The Ultimate Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for London, ON Homeowners

As the leaves start to change across London and Middlesex County, homeowners know that freezing temperatures aren't far behind. Preparing your home for the harsh Southwestern Ontario winter isn't just about staying warm—it's about preventing expensive emergency repairs.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Once the autumn leaves fall, they inevitably end up in your eavestroughs. Blocked gutters prevent proper drainage. When the temperature drops, this trapped water freezes, causing "ice dams" that can tear gutters off your house and force water under your roof shingles.

2. Seal Drafty Windows and Doors

Did you know that up to 30% of your home's heating energy escapes through drafty windows and doors? Check the weatherstripping around your exterior doors and the caulking around your window frames. If you can feel a breeze or see daylight, it's time to replace the seals.

3. Shut Off Exterior Faucets

Burst pipes are one of the most common—and devastating—winter emergencies. Disconnect all garden hoses and shut off the water supply valve to your exterior spigots from inside the house. Once the valve is off, open the outside tap to let any remaining water drain out.

4. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As your furnace kicks into high gear and windows stay shut, the risk of carbon monoxide buildup increases. Fall is the perfect time to replace the batteries in all your detectors and test them to ensure they are functioning perfectly.

Need Help Getting Your Home Winter-Ready?

Don't have the time or the tall ladders required to tackle this list? The experts at ApexPlus are here to help. From gutter cleaning to professional weatherstripping and minor repairs, we'll make sure your London home is safe and energy-efficient this winter.

Click here to request a free estimate today!