3 Cottage Improvements to Take on This Spring
You’ve made it through the winter slog and you’ve put up with the bitter winds and chilly temperatures. Warmer weather approaches and now you’re more than ready to make the most of the summer — after all, it’s going to be over before you know it. That’s why it’s so important for cottagers and anyone opening up a summer home to get a head start on chores around the house. Springtime is great for taking on improvement projects. This is especially true for updating and maintaining your cottage, log home, or really any building that you’ll be enjoying this summer.
You want to make improvements to enjoy the best of the summer but you also want to focus on projects that are going to yield long-term rewards. Want to figure out how to brighten your cottage and improve its insulation? Then follow the link to learn more at Golden Windows and start exploring your improvement options. With that in mind, here are three cottage projects you need to tackle this spring to make the most of the summer.
1. Ventilate
When it is opening weekend at the cottage, one of the first things you’re going to want to do once you get inside is open up all the windows. They’ve been closed all season and you want to let the fresh air in. Spring weather can be a little unpredictable, so if it is chilly make sure that you have warm clothing and a way to regulate your cottage’s temperature if you predict that the open windows will affect your comfort.
When opening up your cottage to the outside air, it’s easy to see how valuable low-maintenance and high-performing windows are to any home. If you’re struggling to open windows because they’re stuck, then consider some maintenance to the weather stripping or window tracks to improve functionality. Broken or faulty window functions pose safety risks and poor insulation, so you’ll want to replace any malfunctioning windows as soon as you can.
2. Check for Moisture Damage
Part of ventilating your cottage, especially if it’s a log cabin or has a very rustic style, is to help control moisture that would otherwise turn into a mildew or mold issue. If you’ve aired out your cottage for a few hours and still notice a musty smell, then you should look around your window frames, door frames, plumbing, and ceilings for potential water damage.
It’s best to identify these issues as early as possible to keep the water damage from spreading. Want to know what telltale signs of water damage around windows and doors you need to look for? Keep an eye open for the following:
- · Water accumulation.
- · Discoloration.
- · Changes in texture.
- · Smell.
If you spot mold or mildew around your windows or doors, then it’s time to contact a professional who can properly assess the situation and offer you the best solution for replacing the faulty fixtures that are responsible for the problem.
3. Add More Natural Light
In preparing your cottage, you should give your windows a good cleaning using a soap and water mixture and microfiber cloth. Stay away from abrasive cleaners and chemicals that will damage your window coating or finishes. Cleaner windows will let in more sunlight and brighten up your space.
To really make a big improvement, consider installing sliding patio or terrace doors — they offer the lighting benefits of floor-to-ceiling window while improving flow, indoor-outdoor living, and ventilation. Get ready for an excellent summer by making sure you tackle your cottage maintenance as early as you can and enjoy the benefits all summer long and for years to come.