How to Protect Your Seasonal Property When You’re Not There
Seasonal properties across Eastern Ontario—particularly around Kingston, Gananoque, South Frontenac, Wolfe Island, Sydenham Lake, the Rideau Canal corridor, and surrounding cottage communities—face a unique set of security challenges. Unlike primary residences, cottages often remain unoccupied for extended periods during the winter months, sometimes for weeks or even months at a time. Reduced foot traffic, wooded surroundings, long driveways, and limited lighting can make these properties more vulnerable to both human intrusion and environmental damage.
While modern security systems such as cameras, alarms, and smart sensors play an important role, the first and most critical layer of cottage security is physical. Doors and windows are the primary access points to any structure. If they are outdated, weather-damaged, poorly installed, or made from weaker materials, even the most advanced security technology cannot fully compensate.
This guide provides a comprehensive door and window security checklist specifically tailored to cottages in the Kingston region. It focuses on choosing the right materials, glass types, window styles, and hardware, while also addressing fire safety, wildlife intrusion, and seasonal weather concerns.
Why Cottage Window and Door Security Matters More Than You Think
Cottages experience risks that are very different from urban or suburban homes. These include:
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Seasonal vacancy, especially from Thanksgiving through late spring
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Isolated lots, where neighbours may be far away or also seasonal
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Limited visibility, particularly on waterfront or forest-facing sides
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Extreme weather exposure, including wind, snow load, and freeze–thaw cycles
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Wildlife pressure, from raccoons and squirrels to bats and larger animals
Because cottages are often left unattended, security measures must work passively and reliably, without relying on daily use or monitoring. Durable, well-installed windows and doors reduce the likelihood of forced entry, accidental damage, and long-term deterioration.
1. Start With Strong Exterior Doors
Exterior doors are the most common entry point during forced break-ins. Older cottages often still have solid wood doors or hollow-core doors, which may look sturdy but are surprisingly easy to breach when frames and hardware are weak.
What to Look For in Secure Cottage Doors
Steel or fibreglass doors
These materials provide excellent structural strength and resist warping, swelling, and cracking—critical for cottages near water such as Dog Lake, Buck Lake, Sydenham Lake, or the St. Lawrence River, where humidity levels fluctuate.
Minimal glass near locksets
If glass is present, it should be laminated or tempered, not standard annealed glass.
Reinforced frames
Many forced entries occur because the frame fails, not the door slab. Steel-reinforced or solid wood frames anchored properly to wall studs significantly improve security.
2. Upgrade Door Hardware and Locking Systems
Even the strongest door will fail if the hardware is weak or outdated.
Recommended upgrades for seasonal properties include:
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Grade 1 deadbolts, the highest residential security rating
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Long-throw bolts that extend deep into the frame
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Reinforced strike plates secured with 3–4 inch screws
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Multi-point locking systems, especially for patio and garden doors
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Door viewers or wide-angle peepholes for added awareness
These upgrades dramatically reduce the likelihood of forced entry through kicking, prying, or lock manipulation.
3. Fire-Rated Doors: An Overlooked but Critical Safety Feature
When thinking about cottage security, fire protection is often overlooked. Fire-rated doors play an important role in protecting property, slowing fire spread, and increasing overall safety—especially in remote areas where emergency response times may be longer.
What Is a Fire-Rated Door?
A fire-rated door is designed to withstand fire for a specified period, typically 20, 45, 60, or 90 minutes, depending on its rating. These doors help contain flames and smoke, allowing more time for evacuation and limiting structural damage.
Where Fire-Rated Doors Matter in Cottages
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Between attached garages and living spaces
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At entrances to utility rooms or furnace rooms
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In cottages with wood stoves or secondary heating systems
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In multi-unit or shared seasonal properties
In rural areas around South Frontenac, Wolfe Island, and Rideau Lakes, where cottages rely on wood heat or propane systems, fire-rated doors provide an extra layer of protection that standard exterior doors do not.
Fire-rated doors can also enhance security, as they are typically heavier, more impact-resistant, and paired with reinforced frames and self-closing hinges.
4. Choose Break-Resistant Glass for Windows
Windows are often the most vulnerable points in a cottage—especially those facing wooded areas or hidden from roads, which is common in areas like Battersea, Elginburg, Howe Island, and rural Kingston townships.
Best Glass Options for Cottage Security
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass includes a durable plastic interlayer that holds the glass together even when shattered. This makes it extremely difficult to break through quickly and is highly effective at deterring forced entry.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and breaks into small, dull fragments instead of sharp shards, improving safety during storms or wildlife impact.
Both options also offer better resistance to wind-driven debris and accidental damage.
5. Choose Window Styles That Naturally Resist Forced Entry
Not all window styles offer the same level of inherent security.
