Fall Home Maintenance: 6 Steps to Winter-Proof Your Home

It’s Fall, Ya’ll.

If you own a home in Saskatoon, fall isn’t just about PSLs and celebrating the death of mosquitoes; it's also about preparing your house and yard for winter.

This article will be valuable if you want a warm, dry home over winter that can manage spring runoff without flooding or leaks. Let's discuss a few things you can do in the fall to make winter and spring much easier next year.

We’ve developed a comprehensive 6-step fall home exterior maintenance checklist so you can take proactive steps in early autumn to protect your investment. Our goal is to help you save money on energy bills in winter and avoid major headaches come spring. 

1. Gutter Check

Leaves, twigs, and even garbage dropped by the wind can clog the eavestroughs, restricting proper drainage. During the winter-to-spring transition, melting snow can freeze and expand if trapped, leading to ice dams that can damage your roof, gutters, and siding.

So in the fall, it’s worth it to grab a ladder and (carefully) climb up to check them out.

• Clean them out: Wear gloves to manually remove all the debris from your gutters. A trowel or a small scoop might be helpful. Make sure to get all the way to the downspout.

• Flush with water: Once the gutters are clear, use a garden hose to flush them out. If water isn't flowing freely through the downspouts, you may need to use a plumber's snake to dislodge the blockage.

• Check for leaks: While flushing the gutters, look for leaks. You can often seal small leaks with gutter sealant, but larger cracks may require professional repair or replacement.

2. Roof Check 

Proper fall home roof maintenance is essential before the snow flies.

• Inspect for damage: Carefully inspect your roof from the ground or a ladder. Look for missing, cracked, or curled shingles. Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Any piece of loose roofing can be a significant entry point for moisture.

• Consider a professional inspection: If you're not comfortable getting up on a ladder or if your roof is older, it's a good idea to hire an experienced roofing company for an inspection. They can spot subtle issues that an untrained eye might miss, and help you repair any damage you find.

3. Exterior Wall Check

Our climate in Saskatoon can fluctuate wildly, and gaps can appear over the seasons, allowing moisture to get in.

• Inspect the siding: Walk around your home and look for loose or damaged panels. Check for cracks or gaps, especially where the siding meets windows and doors.

• Check the seals: Seals can contract and crack as the humidity drops in the fall. Use a screwdriver to poke the seals gently to see if they're brittle or crumbly. If they are, replace them.

• Re-caulk as needed: Use a high-quality, exterior-grade caulk to seal any gaps or cracks you find. Ensuring your home is airtight will dramatically improve energy efficiency and prevent seasonal water-related problems.

4. Window and Door Check

Drafty windows and doors are a significant source of heat loss. Sealing them up is one of the most effective ways to lower energy bills this winter.

• Test for drafts: On a windy day, (safely) hold a flame near the edges of your windows and doors. If it flickers, there’s a draft.

• Add or replace weather stripping: If the weather stripping on your doors and windows is old, cracked, or flattened, it won't do its job effectively. Fall is the perfect time to replace defective stripping.

• Consider storm windows or film: For older or single-pane windows, consider installing storm windows or interior insulation film. These add an extra layer of insulation to retain heat.

5. Yard and Landscaping Check

Proper landscaping maintenance can prevent drainage issues and protect your plants.

• Clear leaves and debris: Rake all the leaves from your lawn and garden beds. A thick layer of wet leaves can suffocate your grass, creating a haven for mould and pests.

• Winterize your irrigation system: If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, a professional can help you blow it out. Removing all the water from the pipes prevents them from freezing and bursting.

• Prune trees and shrubs: If you have large trees near your home, trim branches over the roof. These can scratch shingles, especially during strong winds, and the weight of snow can cause them to break and fall on your home.

6. How a Professional Roofing Company Can Help with Your Fall Checklist

As a homeowner, you can do a good deal of fall home exterior maintenance, but it's best to leave some tasks to the experts.

 A professional roofing company has the training, equipment, and expertise to prepare your home for winter's harsh conditions.

• Comprehensive Roof Inspection: A professional can check for subtle signs of wear and tear, such as granule loss on asphalt shingles, which indicates that your roof is aging and losing its protective qualities. They will also inspect the attic for proper ventilation and signs of water intrusion that may not be visible outside.

• Expert Gutter Repair: Replacing gutters can be a risky job. A roofing company has the tools to handle stubborn clogs. They will also inspect the hangers and joints, ensuring the entire system is securely attached and functioning correctly.

• Flashing and Vent Seal Checks: The areas where your roof meets a chimney, a vent, or a skylight are the most common spots for leaks. A roofer can check for cracking or corrosion and re-seal or replace these critical components before a leak develops.

• Siding and Trim Evaluation: A pro-roofing company may also specialize in siding and exterior trim. They will use the correct caulk and sealants for your specific materials.

If a professional inspection reveals a problem, a roofing company can fix it or set things in motion to get it done quickly. From replacing shingles to repairing siding, their preventative work can save you from a much larger and more expensive problem down the line.

Pulling the Plan Together: 

By tackling these tasks in the fall, you're investing in the long-term health of your home. Remember, minor repairs now can prevent major, expensive repairs in the spring. So, whether you choose to be a dedicated DIYer or hire a professional (like us), getting an early start on your fall home exterior maintenance checklist is a great idea.

 Your home and your wallet will thank you for it!