The Blog

How to Fix a Leaky Gutter Corner: Step-by-Step Guide Dealing with a leaky gutter corner? The easiest way to identify leaks is to inspect your gutters shortly after a rain shower. This ensures that any water dripping from the corners is from a faulty sealant rather than raindrops running off the exterior. If you see consistent dripping, it’s time to …

As the summer sun graces Vancouver with its presence, home maintenance climbs up the priority list. If you’re seeking dependable gutter cleaning services in this vibrant city, you’re in luck. This guide will help you choose the best-suited gutter cleaning company for your needs with confidence. Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Gutter Cleaning Company Before we jump into …

Out with the old, and in with the new. January commemorates the start of a new chapter of our lives; where people set new goals for the year. Since you’re entering the new year with a fresh outlook, why not clean your own home to complement these changes?  Keeping your home clean during the winter months can seem like an …

The winter months in Vancouver are rather unpredictable – sometimes the rain comes early and gives us a lot of snow, while other times the temperatures don’t go below freezing point, and cause a lot of rain. So, as winter approaches Vancouver, it’s important to pay attention to the condition of your driveway.  The icy roads and snowy weather can …

Vancouver winters are often cold, wet, and gloomy, and the outdoor living area, the patio, is often left abandoned. Instead of forgetting about the beautiful space you have in your home, you can turn your patio into a winter wonderland for your family and you to enjoy this season. Depending on how you’d like to utilize your patio, there are …

Spring cleaning might get the spotlight every year, but fall cleaning is equally important. With the change in seasons approaching, this is a crucial time to make sure your home gets the attention it deserves.  With schools having recently opened back up and holidays nearing, a good fall cleaning can make your life a lot easier. Home maintenance should begin …

Christmas is such a magical, fun time in Vancouver to get in the spirit of celebrating and spending time with your loved ones. However, the holiday season takes a lot of planning to get everything to look exactly right. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you plan out your Christmas light installations in Vancouver this year.  …

While the rest of Canada is cooling down, the Greater Vancouver area is still exhibiting summer temperatures. The blue skies, buzzing bumblebees, and breath-taking sunsets don’t want to leave us just yet, and we’re in no hurry to see them go either. With a longer summer on our hands, it’s important to ensure your garden area and home exterior is …

Vancouver summers are known to have frequent bouts of rain, with strong winds from time to time. During heavy rains, your rain gutters have a very important job—to divert water off the roof and away from your house. Since too much rain can cause a blockage in your gutter system, it’s important to make sure water is able to flow …

The spring season gives us a lot to look forward to – blossoming flowers, sunny days, and most importantly, warmer weather. However, with budding life come bugs and birds, and of course post-winter clean-up conditions. These elements are all threats to your windows and need to be taken care of. If you haven’t already added window washing to your spring …

With the warmer weather knocking on our doors, it’s time to appreciate the sunshine in Vancouver. But before you enjoy that walk on the beach or a patio BBQ night, it’s important to get rid of the winter build-up of dust and grime. Let’s get our gloves and spring cleaning checklist ready so that we’re one step closer to smelling …

Home maintenance in Vancouver is a challenging task. The damp, cold winter can take a major toll on the exteriors of your home, especially on your patio. When the patio area remains untouched for all those winter months, the buildup of debris and mould can cause it to slowly rot or look shabby over time. As springtime kicks in, it’s …

You could have a beautiful home inside but that doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression on someone if they have to walk through a broken tiled curb to get to those breath-taking interiors. This is why it is incredibly important to ensure you keep your home looking great on the outside as much as it does on the inside. Make …

It is that time of the year again in Vancouver when the temperatures fluctuate between reaching freezing point and just staying over the threshold. We often find ourselves wondering, is the sun going to shine today or am I going to have 3 inches of snow piled up in front of my door?  Well, regardless of what the weather has …

Winter weather can take a massive toll on the exterior of your home. Whether it’s sleet, snow, or ice, it can cause a number of problems for the external features of your home, such as gutters, which have important functions for the interior of your home. To prevent water damage or even something as extreme as a roof collapse, it …

