As the vibrant colours of autumn surround us, it’s crucial to prepare our homes for the colder months ahead. Fall maintenance plays a pivotal role in safeguarding your property from harsh weather conditions and ensuring a comfortable living environment throughout the season. In this article, we’ll explore expert fall home maintenance tips and essential tasks that homeowners can follow to protect their homes from potential damage. From roofing to gutters, lawn care to HVAC systems, we’ve got you covered.

1. Inspect and Repair the Roof

The roof is your first line of defence against rain, snow, and strong winds. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or gaps. Hire a professional roofer if needed to ensure a thorough inspection. Promptly repair any issues to prevent water leaks and potential structural damage.

2. Clear and Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and even basement flooding. Remove leaves, debris, and sediment from gutters and downspouts. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize the need for regular cleaning and to prevent clogs caused by falling leaves. Not sure how to do it? The Home Depot How-To YouTube series has you covered: How to Clean Gutters

3. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Falling branches can cause significant damage during storms. Trim tree branches that are close to the house, especially those hanging over the roof. Remove any dead or weakened branches that pose a risk to your property or power lines.

4. Ensure Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is vital for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs. Check for gaps and cracks in windows and doors, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential bursting.

5. Service Your HVAC System

Before the colder weather arrives, schedule a professional HVAC maintenance service. Clean or replace air filters, check thermostats, and ensure that the heating system is functioning optimally. Don’t forget to check the furnace filter too! Proper maintenance improves energy efficiency and extends the lifespan of your HVAC system.

6. Prepare the Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a fireplace, autumn is the perfect time to ensure it’s ready for use. Inspect the chimney for debris, nests, or any signs of damage. Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and inspect the chimney, ensuring safe and efficient operation throughout the winter.

7. Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

To prevent freezing pipes and potential water damage, drain and shut off exterior water sources such as hoses and sprinkler systems. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas, such as the basement or garage, with pipe insulation sleeves or heating tape.

8. Maintain Your Lawn and Garden

Fall maintenance also extends to your outdoor spaces. Rake leaves, remove debris, and aerate the lawn to promote healthy growth. You can also spread out some lawn fertilizer and grass seed. Trim back perennials and remove annuals to prepare your garden for winter. Consider applying a layer of mulch to protect plants and insulate the soil.

9. Clean Your Gardening Tools

It’s easy to forget about your gardening tools once your plants start to die off. However, tools that sit through the winter with caked-on mud can start rusting or become damaged. If you’re ready to put the tools away until next year, take some time to clean them off, then store them properly.

10. Prep the Snowblower and Store the Lawn Mower

If stale gas sits in your lawn mower over the winter, it can prevent the machine from starting in the spring. When you’re done mowing for the year, allow the mower to run until it’s out of gas. Alternatively, you can siphon the gas into a container and transfer it to your snow blower. The mower’s manufacturer might recommend an additive for winter storage. Follow the directions in the manual. And give the snowblower a good once-over to make sure it’s ready for the winter.

11. Install Weather-Resistant Products

If you have it in your budget, invest in weather-resistant products to enhance your home’s protection. Install storm doors and windows, apply a weatherproof sealant to outdoor surfaces, and consider adding door sweeps or draft stoppers to minimize heat loss and drafts.

12. Sweep Those Chimneys

There’s nothing quite like sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter’s night, but if you don’t get the chimney cleaned in the fall, there’s a chance that it could start a fire. Generally, if you’re using your fireplace regularly you should be cleaning your chimney once a year. A professional chimney sweep can inspect and clean your chimney. Make this a part of your annual fall maintenance.

13. Check for Possible Pest Entryways

You’re not the only one spending more time inside as the weather gets cooler. Birds, rodents, and other small animals start looking for warm places to spend the winter. Your home looks very attractive to them! Check your attic for signs of animals, such as droppings, feathers, and fur. Search your home for possible points of entry and block those when possible. For instance, you could put a screen behind vents in the attic or cut tree branches that are close to the roof. If an animal problem persists, consider hiring a professional to take care of it.

14. Test for Air Leaks

Heating bills go up when cold air seeps into your home. On a cool night, check the areas around windows and doors for coldness or a small breeze. Even though the builder undoubtedly used weatherstripping techniques when they built your home, these can crack and wear down over time. It may be time to replace some of the parts.

By performing essential fall home maintenance tasks, you can ensure the longevity and comfort of your property throughout the season. From inspecting the roof and clearing gutters to preparing the HVAC system and winterizing outdoor plumbing, these expert tips will help you protect your home from the elements. Embrace the beauty of autumn while taking proactive steps to safeguard your most significant investment—your home.

Remember, a little effort now can save you from potential headaches and expenses in the future. Stay cozy and secure in your home this fall!

When you’re done outside, check out our article on how to clean your home faster – these tips will help you tackle the inside of your home.

Originally published Aug 31, 2017; updated Sep 22, 2023

Author: Casey C.

I enjoy long walks on the beach...just kidding. Diehard Oilers Fan (#SorryNotSorry). Old Man Millennial.