Updated July 2026 · Zenith Construction
The best time to find a roof problem is a dry fall afternoon — not during the first big storm. Run through this before the rain sets in.
Your fall roof checklist
- Clean the gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters back water up under the roof edge — a top cause of winter leaks and rot.
- Trim overhanging branches. They drop debris, hold moisture, and give moss a foothold.
- Clear and treat moss before the wet season lets it explode (safely — no pressure washing; see our moss guide).
- Check flashing and pipe boots. Cracked rubber boots and lifted flashing are the usual leak suspects.
- Look in the attic. Water stains, daylight, or damp insulation mean a problem to fix now, plus check that vents are clear.
- Scan for loose or missing shingles from the ground or a ladder — don't walk a wet roof.
- Book a professional inspection if the roof is older or you spot anything questionable.
Why fall matters here
Once the Northwest rain arrives, small issues become interior damage fast — and roof work is harder to schedule and do well in a downpour. Catching a cracked boot or a moss problem in October is a cheap fix; finding it via a ceiling stain in January isn't.