January is the perfect time to jump back into routines, refresh your space, and get started on the much-needed home maintenance. While holiday decorations might be packed away, there’s more to add to your home maintenance checklist this month than you might think! Keeping up with regular maintenance helps you catch potential issues early and protect your home from costly …

We are expanding to the North Shore! With teams now stationed in North Vancouver and West Vancouver, we will now be able to serve our north shore window cleaning & property maintenance clients better! What we do: Since 2008, Umbrella Property Services has been providing a variety of property management services to Vancouver homes and businesses. We provide window cleaning, exterior …

Are you wondering how to give your house curb appeal? Perhaps you’ve given thought to re-decorating, re-tiling, or converting your home, but rest assured, there’s an easier way! Home exterior cleaning can breathe new life into the look of your house, improving the market value, and bringing you more joy.  Improving My Home Aesthetics I found that improving my home …

Pressure washing is an extremely effective and powerful tool for exterior cleaning. But, their power can cause them to leave behind more harm than good if they aren’t used properly. That’s why it’s important that you learn how to do pressure washing correctly before proceeding. Keep reading for our top power washing advice when it comes to cleaning your home’s …

Property maintenance or building cleaning isn’t just for homeowners. If you’re a property developer, building manager, or business owner, then you know that building cleaning is a big responsibility. Ensuring that your apartment or office block is well maintained on the outside is just as important as tidying up on the inside. Keeping your property well maintained has some valuable …

Winter property maintenance is just as important as maintaining your home in the summer. It helps prevent damage, gutter problems, and leaks while ensuring your home is a safe environment to live in.  While it doesn’t seem like the best time to be cleaning the exterior of your home, it’s a key time to ensure your home is prepared and …

Did you know that Vancouver receives an average of 1,500 mm of rain annually? While this rainfall contributes to the green environment we love, it also presents a number of challenges for homeowners.  Keeping your property maintained is important for safety and to prevent long-lasting damage, especially in this rainy climate. Part of maintaining your property is ensuring the outside …

Keeping the outside of your home clean and well-maintained is a big job. From your house to the property around it, there are a lot of things that need regular attention.  When it comes to taking care of these tasks, you have two options: do them yourself, or pay professional property maintenance companies to take on the work instead. And, …

You’ve seen them before: homes on your street or around town that have clearly seen better days. Stained and grimy exterior walls, dusty windows, and overflowing gutters are only a few of the things that can make a house look old and uncared for. And if it’s been a while since you’ve addressed any of these problem areas on your …

When it comes to your home chores, cleaning your windows may not be very high on your to-do list. Even if you wipe the inside of your windows between vacuuming and dusting, when was the last time you cleaned the outside of them? There are a lot of reasons why window cleaning is important, both inside and out. And, even …

In April, our team wanted to give back to our community by running a Food Drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. It is with great pleasure that we announce the results of our efforts! On April 9, 2020, we sent two of our Umbrella vans to collect food donations from clients’ homes and offices throughout the day. The generosity …

Healthy gutters are the key to keeping a healthy home. In a city like Vancouver, unobstructed gutters are crucial to keeping your property free from leaks, water damage and deterioration. By keeping your gutters clear of dirt, sticks, leaves and other items, you will ensure proper flow of rainwater and reduce the risk of damage to the interior or exterior …

In these challenging times, we at Umbrella Property Services are taking the COVID-19 situation very seriously and are following best practices in regards to the current environment. We are continuing to operate and are taking bookings for your exterior cleaning projects. Our staff are staying home if they’re not feeling well, are regularly washing their hands, are regularly cleaning the …

Shotgun & Artillery Fungus You may have noticed tiny black specks on your siding, that are nearly impossible to remove. Frequently mistaken for insect excrement, these black spots are the mature spore bodies of Shotgun fungus.  Shotgun fungus (Sphaerobolus Stellatus) gets its name by firing spore masses in the air. The spores fired into the air can reach heights of …

Spring Gutter Cleaning & Exterior Home Maintenance Springtime in Vancouver is beautiful – blooming flowers, warm weather, and gentle breezes. However, there are also weeks when there’s heavy rainfall and cold temperatures. This can cause havoc to your home’s exterior. This is why it’s important to spend some time diving into spring cleaning and home maintenance to prevent any damage …

