Prepare before the first freeze

Fall home maintenance: prepare your house for winter

In Québec, fall is the time to prepare for rain, freezing weather and the return of heating season. This guide helps you organize maintenance, spot issues that need follow-up and keep a useful record of your home.

Published October 5, 2026Practical guide

Key takeaway

The priorities are managing water, preparing heating and documenting known problems. Follow the instructions for your own equipment and have unsafe or unfamiliar work handled by an appropriate professional.

1. Give water a clear path

Remove leaves and debris from gutters and check the downspouts. Fall and spring cleaning is a useful starting point; nearby trees may mean extra visits. Look for loose fasteners and leaking joints. Hire a professional for areas that are difficult to reach rather than climbing onto the roof.^[1]

During the next rainfall, observe from the ground where water collects. A photograph of an overflowing gutter or a puddle near the foundation can help explain the issue and track the repair.

2. Look at the roof and exterior before snowfall

From a safe location, look for displaced materials, loose components and unusual water marks. Walk around the siding, doors and windows too. Document deteriorated joints and signs of moisture so they can be assessed.^[2]

A visual walk-around cannot confirm that a roof is watertight. If you have already noticed a leak, have its cause investigated before snow accumulates. Avoid covering up a problem simply to make it less visible.

3. Prepare outdoor faucets and equipment

Disconnect garden hoses, drain them and put them away. Prepare outdoor faucets and irrigation systems according to their configuration and the manufacturer’s instructions; some equipment needs specific shutoff and draining procedures. If you are unfamiliar with your installation, ask a plumber or the installer how to proceed.^[3]

Keep a list of outdoor equipment and its winterizing instructions so you do not have to start from scratch each fall.

4. Clear window wells and drainage points

Remove leaves from window wells and around accessible drainage points. If your home has a sump pump, check its operation following the manufacturer’s instructions. Equipment that is present but does not work provides no protection.^[3]

Record recurring water accumulation and its location. These observations will be useful if a drainage assessment becomes necessary.

5. Prepare the heating system and heat pump

Clean or replace filters as directed in the appliance manual. Keep the outdoor heat pump’s air intake and discharge clear. A heat pump that heats your home in winter needs airflow: do not cover it while it is operating.^[4]

Have new noises, repeated shutdowns or unusual performance addressed before very cold weather arrives. Keep maintenance invoices and the technician’s observations in your home records.

6. Have wood-burning equipment checked

If you use a wood stove or fireplace, have the installation inspected and make sure the necessary chimney sweeping has been done before using it again. Frequency depends in part on use, and municipal rules may also apply. Chemical cleaning products do not replace mechanical chimney sweeping.^[5]

Do not assume a chimney is ready simply because the fireplace worked last winter.

7. Test the alarms

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with their test buttons, then keep a monthly check on your calendar. Check replacement dates according to the manufacturer. Sealed-battery alarms and those with replaceable batteries have different maintenance instructions.^{[6] [7]}

As heating season returns, take a moment to review appliance instructions and make sure everyone knows how to recognize the alarms’ signals.

8. Watch moisture when windows stay closed

Pay attention to persistent condensation, stains and musty odours. Use exhaust equipment while cooking and showering. If signs return, investigate the cause: water entry, excessive humidity and ventilation problems may call for different solutions.^[2]

Cleaning a surface does not necessarily resolve what caused the moisture. Take dated photographs and note the conditions in which the problem appears.

Where should you start if time is limited?

Start with known problems: active leaks, poor drainage, heating failures or safety equipment that needs replacing. Next, schedule tasks that must be completed before freezing weather. Cosmetic work can generally wait longer than a worsening problem.

Keep a short list identifying the issue, its location, whom to contact and the planned date. This is more useful than a long list without priorities. In a condominium, coordinate work affecting common portions with the syndicate.

When should you request an inspection?

An inspection can help you understand visible and accessible components, document observed signs and identify appropriate follow-up. It is especially useful when several issues overlap or you do not know which specialist to call first.

Annual maintenance remains necessary after an inspection. At Groupe Inspek, we adapt the scope to your property and objective. Tell us about your home and concerns to discuss a suitable service.

Sources and references

Public guidance consulted on October 5, 2026. Some references are available in French. Always consult the instructions for your specific equipment.

This guide is general information. It does not replace a site assessment or the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspection scope and accessible conditions determine what can be concluded about a specific property.