Ultimate Fall Maintenance Checklist for A Cozy Season

As the crisp air of fall sets in, it's the perfect time to prepare your home for the upcoming winter months. Fall home maintenance is essential for protecting your property from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures and ensuring your home stays cozy and energy-efficient. A well-maintained home provides a sense of security and comfort, allowing you to relax and enjoy the season.

Why Fall Home Maintenance Matters

Autumn isn't just about raking leaves; it's the ideal time to inspect and repair any issues before the cold weather arrives. Plus, tackling a project is much more pleasant when it isn't scorching hot outside. By being proactive about home maintenance, you can take control and avoid costly repairs down the road, increasing the longevity of your home's exterior. In this guide, we'll cover all the steps you need to prepare your home inside and out.

Facade Fix-Up: House Exterior

Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and ice dams in the winter. Leaves, twigs, and debris build up quickly in autumn, so start by clearing them out. Once clean, inspect the gutters and downspouts for any leaks or damage. While you're up on the ladder, take a moment to check your roof for any missing or damaged shingles. It is also vital to ensure the downspouts divert water away from your house to ward off damage when we have a fast thaw.

Our comprehensive Gutter Maintenance Guide can teach you how to easily repair loose, damaged, or leaking gutters and provides some easy upgrades you might want to consider this fall.

Touch Up Exterior Paint

A mild fall day is the perfect time to freshen up the paint on your home's exterior. Small cracks and chipped paint can allow moisture to seep into your home, depending on its material. Before painting, use an exterior sealant or filler to repair gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and siding. Check out our Exterior Paint Prep Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Winterize Sprinkler Systems & Faucets

Exterior water faucets and irrigation systems are at risk of freezing and bursting in the winter if not properly drained. Disconnect and drain your garden hoses, then store them away for the season. Shut off water to outdoor faucets and install insulated faucet covers to protect them. Exterior water hookups are another spot to check for air gaps and cracked sealant - if necessary, use an exterior sealant like DYNAFLEX ULTRA for a weatherproof seal. For sprinkler systems, hire a professional to blow out the lines or follow manufacturer instructions to drain the system and prevent freezing.

Set the Stage (Deck) for Spring

As the weather cools, taking care of your deck is essential to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the winter. Start by cleaning the deck thoroughly to remove any leaves, dirt, or debris. This helps prevent mould and mildew buildup, which can damage the wood.

Inspect the deck for any signs of damage, such as loose boards, nails, or screws. Repair any issues to avoid further deterioration over the winter months. For cracks, holes, or imperfections, the WoodPro line of wood fillers provides a durable solution, ensuring a smooth and sturdy surface. It's also a great time to apply a weather-resistant sealant or stain to protect the wood from moisture and freezing temperatures.

If you have deck furniture, clean and store it in a dry, sheltered place to extend its life. By addressing these maintenance tasks now, you'll ensure your deck is ready for use as soon as the weather warms up again.

Yard Clean-Up: Lawn & Garden

Final Trim & Mower Storage

As the growing season ends, mow your lawn one last time. Trim it to a shorter length, around 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 inches), to protect it through the winter. Overgrown grass can become matted under snow, leading to fungal issues. After the final cut, take extra care of your mower: clean off any grass clippings, sharpen the blades, and change the oil. Store it in a dry, sheltered place to prevent rust and ensure it's ready for spring.

Fall is also the perfect time to aerate your lawn. Loosening compacted soil allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively. Follow up with overseeding to fill in any bare spots, encouraging a thicker, healthier lawn come spring.

Groom Your Garden

Weeds tend to drop seeds in the fall, so removing them now will help reduce their spread in the spring. Pay extra attention to invasive species or stubborn weeds that could spread quickly when the growing season returns. For trees and shrubs, trim back overgrown branches, particularly those hanging over your house, to reduce the risk of falling limbs during heavy snow or ice.

Before you start pruning, it's essential to research the specific needs of your perennial plants. Some plants set their buds for the following year's blooms in the fall, so cutting them back now could result in a bare plant come spring. Understanding the proper pruning technique will ensure your plants thrive next season while minimizing damage from snow and ice during the winter. Learn more about what not to prune here.