Does the idea of having a stranger come into your home make you feel uncomfortable? It should. While it can be infrequent, at some point we’ve all heard horror stories regarding trades or delivery people in the home of friends or family members. You’ll hear stories conveying the minor things (leaving muddy footprints on the floor) to the major (stolen …

Vancouver, although known for its stunning mountains, does receive abundant rainfall. While many of us have come to accept the rainy days in exchange for the beautiful mountainside location – it, unfortunately, doesn’t fare well for our homes, especially with little to no gutter maintenance. This presents unique challenges for homeowners.  At Umbrella Property Services, we understand the importance of …

  So why the Climate Smart choice? At Umbrella Property Services and our sister company Light Knights Lighting, we have always been conscious of the environmental impact our business has, and its overall contribution to sustainability. As of 2015, we made our company completely carbon neutral and integrated the use of 100% renewable gas. Light Knights Lighting made similar environmentally-conscious moves, with the …

Summer is a lovely time to sit out on the back patio and have friends and family over for a nice BBQ. You will probably want to have your deck nice and clean to start your summer off! Pressure washing is an excellent way to clean off the dirt and grime. Avoid Common Pressure Washing Mistakes Here are three pro …

It’s always a good idea to improve the curb appeal of your home. Luckily this can be done with small exterior cleaning projects that make your home look refreshed. Here are 10 ways to instantly improve your home’s curb appeal: 1. Change your house numbers. Switch out your old and rusty numbers to ones that match your home’s style. This can make …

Window tracks are often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning routines, but neglecting them can lead to various problems, such as the build-up of dirt and grime, and compromise the appearance and functionality of your windows. This buildup can prevent windows from shutting properly, allowing drafts into the house. Drafts make the home less energy-efficient, which in turn creates …

Water is life – it is essential for all humans, plants, and animals. It keeps us hydrated and is fun to play with and swim in when it’s hot out. But water can also rust metal, cause wood to swell and split, and suck the minerals out of concrete. All of which is bad news for your home! Luckily, well-maintained gutters …

Here at Umbrella Property Services we are always making a conscious effort to improve our environmental impact in a positive way. We’ve made a number of changes to help us reduce, reuse and conserve and want to share what we’ve been up to with you! Water Conservation We know the nature of our work requires the use of a lot …

How NOT To Clean Your Windows If not done properly or safely, window cleaning can be a dangerous job. Here at Umbrella Property Services, we put our employees through a rigorous training program so they are prepared for all situations. As you can see in the pictures below, these people have not gone through any sort of training. Please do …

Owning a home not only brings a sense of pride and peace of mind, it also means that you now have to protect your most valuable investment. Regular home maintenance is one of the most important things that you can do to extend your home’s longevity and ensure that you will continue having a (solid) roof over your shoulders. If …

How to Tell if your Gutter Needs Cleaning We know that life can get busy – juggling your time between work, PTA meetings, and everything else that fills our days – things such as gutter cleaning can easily take the back burner. Gutter cleaning services are essential to maintain the health of your home’s gutters. Neglecting to clean your gutters …

Home maintenance is essential for your home’s upkeep and longevity. Regular inspection of your property’s exterior, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent breakdowns, save money, and keep your home looking its best. On top of a monthly inspection of your home, it is a good idea to have a fall and spring specific checklist. …

Vancouver has an average of 166 rainy days per year, allowing moss and algae to thrive in our beautiful (but wet) city. While rain is great for our lush environment, it’s not so great for our homes because it causes moss and algae to build up. The main factors of moss and algae growth are moisture, shade, and close proximity to …

Pressure washing your home is an important part of keeping your home well maintained and now that summer is here and patio time is in full swing, you may be thinking of doing some pressure washing around the house. A question you may ask yourself is whether you should do the pressure washing yourself, or hire a professional. The equipment …

There are many ways to reduce your water usage. Rain barrels are a simple, cost-effective and stylish way to do so. Read on to find out how you can set up and use a rain barrel system at home to conserve water. Reduce your Water Usage With Rain Barrels We are no strangers to water. Many of our services require …

