As the crisp air of fall sets in, it's a great time to focus on essential home maintenance to ensure your property stays in top shape through the colder months. From preparing your home’s exterior to making sure your heating system is ready, here are some fall home maintenance tips that will help you safeguard your home and save money in the long run.

1. Clean and Inspect Gutters 🍂

Falling leaves can easily clog your gutters, which can lead to water damage or even foundation issues if not addressed. Make sure to:

• Clean gutters thoroughly, removing leaves, twigs, and debris.

• Check downspouts for blockages to ensure water flows freely.

• Consider installing gutter guards to prevent future clogs.

2. Check Your Roof 🏠

Your roof is your first line of defense against harsh weather. Fall is the perfect time to inspect it for any damage or wear before winter storms hit:

• Look for missing or damaged shingles.

• Check for signs of moss or algae growth, which can cause damage over time.

• Consider hiring a professional to assess the overall condition of your roof.

3. Seal Windows and Doors 🪟🚪

Drafty windows and doors can lead to higher energy bills and make your home less comfortable during the colder months. To prevent this:

• Inspect the weatherstripping around windows and doors for any gaps or wear.

• Apply caulking to seal cracks around windows and door frames.

• Consider using storm windows or installing energy-efficient windows if drafts are an ongoing issue.

4. Service Your Heating System 🔥❄️

Before the chill really sets in, it’s important to make sure your heating system is functioning properly. Routine maintenance can also extend the life of your system and improve efficiency:

• Replace or clean your furnace filter.

• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your system is running smoothly.

• Test your thermostat to ensure it’s working correctly.

5. Chimney and Fireplace Inspection 🪵

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, fall is the time to prepare it for cozy winter nights:

• Have your chimney cleaned by a professional to remove creosote buildup, which can be a fire hazard.

• Inspect the damper and ensure it opens and closes properly.

• Stock up on firewood and keep it in a dry place.

6. Winterize Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers 💧

To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during winter, it's crucial to winterize your outdoor water systems:

• Drain and store hoses.

• Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets, then drain the remaining water.

• Blow out your sprinkler system to remove any water that could freeze and cause damage.

7. Inspect Insulation and Attic Ventilation 🕵️‍♂️

Proper insulation can help keep your home warm in winter and reduce energy costs. Now’s the time to:

• Check for any gaps or thin spots in your attic insulation.

• Ensure that attic ventilation is functioning properly to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or ice dams.

8. Trim Trees and Shrubs 🌿

Overgrown branches can be a hazard during storms, especially if they hang over your roof or power lines:

• Prune trees and shrubs, trimming back any limbs that are too close to the house.

• Remove any dead or dying branches to prevent them from falling during a storm.

• Consider hiring a tree service for larger trees or more extensive pruning.

9. Check Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors 💨

With more time spent indoors and increased use of heating systems, it’s important to ensure that your home’s safety systems are in good working order:

• Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Test the devices to ensure they are functioning properly.

• If your detectors are older than 10 years, consider replacing them.

10. Test Outdoor Lighting and Security 💡

With the days getting shorter, fall is a good time to check and update your outdoor lighting:

• Ensure that motion-sensor lights and security lighting are working properly.

• Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

• Consider adding additional lighting near walkways or entry points for better safety and security during darker months.

Conclusion

Fall home maintenance is essential to prepare for winter’s harsh conditions. By tackling these tasks early, you can prevent costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure your home remains comfortable and safe. Investing a little time and effort now will pay off with a warm, worry-free home as the temperature drops.

Ready to tackle your fall maintenance checklist? Start early and enjoy the season knowing your home is ready for whatever winter may bring!

Sources:

• Better Homes & Gardens - https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/your-homes-fall-checklist/

• This Old House - https://www.thisoldhouse.com/

• Bob Vila - https://www.bobvila.com/

• Family Handyman - https://www.familyhandyman.com/

• The Spruce - https://www.thespruce.com/

• Redfin - https://www.redfin.com/blog/fall-home-maintenance-checklist/

Wildfires are an ever-present threat in many regions, and the recent wildfire seasons in British Columbia have underscored the importance of preparedness. Following FireSmart principles can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage to your home. Here are the key FireSmart tips to keep your home safe.

Create a Fire-Resistant Zone

• Clear Space Around Your Home: Maintain a minimum 1.5-meter non-combustible zone using gravel, stone, or other fire-resistant materials. This includes not having shrubs under your eaves.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

• Vegetation Management: Prune branches to at least 2 meters above the ground to reduce ladder fuels and remove any dead or dry vegetation.

Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your roof and gutters clear of leaves, needles, and debris. Consider installing gutter guards.

Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials

• Building Standards: Choose Class A roofing materials like metal or asphalt shingles and fire-resistant siding such as hardie-board.

