Canadian winters don’t go easy on homes, which is why fall is the perfect time to get ahead of the cold. A few simple checks and updates now can prevent damage, improve efficiency, and keep everything running smoothly all season long. Whether you live in a brand-new Geranium home or an older one, these practical tips will help you prepare for the months ahead.
Get Your Garage in Gear
Start by organizing your garage so winter essentials are easy to reach. Keep shovels, ice melt, and your snow blower in a clear, convenient spot, you’ll thank yourself on the first snowy morning.
Once things are in order, check your garage floor. If it’s older, consider resealing the concrete with a chlorinated rubber cure-and-seal compound to protect it from salt, slush, and moisture damage over the winter months.
Declutter Your Gutters
Clogged eavestroughs are winter trouble waiting to happen. Twigs, leaves, and even nuts, thanks to busy squirrels, can cause ice buildup, leaks, and roof damage. Late fall is the perfect time to clear gutters and flush downspouts. Just remember to follow safe ladder practices — no overreaching and no shortcuts.
Prep your gutters for winter weather.
Seal the Deal: Time to Caulk
Cold weather waits for no one, and neither does failing caulking. Inspect exterior caulking every six months for cracks or crumbling. Remove any deteriorated sections and reapply a high-quality, cold-rated exterior caulking. A proper seal keeps the cold air out, improves energy efficiency, and helps lower your heating bills.
Drain Outdoor Water Systems
As temperatures drop, frozen pipes can become a costly and all-too-common problem for homeowners. Before the first deep freeze, shut off interior valves to outdoor taps, drain exterior pipes completely, and disconnect and store garden hoses. If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to winterize it properly to prevent bursts and leaks.
Leaving water on? Winter pipes won’t forgive.
Don’t Overlook Your Locks
Exterior locks can stiffen when moisture freezes inside. A quick tune-up now can save you from being locked out in a snowstorm. A puff of powdered graphite in keyed exterior locks keeps them moving smoothly, while a few drops of household oil work well for interior passage sets.
Protect Outdoor Furniture and Trim Trees
If possible, bring outdoor furniture indoors for the winter. If not, cover it securely and store cushions separately to prevent moisture damage. Trim tree branches, especially dead or weak ones, that could snap under the weight of snow or ice and cause damage to your home.
Take advantage of the next nice day to tuck away your outdoor furniture.
Indoor Safety Check
Winter is prime cozy season, but only when your home is safe. Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and inspect fire extinguishers for pressure, dents, or corrosion. Review your home’s fire escape plan and make sure exits are clear.
Reverse Those Ceiling Fans
A simple trick with a big payoff is to flip your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This pushes warm air downward and helps distribute heat evenly, allowing your furnace to work smarter, not harder.
Reverse your ceiling fan, warm air stays where you want it
Get Your Furnace Winter-Ready
Your heating system deserves attention before the deep freeze hits. Change furnace filters every 90 days, or more often if you have pets or allergies. Test your furnace early, before the first -20°C night, to make sure everything runs smoothly. For extra peace of mind, schedule an annual professional inspection to keep your system operating efficiently.
Snow Removal with Purpose
One final reminder, when clearing snow, always shovel or blow it away from your home’s foundation, especially near basement windows and concrete steps. Melting snow that pools against your house can lead to seepage or foundation damage. Also, keep furnace and dryer vents clear of snow and ice to maintain airflow and ensure safe operation.
When the snow hits, shovel away from your house.
Why Geranium Homeowners Are Already Ahead
Every Geranium homeowner receives an in-depth Warranty & Maintenance Guide to help protect their investment year-round. Combined with regular seasonal upkeep, like the tips above, you’re ensuring efficiency, comfort, and longevity for your home. Whether your home is newly built or decades old, a little preventative maintenance now will help you beat winter at its own game.
Learn about our move-in ready and to-be-built opportunities at geranium.com
Allegro in Downtown Aurora