In this article5 sections
October is the month to weatherproof a property in Greater Moncton. By November the window is closing: temperatures are dropping, contractors are booked up, and the work that should have happened in fall turns into emergency work in January. This checklist covers the four most important areas, with guidance for Maritime conditions.
Gutters and drainage
Gutters clogged with leaves can’t drain. When water backs up and freezes, it forms ice dams, a leading cause of roof damage and interior leaks in Atlantic Canada. Clean the gutters after the last leaves fall, usually late October to early November around Moncton.
- Clear every gutter and downspout of leaves, debris and sediment
- Make sure downspouts send water at least 1.5 metres from the foundation
- Look for sagging sections or separated joints and refasten them before winter
- Consider gutter guards if you clean your gutters more than once a year
Furnace and heating system
A furnace that hasn’t been serviced since last winter is a liability. An annual inspection catches cracked heat exchangers, dirty burners and failing parts before they become mid-winter emergencies. In New Brunswick, where temperatures regularly drop below –20°C, a heating failure isn’t just uncomfortable. It can damage pipes within hours.
- Book a furnace inspection and cleaning before heating season
- Replace the furnace filter. A clogged filter cuts efficiency and strains the blower motor
- Test the thermostat and make sure it’s calling for heat properly
- If you have a heat pump, have the refrigerant level and coils checked
- Test your carbon monoxide detectors. Heating season is when CO incidents spike
Weatherstripping and air sealing
Air leaks around doors and windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in Maritime homes. Weatherstripping wears out and should be checked every fall. A quick test: close a door on a sheet of paper. If it pulls out easily, the seal isn’t tight enough.
- Check the weatherstripping on every exterior door and replace it where it’s worn or flattened
- Check window seals for gaps, cracks or separation
- Re-caulk around window and door frames where the old caulk has shrunk or cracked
- Check the attic hatch seal. It’s often missed and can leak a lot of heat
Snow removal prep
Greater Moncton averages more than 250 cm of snow a winter. Being caught unprepared by the first big snowfall, which can come as early as November, is a real risk, especially for commercial properties with accessibility obligations.
- Service the snowblower: change the oil, check the belts and test the auger
- Stock up on ice melt and sand before the first storm
- Stake your driveway edges so you know where the pavement ends
- If you use a snow removal service, confirm your contract before November
Fall weatherproofing almost always costs less than a single winter emergency. The math is simple.
Getting it done
With the right trades, most of this list can be done in a day. CORE handles gutter cleaning, weatherstripping and outdoor prep through our Outdoor Works and Handyman divisions. If you want one team to work through the whole list, CORE PRO members get priority scheduling in the fall, which matters when every contractor in Moncton is busy in October.