Design a Fire-Resistant Garden

• Fire-Safe Landscaping: Plant fire-resistant species, keep plants well-watered, and avoid plants that produce lots of dry, dead material. Many nurseries offer a FireSmart Plant Program.  See the FireSmart website for additional information.

Keep Sheds, and Store Firewood and Combustible Materials Safely

• Proper Storage: Keep sheds, firewood, and other combustible materials at least 10 meters from structures. Ideally, uphill or on the same level as your home, never downhill.

Seal Eaves, Vents, and Soffits

• Prevent Ember Intrusion: Use fine mesh screening to block embers from entering attics and ensure all openings are properly sealed.

Choose Deciduous Trees Over Conifers

• Tree Selection: Deciduous trees are less combustible than coniferous trees like pines or firs. Planting deciduous trees over conifers can reduce fire risk around your home.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

• Emergency Preparedness: Include essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents, and ensure each family member knows the evacuation plan out of their neighbourhood and established plans with friends or family in neighbouring communities is a good idea.

Stay Informed and Involved

• Community Engagement: Participate in local FireSmart community programs and stay updated on local fire weather conditions and alerts.

Implementing these FireSmart principles can significantly enhance your home’s resilience against wildfires. Many people start at the furthest reaches of their property when, in fact, the most significant impact is on improvements made near the home. Simple changes can make a big difference, providing peace of mind and protecting your property.

Given the recent severe wildfire seasons in BC, where thousands of hectares have burned and many communities have faced evacuation, it’s more important than ever to be proactive. The BC Wildfire Service and local authorities have emphasized the need for preparedness and community involvement. In BC, building standards are increasingly incorporating FireSmart principles to ensure new constructions are better protected against wildfires.

Sources:

• BC FireSmart: firesmartbc.ca

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): nfpa.org

• BC Wildfire Service: bcwildfire.ca

• BC Building Code: British Columbia Building Code bccodes.ca

Remember, being proactive and prepared is the best defense against wildfires. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay FireSmart!

As a homeowner, it's important to stay proactive when it comes to maintaining your property. Whether you're planning to stay in your home for years to come or thinking about putting it on the market, the transition from winter to early spring is an ideal time to tackle essential maintenance tasks. These tasks not only help ensure the longevity of your home but also increase its resale value.

1. Inspect Your Roof: Neglecting to inspect your roof after a harsh winter can lead to leaks and water damage. Small issues like missing or damaged shingles can quickly escalate into costly repairs if left unaddressed.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and damage your home's foundation, resulting in expensive structural repairs.

3. Service Your HVAC System: Skipping HVAC maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency and, ultimately, the need for costly repairs or replacement. Regular servicing keeps your system running smoothly and prolongs its lifespan.

4. Check for Drafts: Failing to seal gaps around windows and doors can lead to higher energy bills as heated or cooled air escapes. It can also make your home less appealing to energy-conscious buyers.

5. Inspect the Plumbing: A leaking faucet or pipe may seem minor, but over time, it can cause water damage and mold growth, necessitating extensive and expensive repairs.

6. Clean and Repair the Fireplace: A neglected fireplace can become a fire hazard. A damaged chimney or flue can lead to dangerous situations and costly fixes. Regular maintenance ensures safety and functionality.

7. Clean and Declutter: A cluttered and dirty home can give the impression of neglect and reduce your property's appeal to potential buyers. Professional cleaning, painting touch-ups, and decluttering can make a significant difference.

8. Replace Light Bulbs and Clean Light Fixtures: Adequate lighting enhances your home's appearance and safety. Replace burnt-out bulbs and clean light fixtures to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

9. Inspect Steps and Decks: Ensure that steps and decks are in good repair, free of loose boards, and sturdy. Safety is paramount, and addressing issues promptly prevents accidents and costly repairs.

10. Power Wash Driveway, Steps, and Walkways: Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate on outdoor surfaces, making your home appear less inviting. Power washing can rejuvenate these areas and enhance your property's curb appeal.

11. Landscape and Curb Appeal: Overgrown landscaping can obscure your home's beauty and potential. Neglecting your yard can lead to costly landscaping projects to restore curb appeal.

12. Professional Home Inspection: Skipping a pre-listing home inspection can lead to surprises during the selling process. Undetected issues can delay or derail a sale, often resulting in the need for costly last-minute repairs.

Remember, regular maintenance not only preserves your home's value but also prevents minor issues from escalating into major and costly repairs. Whether you're staying put or preparing to sell, these winter/early spring touch-up tasks are important tasks. If you're thinking about selling, reach out to us for a personalized walkthrough and advice on maximizing your home's value in today's market.