Most Secure Window Styles for Cottages
Casement windows
These crank-out windows seal tightly against the frame and use hook-style locks embedded within the sash, making them very difficult to pry open.
Awning windows
Similar to casements but smaller, awning windows are ideal for bathrooms and basements while maintaining strong compression locks.
Tilt-and-turn windows
These European-style windows feature multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames, offering some of the highest residential security available.
Styles That Require Extra Reinforcement
Sliding and single-hung windows can be secure, but often need additional hardware such as security pins or anti-lift blocks.
6. Reinforce Window Locks and Hardware
For cottages with older windows, full replacement may not be immediately necessary.
Effective upgrades include:
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Multi-point window locks
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Secondary locking pins for sliders
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Window restrictors to limit opening size
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Security clips to prevent sash removal
These improvements are especially useful for properties left unattended during winter.
7. Add Security Film for Extra Protection
Security film is a clear, impact-resistant layer applied directly to glass.
Benefits for Cottage Owners
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Makes glass harder to penetrate
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Helps hold shattered glass together
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Adds UV protection
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Preserves clear views of the water or forest
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More affordable than full window replacement
For cottages around Kingston that experience high winds, shifting ice, and wildlife activity, security film adds a practical layer of defence.
8. Strengthen Patio and Sliding Doors
Patio doors are common weak points, especially older models facing waterfronts or secluded areas.
Patio Door Security Checklist
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Multi-point locking systems
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Anti-lift bars or security rods in tracks
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Laminated or tempered glass
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Reinforced frames (steel, fibreglass, or clad wood)
Doors facing Loughborough Lake, Collins Lake, or Rideau Lakes deserve particular attention due to reduced visibility.
9. Use Sensors and Smart Monitoring Tools
Physical security works best when combined with basic monitoring.
Recommended options include:
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Door and window sensors
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Motion-activated lighting
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Smart locks for shared cottages
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Glass-break detectors
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Indoor and outdoor cameras
In more remote locations, cellular-based systems or battery backups may be more reliable than Wi-Fi alone.
10. Don’t Forget Basement and Crawlspace Windows
Small windows are often the easiest to access.
Secure them by:
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Using laminated or tempered glass
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Installing window well covers with locks
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Adding metal bars where appropriate
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Reinforcing older frames
These steps also prevent wildlife entry.
11. Wildlife and Weather: Hidden Security Risks
Cottage damage isn’t always caused by people.
Common regional issues include:
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Raccoons prying open weak screens
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Rodents chewing through seals
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Tree branches striking windows
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Snow pressure against patio doors
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Freeze–thaw damage to old frames
Durable materials and seasonal inspections are essential for prevention.
High-End Products That Improve Security
For cottage owners looking to enhance security through premium materials, high-end window and door products offer added strength, durability, and resistance to both intrusion and harsh environmental conditions.
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Aluminum-clad windows: combine the natural strength of a wood interior with a tough exterior aluminum shell that resists moisture, rot, and impact—making them well suited for exposed waterfront and forested locations.
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Fiberglass windows: provide exceptional structural rigidity, resisting warping, cracking, and expansion during extreme temperature changes, while also supporting advanced multi-point locking systems.
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Insulated Steel: For entry points, insulated steel doors deliver one of the highest levels of security available in residential construction, offering superior impact resistance, reinforced cores, and excellent thermal performance.
Together, these high-end products not only improve break-in resistance but also stand up better to weather, wildlife, and long periods of seasonal vacancy common in Eastern Ontario cottages.
Final Thoughts
Security-proofing a cottage starts with its doors and windows. By choosing strong materials, break-resistant glass, secure window styles, upgraded hardware, and fire-rated doors where appropriate, cottage owners can dramatically reduce the risk of break-ins, fire damage, and off-season surprises.
When these physical defences are combined with smart monitoring, visible deterrents, and regular maintenance, your cottage—whether in Kingston, Gananoque, South Frontenac, or along the Rideau Canal—can remain safe, secure, and protected year-round.
For Tips On How to Keep Your Cottage Safe This Winter, Contact The Window Centre Today!
Since 1989, The Window Centre has proudly served Kingston, Ontario and the surrounding areas including 1000 Islands, South Frontenac, Prince Edward County, Quinte West, Brockville, Napanee and Perth. We specialize in helping home and cottage owners, architects, builders and local businesses bring their window and door design ideas to life with personal attention and honest, reliable advice. As a licensed Marvin Windows dealer, we offer premium fibreglass, wood aluminum-clad, and vinyl door and window products and installation services to suit any style or budget. Visit our showroom to explore all your options. Serving Appointments available by request on weekends—call 613‑546‑2221."
