As soon as the leaves begin changing colours, it's time to start thinking about performing some maintenance on your home. We've already covered the interior maintenance tasks for fall, so now it's time to move outdoors! In the winter, the wind is stronger than at any other time of the year, and the freeze/thaw cycle can cause major structural problems, so be sure to perform these tasks to keep your home warm and in the best shape possible during the colder months.
If you have a deck or patio, give it a good sweeping and cleaning. Sprinkle some water on the deck, and if you see it being absorbed, it's time to apply some resealing.
Generally speaking, it's not a good idea to pressure wash your deck as it can strip off the sealant. Instead, use cleaning products made for exterior woodwork. If you do decide to power wash your deck, start with the lowest setting.
Nothing says summertime like enjoying a backyard cookout, but now is the time to clean and store your barbecue. Heat up the grill and use a stiff wire brush to clean it. Empty out any ashes and/or briquettes. Be sure to put the propane tank (where applicable) in a safe place out of the elements and move the grill to a shed or cover it tightly against the elements.
If you have a swimming pool, now is the time to drain the water. Unhook and completely drain the pipes. Use a winterizing kit and then place a snug cover on top to keep out leaves, snow, and rain.
If you grow flowers, herbs, and/or vegetables in your garden, now is the time to get it ready for next spring. Apart from ground planted with perennials, be sure to weed and till your garden. Most importantly, remove or trim any tree branches that could potentially break during a heavy winter storm and cause damage to your home.
It's time to clean and pack up your lawn mower or other outdoor equipment. Clean and put away all outdoor furniture and ornaments.
Coil up and store any outdoor garden hoses, making sure to completely drain them of water. Be sure to remove the hose off any exterior spigots so they won't freeze. Back in the house (usually in the basement), find the valve that controls the water linked to your exterior spigots and close it.
If you own any sprinklers or an irrigation system, drain them of water and then store them away out of the elements.
Once the days start turning chilly, it's time to pack up your air conditioner. Remove any leaves, debris, or dirt and trim back any plants that have grown too close. Cover the unit to protect it from rain and snow.
Before the cold weather hits and there's a rush to the stores, stock up on shovels, de-icer or sand, and anything else you'll need to keep your walkways and outdoor areas free of snow. If you own a snow blower, fire it up and make sure it's working properly. Replace any filters, oil or gas, if necessary.
Probably the most iconic autumn maintenance task, raking leaves doesn't have to be a bothersome chore. Make it a fun game if you're getting the kids to help, and once the grass has been cleared, inspect it for any areas that need fertilizing and/or reseeding.
After the leaves in your area are (mostly) done falling, it's absolutely essential you clean out your gutters and downspouts. If these get clogged, they can fill with water and then freeze, potentially leading to flooding in your home. And once you're up on the ladder, scan your roof and see if there are any shingles that need replacing.
If you have screens, remove them and replace them with storm windows. Be sure to inspect around the frame of all windows for possible gaps. Replace any weather stripping where necessary.
Just as with your windows, look for any gaps that might let cold air in. Apply weather stripping where necessary.
If your home has a chimney, it's a good idea to tuckpoint the exterior brick. Hire a professional to sweep and clean the chimney. If your chimney doesn't have a cap, buy and install one to prevent birds and debris from getting in.
Take a moment to walk around the outside of your home and inspect it for anything that needs fixing or replacing. Make sure exterior siding is secure. Look for any wood trim or areas that are cracking or rotting. Inspect exterior paint and touch up any areas where necessary.
Make sure the sealing around the base of your chimney and exhaust outlets is nice and tight. Examine the foundation of your home to see if there is any soil erosion or tiny cracks, applying cement sealant where necessary. If you see any cracks in your driveway, repair them and apply sealant.
Fall is a really good time to get your garage cleaned and organized. If you need peg boards, shelving, or a work bench to help you organize, buy them.
By spending just a few minutes inspecting your home in the fall and making necessary repairs, you can protect yourself against potentially costly damage caused by winter weather.
If you don't feel up to the job of handling some maintenance tasks, hire a reputable professional to do it them for you. Once your home is cleaned and ready for winter, you'll enjoy great peace of mind as you stay cozy and warm all season long.