Fall is the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. Tackling a few outdoor maintenance tasks at the right time can help prevent problems and spare you some unpleasant surprises when the cold weather sets in.
Here are the most important tasks to get done before the first snow.
1. Put away summer furniture and accessories
Dinner on the patio and afternoons by the pool are now a thing of the past. Before the first frost, store any equipment that could be damaged by the elements, along with your outdoor furniture, barbecue, children’s toys and seasonal accessories (such as pool equipment).
It’s also a good time to give your balcony, deck or patio a thorough cleaning. Removing dead leaves, dust and other debris that has accumulated over the summer will help keep surfaces in good condition and prevent moisture damage. Keeping outdoor areas clear will also make snow removal and winter maintenance easier.
2. Prepare the garden and yard for winter
If you have gardens, flower beds, a vegetable patch or other landscaping, you’ll need to take care of a few maintenance tasks. The goal is to protect your landscaping, keep the soil healthy and make the seasonal transition easier.
Caring for your vegetable garden
Your vegetable garden still has plenty to offer in the fall. Depending on what you’re growing, you may still be able to harvest some berries, vegetables or herbs. Fall is also the time for planting bulbs, like garlic and tulips.
When it comes to garden maintenance, opinions vary. Some gardeners prefer to leave plant debris in place until spring, while others opt for a more thorough cleanup in the fall. In general, it’s a good idea to remove stakes and annuals that have reached the end of their growing season. This helps keep your garden tidy and prevent diseases and pests from spreading from one season to the next.
However, you don’t need to clean everything up before winter. A lot of this organic matter will break down naturally under the snow and help enrich the soil.
How to get your garden ready for winter
Every garden is unique. For advice on the best approach for your plants and soil type, consider consulting a horticulturist or landscaper.
Dealing with dead leaves
Every fall, the same question comes up: what should you do with dead leaves? Your neighbour on the right composts them, and your neighbour on the left leaves them on the lawn.
Either approach may be appropriate, depending on the situation. In small amounts, fallen leaves break down naturally and enrich the soil. They even provide a layer of insulation over the winter. However, too thick a layer can block light and air from reaching the grass, which can damage it.
If your trees produce a lot of leaves or very large ones, consider mulching them with your lawn mower, then spreading the excess over your flower beds and garden (up to 10 cm thick). It’s best not to leave the soil in your vegetable garden bare during the winter.
Protecting plants and shrubs
Perennials, shrubs and young trees may need extra protection to help them withstand winter conditions.
Depending on the species, it may be a good idea to install protective covering, add a layer of mulch around the base or tie the branches together to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the snow. Make sure these protective measures stay securely in place throughout the winter.
Preventing the risk of falls
Before the first significant snowfall, take steps to make your walkways and other outdoor access areas safer. If you’re installing a carport, make sure walkways and other access areas remain clear and easily accessible.
How? Consider adding non-skid strips to your steps, improving outdoor lighting or marking the main walkways that will need to be cleared of snow. Simple measures like these can help reduce the risk of falls over the winter.
3. Wash the house exterior
Fall is a good time to give the outside of your home a good cleaning. In addition to making your home look its best, cleaning the exterior gives you a chance to spot signs of wear or damage that could worsen over the winter.
Take the time to:
Remove cobwebs and debris around doors and windows and along the eaves
Trim vegetation and climbing plants that are in contact with the exterior siding
Clean surfaces to remove dirt, dust and weather-related residue
Take the opportunity to inspect the siding, caulking and areas where water could seep in, such as around doors and windows. Finally, shut off the outdoor water supply and put away your garden hose. This simple precaution can help prevent costly damage caused by freezing and thawing.
Seal windows and doors
Before temperatures drop, check the condition of the weatherstripping and caulking, and make any necessary repairs to prevent drafts. Also consider installing insulating window film indoors. It can improve your home’s comfort level and energy efficiency by reducing heat loss.Need a trusted professional for your caulking work? Reach out to RenoAssistance to find a qualified contractor.
4. Inspect the roof, gutters and foundation
Your roof and gutters require special attention before winter. Remove fallen leaves, branches and other debris that could prevent water from draining properly. Also check the condition of your shingles, flashing and gutters for any signs of wear or damage.
As for the foundation, walk around the house to assess its overall condition. Look for cracks, holes, signs of moisture, discoloration or pooling water near the walls. Identifying these problems early can often help prevent the need for more extensive repairs down the road.
Create a maintenance schedule
Every fall, the same tasks come around again, like cleaning the gutters, protecting outdoor equipment and checking that doors and windows are properly sealed. To make sure nothing gets overlooked, keep a maintenance log that lists all your seasonal tasks. Keeping track of your maintenance will help protect your property from the effects of Quebec’s climate and extend the life of various parts of your home.
5. Maintain the chimney
If your chimney wasn’t swept in the spring, it’s essential to take care of it before lighting the first fire of the season. The Quebec government recommends having your heating system cleaned and inspected every year to prevent the risk of fire (page in French only).
Before the cold weather sets in, make sure the chimney is free of debris and that the joints are in good condition. Also look for signs of rust and check the condition of the door seal and the firebricks inside your fireplace.
Chimney sweeping helps reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Although you can do this task yourself, it requires the proper tools and careful attention to detail. Don’t forget to check the municipal regulations that apply in your area.
Whatever type of heating system you use (wood, oil or gas), regular maintenance will help keep your heating system running properly and your household safe.
Keep your home in tip-top shape
The time you spend on seasonal maintenance can help keep your home and yard looking their best. These preventive measures will help protect various parts of your property from the effects of freezing temperatures, snow and harsh weather.
This work can also pay off if you’re planning on selling your home. The leaves may be falling and the days getting shorter, but curb appeal still matters.
Fall is a good time to sell. To sell your home commission-free and benefit from the advice of the DuProprio team, call us at 1-866-387-7677.
