Fall home maintenance tips for Canadian homeowners

Canadian winters don't mess around, which means when fall arrives, it's your cue to get your home ready for the cold, ice, and heavy snow that lies ahead. But fortunately, getting your home ready for winter doesn't have to be overwhelming. The key? Knowing what tasks are worth doing now to help avoid problems once the freezing temps hit.

A few basic tips can help you stay on track with your fall maintenance tasks. Keep these points in mind as you prep your home for winter's chill:

• Start before the cold hits. Winter's cold arrives at different times across Canada, so there's no one-size-fits-all deadline for getting your fall maintenance done. But aiming to finish by early November is generally a good rule of thumb for getting winter-ready while the weather's still on your side. 
• Think prevention over repair. It's usually cheaper (and easier!) to do the maintenance that will address a small issue now before it morphs into a larger problem in need of repair mid-winter. 
• Prioritize what matters most. In the winter, this typically means heating, insulation, and extreme weather protection. 
• Work from the outside in.  Outdoor tasks will be harder to get done once the ground freezes or snow arrives.

Yes, you should replace your furnace filters in the fall, to keep your heating system running efficiently over the winter. And ideally, depending on the type of filter you're using, you should be changing your filter at least 4-6 times a year. A clean filter helps reduce strain on the system, improves indoor air quality, and could even help you save on energy costs.

You should be checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and not just in the fall. So, if you haven't been testing them regularly, check them now—and be sure to schedule monthly tests going forward.

Being prepared for a winter power outage means having heat, light, and food at hand. Make sure your emergency kit is cold-weather-ready with items like blankets, flashlights, batteries, food, and water, and keep portable power banks fully charged.

If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages during the winter, you might also want to consider getting a safe backup heat source, such as a CSA/ULC-certified, indoor-rated propane heater or a properly installed and vented gas fireplace. Always follow safety instructions and keep any backup heat sources away from flammable materials.

To do a quick check of the exterior, walk around your home and scan it from the roof down for any visible signs of damage. Look for things like missing shingles, loose siding, clogged or blocked eavestroughs or gutters, cracks around windows, and signs of water pooling close to your foundation.

Canada's weather can vary dramatically from coast to coast, and climate change has been adding even more unpredictability to the mix. This means regional conditions matter more than ever when you're planning your fall maintenance. As you work through your fall checklist, consider prioritizing tasks that can best help you to prepare your home for the cold weather challenges your area commonly experiences, so you can ensure they're checked off your list well before winter hits. To help you get started, we've included some region-specific examples below.

Winters in BC often bring long stretches of heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional snow—conditions that can lead to leaks or storm-related damage. To get ahead of the weather, make sure you:

• Inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs.
• Clear gutters and downspouts to keep rainwater flowing away from your home.
• Trim weak tree branches to reduce the chance of branches breaking off in a windstorm.

And, while heavy snowfalls aren't a regular winter occurrence in BC, climate change has brought a number of heavy snow events to the region in recent years. So be sure to keep a snow shovel, some ice melt, and warm emergency supplies on hand.

The Prairies face some of Canada's harshest winter conditions, with bitingly cold temperatures, high winds, and heavy snow. To keep your home comfortable and efficient, be sure to:

• Get your heating system serviced now, before the deep cold sets in.
• Check for thin spots in your attic insulation and make sure attic vents are open and clear.
• Inspect the seal around your windows and doors and replace any seals that are worn.

And, while deep freezes are still the norm during a Prairie winter, sudden warm spells are becoming more common due to climate change. So be prepared for possible freeze-thaw cycles. Consider stocking up on ice melt to tackle slippery walkways after a mid-winter thaw, and make sure your eavestroughs and gutters are up to handling potential deluges of melted snow and ice. 

Ontario and Quebec typically see a mix of heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain throughout the winter (although the severity will vary depending on where you're located in this region). Freeze-thaw cycles are also common, so maintaining your roof and drainage systems can be key to preventing costly water damage:

• Inspect your roof for damage that could trap water or snow, and clear off any debris.
• Service your heating system to ensure it will keep running efficiently and reliably.
• Clean out your eavestroughs, gutters, and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent ice dams.

Because climate change in recent years has brought longer autumns and delayed snowfall to this region, you may see more rainfall and even hail before harsher winter conditions hit. But this extra moisture can easily turn to ice overnight, leading to slippery paths, frozen gutters, and additional stress on your roof, so make sure you're ready to manage rain as well as winter's snow and ice.

Winter weather systems sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean can bring a mix of heavy snow, driving rain, and high winds — all within a single storm that can last for days, putting your home's weatherproofing and drainage system to the test. Be ready for moisture in all its forms, as well as any added stress on your roof, drainage system, and exterior:

• Inspect your roof and replace or fasten any loose shingles so they don't get torn off during a storm.
• Clear your gutters and downspouts to prevent rainwater and melting snow from backing up.
• Fill in any gaps around doors, windows, and vents to keep water and cold air out.

And warmer ocean temperatures mean winter storms are bringing even more moisture, so preparing for wind and water damage has become just as important for winter prep in this region as being ready to handle snow and ice.

Winters in Northern Canada mean months of extreme cold, deep snow, and strong, harsh winds—often, a test of endurance for both you and your home alike. Here's how to prep for the snow loads, icy winds, and ongoing heating demands that can all put a strain on your home and its systems:

• Schedule a full check of your heating system before the cold sets in, so necessary repairs can be made before the temps drop.
• Inspect your roof and supporting structures for signs of weakness, such as visible sagging or cracked or warped trusses or beams.
• Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors and add insulation where its lacking in your attic, basement, and crawlspaces to help keep heat in.

Climate change's warming trends are also impacting Canada's North, with winter rains and potential thaws becoming more common. The potential added moisture can create heavy ice buildup under snow, so it's wise to have a professional assess your roof's strength and load capacity every few years.

Fall maintenance will help you prepare your home to meet the challenges of winter—and, as a bonus, many of your fall to-dos can also help prevent the type of damage that can lead to some of the most common home insurance claims. Here are just a few examples:

• Draining and shutting off outdoor water lines helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Cleaning out gutters and downspouts helps stop ice dams from forming (ice dams can cause roof and wall leaks).
• Inspecting and cleaning your fireplace and sweeping out your chimney makes a dangerous fire less likely.
• Checking for and repairing roof damage reduces the chance of water damage from leaks.