7 fall maintenance jobs for your home

In partnership with Beneva

It’s time to get your home ready for winter. You can leave the work to a professional, but why not do it yourself? Here are 7 easy DIY maintenance jobs that will leave you plenty of time to enjoy the splendour of fall.

Clean the gutters

Be sure to remove leaves from your home’s gutters and window wells because they can obstruct the flow of water and can cause major damage to your roof or foundation. 

You should also install gutter guards to keep debris from clogging the downspouts.

Inspect the foundation and roof

Pinpointing the source of a leak can be very difficult, so an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. The first thing to do is perform a thorough inspection of your roof.

Use a ladder and binoculars to check the condition of the shingles. Storms and high winds can damage them. A buildup of asphalt granules in your gutters can be a sign of an ageing roof. 

Don’t forget to look for cracks in your home’s foundation. 

Clean the dryer vent

A clogged dryer vent reduces your machine’s drying capacity and can lead to more serious damage. Over time, clothing fibres and dust will accumulate in the dryer vent and may become a fire hazard. 

So you should clean the dryer vent regularly from the inside and outside with a vacuum cleaner or brush.

Store your garden hose

You should put away all your outdoor watering accessories before winter. Empty and store your garden hose and drain the water from your sprinkler system. Storing them indoors will keep these accessories in good working condition longer.

If you have a pressure washer, empty the tank and store it in a heated area. If the water freezes inside it, it could cause serious damage.

Winterize your pool

Freezing water can damage the pool’s plumbing and filtration system.

Some experts recommend that you deep clean your pool. You should then lower the water level to about 30 cm below the jets and skimmer. Use appropriate pool closing products to prepare your water for the long, cold months. 

Cover the pool with a soft or hard canvas to prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating in it.

Are your trees healthy?

If you have trees around your home, take a look at the bark and leaves. Spots of colour, cavities or cracks may be signs of disease. Broken or leafless branches, or leaves with abnormal colours or holes in them can also be a sign that your trees are not as healthy as you would like them to be.

When should you install the car shelter?

Most towns have bylaws that govern the installation and removal of temporary car shelters. This period typically runs from mid-October or early November to mid-March. 

Ideally, you should install it just after the first snowfall. The snow will hold the canvas in place and its weight will help anchor the shelter to the ground. That should provide additional protection against wind gusts throughout winter.

Once your home and car shelter are prepped, you’ll be ready for the next snowfall.

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