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Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Prepare Your Home Before Winter Arrives

In Manitoba, winter has a way of reminding us when we've skipped maintenance. The best time to prepare your home isn't after the first snowfall, it's during the fall. A few hours of preventative maintenance can help prevent frozen pipes, ice dams, heating issues, and costly emergency repairs.

RESIDENTIAL

In Manitoba, winter has a way of reminding us when we've skipped maintenance.

The best time to prepare your home isn't after the first snowfall, it's during the fall.

A few hours of preventative maintenance can help prevent frozen pipes, ice dams, heating issues, and costly emergency repairs.

Here's our fall maintenance checklist.

Roof

Before snow arrives:

✔ Check for missing shingles.

✔ Inspect flashing.

✔ Remove debris from valleys.

✔ Trim overhanging branches.

Small roofing problems become much larger when snow and ice arrive.

Gutters & Downspouts

Clean out leaves and debris.

Make sure:

Downspouts are securely attached.
Water is directed away from the foundation.
Extensions are still in place.

Blocked gutters contribute to ice damming and foundation moisture.

Furnace

Before heating season:

Replace the furnace filter.
Have the system serviced if needed.
Test the thermostat.
Ensure all vents are open.

A little maintenance now can improve efficiency all winter long.

HRV

Fall is a great time to:

Clean filters.
Clean the core.
Check exterior intake and exhaust vents.
Confirm it's operating properly.

A properly functioning HRV helps control indoor humidity during winter.

Exterior Faucets

Disconnect garden hoses.

Drain exterior taps if required.

Shut off interior valves where applicable.

Frozen hose bibs can burst inside the wall.

Windows & Doors

Inspect:

Weatherstripping
Caulking
Door sweeps
Locks
Hinges

Keeping cold air out improves comfort and reduces heating costs.

Trees

Remove dead branches that could break under heavy snow or ice.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Heating season means more time indoors.

Test:

Smoke alarms
Carbon monoxide alarms

Replace batteries if needed.

Chimneys & Fireplaces

If you use a wood-burning fireplace:

Have the chimney inspected.
Clean the flue if necessary.
Check the chimney cap.

Safety always comes first.

Walk Around One Last Time

Before winter sets in, take one slow walk around your home.

Look for:

Loose siding
Cracked caulking
Water pooling
Soft spots
Damaged vents
Animal entry points

Fixing these issues now is much easier than dealing with them in January.

Winter is hard on Manitoba homes.

A little preparation each fall protects your investment, reduces emergency repairs, and gives you peace of mind throughout the coldest months of the year.

Get Winter-Ready with Confidence

If you're unsure whether your home is ready for another Manitoba winter, Just Call Joe Inspections can help. Our maintenance inspections identify potential concerns before freezing temperatures arrive, giving you a clear understanding of what deserves attention now, and what can wait until spring.