The Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Every Markham Homeowner Needs
A room-by-room guide to winterizing your home before the first freeze — from HVAC tune-ups to gutter cleaning, so you head into winter with zero surprises.
Five Areas To Cover Before Winter
Work through each category over a weekend or two — most tasks take under an hour and pay for themselves in lower winter heating bills.
Exterior & Roof
- Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris
- Inspect roof shingles for damage or lifting
- Check flashing around chimneys and vents
- Trim tree branches away from the roofline
- Inspect and repair damaged siding or trim
HVAC & Heating
- Book a professional furnace inspection and tune-up
- Replace or clean furnace filters
- Bleed air from radiators (if applicable)
- Test the thermostat, consider a programmable model
- Clear vents and registers of dust and obstructions
Windows & Doors
- Check and replace worn weatherstripping
- Apply caulk to gaps around window and door frames
- Install storm windows or door draft stoppers
- Inspect screens and swap for storm windows if used
- Test locks and hardware before winter
Plumbing
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
- Shut off and insulate exterior faucets
- Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas
- Check the sump pump is working correctly
- Drain and store the garden irrigation system
Yard & Landscaping
- Rake and dispose of fallen leaves regularly
- Aerate and fertilize the lawn for spring growth
- Cut back perennials and mulch garden beds
- Drain and store garden hoses and equipment
- Store or cover outdoor furniture and cushions
Safety & Systems
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace detector batteries
- Inspect fireplace and schedule a chimney sweep
- Check the attic for proper insulation and ventilation
- Locate and test the home's main water shutoff
Your 6-Step Fall Prep Schedule
Spread the checklist over six weeks so nothing feels overwhelming — and so contractors are booked before their fall waitlists fill up.
Book Your HVAC Inspection Now
Furnace technicians book up fast once temperatures drop — schedule your tune-up in late August or early September.
Handle the Roof and Gutters
Clean gutters once most leaves have dropped, but before the first hard freeze — typically early-to-mid October in Markham.
Seal Windows and Doors
A weekend project — check every exterior door and window for drafts using a lit candle or your hand on a windy day.
Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
Disconnect hoses and shut off exterior faucets before the first overnight frost to prevent burst pipes.
Finish the Yard
Final lawn cut, last leaf collection, and store away anything that can't handle snow load or freezing temperatures.
Test Every Safety System
Detectors, fireplace, and main shutoff valve — a final walkthrough before the cold weather settles in for good.
Markham-Specific: Leaf Collection & Yard Waste
The City of Markham runs a seasonal leaf and yard waste collection program each fall, separate from regular green bin pickup. Check the City of Markham website for this year's exact collection dates and bagging requirements before you rake, so your yard waste actually gets picked up on schedule.
Common Fall Maintenance Questions
Thinking of Buying or Selling This Fall?
Whether you're prepping your current home for winter or getting ready to list, we're happy to walk through what matters most for your situation.