Fall in Ottawa gives us some beautiful days, but it also gives us a fairly short window to get our homes ready for winter.
Whether you’re in Orléans, Cumberland or elsewhere in the Ottawa area, a little preparation now can help prevent unpleasant surprises when the temperature drops. Most of these jobs are also much more comfortable to tackle before you’re wearing a winter coat and trying to work with frozen fingers!
Here are the things I suggest checking before winter arrives.
Start With a Walk Around Your Home
Take a slow walk around the outside of your property. Look for anything that has changed, become loose or needs attention.
Check siding, exterior trim, steps, railings and the areas around windows and doors. Watch for gaps, damaged caulking and places where water could enter.
Look at your roof from the ground for missing or damaged shingles. If something doesn’t look right, have a roofing professional take a closer look. You don’t need to climb onto the roof yourself to identify a possible concern. If you haven’t had your roof checked from above in the last couple of years, find a service who can take drone images to check for issues around flashings, vent pipes, chimneys and shingles.
It’s easier to arrange repairs before snow and ice make access difficult.
Clear the Eavestroughs and Check the Downspouts
Once the leaves have fallen, make sure your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear. Leaves and other debris can interfere with drainage.
Check for loose sections, leaks and downspouts that have become disconnected. Make sure water drains away from the foundation and doesn’t discharge onto a walkway where it could freeze.
The Government of Canada recommends checking eavestroughs and downspouts in both fall and spring. If the job involves working at a height, consider hiring someone with the equipment and experience to do it safely.
Put the Outdoor Water Systems to Bed
Disconnect garden hoses, drain them and put them away before freezing weather arrives.
Prepare outdoor faucets according to their design. Where there is a dedicated indoor shut-off, shut off and drain the outdoor line as appropriate. Frost-free faucets also need their hoses disconnected so they can drain properly. If you’re unsure how your system works, ask a plumber.
Have irrigation systems winterized, and empty rain barrels before temperatures drop below freezing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage.
Give Your Heating System Some Attention
Don’t wait for the first very cold morning to discover that your heating system needs service.
Arrange a professional checkup for your furnace, boiler or heat pump. Check the filter and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep heating vents clear of furniture, rugs and boxes. Check that outdoor intake and exhaust openings are unobstructed, and keep them clear of snow throughout winter.
Natural Resources Canada recommends scheduling heating-system maintenance in the fall, before the system is working through the colder months.
If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, arrange any needed inspection and chimney cleaning before lighting the first fire.
Check Windows, Doors and Drafts
A small draft in October can become a much less pleasant draft in January.
Check weatherstripping around exterior doors, including the door between your home and an attached garage. Look for gaps around windows and inspect door sweeps.
Repair or replace worn materials where needed. Follow product instructions, including the temperature requirements for applying exterior caulking.
Avoid sealing intentional ventilation openings. The goal is to address unwanted drafts while keeping the home’s ventilation working properly.
Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Fall maintenance is a good reminder to check your alarms, although testing should be part of your routine throughout the year.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. Check their age and replace batteries or the entire alarm as directed by the manufacturer. The City of Ottawa recommends monthly testing of both types.
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do if an alarm sounds.
Get Entrances and Snow Equipment Ready
Before the snow arrives, check your steps, walkways and handrails. Address loose railings, uneven surfaces and other problems that could become harder to see under snow.
Make sure entrance lights work and your house number is visible.
Bring shovels and suitable ice-control products somewhere easy to reach. If you have a snowblower, have it serviced and check it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you hire someone for snow removal, confirm the arrangements now—including which areas they will clear.
Store Outdoor Furniture and Protect Your Equipment
Clean and dry patio furniture, cushions and garden tools before storing them. Secure anything that could blow around in strong winds.
Prepare lawn equipment, barbecues and other seasonal items according to their manufacturers’ instructions.
Check the guidance for your outdoor air-conditioning equipment before covering it. An outdoor heat-pump unit that operates in winter must remain uncovered and clear of obstructions.
Put Up Holiday Decorations Before You Freeze Your Fingers
This one may not be traditional home maintenance, but it belongs on the fall list!
If you put up outdoor holiday lights or decorations, take advantage of a mild, dry day to install them. You can leave them switched off until you’re ready to celebrate.
It’s much easier to handle clips, cords and decorations before it’s so cold that you freeze your fingers.
Check lights and cords for damage before using them. Choose products rated for outdoor use, follow their instructions and keep cords out of walking paths. Use appropriate outdoor electrical protection, avoid overloading outlets, and stay well clear of overhead power lines.
Hydro Ottawa also recommends turning decorative lights off when you leave home or go to bed.
Make a List You Can Manage
You don’t have to do everything in one weekend.
Start with the jobs that need to happen before freezing temperatures: outdoor plumbing, drainage, heating maintenance and any necessary repairs. Then work through the remaining items as weather and time allow.
If some jobs have become difficult to manage, arranging help is a practical part of looking after your home.
Whether you’re staying put or considering a move, regular maintenance helps keep your home comfortable and cared for. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Orléans, Cumberland or the surrounding Ottawa area, I’m always happy to have a conversation about your plans.
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