7 STEPS TO GET YOUR ROOF WINTER-READY YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE, ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS
- darcie750
- Oct 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 31
Key Points:
Fall is the perfect time to get your home’s roof ready for winter storm season
Simple maintenance can help prevent costly damage, and make your roof last longer
Dangers such as ice damming and rooftop snow avalanches can be avoided by taking preventative steps
Have you been avoiding saying goodbye to summer’s nice weather and putting off preparing for the arrival of winter’s colder temperatures? You’re not alone, but it’s time to face facts and get ready for the coming season, say the leading roofing experts from MRA.
“Fall is a great time to tackle essential projects such as roof care and maintenance,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “That way, you won’t be caught off-guard when colder weather hits.”
Putting a little effort into performing simple roof maintenance tasks is a great way to prevent costly damage and leaks caused by severe weather and freezing temperatures. It can also extend the life of your roof and keep you comfortable all year long. To get winter-ready, MRA roofing experts share these key tips:
1) Clean your gutters
Falling leaves mean one thing…it’s time to focus on your gutters. The MRA roofing experts all agree: regular gutter maintenance is essential for helping properly drain water. That’s because the build-up of debris can not only damage a roof, but overflowing gutters can lead to serious problems, including foundation issues and the potential for leaks. Make sure gutters are securely fastened and ready to stand up to the weight of heavy snow and ice.
2) Trim trees and bushes
If you’ve got tree limbs growing over your house, it’s time to do some trimming. Ice and snow can cause branches to snap and break, and if they land on the roof, it can cause major damage. Plus, keeping those branches away from your rooftop will help keep gutters clean and reduce the amount of maintenance needed. Remember, when it comes to impact and high wind resistance, metal roofs are among the strongest and most secure while being the lightest weight–perfect for standing up to heavy snow loads and blizzard-like conditions.
3) Deal with dirt and debris
It’s definitely not a pretty sight and it can cause real damage, too: In wet winter climates, rooftop moss and algae often lead to rot and even loosens shingles on wood shakes and asphalt roofs. If you live in a place prone to these issues, you may need to get your roof treated and cleaned by a professional on an annual basis which is an expensive proposition and can shorten the lifespan of your roof.
This is another area where metal roofing’s performance really outpaces the competition, according to Ramey. Since their smoother surfaces tend to cause debris and organic matter to slide off verses stick, metal roofs are often much easier to clean with just a simple squirt of water and gentle soap.
4) Pay attention to what’s underneath
MRA experts agree that adding or replacing attic insulation and ensuring proper venting is a sure-fired way to keep your home comfortable and protected in any season. Consider having a professional roofer conduct an energy audit in your attic and double-check your ventilation, which is important to help control wintertime humidity that may build up.
5) Put your guards up
Every year, major winter cold snaps lead to costly ice dam issues, especially for owners of asphalt roofs. MRA members point out that metal roofs not only help prevent ice dams from forming in the first place, but they can also be outfitted with special snow guards and accessories to help keep frozen precipitation in place and allow it to melt or slide off in small pieces rather than dangerous chunks.
6) Get an expert evaluation
Remember, an experienced roofing pro can identify potential trouble spots, point out needed maintenance and recommend proper repairs for minor problems before they turn into major issues. If a replacement is needed, it pays to do your homework and learn what type of roof will hold up best in your region. Tap into free resources such as MRA’s Buyer’s Guide https://metalroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/MRA-Buyers-Guide-v2024-05.pdf and be sure to choose a worry-free option that will last for decades while delivering low-maintenance protection to maximize long-term savings.
7) Ensure safety above all else
Last but certainly not least, safety is the number one top priority for any type of roof maintenance or care. Ramey emphasizes that rooftop falls can be dangerous and even deadly. Never get on a roof without proper safety gear, in inclement weather conditions, or if you feel unsafe, insecure or unsteady. Better yet, leave all rooftop inspection and maintenance to a qualified, experienced pro who is licensed, bonded and insured.
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