Metro Vancouver just announced in a Press Release that water restrictions will return to Stage One, effective immediately and ending October 15. The recent rain has helped to restore the water levels in the reservoirs back to 50% of their storage capacity and the cooler temperatures have led to reduced water consumption. Stage 3 water restrictions were implemented from July 20 …

If you’re wanting pressure washing for your house, walkway, driveway, or paths, you’re out of luck. As you may have heard, Metro Vancouver implemented Stage 2 Restrictions for their Water Shortage Response Plan on July 3. Due to ongoing hot and dry weather, the water supply is decreasing. Stage 2 Restrictions mean that pressure washing for the purpose of aesthetic …

When going about the process of hiring a pressure washing company to clean your home or business, there are 3 very important aspects to consider. Integrity Integrity in any business is very important. It counts especially in the service industry. When trying to choose between different companies in your area, look for the one with the most integrity. Do your …

Most of us would confess that washing our windows is one of those big chores that seem to take a ton of time and even more motivation to get started. But whether we like the job or not, we have to admit that nothing brightens a living space as well as crystal clear, streak free windows. Part of what makes …

Thinking to have your windows cleaned but you hear that there is rain in the forecast?  Well here in Vancouver, you might wait a long time if you believe that rain will undo the time and effort, not to mention the expense of having your windows properly cleaned.  You can quickly tell the professional window cleaners from the amateurs by …

Here is a list of things around the home that are often overlooked, leading to greater expense and headache.  Taking the time to tackle these items can save you in a huge way in the long run.  Check for Roof Damage By the time you notice a problem, it’s already too late. Get up onto your roof at least twice …

We are in the business of cleaning your windows.  But just as an aside, let’s talk about something completely different while still keeping with the “window” theme.  I have seen a lot of DIY ideas lately when it comes to taking something old and turning it into a very unique treasure. Do you have some windows that are just too old …

Throughout the year, dirt and grime can coat your window screens. Exposure to the weather elements can leave your screens looking dingy. When you’re ready to wash your windows, consider washing window screens, as well. Then, when you’re ready to open up your windows and let in the fresh air, you won’t have to deal with dirt and debris blowing …

With the arrival of fall, it’s a good idea to get started on those things that need doing around your home before the much cooler (not to mention wetter) months of winter are upon us.   Here is a list to get you started. Check and install weather-strip.  Homeowners who have poor or insufficient weather stripping waste hundreds of dollars …

You care about the environment, but you also want clean counters, sanitized bathrooms and have a spotless kitchen. There are many “green” cleaning products in today’s market.  While there are no specific criteria that qualify a product as green, most claim that they are biodegradable, phosphate and chlorine free and their ingredients are derived from plants rather than petrochemicals.  It’s …

When it comes to bringing in new business, hiring someone to pressure wash your building may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the truth is that a clean and well cared for business exterior will draw in those much desired new customers.  People take note of a business owner who takes care of such things, concluding …

September was a great month here at Umbrella Property Services.  If you have not yet had an opportunity to ready our September newsletter, simply click on the link provided below. In this month’s edition you will find: Exceptionally Boring Accounting Tips Healthy School Lunches blueberry Basil Smoothies And So Much More….. UP_Newsletter_Sep14_web

Ideally, windows should be washed twice a year.  It’s not something that most of us look forward to but the reward can definitely make it worth the effort.   Part of what makes window washing such a chore is using improper tools and methods, making an already challenging task more difficult. Simply spraying with a window cleaner and working it …

Simple Tips To Effectively Clean Your Inside Windows You just had your outside windows cleaned and are left with some not so clear areas on your windows. Chances are, it’s a simple matter of cleaning the insides.  Here are a few ways to guarantee a satisfactory outcome. Clean the screens. If you leave yours in year-round, make sure to give …

Does your business boast beautiful awnings?  While they can improve the look of your business and be great for advertising, they tend to be home to accumulated dirt and debris.  Here are a few tips on how to effectively clean those awnings: Regularity:  Pressure washing your awnings at least twice a year can extend their life cycle while ensuring that …

Here at Umbrella Property Services, we not only clean the inside of your gutters, we leave the outside clean and looking new!   When it comes to removing those nasty black streaks that gutters get over time, we have a special  cleaning agent that does a wonderful job at restoring the original appearance of the gutters. Regular house wash solution …

