Autumn is the perfect time to get your home ready for cooler temperatures and that unpredictable Mid-Missouri weather. With leaves dropping, storms rolling through, and winter just around the corner, homeowners in Columbia, MO and surrounding areas should use this season to focus on smart, timely home upkeep, especially the kind that prevents costly repairs later. Here are the roof and gutter maintenance items that should be on that fall to-do list.
Falling leaves can quickly clog gutters and downspouts, causing rainwater to back up and spill over. When that happens, your foundation, siding, and roof can all suffer.
Gutter issues are one of the leading causes of water intrusion during the fall and winter. A quick clean-out now can save you from bigger headaches down the line. And while your gutters are being cleaned, it may expose other gutter repairs that need addressing before winter hits.
Your roof’s first job is to keep your home dry and protected, so now’s the time to make sure it’s doing that job well. Look for damaged, curling, or missing shingles, which are more common after a hot Missouri summer.
Roof and gutter maintenance means staying ahead of small issues that can grow quickly once snow and ice arrive. Unless you are very comfortable walking on your roof, use binoculars from the ground or contact a professional for a full inspection.
Trees that looked great in summer can become a hazard in the fall. Overhanging branches can damage shingles during windstorms and drop excessive leaves into your gutters.
This is also a great opportunity to assess tree health. Dead or weakened limbs are more likely to break during a storm, which can lead to serious property damage.
Your attic plays a key role in roof health, especially during the seasonal transition. Poor ventilation or inadequate insulation can cause condensation and raise the risk of mold, mildew, and ice dam formation.
Keeping your attic contents in balance helps extend the life of your roofing system and improves overall energy efficiency heading into winter.
While not directly part of roof and gutter maintenance, your windows and doors still deserve some attention this fall. Drafty seals allow warm air to escape and moisture to creep in, which can raise energy bills and damage trim or siding.
There’s real value in having a professional look things over once a year, especially before the freeze-thaw cycles of winter kick in. A certified inspection can identify trouble spots early and provide solutions that fit your budget and schedule.
During a typical inspection, a roofing team checks:
Preventive care is easier and less expensive than emergency repairs. A seasonal inspection puts you ahead of any problems and gives you peace of mind as the temperature drops.
Fall is a smart time to assess the condition of your siding while you’re already outside inspecting your home’s exterior, especially after a summer full of heat, humidity, and storms. Siding is your home’s first layer of protection against moisture and cold air. Even small issues can lead to bigger problems once the temperatures drop and the snow arrives.
Fiber cement siding products, like those from James Hardie, are built for durability. But even high-quality materials need occasional care to maintain their performance and appearance. Catching and repairing these issues in the fall helps prevent drafts, moisture problems, and higher energy bills during winter.
Fall gives you the perfect weather and timing to tackle roof and gutter maintenance, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether you’re dealing with clogged gutters, worn-out shingles, or a leaky roof, Manor can help check these items off your list before the season changes.
Our experienced team serves Columbia, MO and the surrounding areas with expert roof repairs, gutter cleaning, siding assessments, and more. We’re ready to inspect, repair, or replace whatever needs attention, so you can head into winter knowing your home is in good hands. Contact us today to schedule an inspection!