For many of us, a weekend spent in the woods hunting is our bread and butter. Those short escapes to our cabin grant us ample time to enjoy what we love most. The summer days are long behind us and whether you’re closing up your cabin for winter or planning to visit frequently, there are still measures you need to take to ensure it’s ready to withstand cold temperatures and snowfall.
Cut Down Dead Trees
The combination of heavy snow, ice and high winds is detrimental to trees, which in turn can be bad for any structures you have on the property. Walk around your property and remove any dead or dying trees. If you can’t remove them yourself, hire a local company to take care of it. This will ensure peace of mind when the first winter storm arrives.
Check Windows and Doors
Drafts can cause your cabin to feel like it’s in the Arctic Circle come winter. Not to mention the high cost of heat. If you can feel air when you put your hand to your window or at the bottom of your door, odds are you’ll have some issues this winter. This can be fixed by replacing the loose or worn weather stripping. Installing storm doors can also add a layer of protection and reduce air leakage. As for windows, adding caulk is a temporary fix. While it does require a high upfront cost, purchasing new windows will save you money in the long run.
Stock Up On Firewood
There’s nothing like sitting next to a fire after a winter day in the woods. Whether your cabin has a fireplace or a wood-burning stove, firewood is a necessity for winter. You can make your own firewood from dead trees on your property, or get it from someone local. When it comes to storing, make sure it is covered and preferably off the ground. Also, never store it on your deck, porch or right next to your cabin. Insect infestations can start in your wood pile then make their way into your home.
Turn Off Water and Drain Pipes
This is an important step to take if you’re closing up until turkey season in the spring because you don’t want to come back and find that your pipes have burst. Before you leave or before the first frost, drain all the pipes. For the hose bibs, turn off the water valve that feeds the line. Open the spigot and let any water that was left in there drain out. Lastly, call the water company to have the water shut off until you return.