If you haven’t had your gutter system cleaned and checked in the past 6 – 12 months, now is the time to get that looked after! When it’s one of those rainy days Vancouver is famous for, you should be able to spot some of the more obvious gutter problems such as leaks which can be repaired by professionals. It …

Remember all those outdoor fix-up projects you put off last winter, waiting for the warm summer months? Well, summer is passing us by so now is the time to think about getting some repairs in while the temperatures are still agreeable. Keeping your home in tip-top shape not only adds to its curb appeal but it saves you money as …

Algae and lichen are much less destructive to roofs than moss and for the most part, it is usually unnecessary to remove them other than for cosmetic reasons. Moss is the real enemy. Moss holds moisture and roofs with moss on them dry out slower which in turn speeds up the wear and tear effect on the roof. Another reason …

Here are five questions you are going to want to ask before choosing a professional contractor to clean your windows: 1. Are they reliable? Will the workers show up when they are scheduled to? We can assure you that our workers will arrive on time unless unforeseen circumstances do not allow them to. And in that case, you will know …

Always a great read, this edition of Umbrella Property Service’s Newsletter features ways to reduce your home heating bill, life hacks for planning a family trip and much more! In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find the following topics: Ways to reduce your home heating bill by 25% Life hacks on family trip planning Amazing day trips around Vancouver …

Why should you clean your driveway regularly? Because paved driveways become a magnet for oil stains, mud and thick layers of grime. 1. Sprinkle a thick layer of sawdust or kitty litter on any grease or oil stains. Leave the sawdust in place for 12 to 24 hours to absorb as much grease as possible. Sweep it up and dispose …

If you’re like me, vacuuming, dusting and washing floors are done on a fairly regular basis. But what about the blinds? Dust settles and builds on them just as it does on other surfaces in our home. When the window is open, the dirt and grime from the outdoors just adds to this unwanted accumulation. Here are some simple steps …

In today’s post, we give you tips on how to save our aviary friends from crashing into your windows. I must admit that at least once in my lifetime, I have walked full force into a glass partition of some kind. My only defence…it was so clean that it appeared to be an open doorway! I think my ego was …

We are using a revolutionary method of cleaning windows, which is safer, long lasting, and produces better results!  Water Fed pole systems allow us to continue guaranteeing one-of-a-kind results, while eliminating hazardous chemicals and unsafe factors. How Does It Work? Water fed pole window cleaning is a soapless method of cleaning windows. Tap water is filtered through a pure water …

It’s that time of year again when we pull out the garden house, squeegees, rakes, etc. and begin to tackle all the debris and dirt accumulated over the winter months.  As you make your way around the house with your pressure washer, a question may come to mind….should I pressure wash my deck? It seems harmless enough. Just point and …

Got something growing on your roof and not quite sure what to make of it? Here are a few of the would be culprits: Moss – This is a more common type of growth on roofs. Moss is darker green, thick, holds more water, and grips into the surface of the shingles. Lichen – Lichen is a combination of algae …

When the sun comes out in Vancouver, you want to be out enjoying it if at all possible! Nowadays, outdoor patios can be just as warm and cozy as indoor seating areas. With that being said, it’s really quite easy to keep your outdoor patio furniture spotless and free from debris. Just follow these simple steps to cleaning patio furniture …

Living green is simply adopting habits that positively affect the environment. It starts with just small steps like using reusable bags instead of plastic or switching to a reusable to go cup for your coffee runs. Here are a few other simple changes you can make around your home that will positively impact your family, community, and ultimately the planet. …

Gutter guards sound like the perfect solution to the dreaded job of cleaning out your gutters. They are advertised as being able to prevent your gutters from clogging with leaves and debris. Many of the companies that sell them boast that you will never have to clean your gutters again. When it sounds too good to be true, chances are …

With rising costs of heating and electricity bills, more homeowners are looking for ways to make their dollar go a little further. The following are some simple yet effective ways to make your home energy efficient, saving you money in the long run. Turn the heat down: Turning your thermostat down even slightly can make a difference. Every degree of …

Incredibly, the end of May is just around the corner!  If you haven’t had a chance to read our May Newsletter don’t delay, read it now! Check it out here —> UPS_Newsletter_May With love, Your customer care whizz PS. No mention of window cleaning, pressure washing, or gutter cleaning in our newsletters.  Just fun!

