Fall Maintenance in 10 To-Dos

We all know how beautiful fall is with the ever-changing leaf colours, the fresh autumn aromas, and the oh-so delicious pumpkin spice lattes.

As we embrace the cool fall weather and all that it entails, we also need to embrace the fact that our homes may need a little extra maintenance to prepare for the weather that is ahead. In just 10 easy steps, we can help you have your home ready for fall and those impending below-zero temperatures.

1. Clean out Your Gutters and Spouts:

   Although it is a mundane task, it is an important one. Clearing out all those leaves and debris saves your home from water leaks and foundation damage. If the water cannot easily flow out of your gutters and spouts, it will inevitably find someplace else to go.

   *Pro Tip: Using an old plastic spatula makes this task a much easier one. 

2. Seal up Air Leaks:

   Check your home for any air leaks. They could be found in your windows, doorways, where any plumbing or electrical work has been done, etc. The best way to fix air leaks in windows and doorways is by caulking and weather stripping. Any small air leaks in your floors, walls, or ceilings can be fixed with a small swipe of caulking; just draw out a small bead of caulking over the air leak and wipe the excess off with your finger.

   *Pro Tip: To avoid a mess, make sure the tool you are using to wipe off any of the excess caulking is wet, to ensure it remains at its point of application.

3.  Inspect Your Roof:

   A yearly visual inspection is the easiest way to detect any issues with your roof. Check over your shingles to see if any are warping, blistering, or breaking. If there is any plant life (e.g., fungus), that could indicate that there is moisture you should take a closer look. If you do notice a stain on your ceiling, that indicates that there is indeed water damage. More often than not, a leak is not directly above the ceiling stain but has seeped in along a rafter for what could be several feet before finally dripping down and contacting your ceiling.

   *Pro Tip: This task isn’t ideal, but a couple of hours of scouring for leaks can save you money and a longer lifetime for your roof.

4. Protect Your Outdoor Faucets from Freezing:

   This is a simple task that will save you a call from your local plumber. Simply unfasten your garden hose from the outside faucet, being sure to loop the hose up and hang it nicely for next spring. Be sure to turn the valve that feeds your faucet all the way clockwise until you can’t turn it anymore – the faucet should be closed. You may also want to install an outdoor faucet protector as well as insulating the pipe in the house that leads to the faucet.

5. Change out Your Furnace Filter:

   Small task, big reward. In 5 easy steps, you can change your own furnace filter:

   - First off and most importantly - turn your furnace off;

   - Locate your service panel and remove it;

   - Pull out the existing filter;

   - Slide your new filter in, and;

   - Turn on your furnace and that's it!

*Pro Tip: If you’re trying to be more environmentally conscientious, instead of using fiberglass or disposable pleated paper filters, try using a reusable electrostatic filter instead. These can be hosed down and reused for several years if properly taken care of.

6. Repair Your Walkways:

There is nothing worse than when you’re dreadfully shoveling the three feet of snow not in the forecast and you hit a lip on your walkway or drive way, almost winding yourself with the shovel. Save yourself the frustration and repair those walkways ahead of time so you can shovel faster and get back to that pumpkin spice.

7. Prep Your Lawn for Winter:

Prepping your lawn for winter? Who knew? Not only does this save your lawn throughout the winter but it also saves you time in the spring in trying to get your grass as green as that one neighbours. All you need to do is:

- Rake up any leaves - a dethatching rake is best;

- Cut your grass – a bit shorter than you’re used to;  

- Spread a garden-centre recommended grass seed over your lawn – again use the dethatching rake as it helps the grass seed come into contact with the soil, and;

- Water!

With these easy steps, your grass will be the best looking on the block!

*Pro Tip: If aerating your lawn is in the budget, it is best to do in the fall or early spring. If not, get ready for an arm work-out you didn’t ask for.

8. Check Your Smoke Detectors:

The easiest but probably most important task of all – checking your smoke detectors. All you have to do is press and hold down the button on your detector until the test alarm sounds off. If there is not button, it means your detector is outdated and you need to replace it.

9. Bring Your Paint Inside:

Although this seems simple, it is a small task that can be forgotten very easily. Especially after the year of DIY’s we’ve had, everyone has a couple of cans of paint that need to be stored properly. Find a place in your basement or garage (if heated) storage area or a closet and place them in there for safe keeping, dry and away from any source of flame.

10. Clear Your Yard:

Put those lawn chairs away, deflate the pool, and cover up the sandbox! Although it is somewhat of a downer time to clear your yard of all the summer memories, you will be setting it up for leaf piles and snow angels to play in. Swap out your summer tools for your rakes, leaf blower and snowblowers, and don’t forget to winterize your summer tools (i.e., fuel stabilizer, water lines drained, etc.)! Also be sure to empty out the soil in any of your clay pots as the soil can freeze and crack your pots.