It’s October! Here’s Your Honey-Do List for Exterior Home Maintenance

Fall has arrived in Calgary, and with cooler weather and shorter days, now is the time to prepare your home for winter. Tackling a simple October home maintenance checklist will not only keep your house looking its best but also protect it from costly repairs once the snow flies. Use this fall exterior home maintenance guide as your honey-do list this season.

🍂 1. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, twigs, and debris can quickly clog your gutters, causing water to back up and freeze. Proper gutter cleaning in fall helps prevent:

• Ice dams

• Roof leaks

• Damage to your home’s foundation

✅ Pro tip: Make sure downspouts are directing water at least a few feet away from your home.

🪟 2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Walk around your home’s exterior and check for:

• Gaps near windows

• Drafts around doors

• Cracks in siding

Sealing with caulk or weatherstripping will keep the cold out and lower heating costs—important for Calgary homeowners preparing for winter.

💧 3. Prepare Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers

Frozen pipes are an expensive repair you don’t want. In October, remember to:

• Drain hoses

• Shut off outdoor faucets

• Blow out your irrigation system

This small step is essential for Alberta fall home maintenance.

🌳 4. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Trim back branches that hang over your:

• Roof

• Fence

• Power lines

Calgary winters bring heavy snow and ice, which can weigh down branches and cause breakage.

🌾 5. Maintain a Non-Landscaped Lawn

Even if your yard isn’t landscaped, fall maintenance still matters. Take time to:

• Remove sticks, rocks, and debris

• Level out low spots to prevent water pooling

• Add mulch or gravel to reduce mud and erosion

This helps keep your yard neat and safer through winter.

🌀 6. Keep Exterior Vents Clear

Check around exterior vents such as:

• Dryer vents

• Furnace exhausts

• Bathroom fan outlets

Blocked vents can cause:

• Moisture buildup

• Frost and ice damming on your roof

• Safety hazards from poor ventilation

  
  

💡 7. Check Exterior Lighting

With Calgary’s days getting shorter, exterior lighting is key for safety. Replace burnt-out bulbs and upgrade to energy-efficient LEDs for long-lasting brightness.

🪑 8. Store Outdoor Furniture and Décor

Before the snow hits, make sure to:

• Store patio furniture indoors or under covers

• Protect seasonal décor like pumpkins and wreaths

• Secure anything that isn’t weatherproof

  
  

✅ Final Thoughts

Completing this October honey-do list for exterior home maintenance will give you peace of mind heading into winter. From gutter cleaning and roof inspections to Calgary fall lawn care and preventing ice dams, these small steps make a big difference in keeping your home safe, cozy, and winter-ready.