As the seasons change from summer to autumn, it’s time to start preparing your lodge for the colder, wetter weather that’s coming. Performing key maintenance tasks and inspections will help keep your lodge in tip-top shape throughout the fall and winter.
This comprehensive guide covers all the essential upkeep you should tackle over the next few months. Follow these pro tips to protect your investment, prevent issues, and ensure your lodge stays cosy and enjoyable all season long.
1. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
Prevent Heat Loss Through Proper Weatherproofing
As temperatures drop, heat loss through drafty windows and doors becomes problematic. Luckily, this is preventable with diligent weatherproofing each autumn.
First, inspect all windows and doors for air leaks. Look for gaps around frames that let air pass through. Next, re-caulk or apply weatherstripping anywhere necessary to seal things up. Close curtains and blinds at night for extra insulation.
By weatherproofing properly and minimizing drafts, you’ll slash heating bills and prevent pipes from freezing. Invest time upfront to check all windows and doors for leaks.
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Prevent Water Damage With Proper Drainage
Clogged gutters are a common culprit of water damage as debris builds up over the year. Make gutter cleaning a top autumn task.
Use a step ladder to access your roof gutters and remove leaves, sticks and other accumulated gunk by hand. Flush gutters with water to clear any lingering dirt. Check downspouts for blockages too and clear them out.
Unclogging gutters prevents overflow, ice dams, and water seeping into your lodge. Direct water safely away to protect your investment through the wet months ahead.
3. Exterior Maintenance: Protecting Against Harsh Weather
Clean and seal wooden decks and patios to protect them from moisture and freezing temperatures. This also enhances their longevity.
Carefully tend to vegetation around your lodge before winter weather hits. Trim back tree bushes that are close to your lodge to prevent damp from forming. Remove dead or dying shrubs that could blow over in storms.
Clear loose sticks and branches that could clog gutters or damage your roof. Rake up fallen leaves to keep your patch tidy. Proper autumn landscaping maintenance helps safeguard your property from harsh weather impacts.
4. Prepare Plumbing and Climate Control Systems
Avoid Frozen Pipes and Malfunctioning Heaters
Don’t get caught off guard by frozen or burst pipes this winter. Insulate exposed exterior pipes and taps. Shut off and drain outdoor taps and irrigation systems. Consider installing heat tape on vulnerable pipes.
Have your climate control system serviced by a professional to ensure furnaces, heat pumps and fireplaces work efficiently when you need them most. Replace air filters and stock up on spare parts.
Take preventative plumbing and climate control measures so you can enjoy cosy indoor temperatures all winter long without disruptive issues.
5. Deep Clean Your Lodge’s Interior
Create a Fresh Start for Colder Months Spent Indoors
We tend to spend more time indoors during autumn and winter, so get your lodge looking its best. Do a deep clean of every room, moving furniture to access all areas.
Wash walls, floors, windows, lighting fixtures, and upholstered furniture. Clean blinds, curtains, and other textiles. Wipe down ceiling fans and the fireplace. Toss out clutter and organise wardrobes.
A thorough autumn deep clean makes your indoor living space sparkle with freshness for the cosy months ahead curled up inside.
6. Check Your Emergency Preparedness Supplies
Be Ready for Power Outages and Heavy Snowfalls
Autumn is the perfect time to verify your lodge has the emergency supplies needed for winter weather and outages. Check torch and radio batteries, restock non-perishable food, update your first aid kit, and confirm your generator works (if you have one).
Have snow shovels, salt/sand, and snowmelt on hand for when winter hits. Make sure you have extra blankets, batteries, bottled water, and phone chargers as winter nears.
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst by checking your emergency preparedness gear now before storms strike. Don’t get caught needing something you don’t have.
By following this autumn maintenance checklist, you can rest assured knowing your lodge is prepped to withstand whatever winter weather comes its way. Conduct inspections, make repairs, weatherproof everything, and stock up on essentials now before temperatures plummet. Diligent maintenance today prevents major headaches tomorrow.
For more personalised advice and assistance with lodge ownership, feel free to reach out to us at our contact page
