Maintenance worker cleaning gutters at a Gatineau home in autumn

Liste d'entretien d'automne pour votre propriété à Gatineau

Fall is the right time to prepare your Gatineau property for freezing temperatures, snow and spring runoff. A few simple tasks now can help protect your home, reduce winter problems and make spring cleanup easier.

Use this checklist for your home, rental property or commercial building.

1. Clean the gutters

Leaves and small branches can block gutters and downspouts. When water cannot drain properly, it may overflow near the foundation, entrances or walkways.

Before winter:

  • Remove leaves and debris from the gutters
  • Check that gutters are firmly attached
  • Clear the downspouts
  • Confirm that water flows away from the foundation
  • Look for visible leaks or damaged sections
  • Clean the gutters again after most leaves have fallen

In Gatineau, a final cleaning in late fall is often important because trees can continue dropping leaves after the first visit.

If you’d rather not work from a ladder, Henri Maintenance Services offers gutter cleaning in Gatineau and nearby areas.

2. Check drainage

Gutters are only one part of the drainage system. Walk around your property and look for areas where water could collect.

Check:

  • Window wells
  • Foundation edges
  • Downspout outlets
  • Driveway cracks and low areas
  • Basement entrances
  • Catch basins and exterior drains

Clear leaves and debris before they freeze. If the soil slopes toward the home, water may move toward the foundation during rain or snowmelt. Visible cracks, pooling water or repeated basement moisture may need a closer inspection.

3. Finish the yard cleanup

A clean yard is easier to manage after the first snowfall. Wet leaves left on the lawn can hold moisture, block sunlight and contribute to damaged grass.

Your fall lawn checklist should include:

  • Raking or removing leaves
  • Clearing branches and yard waste
  • Cleaning around steps and walkways
  • Removing dead plants where appropriate
  • Filling bare areas with seed if conditions allow
  • Completing the final grass cut before winter
  • Cleaning and storing lawn equipment

Avoid leaving large piles of leaves against the home, shed or fence. They can trap moisture and make spring cleanup more difficult.

For help with leaf removal, grass cutting or seasonal yard work, see our lawn maintenance service.

Worker completing fall yard cleanup beside a Gatineau home

4. Wash exterior surfaces

Fall is also a useful time to remove dirt and organic buildup from outdoor surfaces. Moss, algae, mud and residue can become harder to remove after repeated freezing and thawing.

Consider pressure washing:

  • Driveways
  • Walkways
  • Patios
  • Decks
  • Fences
  • Siding
  • Exterior steps

A clean surface also makes it easier to notice cracks, loose boards, damaged caulking or areas that need repair before winter.

Pressure washing in Gatineau can be scheduled for residential and commercial properties.

5. Clean the dryer vent

Lint and dust can build up inside the dryer vent and exterior flap. A blocked vent may reduce airflow, increase drying time and make the dryer work harder.

Before winter, check that:

  • The exterior vent flap opens properly
  • The vent area is free of leaves and debris
  • Clothes are drying normally
  • There is no unusual heat around the dryer
  • The duct and connection are not visibly damaged

A professional cleaning can help remove buildup from areas that are difficult to reach. Henri Maintenance Services provides basic dryer vent and fireplace cleaning.

This service does not include certified chimney inspections or WETT inspections. If you need those services, contact a qualified certified provider.

6. Prepare for snow removal

Snow removal is easier when the property is ready before the first storm.

Make a plan for:

  • Driveways
  • Sidewalks
  • Front steps
  • Garage entrances
  • Business entrances
  • Emergency access routes
  • Snow storage areas

Mark the edges of driveways, gardens and walkways with snow stakes before the ground freezes. Move planters, hoses, tools and other items that could be hidden under snow.

You should also check your shovel, snowblower, ice melt and exterior lighting. For landlords and businesses, decide who will clear snow and how quickly entrances need to be accessible.

Henri Maintenance Services provides snow removal for residential and commercial properties, with seasonal and on-call options subject to availability.

Winter preparation inspection with driveway markers and snow tools

7. Complete small repairs

Small exterior problems can become more noticeable during winter. Walk around the property and make a list of repairs.

Look for:

  • Loose railings
  • Damaged steps
  • Cracked caulking
  • Loose siding
  • Broken gates or fences
  • Drafts around doors
  • Damaged exterior lights
  • Cracks in the driveway
  • Loose downspout extensions

You don’t need to complete every project at once. Start with anything that affects safety, water drainage or access.

Our property maintenance service is available for year-round upkeep, inspections and seasonal maintenance.

A simple schedule

Early fall

  • Inspect the roof and exterior
  • Start leaf removal
  • Check drainage
  • Schedule gutter cleaning
  • Plan snow removal
  • Check heating and ventilation systems

Late fall

  • Complete the final gutter cleaning
  • Finish the yard cleanup
  • Store hoses and outdoor equipment
  • Clean the dryer vent
  • Install snow stakes
  • Complete priority repairs
  • Confirm your snow removal plan

For more general seasonal guidance, see the CAA-Quebec fall home maintenance guide.

Need a hand?

Looks like your fall checklist has a few items left. Henri Maintenance Services is locally owned and operated in Gatineau. We serve homeowners, landlords, tenants, property managers and local businesses.

You can request a free preliminary estimate from photos. Our work is backed by a 1-month workmanship warranty, and we provide simple, dependable service for residential and commercial properties.

Contact Henri Maintenance Services or book a service online.