As the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for the cold months ahead. Fall is ideal for tackling those maintenance tasks that will protect your home from the harsh winter weather, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
As your local hardware store, we’ve put together a comprehensive fall home maintenance checklist to help homeowners in Orillia and the surrounding areas get their properties winter-ready. Plus, we’ve got all the tools, materials, and expert advice you need to complete every task on this list!
1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters
Why It’s Important: Falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters, leading to water damage and ice buildup during the winter. What to Do: Clear out leaves, dirt, and debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Make sure to check for any leaks or damage, and repair or replace sections if needed. We Can Help: We stock high-quality gutter cleaning tools, sealants, and replacement parts to make this job easier.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Why It’s Important: Drafty windows and doors can let cold air into your home, making your heating system work harder and increasing energy bills. What to Do: Check for drafts around all windows and doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks that could let in cold air. We Can Help: O’Connor Hardware and Feed has a range of caulking supplies, weatherstripping, and door sweeps to keep your home sealed up tight.
3. Check Your Roof
Why It’s Important: A damaged roof can lead to leaks and water damage during heavy snow or ice accumulation in the winter. What to Do: Inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Consider having your roof professionally inspected if you notice any issues. We Can Help: We carry roofing repair materials and tools for those DIY fixes, as well as snow guards to prevent dangerous ice dams.
4. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
Why It’s Important: Properly caring for your yard in the fall will protect it from frost damage and set it up for a healthy regrowth in the spring. What to Do: Rake up leaves and remove dead plants from flower beds and gardens. Fertilize your lawn and trim back shrubs and trees. Store away garden hoses and winterize any outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. We Can Help: Pick up rakes, garden tools, fertilizer, and faucet covers from our store to keep your yard in top shape.
5. Service Your Furnace
Why It’s Important: Your furnace works overtime in the winter, and regular maintenance ensures it runs efficiently and safely. What to Do: Replace your furnace filter and schedule a professional inspection to check for any issues before the heating season begins. We Can Help: While we may not service furnaces, we do stock replacement filters and thermostats to help you maintain your system’s efficiency.
6. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Why It’s Important: With your heating system running all winter, it’s crucial to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to keep your family safe. What to Do: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries if necessary, and ensure they’re functioning properly. We Can Help: O’Connor Hardware and Feed carries a selection of smoke and CO detectors, as well as batteries, to keep your home safe.
7. Drain and Shut Down Your Sprinkler System
Why It’s Important: Any remaining water in your outdoor sprinkler system can freeze and cause expensive damage during the winter. What to Do: Drain your sprinkler system and shut it off before the first freeze of the season. Don’t forget to disconnect and store garden hoses. We Can Help: We offer tools and equipment to make this process smooth, including hose bib covers to prevent outdoor faucets from freezing.
8. Check Insulation in Attic and Crawl Spaces
Why It’s Important: Proper insulation prevents heat from escaping your home, keeping energy bills lower and your home warmer during the winter. What to Do: Inspect your attic and crawl spaces to ensure they’re properly insulated. Add more insulation where needed, particularly in older homes. We Can Help: We stock insulation materials and tools to make upgrading your home’s energy efficiency easier.
9. Winterize Your Deck and Outdoor Furniture
Why It’s Important: Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can damage outdoor furniture and decks if left unprotected. What to Do: Clean and store outdoor furniture or cover it with weatherproof covers. Apply a water-repellent finish to your deck to protect it from winter weather. We Can Help: We offer a wide variety of wood sealants, deck finishes, and furniture covers to protect your outdoor living spaces.
10. Stock Up on Winter Supplies
Why It’s Important: Be prepared for snow and ice before the winter weather hits. What to Do: Check your stock of winter essentials, including snow shovels, ice melt, and windshield de-icer, so you’re ready for the first snowfall. We Can Help: O’Connor Hardware and Feed is your one-stop shop for all winter supplies, from snow shovels to salt spreaders and ice melt.
Get Ready for Winter with O’Connor Hardware and Feed Taking care of these home maintenance tasks in the fall will ensure your property is ready to handle everything winter throws its way. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking to take care of the basics, O’Connor Hardware and Feed has everything you need—from tools and materials to expert advice.
Stop by our store in Orillia today to get started on your fall checklist, and make sure your home is protected all winter long!