or cottage protected year-round.

Contact Complete Quality Contracting today to schedule a consultation or emergency service. Don't wait for a surprise this spring—take action this fall.

Like this blog? Read this blog https://www.completequalitycontracting.ca/post/why-professional-restoration-beats-diy-after-a-fire-or-flood to learn more about why Complete Quality recommends a professional contractor after a fire or flood.