The Freeze-Thaw Cycle: Why Proper Closing is Critical

In regions like Georgian Bay and Six Mile Lake, winter isn’t just cold—it’s a physical force. The expansion of freezing water and the persistence of local wildlife can cause thousands of dollars in damage in a single season. A professional closing is your property’s best defense against the elements.  

1. The Plumbing Shutdown: Preventing Burst Pipes

Water expands when it freezes, and in an unheated cottage, even a small amount of trapped moisture can split copper or PEX piping.

• Shutting Off the Main Water: The first step is always closing the main supply valve. For cottages with submersible pumps, we ensure the power is cut to the pump to prevent accidental dry-runs.
• Draining the Lines: We open all faucets—including outdoor hose bibbs—to allow gravity to pull water out of the system. For complex layouts, we use compressed air to “blow out” the lines, ensuring no low spots remain filled.
• The “Pink” Protection: We add non-toxic, RV-grade antifreeze to all P-traps, toilets, and floor drains. This prevents sewer gases from entering the cottage while keeping the traps from freezing and cracking.

 

2. Securing the Exterior: Furniture & Equipment

High winds off the Severn River and heavy snow loads can turn unsecured patio furniture into a liability for your windows and siding.

• Structural Storage: We recommend moving all cushions and lightweight furniture into a secure shed or the cottage interior. If items must stay outside, they should be grouped and securely tethered.
• Dock Management: For properties on Gloucester Pool, ensuring your dock is properly bubbled or pulled from the water is essential to prevent “ice jacking” damage.
• BBQ & Fuel Safety: We ensure propane tanks are shut off and disconnected, and that grills are cleaned of food residue that might attract unwanted visitors.

 

3. Pest Prevention: Closing the “Welcome” Sign

When the temperature drops, local mice, red squirrels, and raccoons look for the warmest spot available—your cottage.

• Identifying Entry Points: A mouse can fit through a hole the size of a dime. We perform a perimeter check, looking for gaps near the foundation, soffits, and utility entries.
• Steel Wool & Sealants: We use industrial-grade steel wool and high-performance caulking to plug potential entry points, as rodents cannot chew through these materials.
• Vent Integrity: We check that all chimney caps and dryer vents are securely screened to prevent birds or squirrels from nesting during the off-season.