Exterior Home Maintenance

September Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist: A handy shoulder-season checklist to get your property in peak condition before winter.

Last month, we did a little intro to some of the items to take care of before the winter hits. Unfortunately since it’s mid-September already, we all know what could be looming just around the corner… it’s definitely time to get on top of that fall Exterior Home Maintenance while the weather is still nice.

So here’s another solid reminder of the things that will get your home in tip top shape for the cooler months ahead.

Our shoulder seasons can be quite short. It’s the best time to take advantage of the moderate weather to repair any damages before the first frost sets in.

Fall Exterior Home Maintenance List

• Inspect Exterior Walls. Check for any peeling or blistering paint on the house and other structures. That’s a sign that the paint film is failing and penetrating moisture will lead to deterioration of exterior wood. Inspect siding for any signs of damage. Check stucco and parging for any signs of failure and flaking. Address any failures and damage before it gets worse due to harsh weather.

• Check Your Roof for Signs of Damage. We’ve certainly mentioned this before but it always deserves a repeat. We’ll put it this way… would you rather be doing this when the weather is still nice or would you like be doing it in less hospitable circumstances? Inspect for missing and loose shingles. The north wind with more rain/snow and ice as well as rapidly changing temperatures can easily take a small issue and make it into a big problem. Your roof is your first defence in protecting your home. For safety’s sake, have a licensed, certified roofing professional check your roof. We recommend Optimum Roofing in Regina and Scott Roofing in Saskatoon.

• Check your deck and stairs. On decks and porches, make sure that supports, handrails, railings, and stairs are nice and secure. Tighten, repair or replace as needed.

You may need the help of a professional for the above items but these are the ones you can do yourself or enlist a handy family member to do.

• Check Your Foundation. One of the least expensive ways to prevent heat from escaping… caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house, and around the windows and door frames. This also keeps water from penetrating your exterior envelope and prevents damage in the long term.

• Check Weather-Stripping. Make sure all your exterior doors are sealing and replace/adjust the weather stripping that needs to be. This includes the seal between your garage door and the ground prevent drafts and small animals (the door closing pressure can often be adjusted). Your exterior man doors also have “sweeps” that typically wear out with regular use and are often a major heat leak culprit.

• Remove screens and install storm windows and doors (if you have them). Clean/repair screens to make it easy on yourself in the spring and store them in a dry spot where they won’t be damaged. Take the time to wash your windows while you’re at it so you have a clear view over the winter.

• Clear your Gutters. (yes… again!) After leaves have fallen, clear them out as well as downspouts, flush them with water, inspect joints, and tighten brackets if necessary. Clogged gutters are one of the major causes of ice dams.

• Pool/Spa (if you’re bougie like that). Do your routine seasonal changeover maintenance and inspect for cover damage. Check for any leaks or cracks. Drain and winterize pool and your spa (if you don’t run it all winter).

We hope that this comprehensive fall home maintenance list is helpful.

We’re always here to help point you in the right direction if you need someone to take care of any of these items.