Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Canadian Homes
- Dylan Brubacher
- Dec 3, 2025
- 3 min read
Living in Canada means enjoying the best of all four seasons — but it also means your home works hard year-round. From freezing winters to hot summers, our unique climate demands seasonal upkeep to keep everything running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
To help you stay ahead of the weather, here’s a season-by-season home maintenance checklist tailored specifically for Canadian homeowners.
Download the printable guide here:
🏡 Spring: Refresh and Inspect
As the snow melts, spring is the perfect time to assess winter damage and prepare your home for warmer months.
▢ Inspect your roof for missing shingles, cracks, or leaks
▢ Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage
▢ Check grading around your home to direct water away from the foundation
▢ Inspect foundation for cracks or moisture
▢ Service your air conditioner before summer heat hits
▢ Test sump pump and backup power source
▢ Wash exterior windows and check screens for tears
▢ Inspect fences, decks, and railings for winter damage
▢ Repaint or reseal outdoor wood surfaces as needed
▢ Fertilize and seed your lawn to repair winter damage
Pro tip: Spring is also a great time to schedule a professional home inspection or maintenance service to catch hidden issues early.
☀️ Summer: Maintain and Protect
Summer offers warm weather and long days — ideal for outdoor projects and upkeep that prevent wear and tear.
▢ Power wash siding, decks, and driveways
▢ Inspect caulking around doors, windows, and vents
▢ Trim trees and shrubs away from siding and rooflines
▢ Check irrigation systems and garden hoses for leaks
▢ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
▢ Clean dryer vents and exhaust ducts
▢ Reverse ceiling fans for cooling direction
▢ Re-stain or seal decks and fences if needed
▢ Inspect outdoor lighting and replace bulbs
▢ Touch up exterior paint to protect from UV damage
Pro tip: Summer is the best time to handle outdoor painting, staining, and roof repairs while conditions are dry.
🍂 Fall: Prepare for the Cold
Before temperatures drop, fall is all about prevention. Getting ahead on these tasks will help protect your home and avoid winter headaches.
▢ Inspect and clean gutters after leaves fall
▢ Drain and store garden hoses; shut off exterior taps
▢ Check attic insulation and ventilation
▢ Seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding
▢ Service or replace furnace filters
▢ Test your furnace before the first frost
▢ Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows
▢ Check for cracks in walkways or driveways
▢ Install or test carbon monoxide detectors
▢ Clean and inspect your fireplace or chimney
Pro tip: Book furnace maintenance early — service companies get busy once the cold hits.
❄️ Winter: Protect and Monitor
Canadian winters can be extreme. Staying vigilant through the cold months can prevent costly emergencies.
▢ Check for ice buildup on eaves and roof edges
▢ Keep snow and ice cleared from vents and gas meters
▢ Watch for frost or condensation in the attic
▢ Inspect for drafts and heat loss
▢ Run water in infrequently used sinks/tubs to prevent frozen traps
▢ Monitor sump pump and ensure discharge lines don’t freeze
▢ Test GFCI outlets and all interior lights
▢ Check for signs of pests in the basement and attic
▢ Replace or clean furnace filters monthly
▢ Keep emergency supplies on hand for power outages
Pro tip: A small heater or pipe insulation can save you thousands if temperatures dip below -30°C.
