Preparing Your Roof for Utah Winters: Essential Checklist

I put this first because it's the most important—and most neglected—winter prep task.

Clean Gutters Thoroughly: After leaves fall, clear all debris from gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters cause ice dams. When melting snow can't drain, it refreezes at the eaves and backs up under shingles. I've seen ice dams cause $10,000+ in damage—all preventable with clean gutters.

Check Gutter Slope: Gutters should slope toward downspouts. Water pooling in level sections will freeze and cause problems. Reattach any sagging sections.

Extend Downspouts: Water should drain at least 4-6 feet from your foundation. Ice buildup at the foundation base can cause basement flooding when thaw comes.

Consider Gutter Guards: If you have significant tree coverage and don't want to clean gutters constantly, gutter guards are worth the investment. They're not perfect but dramatically reduce maintenance.

Ice dams form when heat escapes through your roof, melts snow on the upper slopes, and that water refreezes at the cold eaves. The solution is keeping heat in your living space, not leaking into the attic.

Check Insulation: Utah attics should have R-38 to R-60 insulation. If you can see the tops of ceiling joists, you need more insulation. Proper insulation keeps heat downstairs where it belongs.

Seal Air Leaks: Check around light fixtures, plumbing penetrations, attic hatches, and anywhere wires pass through the ceiling. These leaks let warm air into the attic. Seal with caulk or spray foam.

Verify Ventilation: Good attic ventilation keeps the roof deck cold, which prevents ice dams. Check that soffit vents are clear and ridge vents are functioning. Blocked ventilation is a common problem.

Look for Moisture Problems: Check for frost on the underside of the roof deck or damp insulation. These indicate ventilation problems that will worsen in winter.

Fall is your last chance to address roof issues before winter makes repairs difficult or impossible.

Check Shingles: Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Repair these now. A shingle that's hanging on in October might blow off in a November windstorm.

Inspect Flashing: Check all flashing around chimneys, vents, walls, and skylights. Make sure it's sealed and secure. Flashing failures are the most common leak source, and leaks in winter cause serious damage.

Clear Debris: Remove leaves, branches, and any debris from roof surfaces and valleys. Debris holds moisture and accelerates shingle deterioration. Valleys especially should be clear to allow water flow.

Trim Overhanging Branches: Branches within 10 feet of the roof should be cut back. Heavy snow can bring branches down onto your roof, causing damage.

Schedule Professional Inspection: If your roof is over 15 years old or you haven't had it inspected recently, fall is ideal timing for a professional check. We can spot issues you might miss and address them before winter.

Even well-prepared roofs can have problems during severe winters. Be ready:

Know a Roofer: Have a reliable roofing contractor's number saved. When you have an emergency, you don't want to be searching online. Established relationships mean faster response.

Have Tarps Available: A heavy-duty tarp can provide temporary protection if damage occurs. Keep one in the garage during winter months.

Know Snow Removal Basics: If snow accumulation exceeds 2-3 feet of heavy, wet snow, consider removal. Use a roof rake from the ground—never walk on a snow-covered roof. Better yet, hire professionals for safe removal.

Watch for Warning Signs: Inside, watch for water stains, sagging ceilings, or doors that suddenly stick. Outside, watch for massive icicles (sign of ice dams) or visible sagging. Address concerns promptly.