10 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Winter

Winter has a way of exposing the small problems around a home that were easy to ignore during warmer weather.

A clogged gutter, drafty window or outdoor faucet may not seem urgent in October. Once freezing temperatures, snow and ice arrive, however, those small issues can become expensive ones.

A little winter home maintenance now can help protect your property and make the colder months easier.

If you own a home in Oakville, Burlington or elsewhere in Halton Region, here are 10 things worth checking before winter arrives.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Check Your Downspouts

Start at the top of the house.

Leaves and debris can clog eavestroughs during the fall. That can prevent rain and melting snow from draining properly.

Clean the gutters and make sure downspouts are clear. Also, check that water is being directed away from the foundation.

This isn’t just about keeping things tidy. Poor drainage can contribute to water problems around a home.

The City of Burlington specifically recommends clearing eavestroughs and downspouts as part of reducing the risk of water buildup and basement flooding.

2. Shut Off Outdoor Water

Don’t forget about your exterior faucets.

Disconnect garden hoses, drain them and store them for winter. If your home has an interior shut-off valve for an exterior faucet, close it and drain the exterior line according to the setup of your plumbing system.

It’s also a good time to winterize irrigation systems if you have one.

Water left where it can freeze may expand and damage plumbing or irrigation components.

This is one of those jobs that’s much easier to deal with on a mild October afternoon than during the first serious freeze.

3. Give Your Heating System Some Attention

You don’t want to discover a heating problem on the first truly cold night.

Check your furnace filter and replace it if needed. Turn the heat on before winter arrives and make sure the system appears to be operating properly.

If your heating equipment requires professional maintenance, fall is a good time to arrange it.

Ontario also recommends having fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected by professionals every year before cold weather arrives.

4. Check Windows and Exterior Doors

Walk around the house and look for obvious gaps around windows and doors.

You can also check inside for noticeable drafts.

Worn weather stripping or damaged caulking may allow cold air and moisture into places you don’t want them.

Small repairs now can make the house more comfortable once temperatures drop.

While you’re outside, look at exterior caulking around windows and doors for cracking or separation.

5. Look at Your Roof From the Ground

You don’t necessarily need to climb onto the roof.

Instead, look for anything unusual from the ground. Missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing or other visible damage deserves attention before snow arrives.

If you see something concerning, have a qualified professional take a closer look.

Fall is also a good time to check nearby trees for damaged or dead branches that could become a problem during winter storms.

6. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

This one is about more than maintaining the value of your home.

It’s about safety.

Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries or alarms when required.

Ontario requires working smoke alarms on every storey of a home and outside sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required in applicable homes with fuel-burning appliances and other specified conditions.

As we begin using furnaces and fireplaces more often, this is an especially good time to make sure everything is working.

7. Check Your Sump Pump and Basement

If your home has a sump pump, make sure it’s working properly.

Take a quick look around the basement as well. Watch for moisture, staining, cracks or anything else that appears to have changed.

Also, keep exterior drainage in mind.

The City of Burlington recommends seasonal maintenance such as cleaning eavestroughs, clearing nearby storm drains, testing sump pumps and maintaining backwater valves to help reduce flood risk.

Water management around a home matters in every season, including when snow begins to melt.

8. Clean Up the Yard — But Check Your Collection Date

This one is especially timely for Oakville homeowners.

Oakville’s 2026 loose leaf collection begins October 26 and runs through December 4 in designated neighbourhoods. Collection dates depend on your zone.

The Town asks residents not to put loose leaves out more than seven days before their scheduled collection week.

Also, don’t pile leaves over catch basins or storm drains. Keeping those areas clear helps water drain properly. Oakville

While you’re outside, put away patio furniture and other seasonal items that won’t be used through winter.

9. Get Your Winter Equipment Ready

Remember last winter when everyone went looking for a snow shovel after the snow had already started?

Don’t be that person.

Check your shovels, snow blower and ice-melting products now.

If you use a snow blower, make sure it’s ready to operate. Move winter equipment somewhere accessible rather than leaving it buried behind summer items in the garage.

It’s a small job, but you’ll appreciate having done it when the first significant snowfall arrives.

10. Walk Around Your Property One More Time

Finish your winter home maintenance with a simple walk around the house.

Look at the foundation. Check exterior vents. Look for loose railings, damaged steps or cracks that may need attention.

Make sure furnace, dryer and other exterior vents aren’t blocked.

Ontario specifically recommends keeping outside vents and chimneys for furnaces, fireplaces, dryers and other fuel-burning equipment clear of snow and debris during winter.

You don’t need to become a home inspector.

You’re simply looking for anything that seems different, damaged or worth investigating before winter makes it harder to address.

Small Maintenance Can Prevent Bigger Problems

Owning a home means there’s always something to maintain.

Fortunately, most winter home maintenance doesn’t require a major renovation.

Cleaning gutters, checking drainage, replacing a furnace filter and inspecting the exterior are relatively small jobs. However, they can help identify problems before those problems become more difficult or expensive.

Regular maintenance can also help preserve the condition of your home over time.

And whether you’re planning to stay for another 20 years or sell in the future, taking care of the property is rarely wasted effort.

Get Your Home Ready Before Winter Arrives

October is a great time to work through this list.

The weather is still manageable, the leaves are coming down, and there’s enough time to address problems before the coldest part of the year arrives.

So pick a nice fall weekend, tackle a few items at a time and get the house ready.

Your future January self may be very glad you did.

Gary Lima
REALTOR®
Century 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

This article provides general home-maintenance information only. Some maintenance and repairs should be completed by qualified professionals. Always follow manufacturer instructions and applicable safety requirements.