September sure can creep up on you - this year more than ever! As the leaves begin to fall and the temperature drops, we can't forget the important home maintenance that needs to be done. We've put together a Fall Maintenance Checklist - 12 steps to getting your home ready for the colder months ahead. And don't fret, you still have a few weeks to get it all done!

Not sure where to start? Reach out to us at info@parkroadconcierge.ca and we can point you in the right direction.

1. Heating system and chimney servicing.
Ensure that your chimney and furnace or boiler are cleaned, maintained and in working order before you need to . Last thing you want is for any of these items to break down in the middle of night when it's negative temperatures outside.  Also, consider adding a chimney cap, if you don’t already have one, to stop any small animals from crawling down your chimney!
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2. Clean gutters and downspouts.
Identify the time of year that most of your leaves have fallen. If you're willing and able to reach your gutters on a ladder, clear out any debris using gloves or a small spade. An old plastic spatula also makes a great tool for cleaning debris from gutters! It doesn't scratch up the gutter, and you can cut it to fit gutter contours with snips. If you have access to a hose, run it down each downspout and ensure the water exits with a steady stream at the bottom of the downspout.If not, your downspout could be clogged. Clogs during rainstorms can cause water to pool and damage your roof or siding.
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3. Shut off exterior faucets and store hoses.
Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures by shutting off water to exterior faucets before the weather dips below freezing. You should also drain hoses and store them indoors. A good tip is to lightly tape a few pieces of foam around the outside faucet.
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4. Winterize irrigation systems and cabanas.
Now is the time of year to schedule a call with your plumber or irrigation technicians to blow out the water from your sprinkler system and/or pool cabana pipes. You can do this yourself using an air compressor, but you just have to be careful not to leave any water in the line or it might freeze over the winter and burst a pipe.
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5. Clean up leaves.
It is important to get all of the leaves off of ground before the first big snow.  Leaving leaves on your lawn overwinter in a snowy area can inhibit spring growth. Leaving them on any stone or wood areas can leaves stains that may require power washing or extra cleaning to remove in the Spring.
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6. Protect trees.
If you have trees on your property, consider hiring an arborist or landscaper to help care for them in the colder months. Some trees, specifically those near walkways, sidewalks or street, may require wrapping to protect from dirt and salt. Others may require pruning to prevent falling branches during the winter months. An arborist could help spot signs of poor health early on to prevent tree loss.
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7. Exterior repairs.
Do an exterior examination of your property. Look for signs of damage to the roof,siding and foundation. Be on the lookout as well for any small holes or gaps that require sealing. Mice and other critters are able to squeeze through tiny holes and colder weather will drive them indoors for warmth. If you spot anything that needs repair, schedule it before winter weather hits.
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8. Stock up on winter supplies.
If you live in an area like our hometown of Toronto, where we have very cold and snowy winters, fall is the time to prepare. Below is quick checklist

• Snow shovels and ice scrapers
• If you have a snow blower, purchase fuel or charge battery. Check to ensure it starts correctly as it may require servicing from time to time.
• Bag of pet- and plant-safe ice melt. You may even want to consider a fertilizer to protect stone walkways or driveways from salt damage
• Flashlights and batteries. The sun goes down much earlier this time of year and increases our need for these devices.
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9. Check safety devices.
This is something you should be doing regularly, but especially now that you will be heating your home.

• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries as needed. If you have wireless devices, you can conduct tests via the associated mobile application.
• Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if needed.
• Make sure you have emergency kits for car and home and replace if needed.
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10. Clean dryer vents.
Your dryer will be less efficient and even become a fire risk if you do not clean out your dryer vent often. Fall is an important time to clean this vent as the cool and dry fall weather increases the likelihood of static electricity, which can ignite the lint. This can be done yourself or by a duct cleaning specialist.
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11. Protect outdoor A/C compressor(s).
Set a piece of plywood on top of the unit to protect from falling icicles and debris. There's no reason to wrap your entire air conditioner for the winter,and many manufacturers advise against it because it can invite rodents andcause condensation, which can lead to early corrosion.
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12. Winterize your barbecue.

If you plan on storing your grill indoors, now's the time to pack it away before it's covered with a foot of snow. Make sure to give the grill a good cleaning first. For natural gas grills, make sure disconnect from and turn off the gas valve at the source before moving the grill. When storing, wrap the gas line connection in plastic wrap to protect from insects. For propane tanks, absolutely do not store the tank indoors. If stored in enclosed spaces, a small leak could cause an explosion. Instead, disconnect the tank and store it outside in an upright position away from dryer and furnace vents and any high traffic areas. If you're storing your grill outside during the winter, just keep the propane tank connected and put a protective cover over the entire grill and tank.