Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Fraser Valley Homes
A good fall home maintenance checklist helps you get the outside of your home ready before the long, wet Fraser Valley winter. The short version: clear your gutters and downspouts, deal with moss on the roof, wash off algae and grime, clean your windows, and make walkways safe before the rain settles in.
Most of these jobs are much easier in October and early November, while there are still dry days. Below is the checklist we would follow on our own homes in Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey and Chilliwack, with notes on which jobs are simple to do yourself and which are worth handing off.
1. Gutters and downspouts
Gutters are the most important item on any fall list. Once leaves and needles drop, clogged gutters can send water over the edge and toward your siding and foundation.
Clear leaves, needles and debris from the full length of every gutter.
Flush the downspouts and make sure water drains away from the house.
Look for sagging sections or joints that drip.
Plan for a second cleaning if you have big trees nearby.
HomeStars recommends cleaning gutters at least twice a year, in spring and fall, and every three to four months for homes surrounded by trees, in its gutter cleaning guide. Our gutter cleaning service clears leaves, debris and downspout blockages. For more on timing, read how often to clean your gutters in Abbotsford.
2. Roof: moss and debris
Moss loves damp, shaded roofs, and our wet months give it plenty of time to grow. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association explains in its moss and algae guide that moss can lift or curl shingle edges, which raises the risk of shingles blowing off in a windstorm.
Look for green patches, especially on north-facing slopes and under trees.
Clear branches and debris that sit on the roof and hold moisture.
Trim overhanging branches so more sun and air reach the shingles.
Never pressure wash shingles. ARMA warns that high-pressure washing is likely to damage asphalt roofing.
Roof work is one job we don't recommend doing yourself, especially on wet days. Our roof washing and moss removal uses low-pressure soft washing.
3. Siding, soffits and exterior walls
Summer dust, pollen and early algae all build up on siding. Washing it in the fall removes that layer before months of rain help green growth spread.
Check shady walls for green or black streaks.
Look at soffits under the eaves, where grime and cobwebs collect.
Use low pressure on siding. High pressure can damage siding or push water behind it.
Most house exteriors should be washed every 12 to 18 months, depending on shade, moisture and nearby trees. Our house washing service uses low-pressure soft washing for siding, soffits and exterior walls, and we cover plants and outdoor electronics before we start.
Tip: if several items on this list need a professional, ask about doing them in one visit. Gutters, roof, siding and windows are often easier to plan together, and you only need to book one appointment.
4. Windows
Clean windows let in more light during the darkest months of the year. Fall is also a good time to clear off a summer's worth of dust and pollen before the rain sets in.
Clean the exterior glass, and the inside if it hasn't been done in a while.
Check screens and tracks for dirt and debris.
Look at the seals and caulking around frames for gaps that could let in drafts or water.
We use a deionized water system for exterior windows, which removes the minerals that leave spots when water dries. See our window cleaning service for details.
5. Driveways, walkways and steps
Wet leaves and moss make concrete and steps slippery. Getting them clean before winter makes your home safer for family and visitors.
Clear leaves from walkways and steps regularly.
Look for moss and algae in shady spots and along edges.
Plan a pressure wash for concrete, exposed aggregate or pavers that have turned green or stained.
Our residential pressure washing covers driveways, patios, walkways and steps.
6. Holiday lights and final checks
If you plan to put up Christmas lights, fall is the time to plan it, ideally after your gutters are clean. Lights often clip to gutters, and dry days are easier for working at height. Read our guide to professional Christmas light installation for what to expect.
A few last checks to winterize your house from the outside:
Disconnect garden hoses and store them before freezing nights.
Make sure outdoor outlets work and have covers in good shape.
Check exterior lights along paths and entries.
Put away or cover patio furniture you won't use until spring.
If you do any ladder work yourself, follow the basics from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: three points of contact, a 4:1 ladder angle and no overreaching.
Frequently asked questions
When should I do fall home maintenance in the Fraser Valley?
October and early November are best, after most leaves have dropped but while there are still dry days for roof, gutter and siding work.
What is the most important fall maintenance job?
Cleaning gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can send water toward your siding and foundation during heavy rain.
Can I do all of this myself?
Ground-level jobs like clearing walkways and disconnecting hoses are easy to do yourself. Roof, gutter and upper-window work means ladders on wet ground, so many homeowners leave those to a professional.
Which areas does Willy's serve?
We serve homes in Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey and Chilliwack.
Get your home ready for the rain
Work through this fall home maintenance checklist from the top down: gutters and downspouts first, then the roof, siding, windows and finally walkways and steps. Doing it before the wettest months helps protect your home and keeps it looking its best all winter.
Willy's Window Washing is a locally owned exterior cleaning company based in Abbotsford with more than eight years of experience. Call (778) 200-7927 or request a free estimate and we will take care of the high, wet and hard-to-reach jobs on your list.
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