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Get Your Home Winter-Ready: A Simple Fall Maintenance Checklist

There’s something about fall that just whispers “get ready.” before the cold, snow, and freeze arrive, doing a few home maintenance tasks now can save you hassle — and money — down the road. here’s a checklist to help you get your home in good shape inside and out so winter doesn’t catch you off guard.

Outside: protecting your home from what’s coming

These tasks help keep your home’s exterior sound so you avoid big problems later.

• Clean up the yard
  Get rid of dead leaves, rake up debris, mow one last time. grass should be cut a little shorter than in summer so it weathers snow better. dead leaves can suffocate lawn or flowerbeds, let moisture trap under them, or lead to mould.

• Fertilize lawn and protect plants
  Use a fall fertilizer (one high in potassium) to help root strength. cover or protect young trees and shrubs with burlap or supports so snow or frost won’t damage them.

• Put away or cover patio furniture & pots
  Any outdoor furniture, decorative pots, fountains — store or cover them. especially terracotta pots, they crack easily when frozen and wet.

• Drain garden hoses and shut off external water sources
  water left in hoses or outside taps can freeze, expand, and ruin pipes. remove water and close things up.

• Clean and store tools
  wash tools, sharpen what needs sharpening, oil where needed, store in dry place.

Inspect the building envelope: roofs, walls, and drainage

These are your home’s protective shell. small issues now can become big leaks or damage later.

• Roof inspection
  look for warped, missing, or damaged shingles or tiles. check flashing, vents, anything that joins roof to walls. fix what you find.

• Gutters and downspouts
  clean out leaves, debris. ensure water flows away from the house, not towards the foundation. check that downspouts drain properly. clogged gutters are a big source of water damage.

• Foundation check
  look for cracks, moisture stains, or any sign of water entering. if you see something, sealing or patching early is better than waiting.

• Caulking and sealing around doors, windows, siding
  replace cracked caulking, check weather stripping. air leaks really cost you in heat loss.

• Close / winterize pool (if you have one)
  follow manufacturer’s or local guidelines: lower water level, add winter chemicals, protect or remove equipment.

• Secure outdoor structures
  balconies, railings, stairs, fences — make sure they’re solid. replace rotten wood, tighten loose screws, apply sealant to wood so water doesn’t damage it.

• Snow prep
  snowblower: test it, maybe change spark plug, check belts. mark driveways / walkways with stakes so snow removal is easier and safer. fix any low spots that collect water so they don’t freeze into ice patches.

Inside: comfort, safety, healthy air

These are what’ll make your winter months cozy and worry-free.

• Deep clean
  clean windows & screens. store the screens. clean carpets, curtains, upholstery. dust, allergens accumulate over summer.

• Declutter and reorganize
  stash summer clothes. get out coats, boots. tidy entryways so snow, salt, boots don’t make a mess. reorganize pantry: check expiration dates, make space for winter staples.

• Check safety devices
  test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors. change batteries. make sure everything works.

• Heating system tune-up
  get furnace or heat pump inspected. clean or replace filters. check baseboard heaters or radiators. you want efficient operation when you need it most.

• Chimney sweep (if using fireplace)
  creosote buildup is dangerous. annual cleaning reduces fire risk.

• Seal leaks & inspect insulation
  check seals on doors/windows. inspect attic hatch. weatherstrip or replace worn stuff. a well-insulated attic and sealed windows/doors make a big difference in both comfort and energy bills.

• Ventilation & air quality
  change filters in heating/ventilation systems. check humidifier/dehumidifier, keep humidity around 30-50 %. clean ducts if dust or odor. store flammable products safely. remove or insulate air conditioners, clean their filters before storage.

• Regular airing
  even when it’s cold, open windows briefly after showers or cooking to reduce moisture buildup. stale or humid air leads to mould, condensation.

In short

Taking some time this fall to do these things helps ensure your home stays safe, dry, warm — and saves you from unexpected repairs. your home’s value, comfort, and your peace of mind are all worth it.

if you ever want help finding a contractor, inspector, or if you’re looking at homes and want one that’s well maintained, I can help. Let’s get your home winter-ready together.

Source: Centris.ca