Start with your gutters. Leaves, pine needles and debris can quickly build up and stop water from draining properly. With fall rain, melting snow and freezing temperatures, clogged or damaged gutters can lead to overflowing water, ice buildup and moisture ending up where you definitely do not want it. Making sure gutters are clean and in good repair before winter can help keep water moving safely away from your home.
Fall is also a good time to check your roof for moss buildup. Moss holds moisture and can work its way beneath or between roofing materials over time. Left untreated through a wet, snowy winter, it can contribute to premature deterioration of your roof. Removing moss and keeping your roof clear of organic debris can help protect its lifespan.
Trees and shrubs should also be inspected. Branches hanging close to your home, roof or other structures become considerably heavier once snow and ice settle on them, so trimming them back before winter can help prevent unnecessary damage.
A thorough fall yard cleanup makes a big difference too. Removing leaves, branches, dead plants and other debris means less mess beneath the snow and less work waiting for you in spring.
Your lawn can benefit from fall preparation as well. Depending on its condition, this may include aerating compacted soil, over-seeding thin areas, improving drainage and providing appropriate fall nutrients to encourage healthy roots before winter.
And while you are preparing everything outside, do not forget the windows. Clean windows mean you can enjoy watching that first Okanagan snowfall from the warmth of your home with a perfectly clear view.
At OPP Property Services, caring for properties has been part of our family for more than 30 years. As a family-run company, we have built our business on experience, hard work, reliability and taking pride in what we do. We understand that your home is one of your biggest investments, and we believe in caring for every property as if it were our own.
A little work in the fall can go a long way toward protecting your home through winter – and making life a whole lot easier when spring arrives.
Nathan and Georgina Opp
OPP Property Services
Over 30 years of experience. Family run. Locally trusted.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements, and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media LLC (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses, or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability, or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party.
