Winterizing your home’s exterior: What to clean before the freeze
Because Metro Vancouver winters may be mild, but moisture does damage.
As temperatures drop, homeowners start thinking about holiday lights, dinner planning, and surviving the rain season… but your home’s exterior also needs prep before winter sets in.
A few simple cleaning steps now can save you hundreds — sometimes thousands — in spring repair bills.
Here’s the essential winter exterior prep checklist.
1. Clean Out Those Gutters
In Metro Vancouver, gutters fill FAST with fir needles, maple leaves, and debris.
If they’re clogged, water overflows and can:
Rot your fascia boards
Flood your foundation
Create ice dams in cold snaps
Lead to expensive repairs
A quick pre-winter cleanout prevents all of that.
2. Wash the Exterior to Remove Algae & Moss
Winter = moisture + shade = the perfect breeding ground for algae.
A soft wash is gentle on siding and removes:
Green algae
Black mould
Mildew
Spiderwebs and grime
Starting winter with a clean surface slows regrowth and keeps your siding protected.
3. Treat Roof Moss Before It Gets Worse
Moss doesn’t take a winter break.
It spreads faster in damp, cold weather and can lift shingles, trap moisture, and shorten the lifespan of your roof.
A non-pressure chemical treatment works best — never blast a roof with high pressure.
4. Pressure Wash High-Traffic Surfaces
Your driveway, stairs, and walkways get slippery when algae builds up.
Before the freeze, it’s smart to clean:
Concrete
Pavers
Decks
Patios
Front steps
This reduces slip hazards and gives you better traction when it rains or freezes.
5. Remove Debris Around Drains & Downspouts
A simple but overlooked task.
Clearing leaves around your drain covers, ground-level grates, sump pump areas, and downspout exits prevents water from backing up during heavy rainstorms.
6. Inspect Caulking & Seals Around Windows
Rain + freezing temps can force water into gaps and cause swelling or mold.
A quick inspection now is worth it.
7. Check Outdoor Faucets & Hoses
Disconnect hoses and use insulated covers to prevent freezing.
Cheap, easy, and saves a plumbing bill later.
Why Winter Prep Matters
Winter in BC is wet, dark, and moss-friendly.
A little preventative cleaning makes your home:
✔ Safer
✔ Less slippery
✔ More energy-efficient
✔ Easier to maintain in spring
✔ Protected from long-term moisture damage
Need help winterizing? Briteworx got you.
Whether it’s gutter cleaning, soft washing, driveway cleaning, or roof moss treatment, we can prep your home before the freeze truly sets in.
📞 604-953-9899
🌐 www.briteworx.ca
