Get your roof ready for winter.

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.