Additionally, fall is the perfect time to inspect and repair garden structures such as fences, trellises, and stone garden edges. Use LANDSCAPE Exterior Filler & Adhesive Foam for quick and effective repairs to masonry, cracks in garden paths, or other hardscaping features. This helps prevent further damage from freezing temperatures and moisture throughout the winter.

Shield Plants from Frost Damage

Delicate plants need extra protection from frost. Consider using burlap or frost covers to insulate sensitive plants. For container plants, bring them inside or place them in sheltered areas. Garden furniture and other structures that won't withstand winter weather should be cleaned, repaired, and stored in a dry location.

Toasty Touch-Ups: Indoor Spaces

Tune-Up HVAC Systems

With colder weather approaching, your HVAC system will soon be working overtime to keep your home warm, making fall the ideal time to ensure it's running efficiently. Start by replacing your furnace filter. Clean filters improve air quality by trapping dust, allergens, and debris while also allowing your system to work more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.

For a more thorough check, consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection. A technician can inspect critical components such as the heat exchanger, blower motor, and thermostat, identifying any wear or potential issues that could lead to a breakdown in the middle of winter. This preventive maintenance can extend the life of your system and save you money in the long run.

Additionally, if you have an outdoor AC unit, take steps to winterize it. Clean off any debris, and cover it with a breathable cover to protect it from ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Be sure to cut the power to the unit to prevent accidental activation during the winter months. Taking these steps will help protect your AC and keep it in top shape for when the warmer weather returns.

Check & Clean the Chimney

If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, it's crucial to ensure it's in good condition. A poorly maintained chimney can pose serious fire hazards due to creosote buildup. Schedule a professional chimney sweep to clean out any buildup and inspect for cracks or blockages affecting proper airflow. Address any necessary repairs before using the fireplace in winter.

Seal Out Drafts

Drafts around windows, doors, and gaps in your home can let cold air in, making your heating system work harder and increasing your energy bills during the winter. To keep your home warm and efficient, inspect key areas like windows, doors, and spots in the attic or basement for any air leaks.

Use caulk or sealant to close these gaps and prevent heat loss. For detailed guidance on choosing the right products and techniques, refer to our Caulk & Sealant Guide for Beginners. Addressing drafts now will keep your home cozier throughout the winter and save on heating costs.

Safety Check-Up

Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With furnaces and fireplaces in use, fire and carbon monoxide risks increase during winter. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. A great reminder is the end of daylight savings time—this year, clocks move back on November 3, making it the perfect time to inspect your detectors. By checking them every fall and spring, you'll ensure they're in working order year-round.

Boost Light During the Dark Seasons

As days get shorter and darkness falls earlier, enhancing outdoor lighting becomes crucial for security and safety. Check all exterior lights and replace burnt-out bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs to maintain good lighting. Consider installing motion-activated lights or timers to keep your home well-lit during the longer evenings. Autumn is also a great time to hang holiday lights before the temperatures drop too low. Proper lighting improves visibility, adds an extra layer of security, and helps make your home festive and bright for the season.

Review Your Family's Safety & Security Plan

With longer nights and the potential for winter storms, now is the perfect time to enhance your home's security and safety. Start by ensuring that all security cameras, alarms, and motion sensors are working correctly. Replace any burnt-out outdoor bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs to maintain good lighting during dark hours.

Additionally, winter storms can lead to power outages, so it's wise to keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials such as batteries, flashlights, blankets, water, non-perishable food, and medications in an easily accessible location.

This season also offers an excellent opportunity to review and update your fire exit plan. If you have young children or family members with special needs, ensure everyone is familiar with the plan and knows how to evacuate safely. Keeping your security and emergency plans up to date will help ensure your home remains safe and secure throughout the winter months.

By taking these proactive steps to prepare your home for the colder months, you can ensure a safe, warm, and well-maintained environment throughout the winter. Regular maintenance not only helps protect your property but also enhances comfort and energy efficiency. Embrace fall as the perfect time to get your home winter-ready and enjoy a worry-free season ahead.

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