Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist: 9 Things to Do Before Winter

Fall is the ideal season for roof maintenance. Temperatures are comfortable for working outside, and addressing small issues now prevents them from becoming winter emergencies. Set aside one weekend and work through this checklist.

Start with the gutters and downspouts. Scoop out leaves and debris, then run water through to confirm everything drains freely and downspouts direct water at least four feet from the foundation. Clogged gutters cause ice dams in winter, which force water back under shingles and into your attic — a problem that often requires drainage and water-management attention around the foundation too.

Next, walk the perimeter with binoculars and look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, plus any exposed nail heads. Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for rust, gaps, or lifted edges. Flashing failures are among the most common leak sources we see during roof inspections, and resealing them in fall is quick and inexpensive.

Trim back any branches hanging over the roof. In winter storms, heavy limbs snap and puncture shingles, and year-round shade encourages moss and algae growth. While you are up there, look for moss patches and treat them with a roof-safe cleaner rather than pressure washing, which strips protective granules.

Do not forget the attic. Peek inside on a sunny day and look for pinpoints of daylight, damp insulation, or dark staining on the underside of the deck. Proper ventilation keeps the attic close to outdoor temperature, which prevents ice dams and reduces strain on your furnace and air conditioner.

Finally, check that all vents and exhaust caps are clear of nests and debris, and confirm bathroom and kitchen exhausts vent outside — not into the attic, where moisture rots the deck from within. Finish by scheduling a professional inspection if your roof is over 15 years old or you spotted anything suspicious. Contact us on WhatsApp and we will help you head into winter with confidence.