8 fall home maintenance chores you need to do!

September in Toronto has started with a couple heat warnings already, but that doesn’t mean that the cold isn’t on its way. It may be difficult with the sun still shining outside, but now is the time you need to sit down and go over your fall home maintenance checklist.

The majority of these fall home maintenance tips apply to low-rise homeowners, but there are a couple that are still relevant for condo owners in mid-rises and high-rises. That’s just one of the perks of living in a condo tower; instead of performing monthly and seasonal home maintenance, you simply pay maintenance fees.

1) Is your exterior paint peeling?

Walk around your home and check to see if any of the paint is peeling. Unless your brick is painted, then you don’t have to check the brick areas, but you should pay attention to vinyl siding, window boxes, columns, and other wood areas.   

If the paint is peeling, the harsher weather in the fall and winter will make the situation even worse, and it can also cause further damage to the actual materials as opposed to just the paint.

2) Are your eavestroughs clogged?

The leaves are starting to change colour - it’s a beautiful thing - but they will soon be clogging up your eavestroughs. Before the leaves even start to fall, take a look at your eavestroughs to make sure they’re not already gunked up from summer’s rainshowers.  

3) Are your windows leaky?

Photo via EcolineWindows

Throughout the summer, you probably had your air conditioning on full blast or if you like the heat, you left it off most of the time. Either way, it’s pretty difficult to tell if your windows are letting air escape in the summer. In the winter, it’s a different story. If the heat’s not staying in your home, then you notice.

Check all your windows, inside and out to see if there are any cracks in the caulking. You can either seal the windows yourself with a caulk gun or hire a professional to inspect your windows.

4) Are your shingles curling?

Some people are apprehensive to go up on the roof of their home, which is why so much damage can occur up there. By the time you notice, it’s because the damage is now affecting the interior of your home.

If you’re confident enough, set up the ladder, get a spotter, and check to see if any of the shingles are damaged or curling. Once the fall rain and winter snow comes, you want a roof that will protect your interior. If you’re afraid of heights, don’t risk it, just a hire a professional.

5) Is your air conditioner exposed?

Through the summer, you were probably very thankful to have an air conditioner. Odds are, you won’t be needing it for the next six months. If you have a cover for your air conditioning unit, then make sure it’s on. If you don’t have one, go buy one. They’re not expensive and it’s worth it. If you don’t protect your air conditioning unit through the fall and winter, then come summer, you may have a big surprise expense.

6) Is your wood-burning fireplace a safety hazard?

Nothing sets the tone for a quiet evening at home with family better than a wood-burning fireplace. That said, you should make sure the chimney is clear and ready for use. There could be build-up from last year or even animals caught in the chimney. It’s also important to ensure your damper is functioning properly.

7) Are your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors working?  

Speaking of fire, it’s never a bad idea to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working. Whenever you’re performing a list of home maintenance tasks, whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, you should always include testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s also a good idea to make sure your fire extinguisher is in working condition.

8) Is your humidifier ready to humidify?  

It’s the time of year that the air starts to get dry. A lot of people are sensitive to dry air, so they use a humidifier. Since summer is so muggy, there’s a good chance the humidifier has been sitting in your closet for months. Before plugging in your humidifier this season, clean or replace the filter so that it’s functioning properly. There are also many indoor plants you can get to improve your air quality!

We hope these fall home maintenance tips help you get ready for the season!