How to prepare your home for Autumn

This article has been updated from a previous version.

As temperatures drop, homeowners should take steps to protect their property from seasonal risks. Fall maintenance can help prevent water damage, reduce heating costs, and avoid unexpected insurance claims.

Here are the key tasks to tackle before winter — from sealing drafts and organizing outdoor gear to inspecting your heating system and reviewing your home insurance policy.

Is weather-related water damage covered by home insurance?

Flooding is the most expensive natural hazard in Canada, with insured losses from severe weather exceeding $8 billion in 2024, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Flash floods in Ontario accounted for over one billion dollars of that total.

Despite the rising threat, flood damage is not automatically covered under standard home insurance policies. Coverage for overland flooding — caused by rising rivers or heavy rainfall — and sewer backup must be added as optional endorsements. Without these additions, homeowners may be responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs.

According to Rates.ca quoter data, more Canadians are responding to the increased risk. In June 2024, 50% of all home insurance quotes included water endorsements — a 68% increase compared to the previous year.

While overland flooding and sewer backup were the most commonly selected options, coverage may still be denied if damage is linked to insufficient home maintenance.

Adding flood protection will increase your monthly premium, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If cost is a concern, consider comparing quotes from multiple providers. With water damage claims on the rise nationwide, skipping flood coverage could be a risk you can’t afford to take.

Prevent water damage with fall home maintenance 

Indoor flooding isn’t just stressful — it can cause lasting damage to your home’s structure and belongings. Worse, your insurance may not cover flood damage if it’s linked to poor maintenance. The good news? A few simple steps can help you avoid disaster: 

• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets. Exterior water lines are vulnerable to freezing. If not properly drained, they can burst and lead to flooding inside your home. 
• Clean your eavestroughs. Falling leaves clog gutters and downspouts, preventing water from draining properly. This can lead to roof leaks or water pooling near your foundation. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, hire a contractor. 
• Inspect your roof and chimney. Look for missing or damaged shingles, worn sealant around skylights and vents, and signs of water damage in your attic. Catching issues early can prevent leaks and costly repairs. If climbing onto your roof isn’t safe, call a professional. 

Seal your home against cold drafts

Cold drafts can make your home uncomfortable and drive up your energy bills. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and vents is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve energy efficiency before winter sets in.

Here are two key areas to check:

• Caulking around windows and doors: Inspect the caulking for cracks or gaps, especially around heat vents and exterior openings. Even if you recaulked in the spring, seasonal wear can create new vulnerabilities. Reapply caulking where needed to prevent cold air from seeping in.
• Weatherstripping: Over time, weatherstripping can wear down or crack. Check around exterior doors, windows, garage doors, and attic hatches. If you feel air movement or if a strip of paper slides easily between the frame and the door or window when closed, it’s time to replace the weatherstripping.

Learn more:  How to lower home insurance rates by keeping your home in good shape

Organize your outdoor gear before the first snowfall

Winter weather can arrive suddenly and when it does, you don’t want to be digging through camping gear to find your snowblower or shovels. Now is the time to locate, test, and organize your winter equipment.

Make sure your snowblower starts, your shovels are accessible, and you’ve stocked up on sidewalk salt before the first storm hits. It’s also a good time to:

• Bring in or cover patio furniture
• Empty and store rain barrels, flowerpots, and garden accessories
• Put away rakes, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers (winterize if needed)
• Remove and store window-mounted air conditioning units

Get your heating system and safety equipment ready

As temperatures drop, your heating system becomes essential. Before turning on the furnace, clean or replace the filter to improve air quality and efficiency. If your furnace is older, consider scheduling a professional inspection.

If your home uses baseboard or radiator heating, clean and inspect those units for dust buildup and potential fire hazards.

This is also a good time to check your home’s safety systems:

• Clean and inspect your fireplace
• Clean your dryer vent
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors
• Test carbon monoxide detectors
• Check fire extinguishers
• Inspect and test sump pumps
• Test your generator, if applicable.

Read more: How to prevent basement from flooding before heavy rain

Review your home insurance before winter

Before the season changes, review your home insurance policy to make sure you’re covered for cold-weather risks. Some providers offer discounts for proactive maintenance or safety upgrades, so it’s worth checking to see if you qualify.

Once your home is prepped and your coverage is confirmed, you’ll be ready to settle in with a blanket and a warm drink — no last-minute scrambling required.

Read next: How to lower home insurance rates by keeping your home in good shape