It is time to prepare your home for Winter with this Fall home maintenance checklist! Winters in the Greater Moncton area and surroundings can be a little rough; proper fall maintenance not only ensures that your home stays cozy and efficient but also helps prevent costly repairs down the road.
Preparing your property for winter is crucial for several reasons:
Preventing Damage: Winter weather can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice causing significant damage to your home. Frozen pipes can burst, leading to expensive water damage. Ice dams on the roof can cause leaks, and heavy snow can strain your roof structure. Proper preparation helps mitigate these risks.
Energy Efficiency: Sealing drafts and ensuring your heating system is functioning efficiently can save you money on energy bills. Proper insulation and weatherproofing keep the cold air out and the warm air in, reducing the strain on your heating system.
Safety: Winter conditions increase the risk of accidents, like slipping on icy walkways or carbon monoxide poisoning from malfunctioning heating systems. Preparing your property by clearing walkways, servicing heating units, and checking detectors ensures a safer environment for you and your family.
Comfort: A well-prepared home is more comfortable during the cold months. Proper insulation, a well-maintained heating system, and draft-free windows and doors keep your home warm and cozy throughout winter.
Cost Savings: Addressing potential issues before winter sets in can save you money. Preventative maintenance is often less expensive than emergency repairs caused by winter-related damage.
Checklist
Outside
☐ Close the pool
☐ Clean and store your patio furniture
☐ Clean gutters and downspouts
☐ Dust and wipe down baseboards and window sills
☐ Check and clean vents
☐ Clean and inspect chimney
☐ Remove hoses from outdoor spigots
☐ Check the roof and repair any holes or loose shingles; replace any failed sealant
☐ Fill cracks in foundation
☐ Fill cracks in driveway and pathways
☐ Check all weather stripping around your doors and windows, replace if needed
☐ Check exterior caulk, especially at corners of siding and around any entry points for wiring and plumbing.
☐ Protect your trees and bring all planters inside
☐ Cut back your landscape
☐ Plant bulbs for spring flowers
Inside
☐ Check all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
☐ Reverse your fans — if they turn clockwise, they’ll circulate the warm air
☐ Set your humidifier for winter — recommended is between 30-50%
☐ Check the fireplace for damage, creosote build-up and bird’s nest
☐ Service your heating system if due
☐ Insulate exposed water pipes to keep them from bursting
Garage
☐ Winterize and store the lawn mower and other summer garden tools
☐ Ensure your winter tools and snowblower are in working condition and easily accessible
Taking the time to prepare your home for winter can make a big difference in your comfort and safety during the colder months. By following these fall maintenance tips, you’ll not only protect your home from potential damage but also enjoy a warm, energy-efficient winter season.
☝️ Download and print the PDF version of this checklist! ☝️