DIY Pressure Washing Pitfalls Pressure washing is an effective way to clean exterior surfaces and remove stubborn dirt, grime, and mold. While DIY pressure washing can seem like an appealing option for homeowners looking to save some money on home maintenance, it can be dangerous and costly if done incorrectly.  In this blog, we’ll explore the pitfalls of DIY pressure …

When people consider giving their homes a thorough cleaning, they often overlook some of the most visible areas. Sidewalks, porches, decks and siding can reflect the wear and tear on a home. Here is a look at just some of the benefits you can expect from from having your home pressure washed. Electrical Efficiency Several environmental factors can prevent your …

It’s spring (finally) and time to get all those household chores done that you have been putting off….like cleaning those gutters! In this third and final article regarding safety tips, lets take a look at how you can clean your gutters safely. At its best, gutter cleaning is a tedious and unpleasant task. Getting dental work done comes to mind as a …

Always have a complete understanding of the task at hand and be completely familiar with the tools you will be using. For this article, I am going to take a look at the pressure washer and give you tips before tackling the cleaning of your home’s exterior. Do not be one of the thousands of individuals each year that underestimate the …

Now that you have done your homework and settled on the best professional cleaning company for all those chores around your home, there are things you will need to consider in order to get the most out of your investment. This can include anything from the right timing to any special requests you may need to communicate before the work …

Safety first! Sound familiar? This is something we are repeatedly saying to our children, but it is imperative that we keep this in mind when working around the home with the help of a ladder. Ladders have been around a long time, and are common to almost every home and workplace. This, and their simplicity, gives the false impression that …

I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to hiring someone to look after the cleaning of your most prized possession, your home, it is imperative that you do your homework! Here are the top 11 things you should consider before choosing a professional contractor to clean your gutters, wash your windows and paint your home. Do not underestimate …

Just the other week I was at my son’s apartment here in Vancouver along with my daughter and her family who were visiting from Alberta. My son had prepared breakfast and after everything was cleaned up, we decided that the window which had been propped up to provide some air flow, could now be closed. My son lives in an …

Check out our latest newsletter featuring Release The Hounds, tips on improving your running, an amazing soup recipe and so much more. Click here–> UPS.Newsletter.14.04 With love, Your customer care whizz PS. No mention of window cleaning, pressure washing, or gutter cleaning in our newsletters.  Just fun!

Are you frustrated with your windows not being as clean as you’d like? By following our insider’s method to streak free windows, you will be one happy person! Have your exterior windows been cleaned recently making your interior windows dirtiness jump out at you? Or are you simply tired with trying to clean your homes interior windows and having streaks …

Clogged gutters in British Columbia’s wet climate can wreak havoc on your home, not to mention your pocketbook! Are you among the many people who neglect cleaning their gutters properly for several years at a time? It might even seem that this is without any consequence to you. However, this neglect will come back to bite you. You may ask, …

Why you Should Hire a Professional Window Cleaner Everyone appreciates clean windows for enhancing the aesthetics of a home. While many people may think that window cleaning is a simple task, it requires a great deal of expertise and skill to ensure that the job is done properly.  Dirty, streaky windows can make even the most well-kept property appear dingy …

We realize we forgot to post our February newsletter! Oops. For a fun read check it out. UPS.Newsletter.14.02 No window cleaning, pressure washing, or gutter cleaning talk.  Pinky swear!

Window washing is one of those jobs that takes time and devotion. By choosing the right tools and techniques, the task can go much more quickly and produce better results. Gather all of your tools and supplies before you begin. You will need a sponge, bucket, chamois or dry rag and a squeegee. Put a little detergent in a bucket …

Gutter and downspout systems are an often-overlooked part of home maintenance. However, it is vitally important to clean and maintain your gutters. Overflowing gutters can cause a variety of problems with the most damaging being leaks within your home and basement. By following a twice-yearly cleaning schedule, fall and spring, you will significantly reduce the chances of having costly problems. …