Vernon winters are hard on homes. These maintenance tasks each fall will save you money and headaches all winter long.
Gutters and Downspouts
Before the snow flies, clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters cause ice damming, which can force water under your roof and into your walls, one of the most common winter damage claims in the Okanagan.
Make sure downspouts direct water well away from your foundation so freeze-thaw cycles don't crack concrete or leak into basements.
Insulation and Drafts
Vernon homes lose a lot of heat through under-insulated attics and drafty windows. A quick check on a cold evening, feeling for cold spots around windows and outlets, tells you where to focus.
Caulking gaps and adding attic insulation pays back fast in lower heating bills and a more comfortable home through January and February.
Protect Your Deck
Clean and seal your cedar deck before winter so snowmelt doesn't soak into the boards. Move planters and furniture off the deck surface to prevent moisture traps and staining.
If you shovel snow off your deck, use a plastic shovel and go with the grain of the boards to avoid gouging the wood.
Service Your Heating System
Book a furnace or heat pump service in the fall, before trades get booked up. A clean, tuned system runs more efficiently and is far less likely to fail in the middle of a cold snap.
Swap your furnace filter too, a clogged filter makes your whole system work harder and shortens its life.
Ready to start your Vernon project?
Get honest advice and a free estimate from a local, licensed general contractor serving Vernon and the Okanagan.
