Seasonal Roof Maintenance Calendar
Annual Roof Maintenance — What to Check and When
All tasks below are designed to be done safely from the ground or inside the attic. For anything requiring roof-surface access, schedule a licensed professional.
Spring Maintenance Tasks
- From ground: Inspect shingles for winter wind damage, lifted sections, or missing ridge caps using binoculars
- Check gutters for granule accumulation — winter freeze-thaw accelerates granule loss
- From inside attic: Check for new water stains or daylight penetration from winter ice-dam events
- Inspect visible flashing from ground around chimney, skylights, and vent pipes for movement
- Clear gutters and downspouts of winter debris to ensure spring rain drains correctly
- Schedule a professional inspection if winter was severe (multiple ice dam events, heavy snow loads)
Summer Maintenance Tasks
- Inspect from ground for any lifted or buckling shingles caused by summer heat cycling
- Check attic ventilation is functioning — inadequate ventilation in summer heat significantly shortens shingle lifespan
- After any hail event: photograph ground-level evidence (dented gutters, granule accumulation) and call for a professional inspection before doing anything else
- Trim overhanging tree branches that shade the roof and retain moisture — but hire an arborist, not a roofer, for tree work
Fall Maintenance Tasks
- Clear gutters thoroughly of leaf accumulation before freeze season — clogged gutters cause ice dams
- From ground: check for any missing shingles or lifted sections before winter
- Check attic insulation levels — adequate insulation is the primary defense against ice dam formation
- If scheduling a replacement, fall is often the best time before winter freeze (spring is also ideal)
- Schedule a professional inspection if the roof is 15+ years old before another winter season
Winter Maintenance Tasks
- After heavy snow: check for ice dam formation at eaves from inside — sagging gutters or icicle patterns indicate ice backup
- Do NOT go onto the roof to remove snow — this is high fall-risk and can damage shingles
- A roof rake from the ground can safely remove snow accumulation from the lowest eave edge only
- From attic: monitor for water stains after ice-dam events
- Document any interior leaks promptly — photograph date, location, and extent for records
When to Schedule a Professional Inspection
- Any roof 15+ years old — annually recommended, before each winter
- After any hail event, regardless of what you can see from the ground
- After any severe wind event (50+ mph gusts)
- Before buying or selling a home
- Any time you see interior water stains, daylight in the attic, or sagging areas
- Before filing an insurance claim — get a written professional report first