Before winter arrives, give your home a little attention.
For Regina homeowners, fall is the ideal time to take care of a few important maintenance tasks before snow, ice and freezing temperatures settle in. A little preparation now can help prevent costly repairs later, improve your home’s efficiency and make the winter months more comfortable.
Here are six important fall home maintenance tasks to put on your list before winter arrives.
1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Once the leaves start falling, your gutters can quickly become clogged with leaves and debris. Before winter sets in, clean your gutters and make sure your downspouts are clear and directing water away from your home.
This is also a good opportunity to check for loose or damaged sections and make sure everything is securely attached.
Why it matters: Blocked gutters can prevent water from draining properly and contribute to ice buildup, water damage and drainage problems around your foundation.
2. Check Your Furnace and Change the Filter
Your furnace is about to become one of the hardest-working systems in your home. Before you need it on a regular basis, make sure it’s ready for the season.
Replace your furnace filter and consider having your heating system inspected or serviced, particularly if it has been a while since its last maintenance.
Why it matters: A clean filter helps maintain proper airflow and efficiency, while a pre-winter inspection can identify potential problems before you're relying on your furnace to keep your home warm.
3. Protect Your Pipes
Before the first hard freeze, disconnect and drain your outdoor hoses. If your home has exterior water shutoffs, close them as appropriate and make sure exposed pipes in unheated areas are properly insulated.
These simple steps can help protect your plumbing when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Why it matters: Frozen water expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. A burst pipe can lead to significant water damage and an expensive repair.
4. Check Your Roof and Attic
Your roof will be working hard to protect your home from snow, ice and moisture throughout the winter. Before the first snowfall, look for obvious signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, and check the flashing around roof penetrations.
It’s also worth checking your attic for signs of moisture and making sure your insulation and ventilation are in good condition.
If you notice something that needs attention, it's best to have it addressed before winter weather makes repairs more difficult.
Why it matters: Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements. Small problems can become much bigger when they're exposed to months of snow, ice and moisture.
5. Seal Up Drafts
Take a walk around your home and check windows, exterior doors, vents and other openings for gaps or cracks. Replace worn weatherstripping and add caulking where needed.
You may also want to check your doors and windows for areas where cold air is getting in.
Why it matters: Small drafts can make your home less comfortable and contribute to higher heating costs throughout the winter. Sealing air leaks is a relatively simple way to improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency.
6. Get Your Snow and Ice Gear Ready
Don't wait for the first major snowfall to discover that your snow shovel is broken or your supply of ice melt is empty.
Take inventory of your winter essentials now, including your snow shovel, ice melt or sand, winter equipment and exterior lighting. Make sure everything is accessible and ready to use.
Why it matters: When the first big snowfall arrives, you'll be glad you can get outside and deal with it without making a last-minute trip to the store.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Fall home maintenance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Tackling a few key jobs before winter can help protect your home, avoid unexpected repairs and give you peace of mind when the temperatures drop.
And if you need a hand getting some of these jobs done, let me know. I have a list of trusted Regina professionals for all kinds of home maintenance and repair needs, and I'm always happy to point you in the right direction.
Jason Cossette, Regina REALTOR® - Sutton Group Results Realty: Serving Regina, SK and surrounding communities
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