Fall Roofing Maintenance Checklist: Protect Your Home Before Winter Hits

Fall in the Okanagan is gorgeous! Crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice somehow sneaking into everything. But while you’re soaking in the season, your roof is bracing for the months ahead. Between heavy rains, snow, and temperatures dropping, fall is the perfect time to make sure your roof is ready for whatever winter decides to throw at it.

The good news? A little maintenance now can prevent costly surprises later. At North OKGN Construction, we’ve put together a simple fall roofing maintenance checklist to keep your home cozy and covered all season long.

1. Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves look great on the trees, not in your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles or pool around your foundation. Give them a good clean-out, and make sure downspouts are directing water away from the house. (Your basement will thank you.)

2. Check for Loose or Missing Shingles

One missing shingle today can turn into a leaky mess when the first snow hits. Take a walk around your home and look for shingles that are cracked, curling, or missing. Catching small issues now can save you from big repairs later.

3. Inspect Flashing Around Vents, Chimneys & Skylights

Flashing is the unsung hero of your roof. When it’s loose or damaged, water has a direct route into your home. Pay special attention to areas like chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. These are common trouble spots when the freeze-thaw cycle kicks in.

4. Look for Moss, Algae, or Debris on the Roof

If you see moss, it’s more than just an aesthetic issue. It holds moisture against your shingles, which can shorten their lifespan. Be sure to sweep off branches, leaves, or debris that might trap water.

5. Trim Overhanging Branches

That tree shading your deck in the summer? In the winter, its branches can turn into roof-wrecking battering rams during a storm. Trim back anything hanging over your roofline. As an added bonus, this keeps more leaves out of your gutters, too.

6. Check Attic Ventilation & Insulation

Ice dams are no homeowner’s friend. Proper attic airflow and insulation help prevent them, while also keeping your home warmer and your energy bills lower. While you’re up there, keep an eye out for any signs of moisture, mold, or furry friends who might be moving in for the winter.

7. Inspect the Roof from the Inside

Head into your attic or top floor of your home and check for things like water stains, damp insulation, or light peeking through where it shouldn’t. Sometimes the easiest way to find a roof issue is by looking up from the inside.

8. Book a Professional Roof Inspection

Some problems are tough to spot from the ground (or even the attic). That’s where we come in. A professional inspection from North OKGN Construction gives you peace of mind that your roof is ready for winter. On the off chance we do find something, we’ll help you tackle it before it becomes a bigger issue.

Keep Cozy, Keep Covered

A little fall prep now can save you a whole lot of stress and money down the road. Plus, it gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire this winter.

If you’d like us to take a look, give North OKGN Construction a call today. We’ll make sure your roof is in top shape to handle the Okanagan’s winter weather so you can focus on the fun stuff (like deciding between pumpkin pie or apple crisp).

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