Fall Roof Checklist for Kalamazoo Homes
Fall is the last chance to fix small roof problems before snow and ice arrive. A few checks now save winter leaks.
Request a rooferClean gutters
Clear leaves after they drop so meltwater can drain.
Check from the ground
Look for loose or missing shingles and lifted flashing.
Trim branches
Cut back limbs that could fall under snow and ice.
Check the attic
Look for daylight, damp spots and blocked vents.
Seal air leaks
Seal gaps into the attic to prevent ice dams.
Downspouts
Make sure downspouts carry water away from the house.
Roof rake
Buy a roof rake before the first big snow.
Book repairs
Fix small problems before shingles get too cold to seal.
More help
See roof repair.
Gutters first
Kalamazoo's maples and oaks drop most of their leaves in October and early November. Clean gutters after the main leaf fall, then take a quick look again before the first snow, since a single clogged downspout can feed an ice dam all winter.
Look for lifted shingles
Summer storms may have loosened shingles you didn't notice. From the ground, look for shingles that sit higher than their neighbours or show a straight, clean edge where a tab tore off.
Chimney and vents
Check that chimney caps, flashing and vent boots are intact. Cracked boots and open flashing let in meltwater as easily as rain.
Attic hatch
Weatherstrip and insulate the attic hatch or pull-down stairs. It's one of the biggest air leaks in many homes and a common cause of ice dams.
Know your roofer
Find a licensed roofer before winter, so you know who to contact if a storm or ice dam causes a leak in January.
More roofing guides
Roof trouble in the Kalamazoo area?
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