Social post excerpt: A weekend of preparation now can help prevent winter damage later, use this seven-point checklist to get your gutters, roof, walkways and whole property ready for the storms ahead.

When the days turn grey and the rain settles in, the small things around your home can make a big difference. A blocked downspout, a slippery front path or a loose patio chair may not seem urgent on a sunny afternoon. Add heavy rain, wind or an early freeze, and they deserve a second look.

The good news? Getting ready doesn’t have to feel like a huge project. A weekend of preparation now can help prevent winter damage later, and make the season a little easier to manage.

Here’s a practical, whole-property checklist for homes across British Columbia and Alberta. And if our own Jimmy is nearby with his clipboard, consider that your reminder to start at the top and work your way around.

1. Clear the gutters and check where water goes

Gutters and downspouts need to be clear before the deep rain arrives. Remove leaves, needles and other debris so water can flow freely. While you’re checking, look for sagging sections, loose connections, visible leaks or water marks on exterior walls.

Then follow the water. Make sure each downspout is open and directing water away from your home’s foundation, not toward a basement wall, walkway or neighbouring property. If an extension has shifted or come loose, set it right where you can do so safely.

Gutter maintenance is about more than tidy eaves. When water spills over or pools near the foundation, it can contribute to moisture problems. For a closer look at the work involved, visit our gutter cleaning service page. Canada’s eavestrough and downspout guidance also explains how effective drainage helps reduce flood risk.

Safety note: Don’t climb a ladder or reach over an edge if you’re not comfortable and properly equipped. Professional help is a sensible choice for hard-to-reach areas.

2. Check the roof and treat moss as maintenance

From the ground, take a look at the roof for obvious damage, loose-looking materials or patches of moss. Don’t walk on a roof to investigate. Wet, mossy surfaces can be slippery, and roof work is best left to people with the right training and equipment.

Moss holds moisture against shingles. Over time, that added moisture can contribute to wear and shorten a roof’s useful life. Treating moss is maintenance, not simply a cosmetic touch-up. It’s also worth remembering that moss and debris washed off the roof can end up in the gutters, so check those again after roof work.

The right approach depends on the roof and its condition. Our roof cleaning service uses low-impact methods designed to remove moss, algae and debris without damaging roofing materials. Avoid trying to solve a moss problem with a pressure washer; ask a qualified professional about an appropriate treatment for your roof.

3. Make walkways, driveways and drainage easier to manage

Leaves look lovely in a photo. They’re less charming when they’re covering a drain or turning a walkway slick.

Clear leaves and debris from paths, steps, driveway edges and accessible drainage grates. Moss and algae can also make hard surfaces slippery, especially when wet. Check for areas where water collects, runs across a path or freezes in cold weather. If a drain is blocked or water repeatedly pools near the house, it may need more than a quick sweep.

Clear only the drains you can reach safely and without stepping into traffic or standing water. For paths and other suitable hard surfaces, periodic pressure washing can help remove built-up grime and growth. Take care around delicate materials and follow the surface manufacturer’s guidance.

A quick walk around the property after rain can be useful: notice where water flows, where it lingers and whether it’s heading away from the foundation.

4. Clean exterior walls and awnings before the grey season

Algae and grime on siding can hold moisture against the surface, while buildup on an awning can leave fabric looking tired and may affect how it weathers. Check the walls and awnings for areas that could use attention before the season of persistent rain gets underway.

Use a cleaning method suited to the material. Siding, painted surfaces and awning fabrics don’t all respond to the same products or pressure, so a careful approach matters. Cleaning at the right time can help you start winter with surfaces in better shape and make spring cleanup feel less daunting.

IMAGINE Maintenance offers exterior cleaning, including awning cleaning and pressure washing for suitable surfaces. If you’d rather not take on the work yourself, we’re happy to help you understand what service fits your property.

5. Clean windows before months of grey weather

Clean glass won’t change the forecast, but it can make the most of the daylight you get. Removing dust, pollen and summer grime before the wettest part of the year can also make it easier to spot changes around frames and seals.

As you check your windows, look for visible gaps, damaged caulking or signs of water getting in. Cleaning is not a substitute for repairs, but a clear view can make it easier to notice when something needs attention.

Our window cleaning service helps bring clarity back to your glass before the long grey stretch. It’s a simple bit of seasonal care, and a welcome improvement from inside the house on a rainy afternoon.

6. Tidy trees and landscape around the home

Overhanging branches can drop leaves and twigs onto the roof and into gutters. In windy weather, branches close to the house may also rub against the roof or siding. Look for dead, damaged or crowded branches and consider whether shrubs or plants are obstructing drains, paths or access points.

For larger branches or trees that appear unstable, contact a qualified arborist rather than attempting the work yourself. A little landscape tidying can help keep rooflines, gutters and walkways clearer through the season.

If your property needs a hand with seasonal cleanup, landscape tidying can be included as part of the broader preparation plan. The aim is practical: reduce debris where you can and keep the areas around your home accessible.

7. Handle the simple storm-prep basics

Before a storm, secure or store loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, lightweight planters and equipment. Check that exterior lights are working so entrances and paths are easier to see when the afternoons get dark early.

It’s also helpful to know where your home’s main water shut-off is and how to access it. Keep a flashlight somewhere easy to find, and follow local weather alerts and emergency guidance when conditions change. For region-specific advice, review the Government of British Columbia’s flood preparedness guidance and Alberta’s flood preparedness information.

These are small steps, but they can make a stressful moment feel more manageable. No dramatic storm soundtrack required.

A little preparation goes a long way

You don’t need to tackle everything in one afternoon. Start with the roofline, work down to the ground and make a note of anything that needs a closer look. If a task involves heights, roof access or equipment you’re not comfortable using, leave it to a professional.

For more than 30 years, IMAGINE Maintenance has helped homeowners and property teams across British Columbia and Alberta, including in Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Kelowna, Kamloops and Abbotsford. Our insured professionals plan work safely and approach each property with care.

We’re here to help with gutter cleaning, roof and moss treatment, pressure washing, window and awning cleaning, and landscape tidying. Contact us for a quote at 1-888-835-0008 or hello@imagineservices.ca.