The November Roof Checklist: 7 Things to Inspect Before the First Snow

Get Your Roof Ready Before Winter Hits NC! ❄️

November is more than just a time for pumpkin pie and football, it’s the last chance you’ve got to get your house winter-ready. Don’t let a few small issues turn into a roofing disaster when freezing temps and snow hit North Carolina. Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, and ignoring problems now can lead to expensive and urgent roof repairs or a full roofing leak nightmare when the weather turns nasty.

At Twin County Construction, we’re your trusted local roofing company in Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Mount Airy and surrounding areas, and we’re here to help you get started with roof preventative maintenance. We’ve put together a simple, seven-point roof inspection checklist to make sure your home stays dry, safe, and warm all winter long.

Your November Roof Checklist: 7 Key Inspection Points

This list is meant to be used for a quick visual check from the ground, or to help guide a pro during your last fall roof maintenance visit.

1. The Gutter: Clear and Flowing

Your gutters are at the top of our winter prep list. If they’re clogged with leaves and debris, water will have nowhere to go but under your shingles, leading to leaks and (in the worst cases) those nasty ice dams on the roof.

• Inspect and Clean Your Gutters: Make sure all rain gutter replacement needs are noted and that they’re completely clear. Proper gutter inspection and cleaning is the first step to preventing serious roof damage.
• Think Ahead: You’ve also got to prevent ice dams. That means making sure your drainage system is working properly and your attic is well insulated. And if you do end up with some damage, now is the time to get it fixed before it becomes a major problem. Be proactive with roof and gutter repair now.

2. Shingles: Look for Cracks and Missing Pieces

Time to grab the binoculars and examine your roof deck. Cold weather and wind can turn a small crack into a major problem.

• The Signs: Cracked, curled, buckling, or missing shingles. Or a pile of shingle granules in your gutters, that’s a sign your roof is getting old and losing its protective surface.
• Word of Warning: Even small sections of wind damage can open the floodgates for ice and water to get in once winter kicks in. We handle everything from basic shingle repair to complete storm damage roof repair. A quick roof patching job today saves a major headache (and money) later.

3. Flashing and Sealants: Common Leak Culprits

Flashing is the metal material that keeps your roof watertight around your chimney, vents, and skylights. Over time, the sealant can dry out, crack, or lift, and let water in.

• The Test: Look closely at those spots. Is the metal pulled away? Is the sealant cracked? These are prime spots for a roofing leak.
• The Solution: If you notice peeling, you may need a roof flashing repair. This small service is important for roof leak detection and is much better than temporary fixes for roof leak repair.

4. The Attic: Insulation and Ventilation

A healthy attic is key to a healthy roof. If your attic is poorly insulated, you’re letting the heat from your home escape, melting the snow on your roof deck. Then this water refreezes at the cold eaves, creating the ice dams we talked about earlier.

• The Test: Look for signs of moisture or water stains on the underside of your roof deck. Make sure your insulation isn’t blocking the eave vents, which are important for airflow and preventing ice dams.
• The Solution: If you’re unsure about your attic’s condition, our certified roof inspector can assess the system and see if you need more insulation or better air flow to protect your roof year-round.

5. Clear the Deck: Debris and Overhanging Branches

Any leaf piles, debris, or moss trapped on your roof’s surface or in valleys will hold water, keeping your roof wet, and leading to rot and faster deterioration of your shingles.

• The Test: Be on the lookout for heavy, overhanging tree branches. A thick layer of snow or ice could snap a limb, causing major wind damage repair or, worse, severely compromising your roof structure.
• The Solution: This simple step is part of our comprehensive roof maintenance services.

6. Skylights and Vents: The Seal Check

The same applies to the flashing around your chimney. Make sure all the seals around vents (plumbing or attic) and any skylights are watertight and intact. These are your roof’s weak points.

7. Get Your Fall Roof Inspection Scheduled

The most important item on the checklist? Calling the pros. While a ground-level inspection is great, only a skilled roof contractor in Forsyth County and surrounding areas with experience can safely access your roof and spot the subtle, hidden issues that can end up costing you big time come winter.

We offer detailed roof inspection services across the Piedmont Triad. We’ll identify issues needing simple roof repair services, like minor roof patching, or bigger projects like a roofing replacement. Our team is here to provide reliable roof services to protect your home.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t wait until you’re dealing with a leak in the middle of a snowstorm when an emergency roof repair is your only option. You can save thousands of dollars and extend the life of your roof by addressing problems now.

Twin County Construction is your reliable partner for all your roofing needs. Whether you need a simple roof repair estimate or want to discuss the average price for roof replacement or new roof cost options, we provide transparent pricing and expert service.

Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule a professional roof inspection this November. Protect your home with the local roofers you can trust!